Articles tagged with Greenhouse Gases
Research from NTNU and others finds that some climate change mitigation strategies may increase land use and water consumption, offsetting potential emissions reductions. The study suggests a shift towards sustainable lifestyles and limited consumption could be more effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study found that post-Soviet changes in food systems resulted in a net emissions reduction of 7.61 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalents from 1991 to 2011. This decrease was mainly due to the decline in domestic livestock production and soil organic carbon sequestration on abandoned cropland, particularly in Russia and Kazakhstan.
Researchers tested different soils' responses to multiple biochar types but found no significant impact on plant growth. However, biochar did affect soil greenhouse gas emissions. The study's findings suggest that using biochar as an additive could prevent microbe-generated greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study predicts that Greenland's ice sheet could lose up to 25% of its ice by 3000, contributing up to 6.5 feet of sea level rise if greenhouse gas emissions are cut significantly.
A study predicts that operating costs for US state parks will surpass state budgets by the middle of the century due to increasing visitor numbers. Climate change may exacerbate this trend, with some scenarios suggesting a 756% increase in operating costs under one scenario.
A new study warns that Colombia's rice production may shift to higher altitudes without climate action, with potential losses of 4.4 million hectares of arable land by the 2050s. The research highlights the need for complex decisions on land-use change and crop cultivation to ensure food security.
Researchers at the University of Oxford confirm that human-induced factors such as greenhouse gas emissions and particulate pollution are responsible for long-term changes in global temperature. The study finds no evidence to support the idea that slow-acting ocean cycles drive climate fluctuations.
By 2060, rural Northeast counties will experience record-breaking heat for three weeks a year, with those in low-income areas most affected. The study finds that vulnerable counties will see a decline in population while the poor population grows, highlighting the need for heat adaptation strategies.
Researchers discovered that small farm dams in Canada are unexpectedly absorbing nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. This finding suggests that these nutrient-rich waterbodies could be used to reduce agricultural emissions.
A Northwestern University study concludes that human-caused climate change played only a minor role in the city's record-breaking air pollution event. Researchers suggest that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can greatly improve air quality and mitigate health problems, making it a win-win for public health and the environment.
A new study found that reducing meat consumption could cut greenhouse gas emissions by the most, while also increasing use of animal byproducts. By combining various strategies such as eliminating waste and finding uses for byproducts, researchers estimate a 43% reduction in emissions from the meat supply chain.
A new study assesses the environmental sustainability impacts of flying cars and finds that they could outperform ground-based cars for longer trips. For trips over 100 kilometers, fully loaded VTOLs carrying a pilot and three passengers had lower greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline vehicles.
A new report found that white individuals produce an average of 680 kg of carbon dioxide per year from their food choices, while Latinx individuals produce 640 kg and blacks produce 600 kg. White diets require 7% more water than Latinx diets due to higher consumption of resource-intensive foods.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that balancing sustainability objectives is a complex challenge. The 'best case' scenario for London involves concentrating development in central areas to reduce flood risk, transport emissions, and urban sprawl, but this comes at the cost of exposing more people to extreme temperatures.
Scientists have discovered anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria that directly use nitric oxide to grow, producing harmless dinitrogen gas instead of potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. This finding has significant implications for our climate and the earth's nitrogen cycle.
International study finds sushi consumers willing to try crickets and beetles, gateway food theory holds true. Edible insect consumption linked to increased openness to new foods.
A PSU study suggests that eliminating coal as an energy source could help the US reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet its Paris Climate Agreement goals. The researchers propose an energy portfolio based on natural gas, efficiency, wind, solar power, and biofuels, with nuclear power also considered.
A Washington State University team is developing an ultra-high performance cementitious composite grout to encapsulate solid secondary waste at the Hanford Site. The grout uses industrial byproducts like coal ash and steel slag to reduce costs and environmental impact.
A recent study by KIT and University of Edinburgh finds that previous measures to reduce greenhouse gases through land use change are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement's climate goals. The study suggests that countries must find quick, yet realistic solutions to sustainably change human land use to mitigate climate change.
