Articles tagged with Greenhouse Gases
A new study reveals that cities can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by addressing upstream activities such as housing and transportation. By choosing low-carbon construction materials and renewable energy sources, cities can drastically decrease their indirect CO2 emissions. This approach offers local policymakers m...
Global CO2 emissions have stalled for the third consecutive year, with fossil carbon dioxide emissions slowing down since 2012. Meanwhile, methane and nitrous oxide emissions continue to rise, driven by agricultural activities and industrial production in key countries like China, US, and India.
A recent study by the University of Bristol found that India's methane emissions have shown little growth over the last few years, with accurate reporting by the country's authorities. The research used a combination of observations from the surface, an aircraft, and a satellite to quantify India's methane emissions.
A new study shows the Montreal Protocol significantly reduced US greenhouse gas emissions from 2008 to 2014, equivalent to 170 million tons of CO2 annually. The treaty's impact on climate-altering gases was a major side benefit of reducing ozone-depleting substances.
Global warming is expected to impact subtropical anticyclones differently in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In the North, the subtropical anticyclone over the South Atlantic will weaken, while those over the North Pacific and South Pacific will strengthen.
A new study from Lund University found that four actions have the greatest impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions: a plant-based diet, avoiding air travel, living car-free, and having smaller families. These actions can save up to 2.4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year.
International research team discovers extremely low-oxygen regions in Atlantic Ocean, producing high levels of nitrous oxide. The phenomenon was previously unknown and had escaped research due to the small size and mobility of these eddies.
A new analysis of urban agriculture in the northeastern US found that it provides limited environmental benefits, with a 1.1-2.9% reduction in food-related carbon emissions. Minimizing meat and dairy purchases is recommended for consumers seeking to lower their footprint.
A new UNLV study published in Nature Geoscience has found evidence of nearly continuous warming in the Ural Mountains in central Russia over the past 11,000 years. This contradicts previous work that focused on summer temperature trends and supports computer models predicting continual warming.
A study published in Energy & Environmental Science found that second-generation biofuels made from managed trees and perennial grasses may provide a sustainable fuel resource. The research demonstrated an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to petroleum diesel.
Researchers argue that current measurements like global warming potential mask the effects of greenhouse gases over different timescales. A new approach recognizing both 20- and 100-year time scales could provide clarity to climate change policy analyses and avoid misleading debates.
Researchers have successfully triggered a chemical reaction in synthetic material that breaks down carbon dioxide into harmless organic materials, producing solar fuel. This process has great potential for reducing greenhouse gases linked to climate change.
Researchers at the Met Office Hadley Centre found that aggressive emission reductions can reduce the risk of extreme seasonal temperatures by half within 20 years. This study challenges previous assumptions that most benefits of mitigation would be delayed until later in the century.
A new study by CU Boulder researchers shows the Barnes Ice Cap on Baffin Island will melt in about 300 years due to a rapid warming climate. The ice cap, which is still 500 meters thick, has never been this small in the past 2.5 million years.
A new study projects significant increases in extreme sea levels along Europe's coasts by 2100, threatening millions of people with annual flooding. The research predicts that 5 million Europeans could face the risk of coastal flooding every year if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that water temperatures generally remain low despite rising air temperatures, helping to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The research, conducted by Uppsala University, involved nearly 3,500 schoolchildren taking measurements and samples from lakes across Sweden.
A University of Sheffield study found that fertilizers used in wheat cultivation contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, dwarfing other production processes. The research highlights the need for sustainable solutions to reduce environmental impacts and promote food security.
A report by PSE Healthy Energy projects that new Marcellus development will nearly double natural gas production and increase greenhouse gas emissions by tripling. The report forecasts thousands of new natural gas wells, which will drive a second drilling boom in Pennsylvania.
Scientists at UMD developed an empirical model of global climate to analyze the Paris Agreement, suggesting countries can limit warming if they achieve pledged greenhouse gas reductions. The book, Paris Climate Agreement: Beacon of Hope, recommends a transition to renewable energy by 2060 to meet the RCP 4.5 scenario.
New research indicates that the US will see a ratio of 15:1 record highs to lows by 2065 due to increased greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that temperatures are expected to rise by around 3 degrees C over the continental US, leading to more frequent record-breaking heatwaves.
