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Greenhouse Gas

All articles tagged with #greenhouse gas

politics1 year ago

Senate Rejects Biden's Highway Emissions Rule, Defying Administration

The Senate voted to overturn a Biden administration rule regulating greenhouse gas emissions on the federal highway system, with support from three red-state Democrats and every Republican. The rule, which requires local and state transit officials to set emissions limits, faces a potential veto from President Biden. The vote comes after a judge struck down the rule, and the measure's opponents argue that it exceeds federal oversight of the highway system. The Biden administration has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation to net zero by 2050, but conservation groups have criticized the Senate's decision, warning of potential consequences for tracking climate pollution and holding states accountable.

environment1 year ago

"California Tops U.S. in Emissions of Potent Greenhouse Gas"

California, known for its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is the largest emitter of the climate-warming pesticide sulfuryl fluoride in the U.S., accounting for 85% of the country's emissions. The pesticide is primarily used for termite fumigation, with 90% of the gas escaping into the atmosphere after tents are opened. Environmental groups have petitioned for its phase-out due to its significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions and human health risks. Despite opposition from the pesticide manufacturer, alternatives such as orange oil treatments are being promoted as safer and more environmentally friendly options.

climate1 year ago

Landfill Methane: A Major Contributor to Climate Change

A study published in the journal Science reveals that landfills are emitting methane, a potent greenhouse gas, at almost three times the rate previously reported to federal regulators. This makes landfills the third-largest source of human-caused methane emissions, contributing significantly to climate change. The study's findings highlight the need for increased awareness and action to address methane emissions from landfills.

science-and-environment1 year ago

"Breakthrough: Oregon State Scientists Uncover Carbon-Capturing Metal"

Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered that the metal vanadium, when bound with oxygen molecules as peroxide, can effectively pull carbon dioxide from the air. This process could potentially aid in capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to mitigate the impacts of global climate change. The discovery, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, offers a new approach to filtering greenhouse gases and could complement efforts in rapid decarbonization and the preservation of natural ecosystems.

science-and-technology1 year ago

"Chinese-Led Team Achieves Milestone in Carbon Dioxide Reduction"

A Chinese-led team at Huazhong University of Science and Technology has developed an electrolysis system that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into formic acid, a valuable chemical product, with a record-breaking stability of over 5,000 hours. This breakthrough, published in the journal Nature, is seen as a significant step towards industrial use and could have applications in various sectors including chemical, energy, and agriculture. The system utilizes components from lead-acid batteries and offers a greener and more sustainable approach to carbon dioxide conversion, potentially aiding in the decarbonization of carbon-intensive industries.

environment2 years ago

"Unveiling the World's Top Methane Emitters: Satellite Images Expose the Source"

Satellite images from environmental intelligence company Kayrros have identified the world’s 1,300 largest methane-polluting sites, exposing gas wells, pipelines, coal mines, and waste sites in countries like Turkmenistan, India, Russia, Australia, and the United States. This revelation presents an urgent call to action and an opportunity for targeted reduction, as methane has a significant impact on Earth's temperature and public health. With national methane monitoring and repair policies being implemented and over 150 world governments joining the Global Methane Pledge, the path to a cooler future is illuminated, while Kayrros plans to continue monitoring and sharing its findings to hold governments and businesses accountable.

climate2 years ago

"Biden's Actions Spark Controversy Over US Energy Projects"

The White House has postponed a decision on the approval of the Calcasieu Pass 2 natural gas megaproject, a move that has been welcomed by climate activists who have been campaigning against the project due to its potential impact on the environment. The project, which would significantly increase the export of liquefied natural gas from the United States, has been criticized for its contribution to fossil fuel dependence and its potential to exacerbate climate change.

environment2 years ago

"US Proposes Fines for Oil and Gas Companies Over Methane Emissions"

