Articles tagged with Greenhouse Gases
A previously unknown source of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide has been found in East Siberian Yedoma permafrost. The discovery highlights the significance of thawing permafrost as a globally important positive feedback to climate change.
A study estimates that 55% of organic matter removed during wastewater treatment is refractory, leading to high greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers propose a new perspective on carbon neutrality in the industry by leaving non-toxic recalcitrant organic matter in the wastewater.
Researchers at Lehigh University are working on a project funded by the Good Food Institute grant to adapt human tissue engineering techniques for growing meat in the lab. The team is developing a scaffold for meat cells to grow on and using electrochemistry, nanomaterial design, and liposomal delivery vehicles to promote fibrous growth.
The global plastics supply chain has a significant impact on the climate, with production accounting for 96% of total greenhouse gas emissions. The use of coal-based energy in plastic production is driving this growth, with emissions quadrupling since 1995 and causing health issues like air pollution and asthma.
A recent study found that adopting a reduced meat diet can significantly improve human health, animal welfare, and the environment. The researchers compared different diets, including a Mediterranean diet with more fish and seafood, and a vegan diet, to a reference diet based on German Nutrition Society recommendations.
Researchers at MIT created a computational tool to minimize embodied carbon in truss structures by choosing between timber and steel. The analysis suggests that substituting materials or changing the structure can significantly reduce emissions, with potential savings of up to two times current levels.
A new analysis found that non-vegetarian diets result in higher greenhouse gas emissions than vegetarian diets, while a diet rich in nutrients and low in saturated fats can significantly reduce emissions. The study suggests small changes, such as cutting out sweets or switching brands, can make big environmental gains.
A study by Technical University of Munich found that major tech companies significantly underreported CO2 emissions from their value chain, with 50% of emissions omitted in 2019. The researchers developed a method to identify reporting gaps and estimated the omitted emissions at 751 megatons carbon dioxide equivalents.
Researchers conclude that nitrous oxide's effect on the ozone layer raises the social cost of this gas by 20 percent, impacting human health and plant life. Improving accuracy could spur nations to more aggressively address climate change and influence policy decisions.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new approach to modify the surface of copper catalysts, improving the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels. The technique involves coating the copper with thin films of ionomers, which steer the reaction towards generating carbon-rich products.
A new study suggests that UK plant-based alternative food consumption has nearly doubled over the past decade, with younger generations and women being more likely to adopt this diet. The research found that plant-based milks were the most popular among the UK population, followed by vegan sausages and vegetable burgers.
A University of Arizona-led study reconstructs Earth's climate since the last ice age, highlighting unprecedented global temperatures and the speed of human-caused warming. The research combines two independent datasets to create a more complete picture of past temperatures.
Chemists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed a method to produce cement by milling instead of burning lime, reducing CO2 emissions. The process could be implemented on an industrial scale, but further development is needed.
The tropopause is rising at a steady pace since 1980 due to human-induced warming of the lower atmosphere. This trend continues even as stratospheric temperatures stabilize after ozone depletion efforts.
A new study published in Science assesses updated climate pledges and finds they could limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius with a 34% chance. Even more ambitious targets would increase the likelihood of staying below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
A new study highlights the need for sustainable dietary choices to reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing discretionary foods like sweets, pastries, and processed meats can help lower emissions, which contribute to climate change.
A study analyzed grocery purchase records of 57,000 US households and identified three ways to reduce food-based carbon footprints: meal planning, using local produce, and reducing meat consumption. The research suggests that 71% of households can decrease their emissions by implementing these strategies.
Researchers found that most coralline algae are negatively impacted by ocean acidification, with decreases in abundance and calcification rates. However, some species, like those in the family Mesophyllumaceae, appear to be more resilient to ocean acidification.
Researchers used computer simulations to predict the presence of hydroxyl radicals, which clean pollutants from the atmosphere. The study showed that traditional models had widely varying forecasts due to uncertainties in gas emissions, and that better models can aid in combating climate change.
At COP26, anaesthesia providers agree to reduce their environmental impact by implementing seven principles: prioritizing patient safety, supporting global sustainability, and monitoring healthcare systems. The goal is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 while minimizing material resources and financial investment.