Researchers have identified specific attributes that characterize high-emitting abandoned oil and gas wells, allowing governments to prioritize their repairs. By leaving non-emitting wells alone, states can eliminate the majority of emissions while minimizing costs.
Research reveals reservoirs as a substantial yet often unrecognized source of greenhouse gas emission. Dr. Bridget Deemer and her colleagues' findings in BioScience point to the significant environmental impact of dammed waters on the atmosphere.
The study reveals that wastewater treatment plants emit an overlooked source of carbon dioxide, which could increase global greenhouse gas emissions by 12-23 percent. Treating wastewater sludge with on-site carbon sequestration and renewable energy could help reduce fossil carbon emissions from these plants.
A comprehensive dataset has been developed to support consumers and catering organizations in calculating the impact of their ingredients and menus on greenhouse gas emissions. The league table ranks food categories from lowest to highest carbon footprint, providing a clear hierarchy for informed decision-making.
A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters attributes the 2015 West Coast record-low snowpack to unusually high temperatures, not low precipitation. The researchers used a crowd-sourced supercomputer to analyze data and found that greenhouse gases contributed strongly to the risk of snow droughts in Oregon and Washington.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that converting lawns to vegetable gardens can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study modeled the effect of household gardens on emissions, finding a reduction of 2 kilograms for every kilogram of homegrown vegetables compared to store-bought counterparts.
A new study published in Climate Dynamics suggests that early-onset spring models may indicate a 'nightmare' for agriculture in the affected regions. The analysis of climate model data shows an increased frequency of nearly one in every three years by the end of this century.
A recent study challenges the assumption that biofuels are carbon neutral, finding a net increase in CO2 emissions from their use in the US. The research suggests that crop-based biofuels like corn ethanol and biodiesel offer only modest reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study finds human activity has been causing global warming since the early stages of the Industrial Revolution. The research suggests that greenhouse gas levels rose in the atmosphere during the 1800s, leading to rapid and measurable warming in tropical oceans and the Arctic.
Scientists warn that tropical cyclones will become stronger as temperatures rise due to a decrease in aerosols. This trend has been masked by air pollution, but is expected to become apparent in the future. Computer models predict an increase in intense storms and coastal flooding.
A recent study found that El Niño climate patterns contributed to the Northeast Pacific's largest marine heatwave on record. The study also suggests that unusually warm water events could become more frequent with rising greenhouse gas levels, disrupting ecosystems and leading to massive die-offs.
A Scripps Institution of Oceanography study found that cloudy storm tracks are moving toward the poles and subtropical dry zones are expanding, consistent with climate model predictions. The research confirms a human-caused increase in greenhouse gas concentrations and exacerbates global warming.
Researchers identified human fingerprint on Indo-Pacific warm pool growth using climate model simulations and fingerprinting technique. Human-induced greenhouse gas increase is the dominant cause of IPWP warming and expansion, with a small contribution from natural climate variability.
A new model predicts that up to 3,331 people could die annually from heat exposure in NYC by the 2080s, but reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting measures could save an additional 1,779 lives. Limiting emissions could also reduce heat-related deaths by limiting to moderate greenhouse gas trajectories.
A study by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research predicts that future summers could be hotter than any on record if climate change continues unchecked. However, reducing greenhouse gas emissions could lower the global probability of such extreme heat to 41 percent.
The US healthcare system has significant environmental and health impacts, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. Researchers estimate 8% of national emissions come from the sector, while healthcare-related emissions linked to respiratory disease, cancer, and acid rain are substantial.
A Midwest bakery's switch to propane from diesel resulted in significant petroleum displacement and greenhouse gas emission reductions. The Alpha Baking Company saved seven cents per mile on fuel costs with the new vehicles.
The OU research team aims to improve understanding of microbial community diversity, structure, and function on greenhouse gas emissions from grasslands and croplands. The project will develop a multi-scale observation and modeling framework to estimate greenhouse gas emissions across landscape scales.
Researchers at Empa combined direct measurements with a transport model to validate statistics on greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland. The study confirms estimated annual emission of approximately 200,000 tonnes of methane, with livestock farming contributing 70% of emissions.
