Articles tagged with Greenhouse Gases
A team from the University of Cambridge has created a solar-powered reactor that can transform two waste streams, CO2 and plastics, into valuable products. The system produces syngas for sustainable liquid fuels and glycolic acid for the cosmetics industry, offering a promising step towards a circular economy.
A new study by Dr. Urenmisan Afinotan from the University of Exeter Law School reveals that weak penalties and loopholes in Nigeria's legislation are failing to deter gas flaring in the Niger Delta, despite efforts since the 1960s. The study highlights the need for stronger regulations to mitigate climate change.
A study using GOSAT observations and surface station data estimates CH4 emissions from natural gas in the NE region, showing a significant increase trend. The model-estimated total CH4 emissions and natural gas leaks constitute a waste of energy and value.
The Inflation Reduction Act offers significant benefits for public health through its tax credits and financial incentives. The law aims to reduce the adverse health effects of climate change by targeting greenhouse gases, conventional air pollutants, and carcinogenic chemical contaminants. By providing a more politically feasible appr...
Research by Cornell University reveals that biodegradable medical gowns release harmful emissions due to faster decomposition rates. The study suggests adopting landfill gas capture and utilization processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and toxicity.
A Nagoya University study found that increased use of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a 27% increase in hospital carbon emissions. Despite reduced electricity and gas consumption, the overall carbon footprint rose due to longer hospital stays and increased intensive care needs.
A new study by Bruegel experts recommends a European 'green pact' to increase climate investments and meet EU's ambitious Paris Agreement targets. The proposal involves better regulatory policies, higher emissions pricing, and public green investments.
Researchers have found that corals in the northern Red Sea have not experienced mass bleaching despite high heat stress due to their acquired temperature tolerance around 7,000 years ago. The region's reefs are expected to be among the last standing by the end of the century under projected warming scenarios.
A new study published in AGU Advances found that post-lockdown auto emissions rebounded in some California areas, with affluent neighborhoods experiencing less pollution drop. The researchers used mobile laboratory data and analyzed grass samples to track CO2 levels and found significant differences between regions.
A new MIT study suggests that prioritizing polluting power plants in times of wind energy generation could quadruple the health benefits associated with wind power, resulting in $8.4 billion in nationwide health benefits. However, this approach would not address existing disparities in air pollution exposure among low-income and minori...
Researchers identified methane inhibitors and dietary changes that can decrease emissions with no negative effect on milk production. Increasing digestible forage intake or using the red macroalga Asparagopsis taxiformis may also be effective mitigation strategies.
Researchers warn of impending 35-60 year droughts in western US unless greenhouse gas emissions are curbed to limit warming to 2.5 degrees Celsius. Mountain snowpack is shrinking due to global warming, threatening agriculture, ecosystem support, and urban water supplies.
A KIT study reveals that low-temperature aquifer thermal energy storage is a promising technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from heating and cooling buildings. The study found that over 54% of German territory is suited well or very well for this system, with the potential to increase by 13% by 2100.
A new study models likely future cliff retreat rates of two rock coasts in the UK, finding that rock coasts are likely to retreat at a rate not seen for 3,000-5,000 years. The researchers predict that rock coast cliffs will retreat by at least 10-22 meters inland due to accelerating sea level rise.
A new study reveals that adopting high-yielding dairy cattle breeds and improving feed can help Tanzania increase milk production while reducing planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and alleviating poverty. The research found that better feed can increase milk yield by up to 179% and improve the country's climate commitments.
Global carbon emissions have reached a record high, with no indication of a decline to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The Global Carbon Project projects total global CO2 emissions of 40.6 billion tonnes in 2022, fueled by fossil CO2 emissions that are projected to rise 1.0% compared to 2021.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have identified promising new biofuels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% while improving fuel efficiency or reducing tailpipe emissions. The biofuels, developed using advanced engine design, can be blended with conventional fuels to improve engine performance and meet more ...
A new study finds that achieving access to minimum resources and services for all while safeguarding the Earth system requires redistribution and societal transformations. The research shows that the wealthiest individuals and societies must undergo transformative change to mitigate climate impacts, while the poor are not the primary c...
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
A study by Linköping University finds that current measurement methods are insufficient for reducing emissions and meeting the Paris Agreement's 2°C target. The researchers highlight the need for cheap and easy-to-use methods to track all types of greenhouse gas emissions at a local level.
