Carbon Sequestration: Transforming CO2 into Rocks and Harnessing Hydrogen for a Sustainable Future

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Carbfix Facility in Iceland

Oksana Valiukevicien/Alamy

The demand for clean hydrogen is escalating as it is crucial for processes that cannot solely rely on renewable electricity. Innovative methods are emerging to generate substantial amounts of hydrogen from underground rocks while effectively sequestering carbon dioxide.

Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have validated this hydrogen production process using common rock types in laboratory settings. They are actively seeking partnerships with industry players to launch demonstration experiments.

“Our goal is to prove that hydrogen can be produced economically while simultaneously capturing CO2,” states Orsolya Gerensel. She also mentions the potential for concurrent geothermal energy generation.

Hydrogen combustion results in only water vapor, making it a clean energy source that can significantly contribute to achieving net-zero emissions. It is particularly valuable for decarbonizing industrial processes like fertilizer and steel production.

However, the current majorities of hydrogen production stem from fossil fuels, which release considerable CO2. Transitioning to renewable methods, like using wind or solar power to split water, can mitigate these emissions.

Although the use of renewable energy for hydrogen production is gaining traction, current costs remain high, and large-scale production requires massive amounts of green energy, limiting its availability for other critical areas like phasing out coal plants.

This has sparked renewed interest in natural hydrogen from geological sources. Various processes can generate hydrogen in sedimentary rocks, and under optimal conditions, it can be extracted similarly to natural gas. While some researchers are optimistic about abundant natural hydrogen reserves, others, including Gerensel, express caution about its potential limitations.

Presently, the village of Bourakebugou in Mali is the only known location extracting nearly pure natural hydrogen, albeit on a small scale.

“This is a unique situation,” Gerensel explains. Due to typically low hydrogen production rates and the challenge of accumulating it beneath impermeable rocks, large-scale natural deposits are rare.

To overcome this, many teams worldwide are researching ways to artificially stimulate hydrogen production from rocks. This method is termed stimulated hydrogen generation, and various trial techniques are already in progress.

One approach involves pumping groundwater. When water interacts with specific rock types, it produces hydrogen through a process known as serpentinization, offering a substantial hydrogen source. Increasing water flow can further accelerate this process.

Gerensel and her research team found that adding CO2 to the water could enhance the reaction with rocks, sequestering the carbon in the form of carbonates. A firm named Carbfix is already mineralizing CO2 in Iceland by injecting it into water at geothermal plants.

In their lab tests using iron-rich volcanic rock, the team replicated deep subsurface conditions by heating rock samples to 90 degrees Celsius under pressure, supplementing with water containing CO2 or an inert gas. The results indicated that CO2-rich water released more hydrogen, likely due to the formation of carbonic acid that promotes rock dissolution, thus enhancing the hydrogen production reaction. Furthermore, the addition of nickel chloride as a catalyst significantly boosted production, Gerensel shared at a recent European Geosciences Union meeting in Vienna.

Theoretically, they could release about 0.5 percent hydrogen from the water-rock reaction, though achieving 1% efficiency is necessary for economic viability. One strategy to improve this is by drilling deeper into high-temperature areas to foster serpentinization, even if it raises costs. The potential exists to utilize higher temperatures for geothermal power generation.

Vast deposits of iron-rich rocks exist globally, and even achieving just 1% efficiency could yield significantly more hydrogen than the current annual global production of 100 million tons.

“Good work” praises Barbara Sherwood Lollar from the University of Toronto.

“Interest is clearly rising in strategies that link stimulated geological hydrogen production with CO2 mineralization,” comments Aliaksey Patnia from the University of Oxford, UK. “Numerous groups and startups are probing various adaptations of this concept.”

If firms can sequester CO2 effectively, as Carbfix does, they can enhance project viability and attract investors through potential revenue streams. Nonetheless, the practical feasibility of either method remains to be evaluated.

Sherwood Lollar argues for a deeper exploration of stimulated hydrogen production techniques beyond relying solely on known natural reserves. Her team discovered that a mine in Timmins, Ontario, emits about 140 tons of hydrogen annually, presenting local exploitation opportunities.

“There isn’t a single answer,” she asserts. “Multiple potential strategies must be explored and expedited.”

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Initial Tests Show Green Sand Carbon Dioxide Removal Poses No Threat to Marine Life

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Beach in Southampton, New York Treated with Olivine Sand

Cheyenne Morrow

Initial studies of adding crushed olivine to ocean waters for atmospheric carbon dioxide absorption showed no adverse effects on the seafloor ecosystem during the first year.

While the New York State trial offers promising findings for this innovative carbon removal technology, researchers advise caution, as it may not encapsulate all potential negative impacts.

