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Adoption of vegan dog and cat diets could have environmental benefits

A new analysis estimates that switching all pet dogs and cats to vegan diets could spare nearly 2 billion land-based livestock animals yearly in the US, and nearly 7 billion globally. This could lead to significant reductions in environmental impacts such as land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2023

Researchers propose a unified, scalable framework to measure agricultural greenhouse gas emissions

Researchers developed a scalable framework to quantify field-level agricultural carbon outcomes, integrating sensing techniques and advanced ecosystem models. The study provides a reliable method for measuring individual farm field-level greenhouse gas emissions and offers insights into the impact of farming practices on climate change.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 2, 2023

Study connects greenhouse gas emissions to polar bear population declines, enabling greater protections under Endangered Species Act

A new study from the University of Washington and Polar Bears International reveals a direct link between cumulative greenhouse gas emissions and polar bear demographic changes. The study shows that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help protect polar bears, with implications beyond just this species.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2023

Researchers at Mainz University and Evonik have developed an innovative method to cleave and oxidize double- and triple-bonds in hydrocarbons

Mainz University and Evonik researchers have created an environmentally friendly process to generate dicarboxylic acids, a crucial chemical building block for polyamides. The new technique uses only oxygen, electricity, and hydrocarbon compounds, eliminating heavy metals and strong acids, and resulting in no nitrogen oxide emissions.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 2023

Gloomy climate calculation: Scientists predict a collapse of the Atlantic ocean current to happen mid-century

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen predict the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will collapse between 2025 and 2095, with major consequences for Earth's climate. The study contradicts the latest IPCC report and highlights the importance of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2023

Study advances understanding of anthropogenic effects on climate change

A University of California, Riverside-led team found that anthropogenic aerosol-driven changes in ocean circulation and interbasin heat transport are more effective in altering oceanic heat distribution than those driven by globally increasing greenhouse gases. This advance in understanding will help develop climate mitigation strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 30, 2023

A clean energy transition is possible for China’s manufacturing industry

A recent study led by Princeton University researchers found that China's industrial parks can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater consumption by transitioning to clean energy sources. The study estimates that this transition could lead to a reduction of 40% in energy supply emissions, equivalent to 7% of China...

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 21, 2023

Building a blueprint for zero-emissions agriculture

The article discusses the challenges of reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions to zero, but found that technology can help farmers lower pollution by up to 45 percent. The study proposes using carbon-free energy sources, sustainably produced bioenergy, and techniques to capture emissions from these energy sources.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2023

Full electrification of Uber and Lyft vehicles would provide only modest benefits to society, study shows

A new study estimates that the overall benefits of switching ride-hailing vehicles from gasoline to electric would be very modest, with a 3% gain per trip. The study found that traffic-related factors, such as congestion and crash risk, dominate societal costs, outweighing emissions reductions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 8, 2023

International scientific collaboration helps reduce regional disparities in tackling climate change

Experts at the Global Research Council's annual meeting emphasize the need for equal opportunities and local context-specific challenges to address climate change impacts. The assessment highlights the importance of global research collaboration, tailored solutions, and partnerships between countries to mitigate and adapt to climate ch...

Little-known microbes could help predict climate tipping points

Researchers at Duke University have identified a climate feedback loop that could accelerate climate change. Monitoring mixotrophs, tiny organisms with dual metabolism modes, may allow us to anticipate the tipping point before it gets there. However, nutrient pollution poses a challenge to detecting early warning signals.

SourceDuke University·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 1, 2023

Establishing a wildflower meadow at King’s College, Cambridge bolstered biodiversity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, study finds.

A new study found that establishing a wildflower meadow in the historic grounds of King's College, Cambridge increased species richness and abundance by three times compared to adjacent lawn. The meadow also reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1.36 tonnes CO2-e per hectare per year.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·TypeSurvey·DateMay 23, 2023