Scientists have successfully tracked CO2 emissions from the Bełchatów power plant in Poland using existing satellites. The study demonstrates that tracking-at-the-source is already possible for 'super-emitters' like this facility, and its success is an important achievement. The results indicate that the EU's planned CO2M mission will ...
A University of Central Florida researcher is leading a $1.25 million project to map and manipulate materials at the nanoscale. The research aims to unlock new capabilities of materials at the nanoscale, potentially leading to new catalysts and compounds applicable in quantum science, renewable energy, life sciences and sustainability.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a flexible flow sensor that can measure shear stress and flow angle on curved surfaces. The sensor demonstrated effectiveness in measuring airflow speeds up to 170 m/s and has potential applications in industrial-scale fluid machinery.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases a position paper emphasizing the need for policy actions to address climate change, reduce hazardous substance exposure, and promote environmental justice. ACP calls for immediate action to limit global temperature rise and comprehensive efforts to achieve environmental justice.
A new system classifies atmospheres of distant planets to identify those suitable for future human habitation, without physically visiting them. The research study found that planet TRAPPIST-1e has a significantly more sensitive atmosphere than Earth, which could lead to extreme climate changes.
A comprehensive review of ocean warming reveals that global ocean heat content has increased by over 90% since the 1950s. The study predicts that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, ocean warming will continue to accelerate, leading to more intense storms, droughts, and sea-level rise.
Climate scientists predict faster-developing, wetter storms will ravage the U.S. Atlantic Coast as global temperatures rise. The study reveals a unique coastal phenomenon that fuels hurricane development, making it more common along the already hurricane-battered coastline.
A new study suggests that the US economy's supply chains cannot compensate for local production losses from hurricanes if climate change continues. The researchers found that even under moderate warming scenarios, hurricane damages will exceed the economy's coping capacities, leading to indirect economic effects and price increases for...
The ForestPaths project will co-design, quantify and evaluate forest-based solutions to meet the EU’s Climate Targets for 2030 and 2050. The project will work with practitioners, policymakers, and regional authorities to determine climate- and biodiversity-smart forest management options.
A University of California, Irvine study reveals that transitioning to cleaner trucks will have a greater impact on public health than building upgrades, benefiting low-income Californians most. Climate policy decisions must consider environmental justice implications to achieve equitable outcomes.
The study found that countries with strong institutions to absorb political opposition and compensate constituents are more successful at pioneering cleaner energy technologies. Countries like California and Germany have created insulation mechanisms, while others, like the US, rely on market-driven transitions.
Researchers used machine learning algorithms to optimize climate models, increasing their accuracy and detail. By applying Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to climate simulations, the team was able to improve the models' ability to represent extreme precipitation events.
Researchers develop breakthrough process to transform polyethylene into polypropylene, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by scalable and rapidly implementable method. The process could potentially save 3 million cars' worth of GHG emissions if 20% of global PE waste is recovered.
A multi-institutional team led by LSU researchers will investigate factors affecting natural methane emissions in Louisiana's coastal wetlands. The study aims to improve understanding of methane cycling processes, which are poorly understood and affect the conditions creating methane emissions.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $30 million grant to empower grassland farmers in climate-smart agriculture. The project aims to enhance operation resilience and optimize profitability while improving soil health and biodiversity.
A study by the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories reveals that synthetic nitrogen fertilisers contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers estimate that the supply chain for these fertilisers is responsible for emitting the equivalent of 1.13 gigatonnes of CO₂ in 2018.
Diatoms have a complex pathway to produce the brown pigment fucoxanthin, which enables efficient light harvesting during photosynthesis. The discovery provides new insights into the synthesis of this important pigment, with potential applications in biotechnology and ecology.
A consultant anaesthetist used a nitrous oxide cracking device to reduce her own exposure to the greenhouse gas during labour. The technology helps collect and break down nitrous oxide breathed out via a facemask, making it easier to use and reducing environmental harm.
A new study found that decarbonization efforts in Texas significantly reduce air pollution-related health effects, offsetting the cost of these efforts. However, Black and low-income communities still face higher levels of air pollution and related health effects.
Realizing net-zero food systems necessitates the adoption of new technologies and diet shifts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to achieve a net-zero emission global food system by 2050, with a roadmap outlining milestones for implementation by 2030 and 2040.
The TU Wien team has created a catalyst that can convert CO2 and methane into synthesis gas without the formation of carbon nanotubes. This approach, called dry reforming, has the potential to convert climate-damaging greenhouse gases into valuable products.