Emilia Jankowska from Hourglass Climate, the nonprofit organization conducting the study, stated that while the addition of olivine to the ocean should be regulated, “there are methods to minimize effects while maintaining effectiveness.”

The UN climate change agency highlights the necessity for carbon removal strategies, including reforestation and advanced carbon filtration methods, to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. With rising emissions, the aspiration to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius remains a challenge.

Olivine, a magnesium iron silicate mineral, is often found within the Earth’s mantle and reacts with CO2 when reaching the surface, forming stable compounds that can sequester carbon in the ocean for millennia.

A recent study indicated that spreading crushed olivine and similar silicates on crops could enhance this process, potentially removing up to 1.1 billion tons of CO2 annually. U.S. startup Vesta aims to introduce olivine directly into ocean waters, facilitating increased carbon absorption through bicarbonate formation.

However, olivine may contain trace amounts of heavy metals. Research has detected elevated nickel and chromium levels in crustaceans and mollusks exposed to olivine. There are concerns about sand potentially suffocating benthic organisms, such as crustaceans and worms.

In 2022, Vesta distributed 650 tons of olivine sand along Long Island’s coast, overlaying it with 13,500 tons of regular sand for shore reinforcement. However, as storms intensified, tides washed away much of the olivine.

Researchers collected sediment samples from shallow waters up to 160 meters offshore before and after adding olivine, and a year later. They compared these to samples from areas where only regular sand or no sand was added.

Among numerous species, only a minor decline was observed in the fringe bloodworm within the olivine-treated area, with overall benthic species’ abundance and diversity rebounding within two months. Species composition shifted similarly in regions where only regular sand was used, indicating common beach aquaculture practices.

Crucially, nickel, chromium, cobalt, and manganese concentrations in organisms remained low. “Natural systems are highly dynamic, causing dissolved elements to dilute rapidly,” Jankowska remarked.

While Vesta oversaw environmental monitoring for these trials, the analyses conducted by Hourglass were independently funded by the Grantham Foundation.

Olivine’s dissolution in ocean waters may lead to calcium carbonate precipitating from seawater, potentially trapping trace metals, as noted by Christopher Pierce at the UK National Marine Centre. Nevertheless, this might limit the additional CO2 absorption capacity of seawater.

This significant research transitions understanding from laboratory settings to real-world applications. Further investigation remains essential to comprehend varying biological responses and infection rates associated with CO2 ingestion.

Nonetheless, the study’s assertion of no negative effects may overstate the findings, according to James Kelly of Ocean Care. He notes that fluctuations in olivine concentrations could imply limited exposure, questioning the notion that olivine is inherently safe.

Hourglass Climate is currently tracking the results from a large-scale trial with Vesta. In 2024, 8,200 tons of olivine were identified 450 meters offshore from Duck, North Carolina. Preliminary insights suggest recovery in species richness and diversity, although metal accumulation analysis is ongoing.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Does Burying Dead Trees After a Wildfire Trap Carbon Emissions?

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Remnants of Wildfire in Glacier National Park, Montana

Gorsky/Nurfoto/Shutterstock

Wildfire Impact in Glacier National Park — Remnants of Wildfire in Glacier National Park, Montana

Gorsky/Nurfoto/Shutterstock

In 2021, underground coal seams ignited,
sparking a wildfire in Poverty Flats, Montana, that scorched 267 square kilometers and decimated about 50,000 trees, primarily ponderosa pines. This devastation impacted ranching operations at Gentry Ranch, where cattle found shade.

Scorched remnants remained scattered across the barren landscape. These “widows” pose risks, as they can drop unexpectedly, causing harm to livestock and potentially fueling future wildfires. Traditional methods would involve burning the downed trees, releasing approximately 7,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.

However, innovative excavating tactics were employed. A bulldozer and specialized felling machinery relocated the trees into a 5,000 square meter pit, which was subsequently covered with six meters of earth, gravel, and polypropylene cloth. Mast Reforestation, the organization behind this initiative, asserts that this process will inhibit decay for centuries, thus curbing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating future wildfire risks. They also have the opportunity to generate carbon credits to finance the planting of new trees.

“This is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for forest management, it’s a significant advancement,” declares Grant Canary from Mast Reforestation.

The United Nations Climate Change Agency states that offsetting hard-to-reduce emissions will require CO2 extraction techniques, including tree planting and air filtration systems. Plants, including trees, absorb CO2 as they grow, but they also release it upon decay. To combat this paradox, startups are converting forestry and agricultural residues into biochar, which can be applied to fields, formed into bricks, or stored underground.

Mast has expanded its focus to include wildfire-damaged timber. Historically, the West has experienced wildfires that have grown exponentially larger, with current conditions potentially leading to another severe wildfire season following this spring’s extreme heat.