The Biden administration plans to impose a fee on oil and gas companies for excess methane emissions, with penalties ranging from $900 to $1,500 per ton. This move is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce methane emissions, which are a significant contributor to global warming. While the industry largely supports efforts to detect and stop methane leaks, it opposes the monetary penalties, arguing that they would raise energy costs for consumers. Environmental groups are concerned about the reliance on self-reporting by energy producers and the lack of government verification. The proposed regulation will undergo a 45-day public comment period before becoming final.

environment2 years ago

"U.S. Carbon Emissions Decline Slowly Despite Coal Reduction"

Despite a 2.4 percent increase in GDP, U.S. greenhouse gas emissions fell by 1.9 percent in 2023, matching 1991 levels, with the power sector leading the decline. However, transportation emissions increased by 1.6 percent due to more plane travel and miles driven. The rise in gasoline demand contrasts with record-high electric vehicle sales, indicating increased driving outweighed fuel efficiency gains. To meet Paris Agreement targets, the U.S. must reduce emissions by 6.9 percent annually until 2030.

environment2 years ago

"U.S. Carbon Emissions Decline in 2023 Amid Coal Plant Closures"

America's carbon emissions from energy and industrial activities fell by 1.9% in 2023, marking the first decline since the pandemic began, while the economy continued to grow. The power grid drove most of the emissions reductions, with climate pollution from the power sector falling by 8%. A warm winter also contributed to a decrease in building emissions. However, transportation and industrial emissions rose, posing challenges to meeting the country's climate goals under the Paris Agreement.

environment2 years ago

Breakthrough Methane Degradation Technology Promises Cleaner Air and Livestock Facilities

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new technology called Methane Eradication Photochemical System (MEPS) that can break down methane 100 million times faster than natural processes. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, takes up to 12 years to decompose naturally and is 85 times worse for the climate than carbon dioxide over a 25-year period. The researchers have formed a company to make this technology available to society, aiming to reduce methane levels and mitigate the impact of climate change.

climate-change2 years ago

CO2's Increasing Potency as a Greenhouse Gas: A Call to Action

A new study reveals that the climate response to increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere may actually make CO2 itself a more potent greenhouse gas, exacerbating global warming. The research suggests that as CO2 concentrations rise, the Earth's temperature increases, leading to a positive feedback loop where higher temperatures cause more CO2 to be released from natural sources, further intensifying the greenhouse effect. This finding highlights the urgent need to reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

environment2 years ago

Canada Implements Ambitious Emissions Cap for Oil-and-Gas Industry

Canada plans to implement a cap-and-trade system to impose greenhouse gas emission limits on its oil-and-gas industry, becoming one of the first major global oil producers to do so. The government aims to issue emissions allowances to producers, capping them between 35% and 38% below 2019 levels by 2030. These allowances will be gradually reduced until the industry achieves net zero emissions by 2050.

climate-change2 years ago

The Increasing Potency of Carbon Dioxide in a Changing Climate

A new study led by scientists at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science reveals that carbon dioxide (CO2) becomes a more potent greenhouse gas as its concentration increases in the atmosphere. The researchers found that the cooling of the stratosphere caused by increasing CO2 concentrations leads to subsequent increases in CO2 having a larger heat-trapping effect, making it more potent as a greenhouse gas. This finding has significant implications for understanding past and future climate changes and highlights the urgency of curbing carbon emissions to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change.

environment2 years ago

Mysterious Methane Leak Perplexes Scientists in Baltic Sea

Scientists in Sweden have discovered a large and unusual methane leak in the Baltic Sea, estimated to be around 20 square kilometers in size. The leak is releasing bubbles of methane that are making their way to the surface. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and is responsible for about 30% of the global rise in temperatures. The researchers believe that the oxygen-free conditions in the deep water of the Baltic Sea may be allowing the bubbles to retain more methane, making their transport to the surface more efficient. The team also suspects that there may be similar leaks in other areas of the Baltic Sea.