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Load up the hydrogen but hold the carbon

A Kyoto University-led team has created a novel hydrogen plant design that harnesses fully renewable resources to produce clean hydrogen with minimal associated CO2 emissions. The SABI-Hydrogen system uses solar heating and biomass gasification to produce hydrogen, resulting in an emission rate of only 1.04kg CO2/kg hydrogen produced.

SourceKyoto University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2022

New catalytic approach directly converts raw biomass into natural gas with low carbon footprint

A new catalytic approach directly converts solid biomass into natural gas with a low carbon footprint, achieving nearly complete conversion of various agricultural and forestry materials. This process reduces fossil energy depletion and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 26% and 34%, respectively.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 11, 2022

Indigenous territories fight climate change

Researchers found that Indigenous Territories are as effective as Protected Areas in preserving forest's carbon stocks, with some areas showing up to 10% more carbon storage. The study suggests that securing land titles and formalizing forest co-governance can bring multiple benefits for both indigenous people and national governments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2021

The Arctic's greening, but it won't save us

New research suggests that the Arctic's increasing plant biomass is not enough to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, as most of it is released through fires and timber harvests. The study estimates that only 430 million metric tons of biomass have accumulated over 31 years, with much of it being lost due to wildfires.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 29, 2021

Cleaner water through corn

Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have developed an energy-efficient way to convert corn stover into activated carbon for water treatment. The process produces activated carbon that absorbs up to 98% of vanillin from water, showcasing a promising approach to combating climate change by repurposing idle resources.

Soil bugs munch on plastics

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that soil microorganisms degrade films composed of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), a biodegradable polymer. This discovery demonstrates the true biodegradation of a plastic material in soils, offering a potential solution to plastic pollution.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 25, 2018

New fuel cell technology runs on solid carbon

Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory have developed a new fuel cell technology powered by solid carbon, which can utilize three times as much carbon as earlier designs. The innovation enables lower temperatures and higher power densities, making it potentially more efficient than conventional hydrogen fuel cells.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 22, 2018

Wood not so green a biofuel

A Dartmouth-led study finds that logging can release large amounts of carbon stored in deep forest soils, potentially offsetting the benefits of using wood for energy. The research suggests that increased reliance on forest biomass may actually increase atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 11, 2013

Sizing up biomass from space

Researchers developed a new randomization protocol to accurately estimate total biomass in forests. The GLAS approach shows promise in standardizing global forest biomass inventory and improving spatial and temporal coverage.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCarbon Balance and Management·DateOct 30, 2012

Pacific Northwest forests could store more carbon, help address greenhouse issues

Scientists at Oregon State University found that Pacific Northwest forests have significant potential to increase carbon storage, with estimated increases of 15% if all forest stands were allowed to increase in age by 50 years. This region accounts for 14% of the live biomass in the entire US and has already sequestered 30-50% of emiss...

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 2, 2009