Approximately half of wood mass remains after a wildfire, with carbon content remaining substantial. For the Gentry project, Mast meticulously calculated the CO2-equivalent mass of logged trees, estimating around 7,000 tons using nitrogen and moisture levels, eventually selling 4,277 verified carbon credits through the Puro.Earth registry.

For bulk buyers, these carbon credits are available for less than $200 each—more expensive than traditional tree-planting credits but competitive with biochar credits.

Ponderosa Pine Seedlings on Eastern Montana Property Affected by Wildfires

Mast Reforestation

Mast has allocated a portion of its profits to cultivate seedlings, planting them on ranch areas which saves owners from the hefty costs associated with land clearing. In Montana, around 6.5 million tons of trees destroyed by fire remains available for recovery, according to Canary. The company is now preparing to expand its operations with a goal of processing 150,000 tons of timber annually by 2030.

The Puro.Earth guideline indicates that sequestration through buried biomass can last beyond a century. Research in 2022 found that a cedar log buried near Montreal retained 95% of its carbon after 3,775 years. However, exposed wood can begin to decompose in just a few months under unfavorable conditions.

Wood-decaying fungi and bacteria thrive on oxygen, moisture, and warmth. By isolating wood from air, these microorganisms can be neutralized. Ning Zeng from the University of Maryland discovered that burying logs under at least one meter of clay-rich soil is effective in preventing air infiltration.

Although soils in the western U.S. are predominantly stony, impermeable deposits like glacial fields can still be available near burn zones. Further research is crucial to understand optimal conditions for wood preservation, Zeng suggests.

“While we support these commercial initiatives, the primary concern remains proper execution,” says Zeng. “It’s essential for implementers to be well-informed, as precise scientific guidance is still evolving.”

If buried wood were to decompose, emissions could soar as machinery operates for removal or relocation. Excavation can also disrupt vegetation and release soil carbon; however, maintaining the integrity of the topsoil and applying it back over can mitigate this impact, according to Zeng.

A former employee’s wrongful dismissal claim alleged that the company inflated the values of carbon credits sold through reforestation efforts that excluded dead tree burial. Mast has since resolved the lawsuit, assuring that its operations remain unaffected.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Arctic Fires Release Ancient Carbon: The Impact of Climate Change on Long-Stored Carbon Emissions

Posted on May 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

In 2025, wildfires will severely impact the boreal forest of Manitoba, Canada.

Anadolu (via Getty Images)

The increasing frequency of wildfires across the Arctic is having a more substantial impact on global warming than previously understood. While initial assumptions suggested that primarily recent vegetation was burning, soil core studies reveal that these fires are igniting ancient carbon deposits accumulated for over 5,000 years.

“Soil combustion has the potential to release long-term stored carbon from soil, which was previously considered a carbon sink,” explains Meri Rappel from the Finnish Meteorological Institute in Helsinki. Current climate models neglect the release of this ancient carbon.

In the cold conditions of the Arctic, plant growth is slow, leading to the accumulation of organic matter in the soil as peat and other forms over centuries or even millennia. This factor positions Arctic and adjacent boreal soils as significant carbon sinks, which effectively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

However, increasing wildfire incidents are changing this dynamic. Rappel’s research team has collected soil cores from recently burned areas to study the impact of these fires.

Their findings indicate that while surface vegetation may burn quickly, the underlying organic material smolders for a longer duration, releasing considerable amounts of soot and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Black carbon, a byproduct of these fires, absorbs sunlight, contributing directly to atmospheric warming. Moreover, in colder regions, black carbon can accumulate on ice and snow, accelerating melting processes that would otherwise not occur.

“We discovered that the age of the carbon released during fires varied significantly depending on soil depth and burn intensity,” Rappel stated during the European Geosciences Union Conference in Vienna.

The risk of releasing ancient carbon is particularly high as it tends to increase toward the North Pole, where organic matter accumulates close to the surface. For instance, in Canada’s Northwest Territories, fires are penetrating soil just a few centimeters deep, unleashing carbon stored for up to 400 years.

In Greenland, fires can consume up to 10 centimeters of soil, releasing carbon that is over 560 years old, with some areas experiencing burns of up to 15 centimeters, releasing carbon that has been stored for 1,000 years.

Remarkably, a boreal forest site in Quebec, Canada, has been identified where fires released carbon dating back 5,000 years. “However, this occurrence is not widespread,” said Ruppel at the conference.

The critical question remains: how much ancient carbon is currently being released by wildfires? Rappel emphasizes that this study is merely the starting point, indicating the need for further research to quantify the released carbon.

“Rappel’s work is vital and underscores the urgency,” noted Sandy Harrison from the University of Reading. “It’s evident that substantial old carbon exists in high-latitude soils and peat. As new fire regimes evolve, destroying topsoil layers and peatlands, this ancient carbon will be released into the atmosphere.”

