Greenhouse Gas Emissions

A new report from the WMO says that atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations are at record highs – and still increasing

Environment

UN greenhouse gas report paints 2018 as multi-record-breaking year

A new UN report, the Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, says that in 2018, the globally-averaged concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere was 407.8 parts per million (ppm), a new record high that hasn’t been seen in millions of years.

Heliogen's concentrating solar system in California has reached temperatures in excess of 1,000° C

Energy

Concentrated solar viable for industrial uses after exceeding 1,000°C

California-based Heliogen has reaching temperatures of more than 1,000° C (1,832° F) with its concentrating solar thermal system, expanding the technology's potential from electricity generation to various industrial processes.

A new study finds that agriculture is releasing more nitrous oxide into the atmosphere than previously thought

Environment

Dangerous N2O emissions have been underestimated, says new report

Greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide can be worse than carbon dioxide. Now, a new study has found that we’re releasing more N2O into the atmosphere than we thought, which may weaken our already-strained efforts to combat climate change.

Formula 1 has laid out a plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030

Automotive

Formula 1 announces plan to go carbon neutral by 2030

It may not come as a huge surprise that the Formula 1 World Championship generates massive amounts of CO2. It has today, however, pledged to clean up its act in a big way, with a commitment to become entirely carbon neutral by 2030.

Researchers have found that ocean acidification increases the amount of nitrous oxide released into the atmosphere

Environment

Acidic oceans may release more nitrous oxide into the atmosphere

Scientists have uncovered an unfortunate feedback loop that could make things worse for the climate. According to a new study, ocean acidification seems to increase the amount of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, that’s released into the air.

According to recent research, a lactating cow produces about 322g of methane per day

Environment

Agri-waste livestock feed could reduce greenhouse gas emissions

The burning of agricultural waste and the methane that's burped up by cows are two major sources of greenhouse gases. An experimental new type of animal feed, however, is aimed at reducing both the burning and the burps.

A new climate report highlights how far off track we are from meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement

Environment

New climate report highlights how far we are from Paris goals

A new climate report from the World Meteorological Organization highlights how far off track we are from meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Researchers have investigated the gut microbes of sheep to find ways to reduce agricultural methane emissions

Environment

Manipulating gut microbes in livestock could cut their methane emissions

Livestock like sheep and cows are responsible for huge amounts of methane emissions. Now, an international team of researchers has analyzed the gut microbes of different sheep and found clues that may help us curb the problem.

Researchers have found that deep sea gas reservoirs could be a huge source of carbon dioxide emissions that we aren't yet accounting for in climate change models

Environment

Carbon reservoirs in the ocean floor may have ended the last ice age – and could bubble up again

A study has found a huge new potential source of carbon emissions: reservoirs of gases trapped at the seafloor, which could be released as the oceans warm up. And the team suggests that these gases belched up from the deep thousands of years ago and put an end to the last ice age.

Scientists release a balloon to study the ozone layer

Environment

Banned ozone-destroying chemical is probably still in use

Back in 1987, the global community signed an agreement known as The Montreal Protocol, which called for all countries to phase out the production of ozone-layer-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). According to a new study, however, one of the most abundant CFCs is likely still being made.

Homes built in accordance with the 2019 standards should use about 53 percent less energy than those built under the existing 2016 standards

Environment

Starting in 2020, solar panels will be required on all new California houses

As of Jan. 1st, 2020, all new homes built in California will be required to have solar photovoltaic systems. The ruling is part of the California Energy Commission's newly-instituted 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

MIT researchers say volcanic ash has a number of advantages as an ingredient in the cement manufacturing recipe

Materials

Cement made with volcanic ash can make cities stronger and greener

Scientists are continually searching for greener ways of producing cement, which is an energy-intensive process. Now an MIT team has found that pulverizing volcanic ash and adding it to the mix not only makes the process more environmentally friendly, but the resulting structures stronger as well.