Articles tagged with Greenhouse Gases
Climate change could cause a 20-40% reduction in twilight zone life by the end of the century. The study predicts that life in the twilight zone could be severely depleted within 150 years, with no recovery for thousands of years.
A new study found that turning off MRIs overnight reduces their energy use by 25-33% and switching to 'power save' mode decreases energy use by 46-51%. This technique could save U.S. healthcare between $8 million and nearly $11 million annually.
Researchers have developed an electrolyte to improve the efficiency of CO2 conversion into useful hydrocarbons. The study found that controlling the concentration of the electrolyte is crucial in regulating product formation, with too much potassium leading to clogage and reduced selectivity.
A study found that some of the world's largest slaughterhouses reduced cattle-driven deforestation in the Amazon by 15% through their zero-deforestation policies. If fully implemented, these policies could halve cattle-driven deforestation in Brazil by sparing over 24,000km2 of forest.
Carreon is developing technology to capture and convert greenhouse gases into clean-burning fuels using reactors powered by renewable energy sources. Her $538,659 NSF award will support this research over five years.
The updated analysis method increases CO2 concentration data availability by 13% while improving accuracy over land. However, it decreases ocean data due to negative biases, requiring bias correction in the V03.05 product.
A new detection technique reveals that megafires emit significantly more methane than previously thought, posing challenges to California's climate goals. Researchers used remote sensing to measure methane emissions from wildfires, finding nearly 20 gigagrams of methane emitted by a single fire.
A Princeton University team has developed a method to detect and quantify greenhouse gas leaks using drones and lasers. The approach localizes emissions sources to within a meter and can be used to spot leaks in hard-to-access areas.
The increasing adoption of electric vehicles will significantly raise the global demand for battery-grade critical metals, leading to supply chain disruptions. By mid-century, the need for lithium could more than double, while nickel demand is expected to eclipse other critical metals.
A Dartmouth College study found that more than 500 home runs since 2010 can be attributed to higher-than-average temperatures due to climate change. Rising temperatures could account for 10% or more of home runs by 2100, with some stadiums experiencing significant spikes in home run totals.
The study found that emissions of five CFCs increased after the production for most uses was phased out in 2010, reaching record-high abundance in 2020. The researchers warned that these emissions could contribute substantially to global warming and negate some benefits gained under the Montreal Protocol.
Research finds global emissions of several banned ozone-destroying chemicals are increasing, primarily due to their use in alternative products. These potent greenhouse gases affect the climate, equivalent to CO2 emissions from a smaller country like Switzerland, and may negate some benefits of the Montreal Protocol.
Researchers found a 40% reduction in ammonia emissions and a two-thirds decrease in methane emissions by acidifying slurry with sulfuric acid. The method also improves fertilization and could be optimized to achieve even higher reductions.
A recent study reveals that uneven future warming in the Indian Ocean can cause shifts in monsoon precipitation, with potential impacts on societies and ecosystems. The research identifies key mechanisms driving these changes, including winds and ocean currents.
The University of Texas at Austin is helping the Port of Corpus Christi determine if it can permanently store greenhouse gas emissions from industrial operations beneath the seafloor of the Gulf of Mexico. The project aims to store carbon dioxide emissions in geological formations deep beneath the seafloor, reducing atmospheric emissions.
The new dataset provides a 'ranking' of countries contributing most to global warming, with CO2 emissions driving the most warming. Countries like Brazil and Indonesia are rising in their contribution, while industrialised nations see slight declines.
Rice University scientists developed a rapid process to remove heavy metals from coal fly ash using flash Joule heating. This purified coal fly ash can be used in infrastructure projects, reducing emissions by 30% and improving concrete strength and elasticity.
Researchers will use satellite data, airborne sensors, and supercomputers to evaluate the impact of tillage practices on corn and soybean yields, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil organic carbon in the Midwest region. The study aims to provide a holistic view of the effects of tillage across a large region.
Researchers developed a new method to monitor methane releases in deep-sea sediments, showing that small-scale dissociation events are occurring more often than previously detected. Fossils of benthic foraminifera from the order Miliolida have been found to record these smaller-scale events.
New research reveals methane traps heat in the atmosphere but also creates cooling clouds that offset 30% of the heat. Methane absorbs both longwave and shortwave energy, leading to a slight cooling effect.
