Articles tagged with Greenhouse Gases
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.
A team of MIT researchers has detected a new surge in methane levels, ending a decade-long period of stability. The increase is attributed to an imbalance between emissions and destruction, with the majority of emissions coming from the Northern Hemisphere.
The University of British Columbia and the University of California, San Diego are partnering to develop methods for sharing greenhouse gas emission data and baseline emission data for cyberinfrastructure. This partnership aims to create carbon-neutral environments through research and collaboration.
A study reveals that cities are responsible for only 40% of greenhouse gas emissions, contrary to common claims. Well-planned cities can provide high living standards with low consumption levels and emissions.
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.
Scientists have confirmed the link between greenhouse gas levels and global warming with new analysis of Antarctic ice cores extending back 800,000 years. The study reveals that current concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane are unprecedented in the past.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions if powered by low-carbon electricity. According to Carnegie Mellon researchers, life cycle greenhouse gas emissions from plug-in hybrids are about one-third less than traditional gasoline-powered cars.
Scientists from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have pinpointed human-caused climate change as the cause of decreasing water flow in the West. The study found that warming temperatures and rising greenhouse gas levels are affecting snowpack, river flows, and ultimately, the water supply.
A 580-meter ice core retrieved from the WAIS Divide project will provide a precise year-by-year record of greenhouse gases over the last 40,000 years. The core contains critical information for predicting human activity's impact on climate.
A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests that greenhouse gases played a significant role in the near-record US warmth in 2006. The research team found that greenhouse gas increases enhanced the probability of record-breaking temperatures by approximately 15-fold, making El Nino an unlikely contributor.
A new analysis reveals that atmospheric brown clouds over south Asia significantly contribute to observed warming, leading to the alarming retreat of Himalayan glaciers. The findings suggest that reducing air pollution could help arrest some of this melting by reducing the combined heating effect of greenhouse gases and brown clouds.
Climate change poses significant threats to public health in developing countries, where urbanization and rapid economic growth are concentrated. The article highlights the need for action towards fairness and equity in urban development processes to mitigate these effects.
A Purdue University study projects a 200-500% increase in dangerously hot days in the Mediterranean by the end of the 21st century if current greenhouse gas emissions continue. Reducing emissions could reduce this increase by up to 50%.
A new study found that biodiesel from rapeseed could emit nearly the same amount of CO2 equivalents as conventional diesel. However, switching to tree farming for rapeseed production could significantly reduce emissions compared to petroleum diesel.
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.
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.
Research conducted by the US Climate Change Science Program has helped resolve uncertainties about global climate change causes and projected future changes in temperature and sea-level rise. The program's contributions significantly increased confidence attributing human activities to temperature increases since the mid-20th century.
A one-year, $1 million dollar grant supports research on enhancing agricultural soils' role in climate change mitigation. PNNL experts contribute basic research, biophysical modeling, and economic analysis to identify carbon sequestration strategies.
A team of science policy experts argues that adaptation to global climate change is essential for securing a future on a warming planet. They emphasize the importance of sustainable development and building resilient societies in minimizing negative effects.
The researchers will build a two-color light-detection and ranging system (LIDAR) to measure aerosol concentrations up to several miles high. This device will help understand complex relations between aerosols, greenhouse gases, and global warming.
The International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control is a new, quarterly journal focusing on technological developments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It will include carbon capture and storage, transmission, and alternative mitigation options.
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...
Researchers predict Arctic sea ice will retreat rapidly, becoming nearly ice-free by 2040, with global warming exacerbating the issue. The study suggests that greenhouse gas emissions can impact the likelihood of abrupt ice loss.
A new software tool will help analyze the unintended consequences of environmental regulations on the automotive market and industry life cycle. The project aims to integrate models of market decisions, technological performance, and life cycle assessment to predict the effectiveness of greenhouse gas reduction policies.
New research suggests that human-caused increases in greenhouse gases are directly linked to warming of tropical Atlantic and Pacific oceans, which contributes to hurricane intensity. The study used computer models to analyze SST changes in smaller hurricane formation regions.
Researchers are creating a computer-based program to evaluate the impact of environmental policies on the auto industry and consumer behavior. The five-year study will build and link computer models to understand the response of consumers and producers to policy decisions and their environmental impact.
Experts recommend Arctic nations designate marine protected areas, foster economic adaptation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to cope with climate change. Implementing these policies could significantly slow the rates of Arctic change.
A study by the University of Alberta and international partners reveals that past changes in solar radiation have already affected tropical glaciers. Future climate change poses a significant threat to water resources in these regions, as high-altitude glaciers continue to melt rapidly.
Researchers examine past warming episodes to understand potential future consequences, suggesting a possible link between human-induced global warming and rapid climate changes. Ancient greenhouse gas emissions may hold clues to mitigating the effects of climate change.
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.
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
A climate modeling specialist found that without snow cover, global temperatures could rise by as much as a third due to increased greenhouse gas levels. In contrast, total regions of permafrost are likely to expand in area, leading to potential health risks for ecosystems and construction decisions.