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

How Flawed Carbon Credits Can Still Protect Our Forests

Posted on May 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Logging Site in the Amazon Rainforest

Credit: Tarcisio Schneider/Getty Images

Logging site in the Amazon rainforest — Logging Site in the Amazon Rainforest

Credit: Tarcisio Schneider/Getty Images

In 1986, the CEO of an energy company felt guilty about his firm’s coal-fired power plant project in Connecticut after learning about climate change. Ultimately, his company invested in tree planting initiatives in Guatemala, aimed at incentivizing farmers to preserve intact forests while offsetting carbon emissions from coal plants.

This initiative holds the potential to create a marketplace for “voluntary” carbon credits, enabling companies to offset their emissions via investments that combat deforestation. Proponents argue land users should be financially rewarded for preserving forests, while critics claim land users often never intended to clear the forest.

But who is right? A growing body of research reveals that both sides have merit. According to a recent study, many early projects successfully reduced deforestation, yet they sold an average of nearly 11 times more carbon credits than the actual forest saved.

Historically, forests have acted as significant carbon sinks, particularly tropical forests, which absorb approximately half of humanity’s fossil fuel emissions. However, rapid deforestation continues due to agricultural expansion, especially for cattle ranching and palm oil in low-income regions.

“Forests are under severe threat, and we need financial mechanisms that can compensate for their protection,” says Dr. Tom Swinfield, leading research at the University of Cambridge. “Carbon financing is among the most viable options for forest conservation.”

Despite alarming deforestation rates, with over 40,000 square kilometers of forest lost in 2025 alone, the funding gap remains vast—requiring an additional $216 billion annually to meet the global goal of halting deforestation by 2030.

Prior to the COP30 climate summit in November, Brazil introduced the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, a fund designed to incentivize countries for each hectare of forest preserved. However, only $6.6 billion of the $125 billion target has been raised.

Carbon credits have not fulfilled their promise in addressing governmental funding shortages. A 2023 investigation by The Guardian, Die Zeit, and Sourcematerial revealed that 90% of rainforest credits issued by major credit bureaus are essentially worthless. Consequently, the market value of these discretionary loans plummeted by 60% in one year, with most values remaining suppressed.

In response, Swinfield and his team evaluated 44 projects compliant with UN guidelines under the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) framework. They found that 36 projects achieved at least a slight improvement in deforestation metrics compared to what would have occurred without intervention, while only one project saw a significant rise in deforestation.

However, only about 1/11 of all credits issued were genuinely justified. This average was skewed by eight projects that did not effectively reduce deforestation but issued numerous credits. Excluding these top nine credit sellers, approximately 25% of the credits were legitimate.

Swinfield attributes the over-issuance of credits to two main factors stemming from unintended errors. Credit developers relied on “reference areas” that had experienced greater deforestation to estimate potential future clearing rates. This approach often led to selecting reference areas closer to roads or those with rolling terrain, producing inflated future deforestation predictions.

The study highlights a project in the Peruvian Amazon that sought to provide alternative livelihood options for 18 local communities. The French firm responsible for the project utilized the nearby rainforest as a reference area, which was more vulnerable to deforestation, thus exaggerating the benefits of their project area.

“While many of these projects may have sound intentions, the methodologies used to calculate credit issuance were often flawed,” remarks Swinfield.

If project developers and credit agencies adopt the more precise methodologies highlighted in this research, excess credit issuance could be mitigated. Nonetheless, reduced credit supply leads to increased costs, requiring companies to pay more for carbon credits to maintain net-zero emissions claims, according to Dr. Julia Jones from Bangor University.

“The era where companies can offset carbon emissions cheaply is over. Achieving equitable and effective forest conservation cannot come at a low cost,” she asserts.

Currently, deforestation avoidance credits correspond to one ton of CO2 emissions prevented and are available for just a few dollars, while high-quality credits can range into the tens of dollars. In contrast, credits for technologies actively removing carbon, such as tree planting and direct air capture, start at several hundred dollars.

“We need a marketplace for high-quality carbon credits that genuinely contribute to preventing deforestation,” Jones emphasizes.

Research indicates that while deforestation avoidance credits can mitigate some emissions, they conflict with the Paris Agreement’s net-zero emissions target. As per Danny Cullenward from the University of Pennsylvania, “these credits are often acquired to offset emissions instead of actual reductions.”

For effective forest and climate preservation, companies should prioritize high-quality credits or simply contribute to forest protection, instead of merely “retiring” credits in their emissions budgets. Accurate assessment of deforestation risks is crucial for informed interventions.

“We must safeguard tropical forests and, through improved measurement strategies, pay for and quantify the benefits without relying solely on carbon credits,” he concludes. “This can be accomplished both with and without credit systems.”

