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Algae could fuel cars and jobs

The production of algae-based biodiesel has been shown to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding the use of fossil resources. Additionally, establishing an algal biodiesel plant could create up to 45 jobs in rural areas and provide opportunities for diversifying agricultural sectors.

Lower increases in global temps could lead to greater impacts than previously thought, study finds

A new study by Stanford University scientists updates IPCC findings, suggesting even smaller temperature increases could cause significant problems in unique ecosystems, extreme weather events, distribution of impacts, aggregate damages, and risks of large-scale discontinuities. The research highlights increased evidence of climate cha...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2009

Developing countries lack means to acquire more efficient technologies

A new study by NCAR and University of Colorado warns that developing countries will struggle to afford and implement efficient technologies, exacerbating global warming. The research suggests that even advanced nations are worsening the outlook for global warming due to increasing emissions.

Breaking harmful bonds

Brandeis scientists have identified a catalyst that efficiently breaks the carbon-fluorine bond, rendering it harmless to the environment. This breakthrough finding could lead to large-scale reactions to convert environmental pollutants into reusable or destroyable products.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2008

Biofuels: More than just ethanol

The study found that certain biofuel crops, such as switchgrass and hybrid poplar, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared to gasoline and diesel. These crops also offset the largest amounts of fossil fuels reduced emissions when used for electricity generation via biomass gasification.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 5, 2007

It's not easy being green

Producing ethanol from corn grain can release large amounts of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. However, careful management can minimize these emissions and improve the overall greenhouse gas profile of ethanol.

It's enough to turn your neighbors green

A study by Nives Dolsak and Maureen Dunn finds that developed countries invest in developing countries' greenhouse gas emission-reduction projects mainly due to economic reasons, such as reducing air pollution and transaction costs. The authors suggest policy makers to consider regional pollution dynamics when designing international r...

SourceSpringer·JournalPolicy Sciences·DateDec 14, 2006

The forgotten methane source

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics found that living plants emit significantly more methane than dead plant material, and this process is not hindered by oxygen. The discovery suggests that about 10-30% of global annual methane production comes from plants, with tropical regions being the largest contributors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJan 11, 2006

Changes to land cover may enhance global warming in Amazon, reduce it in midlatitudes

Land use changes in the Amazon region could exacerbate global warming due to deforestation, while agriculture in midlatitudes can counteract warming by up to 50%. The study utilized a global climate model to examine two scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and found contrasting results

Hydrogen-fueled cars not best way to cut pollution, greenhouse gases and oil dependency

Researchers argue that improving current cars and environmental rules is more cost-effective than developing hydrogen fuel cells, which require significant investment in infrastructure. Increasing fuel efficiency or raising prices can achieve similar reductions in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions without the need for new infr...

Hidden in plain sight

A new study challenges current climate change understanding by suggesting that aerosols may have a greater cooling effect than previously thought. This could alter projections of future climate change if high-magnitude negative aerosol forcing values are correct, potentially downplaying human activity's role in warming.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateMay 15, 2003