Articles tagged with Greenhouse Gases
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.
New studies on shale oil production have found that it generates greenhouse gas emissions at levels comparable to traditional crude oil production. The research analyzed the Eagle Ford and Bakken plays in Texas and North Dakota, respectively, and used a life-cycle model to estimate energy consumption and emissions.
A new study projects a doubling of Antarctic ice shelf surface melting by 2050 and a significant increase in melting by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. The research highlights the importance of climate policy in mitigating the effects of warming on ice shelves.
Researchers find that using liquid natural gas (LNG) in marine vessels can reduce local air pollution, but its impact on greenhouse gases depends on the fuel supply infrastructure. The study suggests that LNG may be a viable alternative to traditional fuels for shipping companies looking to comply with new regulations.
Researchers have discovered that vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) can be used to capture and store greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide more effectively than traditional adsorption materials. The study found that adjusting the morphological parameters of VACNTs can significantly impact gas adsorption.
The special issue marks the 10th year anniversary of IPCC SRCCS and outlines significant progress made in CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS) in the last decade. The reviews suggest that CCS is now a mature technology, ready for large-scale deployment to combat climate change.
Researchers found that strategic practices can reduce California almond production's carbon footprint, utilizing co-products for renewable power generation. Ideal circumstances could make California almonds carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative through improved orchard biomass utilization.
A University of Oregon researcher found that large-scale organic farming operations are not reducing greenhouse gas emissions, despite being considered a sustainable alternative. The study suggests stricter adherence to sustainability-driven farm practices and increased governmental oversight are needed.
A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that autonomous taxis could significantly reduce per-mile greenhouse gas emissions, with savings ranging from 63-82% compared to hybrid vehicles and 90% compared to gasoline-powered cars. The use of right-sizing, where the size of the taxi is tailored to each trip's occupancy...
A Michigan State University study found that environmental activism can mitigate the negative impacts of population growth and economic affluence on greenhouse gas emissions. The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showed that states with strong green voices tend to have lower emissions.
A new study found that cutting greenhouse gas emissions may increase hunger risks due to indirect effects on food production and biofuel consumption. The researchers conclude that governments must address climate change while providing measures to alleviate hunger.
A new study led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that making realistic changes to UK diets could have substantial benefits for both health and the environment. The modified diet would contain fewer animal products, more fruit and vegetables, and less savoury snacks.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have resolved an unexplained gap in global emissions reports, finding that developing countries are significantly contributing to the issue. The study used atmospheric measurements and models to evaluate reported HFC emissions and found inconsistencies in reporting, with some gases being over- o...
A recent slowdown in global average temperatures is having no effect on the planet's projected warming by 2100. The study found that long-term temperature outcomes are unaffected by short-term variability, with greenhouse gases expected to overwhelm natural fluctuations and lead to dangerous levels of warming.
Researchers from Poland and the US turn disc fragments into activated carbon with high surface areas, capturing carbon dioxide, hydrogen gas, and benzene. The material could be used for carbon capture applications and separate volatile organic compounds.
A new nationwide data inventory, DARTE, provides a baseline for local efforts to limit carbon dioxide levels by tracking vehicle emissions across the US. The study highlights the need for accurate information to improve greenhouse gas control efforts in cities and suburbs.
A new study by MIT researchers finds that smarter programming of stoplights can reduce delays, improve efficiency, and lower emissions in urban areas. By combining vehicle-level data with city-level traffic patterns, the algorithm produces more accurate predictions and recommendations for optimizing traffic flow.
A new study confirms a positive feedback operating in climate change, where warming amplifies greenhouse gas emissions and additional warming. This is evident from direct analysis of ice-core data, showing that temperature has a profound effect on atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.
Researchers at Empa measure first generation of coolants in the Swiss atmosphere, finding a faster decay rate than predecessors. The study highlights environmental concerns related to these substances, including their potential impact on ecosystems and human health.
The presentation focuses on developing novel materials that can prompt reactions in the lab, which could help reduce levels of greenhouse gases. The research aims to mimic nature's chemistry to solve global environmental problems and provide new solutions for industrial applications.
New study finds that farms with lower carbon footprints and higher-producing cows are more profitable, offering a win-win solution for the dairy industry. By increasing milk production, decreasing herd replacement rates, or improving reproductive efficiency, farmers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining profitability.
Researchers analyzed changes in climate over several decades, finding that the Earth is now entering a period of faster-than-natural warming. The study suggests that decision-makers need to better prepare for the impacts of climate change by understanding how quickly temperatures will rise.
A recent study found that miscanthus-based ethanol has higher yield and profit potential, particularly in poor-quality soil. Miscanthus outperforms other feedstocks in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A novel class of materials has been developed to remove greenhouse gas from power plant emissions, offering a safer and more energy-efficient process. The microcapsules contain liquid sorbents encased in highly permeable polymer shells, achieving an order-of-magnitude increase in CO2 absorption rates.
A new model suggests California will meet its 2020 GHG reduction goal, with potential for 40% reductions by 2030. The state's policies are expected to result in significant emission reductions, with individual policies quantified for the first time.