Researchers at CABBI designed a new wastewater treatment process that simultaneously treats water and recovers biogas, reducing capital costs and energy usage. The process efficiently converts organic contaminants to biogas, achieving simultaneous energy recovery and wastewater treatment.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are developing a new mining technology that uses CO2 to weaken rock containing critical minerals, reducing energy needed for mining. The goal is to make mining carbon negative by storing more carbon than produced.
A new study warns of a rise in potentially fatal infections caused by bacteria found along parts of the US coast, driven by global warming. The number of Vibrio vulnificus infections has increased from 10 to 80 per year over 30 years, with cases now found further north than ever before.
A new study by Linköping University reveals that climate change alters natural greenhouse gas fluxes from streams and lakes, making landscape carbon sinks less effective. The researchers found that increased precipitation and temperature affect the amount of carbon washed into streams and lakes, leading to greater emissions.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that pristine wetlands are currently a greenhouse gas sink, but this function will be reduced by over half in response to a 1.5-2°C temperature increase. Warming promotes net methane and nitrous oxide emissions from these ecosystems, posing a positive feedback on global warming.
Researchers from the University of Liège found that mountain rivers in the Andes have higher emissions of CO2 and CH4 than lowland rivers. These high-emitting rivers account for 35% of CO2 and 72% of CH4 emissions in the Amazon basin, making them hot spots for greenhouse gas emissions.
Restoration of Brazil's dry forests and savannas can sequester up to 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon in the long term, while conservation is essential to meet its 2030 climate goal. The new study suggests a focus on these biomes could be more cost-effective than restoration.
A recent study confirmed that a record-high temperature recorded in October 2021 would have been extremely unlikely to occur without the influence of global warming. The team quantified how often such heatwaves may occur during future fall seasons under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios.
Domestic solar panel manufacturing in the US can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and energy consumption by 13% compared to international trading partners. By 2050, US-made solar panels will be more efficient, reducing carbon footprint by 33% and using 17% less energy.
A $5 million grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports a Climate-Smart Sustainability Certificate program for small-scale farmers. The program aims to improve crop production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon removal.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that the ocean's ability to absorb CO2 will peak by 2100 and become less efficient after 2300 due to a surface layer of low-alkalinity water. This emergence hinders CO2 absorption, leading to faster warming.
A new study from Tulane University compared popular diets on nutritional quality and environmental impact, finding that keto and paleo diets scored among the lowest on nutrition quality and had the highest carbon emissions. Vegan diets, on the other hand, generated significantly less carbon dioxide per calorie consumed.
A study of 592 firms found that climate change initiatives positively impact market value, while also increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The presence of a board sustainability committee was associated with higher emissions, suggesting a 'greenwashing' effect.
Researchers at the University of Bern and Empa have developed a new technique to measure greenhouse gases in ancient ice cores, enabling more accurate climate records. The method allows for high-resolution analysis of the oldest ice, which contains 15,000 to 20,000 years of climate history compressed into one meter.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo analyzed a zero-carbon building in Canada and found that data-driven improvements helped reduce energy consumption by 15% without compromising comfort. The building is now on track to achieve its target, producing five percent more clean energy than it consumes and adding it to the Ontario grid.
A review article in Nature suggests that the Earth was likely warmer 6,500 years ago and followed a cooling trend until human-caused warming began. The study's findings highlight uncertainties in climate models and underscore the need for further research on natural climate variability.
Carbon emissions from fertilizers could be reduced by as much as 80% by 2050, according to researchers at the University of Cambridge. The study found that two-thirds of emissions occur after application, highlighting the need for efficient fertilizer use and innovative solutions to mitigate emissions.
Researchers developed a novel method to convert CO2 into formic acid using ruthenium complexes, achieving a high turnover number of 63. This technology has the potential to decrease global warming and provide valuable organic compounds.
Researchers produced biogas from apple pomace, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating electricity and heat. The bioenergy recovery can supply 19% of the anaerobic reactor's energy needs, contributing to public policy and cutting fossil fuel consumption.
A University of Utah-led study explores using space dust as a shield to reduce solar radiation and slow global warming. Launching lunar dust from the moon instead of Earth's way station at L1 could be an effective and cheap solution.
