Articles tagged with Greenhouse Gases
A new analysis by Arpad Horvath and Mikhail Chester finds that California's proposed high-speed rail system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to cars and air travel. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, assesses the sustainability of different transportation modes using life-cycle assessments.
Researchers developed a new model to analyze 'well-to-wheel' greenhouse gas emissions from oil sands and conventional crude oils. They found that lifecycle emissions vary widely depending on project conditions and technology used.
The EUREAPA tool analyzes environmental impacts of different policies and scenarios, allowing policymakers to investigate how different policy changes affect future environmental pressures. It also helps track effects of decisions and ensure meeting of environmental goals.
A study by the University of Edinburgh finds that 360,000 tonnes of milk wasted in the UK each year results in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 100,000 tonnes of CO2, comparable to 20,000 cars annually. Researchers suggest reducing food consumption and waste, as well as improving fertiliser efficiency, can help curb emissions.
A National Academy of Sciences study found that oil palm expansion will lead to a surge in greenhouse gas emissions, with peatlands being a critical contributor. The researchers suggest protecting forests, peatlands, and implementing sustainable practices to reduce emissions and maintain forest cover.
A new analysis raises concerns that large-scale bioenergy production from forest biomass is unsustainable and will increase greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights potential ecological and economic drawbacks, including depleted soil nutrients, loss of biodiversity, and higher costs for bioenergy.
A new analysis reveals that pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) power-generating stations could meet the energy needs of half a billion people by tapping into the global potential of rivers flowing into the sea. This sustainable process requires no fuel and releases no greenhouse gases.
Scientists have measured the carbon content of Sri Lanka's natural forests, finding that nearly half of greenhouse gas emissions originate from deforestation. The study suggests alternative ecosystems can bind carbon while providing food and protection for local populations.
An international team of researchers recommends regulating the most potent fluorinated greenhouse gases to avoid negating the positive effects of the Montreal Protocol. Long-lived HFCs, such as R-134a, pose a significant threat to the climate due to their high global warming potential.
Researchers analyzed over 4,000 studies on MOFs, concluding they have immense potential for various applications. The special issue of Chemical Reviews presents the latest advances and prospects for commercial applications of these materials.
A study led by Phil Duffy of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory found that previously rare high summertime temperatures are already occurring more frequently in some US regions. By mid-century, these extreme summer temperatures will occur in well over 50% of summers throughout the lower 48 states.
A new study suggests EU biofuels could be just as bad for the environment as traditional petrol, due to higher-than-thought CO2 emissions from oil palm plantations. The research reveals that expanding palm oil production can increase emissions by up to 60%.
The University of Maryland Center for Integrative Environmental Research finds that Maryland's Climate Action Plan improves electric reliability while having a negligible impact on manufacturers. The plan is expected to generate new business opportunities and jobs in the green sector, with potential growth in employment opportunities.
Climate change has contributed roughly half to the increase in Mediterranean winter droughts since 1902, with sea surface temperature patterns driving this relationship. The region's dry conditions are expected to worsen, threatening food security and water scarcity.
Researchers quantify urban 'heat island' effect for the first time, showing its modest contribution to global warming. The study reveals that white roofs do not reduce the urban heat island effect and may even cause a net global warming due to increased cloudiness.
Researchers project sea level rise of up to 5.5 meters by 2500 under pessimistic scenario, with accelerated rise over centuries even after emissions stabilization.
A new report by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute identifies gaps in Panama's forest monitoring, making it difficult to track emission reductions from REDD+ activities. The study emphasizes the need for low-cost, verifiable forest monitoring techniques to verify the effectiveness of conservation strategies.
A new study finds that congestion pricing works best when partnered with land-use planning, suggesting that the two strategies are mutually supportive. The study analyzed data from a Portland mileage-fee pilot program and found that VMT reduction is greater in traditional neighborhoods than suburban ones.
Researchers suggest using linear compensation to design emissions reduction strategies that benefit all nations, with punishments adjusted relative to other countries' performance. This mechanism leverages national abatement efforts to incentivize cooperation.
A study found that expressing nitrous oxide emissions per unit of crop yield, rather than on a more conventional per area basis, produced significantly different results. Emissions were 52% higher under no-till compared to conventional tillage for the same amount of grain.