Researchers found that rising greenhouse gas concentrations played a key role in causing more rainfall in two major regions of Africa, transforming desert into grasslands and savannas. The study validated the Community Climate System Model's predictions for future climate changes in Africa.
A new study shows that adopting healthier traditional Mediterranean, pescatarian, or vegetarian diets could boost human lifespan and quality of life while slashing greenhouse gas emissions and saving habitat for endangered species. The research predicts that this dietary shift would prevent massive environmental damage, increase global...
A new paper reveals that global dietary trends are diminishing human health and harming the environment. Alternative diets offer substantial health benefits and could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land clearing, and species extinctions.
The University of Michigan student researchers compiled a comprehensive citywide greenhouse gas inventory for Detroit, highlighting key emission sources and areas for improvement. The report shows that energy use in buildings accounts for nearly two-thirds of the city's emissions, with exhaust from cars contributing to about 30%.
Researchers from NIST and NOAA have developed a laser-based instrument that can accurately measure greenhouse gases over long distances. The technique uses frequency combs to detect gas signatures, providing precise measurements of atmospheric composition.
Researchers have found that carbonate rocks contain vast amounts of active microbes that take up methane, expanding our understanding of the Earth's methane process. The discovery could significantly impact our understanding of greenhouse gas accumulation and its role in climate change.
Approval of Keystone XL would increase oil sands extraction, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions, according to a survey of experts. The study suggests that KXL could raise CO2 emissions by 1-40 million metric tons per year, depending on market responses.
A new approach estimates CO2 emissions from fossil fuels at a global scale, providing detailed information for policy-makers. The 'Fossil Fuel Data Assimilation System' (FFDAS) uses satellite feeds, national fuel accounts, and power plant data to create high-resolution planetary maps.
Researchers found that adopting the USDA's 'Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010' would lead to a 12% increase in diet-related greenhouse gas emissions due to increased consumption of dairy products and seafood. In contrast, reducing daily caloric intake while shifting to a healthier diet would result in only a 1% decrease in emissions.
A new study suggests that changing global diets can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from food production. The study reveals that a shift towards healthier diets, reduced food waste, and sustainable agricultural practices can significantly reduce the environmental impact of food production. By adopting balanced eating habits, includin...
New research finds that beef cattle are responsible for far more greenhouse gas emissions than other types of animals, accounting for 74% of livestock-related emissions. The study estimates that greenhouse gas emissions from livestock have increased by 51% over the past nearly half a century.
A new study suggests that encouraging the intensification of Brazil's cattle production or taxing conventional pastures could deliver a substantial cut in global greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing deforestation, Brazil may be able to spare up to 80% of recently deforested land.
A University of California, Riverside researcher has won a $500,000 grant to study a process that transforms carbon dioxide into valuable fuels and chemicals using a unique catalyst. The technology has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one million tons per year or more.
A study by researchers at KU Leuven predicts that deforestation in the Congo Basin could increase temperatures by 1.4 °C by 2050, with an additional 0.7 °C from deforestation-induced warming. This could lead to drastic temperature increases, threatening plant and animal species with extinction.
Researchers at Penn State have redefined the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), finding that its true signal was likely in a cooling phase in recent decades. This shift may have offset some of the anthropogenic warming, resulting in a temporary slowdown in global warming.
New research suggests that rising temperatures will increase methane fluxes from freshwater ecosystems, a key component of global methane emissions. This finding highlights the importance of understanding biological methane fluxes to predict the response of this component to global warming.
The Life-Seed Capital project uses rapeseed crops to improve agricultural productivity and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Rapeseed cake, a by-product of oil extraction, is used as animal feed, reducing emissions by up to 13% and improving organic matter use efficiency.
A new study reveals that targeted livestock production systems can lead to a 23% reduction in emissions from land use change within two decades. This shift would make it more profitable for farmers to expand mixed systems with higher-quality feed, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Recent volcanic eruptions have cooled the planet, partly offsetting the warming caused by greenhouse gases. The team found evidence of significant correlations between volcanic aerosol observations and lower tropospheric temperatures.
A new study published in IOP Publishing's journal Environmental Research Letters warns that abrupt stopping of the geoengineering method could lead to rapid and extensive warming. The researchers found that global temperatures could more than double if the method is implemented for a multi-decadal period and then suddenly stopped.
A new study found that suburban households in the US account for approximately 50% of the country's total household carbon footprint. The researchers used an analytic model and national survey data to estimate average household carbon footprints for over 30,000 zip codes and 10,000 cities and towns across all 50 states.
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers finds that suburban sprawl cancels out the carbon footprint savings of densely populated cities, with suburbs accounting for 50% of household emissions. Interactive maps show striking differences between urban cores and surrounding suburbs, highlighting the need for tailored climate action plans.
A recent analysis suggests that reducing livestock emissions can help mitigate climate change, particularly methane and nitrous oxide. Ruminants, such as cattle, produce copious amounts of methane in their digestive systems, with greenhouse gas emissions from these animals being 19-48 times higher than plant-based protein sources.