Researchers discovered that certain microorganisms dominate burned soil after a wildfire, with some species increasing in abundance and others consuming charcoal. This finding could help revive megafire dead zones and provide insights into the human microbiome's response to stress.
Researchers suggest that individuals with resources can offset their subsistence emissions by paying for climate adaptations in low-income countries or through emission offset schemes. This approach aims to balance individual needs with environmental responsibility.
A £5.4 million project, backed by Innovate UK, aims to develop a new value chain to convert industrial waste gases into sustainable materials for consumer products. The consortium, including Unilever and BASF, will seek to demonstrate how the UK can cut 15-20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
A new study by the University of Göttingen found that alley-cropping agroforestry significantly improves ecosystem functions, including carbon sequestration, habitat creation, and soil protection. In contrast, open grassland systems did not show significant changes in ecosystem function after conversion to agroforestry.
New research reveals that nitrogen released by gas-powered machines causes dry soil to let go of carbon and release it back into the atmosphere. The study found that excess nitrogen acidifies soils, leading to a loss of carbon stored in association with calcium.
Researchers have developed a novel technique to produce hydrogen peroxide without releasing carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The method uses photocatalysis and carbon nitride as a catalyst, making it more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
A recent study reveals that the UK severely underestimates its greenhouse gas emissions from offshore oil and gas production by as much as five times. The researchers suggest alternative methods for calculating methane emissions, which could also apply to other countries.
A new study reveals that EU consumers are 'exporting' negative environmental impacts to their Eastern European neighbours while keeping economic benefits within the EU. The bulk of environmental pressures and impacts associated with EU consumption are felt in countries outside the bloc, with uneven distribution of costs and benefits wi...
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers estimated that global steel production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with corroded steel replacement accounting for up to 4% of total emissions. Reducing steel corrosion could have a measurable impact on reducing greenhouse gases produced during steel production.
A recent study compiled over 125,000 river locations across 93 countries, showing that hypoxia in rivers is more prevalent than previously thought. The research found that 12.6% of all locations exhibited at least one hypoxic measurement, with warmer, smaller, and lower-gradient waters being most affected.
A survey of 1,034 people found that most believe insects can be a sustainable source of protein in the future. Key factors improving acceptance include preparation methods and information on insect potential as a food source.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology reveal how a specific enzyme, Fsr, converts sulfite into sulfide, allowing methanogens to grow safely on toxic substances. This discovery opens opportunities for biotechnological applications and provides insights into the evolution of these microorganisms.
A new study predicts that by 2099, future extreme heatwaves will expose up to 11% of land vertebrates to temperatures beyond their historical levels. However, a low-emissions scenario greatly reduces animals' exposure to heat extremes.
Pulses are a nutritious and climate-friendly superfood that Europeans are not fully aware of or utilizing. A study by Katharina Henn reveals low consumption in Europe, with Denmark at the bottom and Spain leading the way. The solution lies in building European traditions around pulses rather than relying on meat-like substitutes.
A new study finds that autonomous vehicles could consume enough energy to generate significant greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for rapid advancements in hardware efficiency. To mitigate this, researchers recommend more efficient autonomous vehicles with smaller carbon footprints.
A recent study found that agricultural droughts in Central Asia will continue to worsen due to human-induced warming and natural climate variability. The researchers used ensemble simulations and observations to project future changes in agricultural droughts across the region, indicating a worsening trend in the coming century.
UC Berkeley chemists designed and synthesized porous materials that bind and release ammonia at moderate pressures and temperatures, saving energy. The new MOFs could enable a more sustainable fertilizer production by producing ammonia closer to farmers.
A research team from the University of Queensland has developed a tool to guide the global beef industry in reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that as much as 85% of emissions could be cut without an overall economic hit, by opting for more efficient feeds and locations.
Researchers found that natural gas-fired power plants could emit up to 3.6 billion tonnes of CO2 annually, but reducing this by 71% is possible with efficient technologies like carbon capture and storage and improving plant efficiency.
A study by UC Davis Health researchers found that telehealth visits saved patients around 53.7 million miles of travel, eliminated the need for 42.4 injuries and 0.7 fatalities, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 21,466 metric tons over two years.