A new model developed by the University of Illinois predicts how ground shipping will affect future human health and the environment. The study found that a carbon tax could lead to a 24% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, while enforcing truck fleet maintenance could cut particulate emissions by one-third by 2050.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researcher Edson Severnini found that environmental regulations aimed at preserving ecosystems may have encouraged the substitution of dirtier fuels for hydropower in electricity generation. The study estimates that each megawatt of fossil fuel power-generating capacity added to the grid due to...
A new Tulane University study found that lower-carbon diets are not only good for the environment but also healthier, with Americans eating less red meat and dairy. Diets high in saturated fat and greenhouse gas emissions were found to have a negative impact on nutritional value.
A new study found that diets with lower carbon footprints are also healthier, consuming more poultry, whole grains, and plant-based proteins. Diets in the lowest-impact group had lower amounts of important nutrients, such as iron and calcium, due to lower intakes of meat and dairy.
A University of Vermont study found that farmers' spring and summer decisions on manure application can increase greenhouse gas emissions during winter. The research highlights the importance of considering long-term effects of management decisions, as agriculture is expected to expand in northern regions with warming climates.
A Rutgers-led study found that extending pavement life through preventive maintenance can reduce greenhouse gases, save energy, and cut transportation agency spending. The research used the LTPP database to measure the environmental impact of roadway repairs on carbon dioxide emissions linked to global warming.
Research from the University of Technology Sydney and Duke University found that consumers significantly underestimate the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with their food choices. Participants preferred items with lower carbon footprints when given clear information on labels.
A new study published in Science finds that the scientific basis for the EPA's 2009 Endangerment Finding is even stronger now than it was then. The research assesses changes in the nine years since the finding was issued, expanding on climate change impacts for public health and welfare.
A study compared projected future climate temperatures and precipitation to those of past warm periods on Earth. Mid-Pliocene climates (3.3-3 million years ago) emerged as the best analog for future climates after 2030 CE, while unmitigated greenhouse gas emissions scenarios led to Early Eocene-like conditions by 2150 CE.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered nearly two dozen new types of microbes that use hydrocarbons as energy sources. These microbes may be helping to limit greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and could potentially clean up oil spills.
A new study proposes a three-step strategy to replace animal proteins with plant-sourced proteins to meet climate targets. The approach aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the risk of overshooting temperature goals.
A new study reveals that climate change is impacting human health, food supply, infrastructure, and economy through 467 ways, including warming, drought, heatwaves, wildfires, precipitation, floods, and sea level rise. By 2100, the number of hazards occurring concurrently will increase, making it difficult for people to cope.
Researchers found that urban expansion and climate change interact non-linearly, resulting in complex effects on temperature. Heat-mitigating technologies like cool roofs and street trees provide moderate alleviation of temperatures during nighttime hours.
A new study found that meat and dairy products are responsible for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions from EU diets. Reducing consumption of these food groups can help mitigate climate change.
A long-term study reveals that microbes can remove up to 90% of emitted methane, but only after decades. The unique community on the Håkon Mosby mud volcano plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
The study analyzed global oil supply data to estimate emissions from flaring and found that it remains the most carbon-intensive part of oil production. Flaring, which involves burning unwanted gas associated with oil extraction, is often used when there are no economically viable outlets for the gas.
Researchers discovered that common plastics emit greenhouse gases methane and ethylene when exposed to sunlight. Polyethylene, the most produced synthetic polymer globally, was found to be the most prolific emitter of these gases.
A new study shows that China's North China Plain, a region with intensive irrigation, is expected to experience deadly heat waves repeatedly, with the risk being significantly increased due to higher humidity. The region faces the greatest risks to human life from rising temperatures, surpassing other global hotspots.
A new study reveals that warming streams and rivers can significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in agricultural lowland areas. The research highlights the need for land management strategies to reduce sediment rich in organic matter content and decrease groundwater abstraction.
A new study led by San Francisco State University found that California's cap-and-trade program has not effectively improved air quality for the state's residents. The bulk of GHG reductions occurred outside of California, while in-state emissions increased by 52% between 2013 and 2015.
Researchers found that ancient greenhouse gases were the main driver of climate change during the Eocene period, providing insight into long-term climate drivers. The study used climate models and proxy data to reconstruct temperature trends and found that polar amplification was caused by greenhouse gas forcing.