Topics:

Carbon Emissions/
Amazon Rainforest

Source: www.newscientist.com

Impact of Ocean Current Disruptions on Carbon Feedback Loops

Posted on April 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Potential Carbon Release from Southern Ocean

Nigel Killeen/Getty Images

Iceberg in turbulent seas at sunset, Antarctica — Potential Carbon Release from Southern Ocean

Nigel Killeen/Getty Images

Human-induced global warming is disrupting the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a critical ocean current system that includes the Gulf Stream, responsible for warming Europe. A total shutdown of the AMOC could trigger a massive release of carbon from deep Antarctic waters into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.

Research indicates that an AMOC collapse can lead to severe climatic consequences, including colder winters in Europe and disrupted monsoons in Africa and Asia, while also increasing global temperatures. Recent computer models predict that this scenario could release 640 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide near the South Pole, raising global temperatures by an additional 0.2°C.

“The collapse of the AMOC may trigger large-scale mixing in the Southern Ocean, releasing carbon stored in deep waters,” states Danian, a researcher at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. “This outcome is unprecedented.”

The co-authors emphasize that potential catastrophic events can have even more severe implications than previously understood. As Johan Rockström, also from the Potsdam Institute, notes, “We must remain vigilant, as one failure can trigger a domino effect.”

The AMOC operates by transporting warm, salty water from the Gulf of Mexico to the North Atlantic, where it cools, sinks, and circulates back southward along the ocean floor. Scientists believe that increased fresh meltwater from the Greenland ice sheet is diluting the AMOC, thereby slowing its sinking process.

Recent buoy measurements reveal a weakening return flow, suggesting a 15% decline in the AMOC, with models predicting a potential collapse within decades to centuries.

A new study exploring AMOC collapse under varying climate scenarios shows that if atmospheric CO2 levels exceed 350 ppm, the AMOC fails to recover after shutdown. Given the current CO2 level of 430 ppm, this indicates that AMOC decay may be irreversible.

The study also identified that if the AMOC, a key component of the global ocean current conveyor belt connecting the Southern Ocean and Pacific Ocean, collapses, it could lead to deep water convection near the South Pole. This deep water rests under a layer of fresher surface water, where carbon accumulates from both atmospheric CO2 and decaying plankton. The model suggests a significant portion of this carbon would be released into the atmosphere.

Previous research indicates that past AMOC collapses similarly triggered convection near the South Pole, aligning with evidence that the Southern Ocean is becoming less salty. This reduction in salinity disrupts the layered structure above the saltier deep water, facilitating surface access for deep water.

“It’s striking to observe these changes in such a warm climate amid rising CO2 levels,” says Jonathan Baker from the Met Office. “This study is intriguing, yet its findings depend on whether convection in the Southern Ocean intensifies; different models exhibit varied responses, leading to ongoing uncertainties.”

The study also forecasts that AMOC collapse could cool the Arctic by 7 degrees Celsius, freezing regions in Canada, Scandinavia, and Russia while concurrently warming Antarctica by 6 degrees Celsius. The West Antarctic Ice Sheet remains at risk of surpassing its tipping point, which could trigger a larger collapse of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, resulting in significant sea level rises.

The repercussions of CO2 emissions could persist for over a millennium following any AMOC closure. However, Rockström cautions that continued greenhouse gas emissions may lock in a future collapse of the AMOC in just a few decades.

“The window for change could be as short as the next 25 to 50 years,” he warns. “It’s vital to recognize the urgency; it’s not just about the timing of impacts, but about our commitment to preventing an increasingly inhospitable planet for future generations.”

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Transforming Carbon Dioxide into Fuel: The Role of Nanostructures – Sciworthy

Posted on April 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Climate change continues to intensify due to the rising emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂). Efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions globally remain challenging. As atmospheric CO₂ levels increase, scientists are exploring innovative methods to capture and reuse CO₂ emissions. One promising approach utilizes electricity from renewable energy sources to convert captured CO₂ into valuable chemicals through a process known as electrochemical reduction. The chemicals produced, including liquid fuels like formates, are prized for their high energy density, low toxicity, and ease of storage and transportation.

To achieve these ambitious goals, scientists depend on specialized materials referred to as electrocatalysts. These materials enable direct carbon conversion through alternative chemical pathways that require less energy input. However, many electrocatalysts are composed of costly precious metals such as gold, which can cost hundreds of dollars per gram, making large-scale implementation impractical. Additionally, the harsh conditions often required for electrochemical reactions can degrade these catalysts over time, limiting their effectiveness. To combat these issues, researchers are developing enhanced electrocatalysts with improved molecular stability and altered chemical compositions to optimize cost efficiency and performance.