A comprehensive analysis published in Nature Climate Change estimates that the livestock sector can account for up to half of the global agricultural, forestry and land-use sectors' mitigation potential. The study suggests integrating land use and practice change, dietary patterns and nutrition can help unlock this potential.
A new study by UCLA researchers proposes expanding the use of recycled water to reduce water and energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public health. The strategy has potential global applications, particularly in addressing water scarcity and related health issues.
A recent study published in Science confirms that the Aliso Canyon natural gas well blowout was the nation's largest methane release. The event released over 100,000 tons of methane into the air, doubling the rate of methane emissions from the entire Los Angeles Basin.
Agriculture technology improvements can cut emissions by up to 50%, but reductions in beef consumption are necessary to meet EU climate targets. Cutting back on beef and increasing poultry and pork consumption can help achieve the targets.
A study published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology found that consumers are responsible for more than 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions and up to 80% of world water use. Changing consumption habits can significantly reduce environmental impact.
A new study predicts that heat waves could become annual occurrences across 60% of the world's land surface by 2075 if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked. However, aggressive emission reductions could significantly reduce the severity of these events, especially for vulnerable populations.
A new study reveals that countries emitting the least amount of greenhouse gases are most vulnerable to climate change effects such as natural disasters and habitat changes. The highest-emitting nations, however, are less vulnerable despite contributing significantly to global emissions.
A multi-year regional study at the University of Delaware suggests that home shopping has a greater impact on transportation sector than previously believed. The study found that online shopping leads to increased wear and tear on pavements and higher environmental pollution due to more delivery trucks on the roads.
A combined carbon and sugar tax in the UK could lead to significant environmental and health benefits, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an increase in fiber intake. The tax scenarios predicted a decrease in purchases of beef, lamb, and other meats, as well as an increase in consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
A new study suggests that continent-scale monsoons will adapt gradually to climate change, with changes in land use and greenhouse gas concentrations prompting adjustments in massive air circulations. Despite predictions of a sudden shift, the researchers argue that monsoon rainfall will change smoothly over time.
New research suggests that reducing beef production in Brazil could lead to higher global greenhouse gas emissions due to the need for farmers to recover degraded pastures and boost cattle productivity. This would potentially lower emissions by storing more carbon in the soil.
New research suggests that increasing UK agricultural yields and restoring natural habitats like forests and wetlands can largely offset the country's greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, this approach could meet government targets of an 80% reduction in emissions for the farming industry.
A study by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland finds that global emissions will continue to increase until 2030 unless drastic reductions are carried out. The countries with the most room for improvement are China and India, highlighting the need for more ambitious targets.
New study from CU Denver finds that even low levels of natural gas leakage can make it as damaging as coal for climate change. The research shows a leakage rate of 3.9% over 20 years and 9.1% over 100 years makes natural gas equivalent to coal in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
The report reveals that renewable energy improves the environment and protects human health by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. However, it also highlights challenges such as material scarcity, recycling issues, and energy penalties from carbon capture and storage systems.
European climate projections suggest enhanced probability of heatwaves in the coming decades, comparable to the worst heatwave since 1950 in Russia. The analysis shows that previous records were broken in 2010, with a similar heatwave expected at least once in 30 years under certain climate scenarios.
A study published in Science shows that Paris emissions reduction pledges have the potential to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius if implemented and followed by measures of equal or greater ambition. Implementing these pledges through 2030 and increasing efforts beyond can greatly reduce the chance of extreme warming.
A new study finds that US wood pellet exports to the EU have a significant environmental advantage over coal, with carbon emissions savings ranging from 74-85%. The research suggests that using agricultural biomass in wood pellet production can further increase these savings.
Adaptive multi-paddock grazing is a potential option to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions on cow-calf operations. This advanced rotational grazing results in more carbon sequestration and produces higher quality grass that reduces methane production.
Scientists found that allocating greenhouse-gas emissions reductions will be key for the outcome of COP21 in Paris. A major economy acting as a forerunner and other nations following can limit warming below 2°C. This approach would require significant efforts from countries like the EU and US.
A University of Vermont study reveals that abandoned oil and gas wells near fracking sites can serve as conduits for methane escape, affecting the debate over proposed EPA regulations. The study's findings suggest that even a small percentage of damaged wellbores can pose an environmental risk.