Researchers used machine learning to improve cloud representation in climate models, which is crucial for predicting global warming and greenhouse gas concentrations. The approach, called Cloud Brain, demonstrates promising results in fully coupled climate models.
A new climate study argues that economic optimization alone is insufficient to avoid the tipping point of critical Earth system elements. The concept of profit maximization can lead to outcomes that harm people or the environment, even with discounted future costs.
A new study suggests that altering US food consumption patterns could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Households spending more on beef, chicken, and other meats generate higher emissions, while lower-emission diets may disproportionately benefit wealthier households.
Researchers discovered microbes that share a meal by transferring electricity through conductive particles, outcompeting other microorganisms. This unusual partnership results in the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, but also holds promise for sustainable biotechnology applications.
Researchers found that increasing urban agriculture, switching to renewable energy, reducing retail and consumer food waste, and adopting plant-based diets can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions. By implementing these measures, cities can achieve a substantial reduction in their carbon footprint.
A research team from Berkeley Lab tracked a rise in methane's warming effect over 10 years, confirming its importance as a greenhouse gas. The study used highly calibrated measurements to isolate the changing greenhouse effect of methane and found it began to rise in sync with concentrations in 2007.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab analyzed the cost, energy, and environmental implications of a fleet of self-driving electric vehicles operating in Manhattan. They found that shared automated electric vehicles could get the job done at a lower cost while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions would significantly reduce sea level rise globally by the end of the century, especially for coastal cities on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Cities like New York, Boston, London, and others would see substantial benefits from emission reductions.
A new study found that 20% of American diets account for 46% of total diet-related greenhouse emissions, with high beef consumption contributing 72% of the difference. Shifting to more plant-based diets could reduce emissions by nearly 10%.
Research by IIASA researcher Narasimha Rao found that Indian diets can be improved to reduce micronutrient deficiencies while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that adopting a diet rich in coarse cereals, legumes, and green leafy vegetables can boost protein intake and reduce deficiencies.
Researchers have found that water-saturated permafrost soils can produce twice as much methane as dry soils without oxygen, significantly underestimating its role in the climate. The study's findings suggest that thawing permafrost could produce up to 1 gigaton of methane by 2100.
The eastern Mediterranean region will experience a significant change in seasonal duration, with summer lasting six months and winter only two, by the end of this century. Climate changes are expected to cut winter by half, posing major challenges for regional ecosystems and human health.
A new study found that autonomous vehicles can minimize environmental impacts with energy-efficient design and operational benefits outweighing increased energy use from sensors and computers. The study showed a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for electric powertrains versus internal-combustion engines.
A new computer model developed by EPFL scientist Edgard Gnansounou can quantify the emissions of each product coming out of biorefineries, providing a more accurate assessment of biofuels' environmental impact. This could help policymakers set clear incentives for biorefineries to become economically viable.
Nearly half of California's natural vegetation is at risk from climate stress, with a study finding that reducing greenhouse gas emissions could lower this number to 21-28 percent. The research also highlights areas that are more resilient to climate change, such as some coastal regions and parts of northwestern California.
The study found that extreme weather events worldwide coincided with the temperature spike, and natural variability in the climate system was not sufficient to explain it. Researchers projected that record-breaking temperature jumps and accompanying extreme weather events will become more frequent unless greenhouse gas emissions decline.
Researchers at the University of Manchester found that sandwiches with pork, cheese, or prawns have the highest carbon emissions, while homemade sandwiches can reduce emissions by a half. The study suggests extending sell-by dates and reducing ingredients like cheese and meat to minimize waste.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an economical and high-yielding way to produce furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a critical chemical for making renewable plastics.
A comprehensive study found that wind and solar energy have lower indirect greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based technologies. The researchers' findings suggest that a full decarbonization of the global power sector is achievable with these clean energy sources, resulting in modest indirect greenhouse gas emissions.
According to a new study from the University of Pennsylvania, local efforts in residential housing and transportation can significantly reduce CO2 emissions. The researchers found that adopting energy-conservation standards in housing could reduce emissions by 31-46% by 2030, while a fuel-economy standard of 40 mpg could reduce transpo...