A research team from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals has investigated the potential of a specialized zinc-based electrocatalyst for efficient CO₂ conversion into formates. This electrocatalyst is comprised of interconnected zinc ions within a unique 3D molecular structure known as zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). ZIF-8 is capable of trapping CO₂ but has limited electrical conductivity, which restricts its CO₂ conversion capacity. To enhance its performance, the research team integrated conductive bismuth nanoparticles into the ZIF-8 framework, facilitating improved CO₂ trapping and formate production.

To synthesize this innovative electrocatalyst, the researchers combined solutions of zinc nitrate hexahydrate and bismuth nitrate pentahydrate using chemical linkers to establish connections within the ZIF-8 structure. A strong reducing agent was added to the mixture, activating the bismuth into nanoparticles. This mixture was then processed in a centrifuge and dried to yield Bi-ZIF-8 powder enriched with bismuth nanoparticles.

Subsequently, the researchers mixed the Bi-ZIF-8 powder with an adhesive-like chemical and coated this mixture onto conductive carbon paper, creating a supportive surface for the electrocatalyst. This coated carbon paper was then placed within a secure device called an electrolytic cell, which was immersed in a saline solution containing bubbling CO₂ gas.

The research team applied electrical current continuously for 20 minutes at five distinct current densities, ranging from -25 to -200 milliamps per square centimeter (mA/cm²). This level of current density can be likened to that passing through small LED bulbs on a fingernail-sized surface. They assessed the electrocatalyst’s capacity to convert CO₂ effectively under conditions that simulate industrial demands.

The findings revealed that ZIF-8 alone primarily produced carbon monoxide, with minimal formate output. However, the introduction of bismuth nanoparticles significantly increased formate production. The researchers noted that the nanoparticles augmented ZIF-8’s conductivity by 16 times and its active surface area by 11 times, while simultaneously suppressing competing reactions that could diminish formate yield. Additionally, the ZIF-8 structure stabilized the bismuth nanoparticles, preventing aggregation and degradation.

The team further experimented with varying operational parameters and electrolyzer settings to optimize formate production efficiency. They quantified this by measuring the ratio of charge utilized in producing the desired formate over unwanted by-products. They discovered that operating at higher current densities, combined with direct CO₂ feeding to the electrocatalyst, boosted formate production efficiency to as much as 91%. Remarkably, this system sustained high efficiency even at current densities of -150 mA/cm², outperforming typical laboratory benchmarks by approximately 50%.

In conclusion, the Bi-ZIF-8 electrocatalyst showcases significant potential in the fight against climate change by enabling cleaner, more sustainable energy production. The researchers suggest that the next steps involve optimizing the composition of the electrocatalyst and refining electrolyzer operating conditions for large-scale production, which could enhance the practicality and impact of this innovative technology.

Post views: 75

Source: sciworthy.com

How Ants Capture Carbon Dioxide to Create Natural Armor

Posted on March 2, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Electron Microscopy Reveals Ants Transforming CO2 into Dolomite

Credit: Li Hongjie

The remarkable ability of certain ants to convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into dolomite stones within their exoskeletons offers potential insights into innovative methods for humans to sequester greenhouse gases and mitigate climate change.

Fungi-farming ants, like Acromyrmex echinathiol, forage for vegetation to nourish the fungi cultivated in their colonies, which serve as their primary food source. High ant and fungal densities can lead to elevated levels of CO2 within their nests.

Research in 2020 by Cameron Currie at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that this species incorporates carbonate biominerals into their exoskeletons through a unique symbiotic relationship with specific bacteria. These bacteria facilitate the conversion of CO2 into rock using a somewhat enigmatic chemical process.

Recently, the research team identified another species, Sericomyrmex amabilis, residing in Central and South America, capable of achieving this remarkable feat without the assistance of symbiotic bacteria. This makes it the first known animal to evolve such an ability.

Interestingly, the mineral produced by these ants is dolomite, which is notoriously challenging for chemists to synthesize in laboratory conditions. The formation of dolomite rocks, such as those in the Italian Dolomites, requires millions of years and intricate geological processes for the calcium and magnesium atoms to align properly. In stark contrast, ants can accomplish this swiftly and effortlessly, according to Li Hongjie from Zhejiang University in China.

Dolomite is a composite of calcium, magnesium, and carbonate. Its laboratory formation is difficult due to magnesium’s strong bonding with surrounding water molecules, which hinders the integration of magnesium into the calcium carbonate structure, as indicated by Currie. Typically, scientists employ high temperatures and pressures to facilitate this process. The next step for researchers is to unravel how these ants master this extraordinary capability.

For fungi-farming ants, the transformation of CO2 into stone not only strengthens their exoskeletons but also neutralizes detrimental CO2 accumulation within their hives.