Researchers identified three MOFs providing the most energy efficient capture of SF6 under vacuum swing adsorption, while two others showed best performance under pressure swing adsorption. The study suggests that materials optimal for one process may not be optimal for the other.
Research finds that overlapping weather extremes increase global economic losses by an average of 20% due to supply shortages and price increases. Richer economies are hit harder, with China experiencing above-average losses of over 27%.
A new study reveals that methane emissions from US cities are 2-10 times higher than recent estimates, with Boston's emissions being six times higher due to pipeline and end-use emitters. The research found that seasonal consumption-based emissions account for 56% of total natural gas emissions in Boston.
Historical analysis found no precedent for the rate of coal and gas power decline required to limit climate change to 1.5°C. Rapid declines in fossil fuel use occurred in response to energy security threats, but such cases are less relevant to climate scenarios where continental-size regions are involved.
A new study maps global cropland nitrous oxide emissions and finds that reducing fertilizer application over 20% of the world's croplands could achieve 65% of global mitigation potential. The research identifies hotspots of high emissions in humid subtropical regions, where climate and soil characteristics play a significant role.
New research from the University of Arizona suggests that a slowdown in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will intensify extreme cold weather in the US. The study found that without the AMOC, extremely cold winter weather would become more frequent and severe.
Researchers warn that global warming could make the Amazon barren, the Midwest tropical, and India too hot to live in by 2500. Climate models project a future where vegetation and crop-growing areas shift towards the poles, leading to drastic changes and potential human fatalities.
Dr. Mohammad Al Hashmi's research focuses on reducing energy consumption in residential buildings in hot and arid climates using renewable energy systems such as solar and wind power. His framework combines building interventions and clean energy approaches to minimize environmental impact.
Scientists at Kyoto University have created a simple method to convert CO2 into metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), offering a promising approach to dispose of the greenhouse gas. The new technique, which requires lower temperatures and pressures, demonstrates potential for widespread adoption and could help mitigate global warming.
A new model, developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers, identifies coal- and natural gas-fired electricity generation plants suitable for carbon capture technologies. The tool takes into account various factors like plant age, efficiency, location, and technology to explore optimal CO2 reduction strategies at an affordable cost.
Research highlights five key areas where people of high socioeconomic status have a disproportionate impact on global greenhouse gas emissions. These include influencing consumer behavior, investments, organizational practices, social movements, and access to decision-makers.
Researchers believe that wind and hydropower are the most promising renewable energy sources in Russia, with suitable areas for installation identified. However, the transition to these energy sources has been slow due to reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
The study aims to improve understanding of decarbonization's impact on human health, focusing on the US energy, food, and health nexus. It will develop a framework integrating these sectors to identify strategies yielding overall health benefits.
A new study suggests that extending the life of current cars can reduce CO2 emissions significantly more than replacing them with new, green vehicles. By keeping and using cars longer, the decrease in manufacturing emissions offsets additional emissions produced by existing cars.
ORNL is increasing its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the US agricultural sector through science-based changes in practices. The lab has discovered a single gene that can make crops more drought-tolerant and productive, while also pulling CO2 from the atmosphere.
A new study using Argo system ocean temperature data refines climate modeling predictions by identifying models most consistent with observations. The analysis shows that land and air temperatures only tell part of the story, with oceans storing 90% of the planet's heat.
A team of researchers has successfully toilet-trained 11 out of 16 calves, reducing the risk of ammonia emissions and improving farm efficiency. The MooLoo training method involved rewarding successful latrine use and using gentle deterrents to encourage correct behavior.
Research suggests that climate-caused disruptions to the jet stream's position and intensity could lead to severe weather-related consequences. The study's findings imply that continued warming could cause significant deviations from the norm, rendering the jet stream drastically different within a matter of decades.
A new study suggests that computing and ICT could be responsible for a greater share of greenhouse gas emissions than previously thought, potentially surpassing the aviation industry. The researchers argue that historical evidence shows ICT's footprint has increased despite efficiency gains.
A new study introduces a wild-grass chromosome segment that inhibits nitrification, reducing fertilizer use and nitrous oxide emissions in wheat crops. The technology has the potential to increase yields and grain quality in both well-fertilized and nitrogen-poor soils.