A new optimization model aims to improve the efficiency of bike-sharing systems by predicting user demand and adjusting service operations accordingly. The model has shown promising results, reducing problems by 41% compared to no rebalancing.
A new paper from Concordia University's Next-Generation Cities Institute outlines the challenges and realities of sustainable real estate development. The study identifies key stakeholders and building life-cycle processes to reduce carbon footprint. Cities can use municipal policies and incentives, such as fast-track zoning and densit...
A recent study published in One Earth explores the potential for utilizing urban tree waste to reduce global warming potential in the United States. The researchers found that adopting eco-friendly uses for urban tree waste could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. cities.
Researchers used satellite imagery and machine learning to pinpoint high-priority areas for deforestation action, reducing the target area by 160,000 km². The study reveals that only 37% of the last three years' deforestation rate was covered by official monitoring in the 11 municipalities.
Researchers found that non-growing season nitrous oxide emissions in the Midwest can account for up to 60% of annual emissions. Environmental factors such as precipitation and temperature drive these emissions, with more intensive freezing causing increased emissions in the southeastern Midwest.
Researchers have developed a prototype device that could replace traditional air conditioners with solid refrigerants, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The system uses pressure changes to cycle between solid and liquid states, efficiently cooling spaces without leaks.
Researchers at Iowa State University found a 900-year cooling trend in the Gulf of Maine, reversing to rapid warming since the late 1800s. The study used clam shell data and climate simulations to link the change to increased greenhouse gas concentrations.
A comprehensive assessment of scientific literature found that more than 58% of human diseases caused by pathogens have been aggravated by climatic hazards. The research identified 218 out of 375 known human pathogenic diseases affected by at least one climatic hazard via 1,006 unique pathways.
Experts argue that seagrasses are crucial for achieving the UN Sustainable Development goals due to their carbon absorption and biodiversity benefits. The conservation and restoration of seagrass meadows can help tackle climate change and promote biodiversity recovery, making them a nature-based solution for the planet's future.
Researchers at Radboud University found that using Phoslock can reduce methane emissions by up to 74% and dredging by approximately 52%. These methods target eutrophication, a key driver of methane production in lakes.
A new study by University of Bath psychologists found plant-based meat alternatives cause lower greenhouse gas emissions, require less agricultural land, and have better nutritional profiles compared to animal products. These findings support the use of plant-based products as a healthier and more sustainable solution for consumers.
Researchers at Van Andel Institute and University of Freiburg have discovered an enzyme that can break down nitrous oxide into harmless nitrogen and water. This breakthrough could potentially combat one of the main contributors to climate change, which accounts for only 7% of greenhouse gases but has a much greater impact.
Researchers found that greenhouse gases are the primary reason for increased temperatures and will likely continue to be the main cause of hotter temperatures in the future. The study suggests that extreme heatwave events will increase by more than 30 percentage points in coming years, with almost two-thirds caused by greenhouse gases.
A new study by Pusan National University researchers finds that dry heatwaves mainly occur in northwestern East Asia, while moist heatwaves prevail over southern East Asia. The study predicts more frequent dry heatwaves and longer-lasting moist heatwaves under climate change scenarios.
A recent study found that greenhouse gases are the primary reason for increased temperatures and will likely continue to be the main contributing factor. Simulations show that extreme heatwave events will increase by over 30 percentage points in coming years, primarily due to human-caused emissions.
Researchers at Heidelberg University have created crystalline materials that can selectively bind polyfluorinated hydrocarbons on their surface. The porous crystals show extremely high selectivity for adsorbing fluorine-containing greenhouse gases, which have a significant impact on global warming.
Researchers analyzed physiological parameters to understand metabolic and nutritional characteristics linked to enteric methane emissions in Japanese Black cattle. Cattle with high methane emissions were found to have a higher butyrate-to-propionate ratio, decreased amino acid levels, and increased insulin concentrations.
A Dartmouth study provides a scientific basis for climate liability claims between individual countries, linking national emissions to global economic losses and warming. The research estimates $6 trillion in cumulative losses attributable to the world's top emitters from 1990 to 2014.
Researchers from the University of York discovered a link between reducing particle pollution and increasing surface ozone pollution in some emerging economies. The study found that reducing particle pollution can lead to a 20-30% increase in ozone pollution, impacting health, ecosystems, and agriculture.