“We uncovered a natural system that has evolved over millions of years to mitigate the buildup of harmful atmospheric carbon dioxide in ant colonies,” Currie remarked.

In their quest to combat global warming, scientists are investigating techniques to convert atmospheric CO2 into carbonate minerals, essentially solidifying carbon into stone. “These ants represent the first known animals to partake in such processes, providing exciting potential as models for human applications,” asserts Currie.

Cody Freas, a professor at the University of Toulouse in France not involved in the study, hailed the ants’ capability to transform CO2 into dolomite as an “extraordinary adaptation.” “These ants function as living carbon scrubbers, converting atmospheric CO2 into a protective mineral armor. This dual strategy aids them in regulating the nest atmosphere and crafting bioengineered physical defenses,” Freas elaborated.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

EU Carbon Border Tax: What It Means for Global Emissions Reduction by 2026

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

New Import Duties for Non-EU Steel

Credit: Yusuf Aslan / Alamy

The European Union is poised to implement carbon tariffs starting January 1, marking a significant shift in international climate policy. This initiative targets countries lagging in carbon emissions reductions, introducing financial penalties that will aim to hold companies accountable for their environmental impact.

Countries affected by these carbon taxes are expressing discontent, as tensions rise around the EU’s carbon border tariffs, officially labeled under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Anticipate trade disputes, but these taxes are expected to persist, with analysts like Ellie Belton from E3G predicting global adoption of similar measures.

Belton notes, “We can foresee carbon border adjustment mechanisms emerging globally.” The UK is set to implement its version by 2027, with countries such as Australia, Canada, and Taiwan also contemplating the adoption of carbon tariffs.

The EU’s carbon border tax extends the existing carbon pricing framework established in 2005. Since then, EU industries with high carbon emissions have been subject to costs associated with carbon allowances under the emissions trading system. Currently, the carbon price stands at approximately 76 euros per tonne of CO2.

This pricing disparity means EU steel producers face higher costs compared to their counterparts in nations without carbon pricing. The newly introduced tariffs strive to level the playing field, adjusting import tariffs to align with internal EU carbon prices.

For countries already employing carbon pricing, the EU will impose only the price difference on imports. Besides steel, other industries affected by border taxes include iron, aluminum, cement, fertilizer, hydrogen, and electricity.

The primary goal is to prevent carbon leakage, where industries relocate to jurisdictions with less stringent environmental regulations. “The EU insists on no exemptions, as these would create pollution havens,” Belton emphasizes.

Additionally, this policy aims to encourage global efforts in reducing carbon emissions. Countries like Brazil and Türkiye have already implemented their own carbon pricing mechanisms in response to the EU’s initiative.

In 2023, the EU finalized plans for the carbon border adjustment mechanism, launching a pilot scheme in October that required businesses to declare emissions. Effective January 1, companies will begin accruing charges, gradually increasing until full implementation by 2034.

British firms are anticipated to avoid taxation under the UK’s own carbon border adjustment mechanism as negotiations continue to ensure compatibility with EU regulations.

Ideally, a unified carbon border adjustment system across nations would enhance economic influence and comparative power in global forums. However, Belton foresees a fragmented landscape of varied carbon pricing approaches worldwide.

Source: www.newscientist.com

China’s Carbon Emissions Could Begin to Decrease by 2025

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

China’s swift transition to solar energy is contributing to lower emissions in the energy sector

Cost Photo/NurPhoto (via Getty Images)

The year 2025 could mark the beginning of a long-term decline in China’s greenhouse gas emissions, although achieving this objective still appears uncertain.

As the largest producer of carbon dioxide globally, China aims to reduce its emissions by 2030, a critical threshold to avert a climate emergency in the coming years.

With the first three quarters of 2025 completed, it’s premature to determine if emissions will see a slight rise or a decline for the entire year. An analysis by Lauri Milivirta presented by Carbon Brief at Finland’s Energy and Clean Air Research Center highlights these uncertainties.

Total emissions in China have remained steady or slightly decreased since March 2024. The significant expansion of solar and wind energy is central to this emissions reduction; however, fossil fuel demand continues to rise in various sectors, Millivirta noted.

“While emissions from the power, cement, and steel industries are declining, coal and oil consumption in the chemical sector is beginning to rise significantly again,” he stated.

From January to August, electricity demand surged by 320 terawatt-hours, marking a 4.9% year-on-year increase. In contrast, contributions from solar PV increased by 250 TWh, wind by 105 TWh, and nuclear by 30 TWh, resulting in a total surge of 385 TWh from these non-fossil sources.

The rate of solar energy growth in China is remarkable, according to Milivirta. “In just the first half of 2025, solar capacity installations were akin to setting up 100 solar panels every second,” he mentioned. “In the first nine months of this year, 240 gigawatts of solar capacity were added, reflecting a 50 percent increase compared to the previous year. This addition alone surpasses the total installed capacity in the United States.”