A study published in Nature journal has identified the structure of the enzyme that decomposes nitrous oxide, a harmful climate gas with a 300 times stronger impact than carbon dioxide. The discovery provides insight into the decomposition mechanism and its dependence on environmental conditions, which may help prevent N2O emissions.
Two UC Irvine papers suggest that reduced use of petroleum and increased capture of natural gas contributed to the leveling off of methane levels in the atmosphere. In contrast, a second study found that changes in Asian farming practices, particularly the use of inorganic fertilizers, were a key factor in reducing methane emissions.
A new study suggests that growing perennial grasses on underproductive farmland used for corn ethanol production could lead to higher overall corn yields, more ethanol output per acre, and better groundwater quality. The switch would also slash emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.
A new €3.5 million EU-funded research project will examine the impact of climate policies on human health in seven cities across Europe and China, with a focus on integrating data from various sources to inform key policy decisions.
A new climate study by Stanford University scientists predicts that tropical regions will experience permanent summer heat increases, with many areas seeing unprecedented extreme temperatures. This could lead to severe consequences for human health, agriculture, and ecosystems.
A study by UCSB researchers found that over 99% of produce grown in Santa Barbara County is exported, while 95% of consumed produce is imported from abroad. Localization of the food system may not lead to better nutrition or decreased environmental impact as expected.
A study suggests that cutting Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions by a half within 20 years is achievable through the use of smart meters, improved recycling, and greener building designs. The researchers recommend carbon capture and storage to reduce emissions from industry and coal-fired power plants.
Biologists from University of Texas at Austin suggest focusing on interactions between climate change and human activities like air pollution, invasive species, and habitat fragmentation. Local factors like host plant competition and water pollution are critical in understanding species decline.
Experts warn that doubling energy demand by 2050 poses significant challenges to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in California. Berkeley scientists stress the need for efficient energy use, low-carbon electricity options, and strategic behavioral changes to meet state's ambitious goal.
Research shows that even if all greenhouse gas emissions stopped now, Earth would still experience warming due to lingering emissions and aerosol particles. Temperatures could rise up to 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit higher than pre-Industrial Revolution levels.
A climate tax on meat and milk consumption could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from European agriculture by up to seven percent. Land made available for bioenergy production offers a six-time greater decrease in emissions.
A recent study suggests that European seasonal temperatures have been affected by volcanic eruptions, solar activity, and greenhouse gas emissions since the 17th century. The research team used climate models and historical data to reconstruct past climate scenarios, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of climate change.
A new study suggests that freshwater methane emissions impact the global balance of greenhouse gases, with a potential 25% change in net absorption rates. The research highlights the importance of including inland waters in carbon budgets, as they are more active in carbon processing than seas or land surfaces.
Researchers found that polar bear populations could decline by two-thirds by mid-century, but emissions reduction can mitigate this. Sea ice habitat won't face a catastrophic 'tipping point' under mitigation scenarios.
A Michigan State University study found that rivers and streams are a significant source of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, contributing twice as much as previously estimated. The increased production can be linked to nitrogen fertilizers and crop cultivation, highlighting the need for reduced agricultural fertilizer use.
New research indicates that if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced substantially, enough Arctic ice may remain for polar bears to survive. The study found no 'tipping point' beyond which summer sea ice loss would be unstoppable, offering a hopeful message but also an incentive to mitigate emissions.
The University of New Hampshire will lead a $700,000 study on greenhouse gas emissions at traditional and organic dairy farms. The three-year project aims to improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers by developing extension programs and decision-support tools.
Scientists at the University of Manchester suggest using building district heating schemes with sustainable fuels could drastically reduce greenhouse gases while being cost-effective. The plans have been met with majority support from focus groups in the UK public.
Researchers have found dry water to be an effective material for absorbing carbon dioxide, with the ability to store gases safely. It also accelerates catalyzed reactions used in producing consumer products such as drugs, food ingredients, and other goods.
A new report by the American Society of Agronomy highlights the role of agriculture in greenhouse gas emissions and capture. The study finds that adopting conservation agricultural systems can increase carbon sequestration and reduce GHG emissions. However, knowledge gaps remain in understanding the effectiveness of these practices.