A synthesis report reveals climate change's growing health impacts vary by region, with coastlines and sub-Saharan Africa particularly at risk. The report highlights the need for global leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable energy policies.
Researchers find strong water vapor feedback contributing to warming in Central and Northeastern Europe. The study shows that manmade greenhouse gases are responsible for a smaller portion of the warming, while rising cloudiness and evapotranspiration play a larger role.
Research on Earth's albedo is facing a lack of funding and resources, hindering scientists' understanding of its effects on climate change. Albedo makes up half the equation for understanding the planet's energy budget, but its impact could be off by as much as 100 percent.
Researchers warn that economic models of climate change often neglect potential threshold responses, leading to biased policies. The development of observation systems that can detect early warning signals about these events could improve climate policies and have significant economic benefits.
Researchers found that low ozone levels and increasing greenhouse gases contribute to cooler South Pole temperatures, but may cancel each other out in the future.
The HIRDLS instrument will capture the chemistry and dynamics of four atmospheric layers, providing insights into greenhouse gas concentrations, ozone pollution, and aerosol characteristics. The data will shed light on climate change impacts and atmospheric modifications.
Researchers found that wood chip bedding had less nitrogen loss during composting, reducing volatile losses and improving air quality. Greenhouse gas emissions were similar to those of traditional straw bedding, making it a viable option for beef cattle.
Researchers at K-State and Canada's Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are working together to develop methods for measuring and verifying soil carbon stocks and greenhouse gas emissions. This cooperation aims to improve cropland productivity while reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases.
Researchers predict a decrease in solar activity's impact on global warming over the next 100 years, with potential returns to current levels by 2200. The study suggests that solar variability will not amplify climate change, but rather subdue its effects.
A Pennsylvania inventory reveals that fossil fuels are the largest source of carbon dioxide, while motor vehicles contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The study also highlights the need for policy makers and others in the state to take action to reduce emissions.
A new study reveals Americans are among the most misinformed about global warming, with only 15% correctly identifying burning fossil fuels as its primary cause. The US ranks below Japan and France in terms of public understanding of climate change.
The US is responsible for 23% of global greenhouse-gas emissions. The editorial emphasizes the need for changes in law and tax incentives to persuade citizens to use fewer fossil fuels and adopt recycling initiatives.
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...
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.
The MIT study concludes that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are not an environmentally friendly solution due to energy consumption and emissions. Hybrid vehicles, on the other hand, offer a more efficient approach, reducing energy use and emissions by a third compared to current vehicles.
Warren Washington predicts that the global climate will continue to warm into the 22nd century, albeit at a slower rate than if emissions are not controlled. Climate extremes such as heat waves, floods, and droughts are expected to become more severe and frequent.
Switching to liquefied petroleum gas for household use could add only a 2% increase in global fossil fuel emissions but greatly decrease the environmental impact on local biomass resources. Liquefied petroleum gas burns cleaner than biomass fuels, reducing indoor smoke and associated health risks.
A recent study by Texas A&M University researchers suggests that natural climate variability may contribute up to half of the observed global surface warming since the 1970s. The analysis of ocean surface temperature records in the tropical Pacific indicates that long-term changes in ocean temperatures precede global air temperature ch...
Michael Prather, a leading researcher on atmospheric greenhouse gases and global climate change, has been appointed as the first holder of the new chair. His work aims to predict and understand changes in the atmosphere caused by human activities and natural factors.
Research suggests the Asian southwest monsoon is strengthening due to Northern Hemisphere warming, with potential implications for agriculture and population displacement. The study analyzed sediment cores from the Arabian Sea, finding increased wind speeds and a link to decreased Eurasian snow cover.
The Kansas State University-led consortium aims to develop carbon sequestration strategies for U.S. agriculture, reducing greenhouse gas accumulation. The project will provide tools and information for farmers to implement soil carbon sequestration programs, improving the nation's farmlands and agricultural economy.
Satellite data confirms that plant life above 40 degrees north latitude has been growing more vigorously since 1981, with Eurasia showing more pronounced greening than North America. The existing vegetation has increased in density, but the area of vegetation has not extended.
A new potent greenhouse gas, trifluoromethyl sulphur pentaflouride (SF5CF3), has been discovered in the atmosphere, with concentrations increasing since the 1950s. The gas is closely related to SF6 and may be produced as a breakdown product of industrial processes.
Scientists will gather at the University of Michigan to discuss technical problems in measuring global carbon emissions, including identifying 'sinks' for locking up atmospheric carbon. The three-day symposium aims to advance our understanding and verification of carbon credits.
Northern Hemisphere winters have warmed by up to nine degrees Fahrenheit over the last 30 years, likely due to human activities increasing greenhouse gases. Warmer winters will bring more wet weather to Europe and Western North America.
A new report examines the trend towards increasing GHG emissions in 14 developing and transitioning nations, highlighting potential mitigation options. The Berkeley Lab's Environmental Energy Technologies Division has organized workshops with scientists from 35 nations to develop global climate change assessments.