Taking more carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere by stashing it in the ocean seems like a good idea, but it could backfire if tiny marine animals called zooplankton get extra hungry.
Trees are supposed to grow faster as a result of increased CO₂ in the atmosphere - but this research suggests there are many exceptions to the rule.
Afforestation is one way to offset greenhouse gas emissions. Yet it is not always easy to navigate the different types of projects or methods available, and the possibility of greenwashing is ever-present.
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Offsetting greenhouse gas emissions can be an effective tool for limiting global warming. But many offset projects fail to meet their GHG reduction targets.
A new report from the Transport Energy/Emission Research consultancy examines Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, finding it was weakened by late changes.
What makes sense for the planet also increasingly does so for business.
Internal carbon prices – also known as shadow carbon pricing – could prod companies into taking decisions that are good for both business and the planet.
When it comes to storing carbon, alpine peatlands are powerhouses. But feral horse grazing and trampling tips the carbon balance in the other direction. We need to protect and restore our peatlands.
Cattle emit a lot of methane, but they also provide livelihoods and environmental services.
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Knowing which parts of Africa best help to store carbon means funding and policy efforts can be directed to protecting and increasing this carbon ‘land sink’.
Aedes aegypti, found across much of the U.S., spread Zika, dengue, chikungunya and other viruses.
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Female mosquitoes don’t want to lay their eggs alone, but they don’t want sites that are too crowded either. Understanding what guides their choice could inform new control strategies.
The complex effects of planting more trees need to be taken into consideration.
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The most comprehensive Australian carbon budget assessment completed to date shows the nation flip-flops from source to sink of carbon emissions, depending on the prevailing conditions.
Record emissions are fast shrinking the remaining amount of carbon dioxide we can emit if we are to limit global warming. At current rates, we’ll use up the budget for a 1.5°C outcome in seven years.
Steel production in an electric arc furnace.
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Climate modelling that best accounts for the processes that sustain plant life predicts plants could absorb up to 20% more CO₂ than the simplest version predicted.
For a two-in-three chance of staying within 1.5°C, the budget shrinks to one-and-a-half years.
The U.S. government is the single largest buyer of services and goods, like vehicles. That has an impact on the economy.
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The Biden administration directed agencies to consider the cost of greenhouse gas emissions in their future purchasing and budget decisions. An example shows just how much is at stake.