Majorities of Florida, Maine, and Massachusetts residents believe the Earth has been warming due to human activities. The states closely resemble national results in supporting government action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implementing cap-and-trade systems.
A recent study by Brown-MBL researchers estimates that reducing deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon state could lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that achieving a goal of 89% reduction in deforestation rates by 2020 would result in lower net emissions, with up to 6.3 billion metric tons of CO...
New research from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln estimates that US military protection of supertankers in the Persian Gulf generates 34.4 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions annually. This finding highlights the need for regulators to include these emissions in comparisons of gasoline and biofuels.
Researchers found that increased production of maize-derived ethanol in the US could lead to significant land-use changes, resulting in higher carbon dioxide emissions. The study suggests that these indirect effects may cancel out any benefits from reducing global warming.
Scientists discover a disused SCUBA tank filled with air in 1968, extending the longest record of greenhouse gases in the Southern Hemisphere. The find uses archived data to analyze propellants, refrigerants and aluminium smelter emissions not widely used in Melbourne at that time.
Researchers at Queen's University suggest examining GHG emissions implications for energy infrastructure to optimize greenhouse gas emission reductions. They propose using dynamic life-cycle analyses to determine carbon-neutral growth rates, which could help policy makers restructure renewable energy production.
Scientists are exploring a new approach to carbon capture technology using proteins that can catalyze reactions with carbon dioxide in an environmentally friendly way. This method has the potential to be more cost-effective and produce less hazardous waste than existing technologies.
The NIH has partnered with The Lancet to address the public health impacts of climate change through four case studies on household energy, transportation, electricity generation, and agricultural food production. These studies demonstrate that cost savings from improving health can offset the cost of addressing climate change.
A series of studies published in The Lancet show that cutting greenhouse gases can directly reduce premature deaths and improve global health, particularly in low-income countries. The research highlights the co-benefits of tackling climate change by reducing air pollution and improving public health.
New research shows daily record high temperatures occurred twice as often as record lows over the last decade across the continental US. The study predicts that if emissions continue to climb, the U.S. ratio of daily record high to record low temperatures will increase dramatically.
An international team of top climate scientists has found a critical error in the carbon accounting method used to measure compliance with carbon limits. The flaw could create strong economic incentives for large-scale land conversion, which would exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study documents how climate, population density and factors affect GHG emissions in global cities, with Denver releasing the largest amount of gases and Barcelona the smallest. The study identifies strategies for reducing emissions, including carbon reduction and efficient transportation systems.
A new study reveals Arctic temperatures have reversed from a long-term cooling trend, becoming the warmest they've been in at least 2,000 years. The reversal is attributed to human-generated greenhouse gases overwhelming the natural climate system.
A new study reveals that Arctic temperatures have been warming at an unprecedented rate, surpassing the natural cooling trend over the past 2,000 years. The research suggests that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are overpowering natural climate patterns, leading to dramatic impacts on the region.
The University of Texas at Austin is receiving $30 million in funding from the US Department of Energy to develop innovative nanomaterials for solar energy and batteries, as well as study the movement of greenhouse gases in geological systems. This funding will support research into new paradigms for achieving U.S. energy security.
A new analysis suggests that drastic emission cuts could stabilize climate change, saving Arctic ice and reducing sea level rise. Global temperatures would still rise, but the most dangerous impacts could be partially avoided with a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
New research suggests climate change will impact ozone recovery rates due to changes in atmospheric circulation. Greenhouse gases alter the Brewer-Dobson circulation pattern, influencing ozone distribution and leading to uneven ozone layer recovery.
Researchers at NASA found that aerosols are responsible for a significant portion of Arctic warming since 1976, with sulfates and black carbon playing critical roles. The study suggests aerosols may account for up to 45% of the observed warming, which is comparable to the impact of greenhouse gases.
Two new greenhouse gases, nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2), are accumulating in the atmosphere at a rapid rate. These potent gases have significant global-warming potential and are used in industrial processes as alternatives to other harmful gases.
A new study identifies sulfuryl fluoride as a significant contributor to future greenhouse warming due to its long lifetime of 36 years. The gas is currently present in the atmosphere at very small quantities, but increasing emissions pose a risk.