Researchers predict huge petrol and emissions savings from implementing fuel economy standards in Malaysia. If adopted, the standards would save 16.2 billion litres of petrol and reduce CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions by 37.6 million tons.
A new study simulates global warming at unprecedented resolution, revealing that increasing CO2 concentrations will weaken the intensity of the ENSO temperature cycle. This could lead to fewer El Niño and La Niña events, with potential implications for rainfall extremes.
A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that between 10.3% and 82% of the global ocean may experience new climates with higher temperatures and lower aragonite saturation by 2100. The disappearance of these climates could force marine species to adapt rapidly or disappear.
A global inventory reveals oil refineries emitted 1.3Gt CO2 in 2018, with potential emissions of 16.5Gt by 2030 if no mitigation strategies are adopted. Researchers recommend improving refinery efficiency and upgrading technologies to reduce emissions.
Researchers found that robots and vehicle automation account for a small percentage of greenhouse gas emissions, with delivery vehicle size and fuel source having larger impacts. A human-driven, battery-powered cargo van has the lowest per-package footprint among analyzed methods.
Researchers found that climate change will amplify the temporary cooling caused by large eruptions and reduce its effect on small- and medium-sized eruptions. The study used global climate models to simulate how volcanic aerosols might be affected by warming scenarios.
Researchers at Lehigh University have developed an energy-saving desalination process using carbon dioxide, which can reduce water pretreatment required and cost savings. The HIX-Desal technology has shown promising results in reducing salinity of treated wastewater by over 60% without the need for reverse osmosis.
A new model developed by Stanford researchers provides a more accurate baseline for tracking methane emissions from oil and gas operations. The model, which uses bottom-up approach with component-level data, closely approximates top-down inventories and highlights specific activities that should be targeted for remediation or regulation.
Hailin Li, a WVU engineer, will lead a project to develop a software platform that simulates heavy-duty diesel engines with advanced after-treatment systems. The goal is to improve engine efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions, which will help cut greenhouse gases and pollutants from the transportation sector.
A new study reveals significant differences in forest recovery rates across Amazonian countries, with some experiencing little to no recovery even 20 years after deforestation. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to protect and restore remaining forests.
Scientists propose integrated strategy combining climate action with policies for development, food access, equity, and environmental sustainability. The Sustainable Development Pathway aims to reconcile decent living with ecological boundaries.
A new study suggests that thawing permafrost in Siberia may release large amounts of methane gas from limestone formations, posing a significant threat to global warming. Elevated methane concentrations were detected in two areas with limestone bedrock, indicating that fracture systems in these formations became permeable upon warming.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology estimates the median cost of plugging abandoned oil and gas wells at $76,000, with costs varying widely based on location, age, and other factors. The analysis of over 19,500 orphaned wells across the US provides valuable insights for regulators to adjust bonding requirements ...
A new study suggests that droughts in South America will increase by the end of the century due to rising temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions. The study used 38 Global Climate Models to analyze temperature and precipitation changes across the continent.
A study from University of Michigan researchers found that electric delivery vehicle charging practices can greatly impact their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Optimizing charging strategies can lower emissions by up to 37% and protect investment. Charging from a cleaner energy source, such as renewables, is key.
A new study reveals that 25 megacities globally produce over half of the world's urban greenhouse gas emissions. Cities in developed countries like Europe, US, and Australia have significantly higher per capita emissions than those in developing areas. The majority of emissions come from stationary energy and transportation sectors.
A new study using EDGAR database shows that urbanisation has led to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions in high-income countries. The majority of global emissions occur in urban areas, with some exceptions like NH3 emissions, which are mostly driven by agricultural activities.
A $10 million grant from The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research will support a six-year project to measure dairy farming's greenhouse gas footprint and develop strategies to reduce emissions. The study aims to make the US dairy industry carbon neutral while supporting farmer livelihoods.
Researchers developed county-level nitrogen application datasets for corn, improving the accuracy of greenhouse gas calculations. The new approach found excess nitrogen application in most US corn-producing counties, particularly in the Midwest and Northern Plains.
Simulations show domino effects at up to 2°C global warming, increasing risk of irreversible climate change. Rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions is indispensable to limit risks of crossing tipping points.