The trade tariffs enacted by former US President Donald Trump have yet to significantly influence China’s emissions; both the positive and negative aspects of the trade war have largely balanced each other out, Millibirta stated.

If emissions in China do begin to decline, it’s likely that global trends will follow suit, according to Li Shuo from the Asian Society Policy Institute in Washington, DC. “However, we require data from the upcoming years to verify trends, so we should be cautious about declaring a peak too early,” he added.

“The fate of the temperature targets outlined in the Paris Agreement relies on how swiftly China and developed nations advance their emissions reductions, alongside how developing nations manage to control emissions while promoting economic growth,” Li stated.

David Fishman expects emissions to decrease this year, but urges against excessive optimism. “Any number of events could unfold in the closing months of 2025,” he remarked.

“The rise in electricity demand has been fully met, and then partially addressed by renewable energy sources, slightly slowing or even reversing emissions growth in the power sector.”

Even if China’s emissions peak ahead of its 2030 target, a swift decline over the following five years seems unlikely, as consumers in China still utilize less energy per capita than those in higher-income nations, Fishman noted. “I anticipate that China’s emissions will likely stay flat until 2030, and we won’t witness any significant drop until post-2030.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Arctic Warming: Some Effects May Remain Irreversible Despite Reduced Carbon Dioxide Levels

Posted on December 12, 2025 by

Glacier meets sea at Dixon Fjord in Greenland

Jane Rix/Alamy

Birth near the Heisinger Glacier in Greenland — Glacier meets sea at Dixon Fjord in Greenland

Jane Rix/Alamy

Even if atmospheric carbon dioxide returns to pre-industrial levels and the global temperature decreases, the Arctic is projected to warm by approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius.

It is also expected that the region will receive about 0.1 millimeter of extra precipitation daily, regardless of the implementation of large-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies.

“These findings emphasize the irreversible aspect of climate change in the Arctic, even with aggressive CDR efforts,” the researchers stated in their publication.

Current atmospheric CO2 levels are roughly 1.5 times greater than pre-industrial levels, resulting in a warming of 3°C or more. A study published in March revealed that even if extra carbon dioxide were removed, sea ice coverage would still average 1 million square kilometers less.

In a new investigation, researchers led by Xiaodong from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics in Beijing utilized 11 distinct climate models to assess the likelihood of continued Arctic warming. The findings also indicate that precipitation is likely to increase, according to Michael Meredith from the British Antarctic Survey, who was not part of the study.

The primary reason for this persistent warming is that oceans, which have absorbed 90% of the heat from global warming, will continue to warm the Arctic for centuries, even when atmospheric temperatures decrease. This situation will likely be amplified by feedback mechanisms, such as diminishing sea ice, which causes the open ocean to raise air temperatures.

“Even if the atmosphere continues to cool, the oceans will lag behind and counteract this trend,” Meredith remarked.

Many experts express skepticism about whether CDR methods, including tree planting and mechanical CO2 extraction, can significantly lower atmospheric CO2 levels due to the financial and energy challenges, a process that could take thousands of years.

Dong et al. examined a theoretical scenario where atmospheric CO2 levels quadrupled from pre-industrial amounts over 140 years, decreased for another 140 years, and then remained at pre-industrial levels for 60 additional years.

The study also reviewed two potential real-world climate scenarios: one in which humanity immediately reduces emissions, and another where emissions remain high but CDR efforts ramp up quickly starting in 2070. In these scenarios, similar to the theoretical model, the Arctic was found to be approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer with precipitation increasing by an additional 0.1 mm per day by 2100.

The models forecast a decrease in temperatures and precipitation in the waters just south of Greenland and Iceland, contrasting with other regions in the Far North. This suggests a decline in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which is responsible for transporting warm surface water from the tropics to this area. This current is already weakening as global ocean temperatures rise, a trend that might lead to colder winters in Europe over time.

Climate-related effects, such as thawing permafrost and melting of the Greenland ice sheet, are likely to persist but were not included in this study’s models.

“The Greenland ice sheet is expected to behave as observed, meaning it will continue to lose mass and contribute to sea level rise,” stated Mark Selles from the US National Snow and Ice Data Center.

While the study indicates that the Arctic will remain warm for centuries, it is anticipated that it will eventually cool over the course of many more centuries or even millennia.

topic:

climate change/
arctic

Source: www.newscientist.com

Carbon Nanotube-Woven Fabric Outperforms Kevlar in Strength

Posted on October 31, 2025 by

Bulletproof fabric is lightweight and strong

Peking University Jinzhang Group

The innovative material is remarkably strong, capable of stopping bullets with a 1.8-millimeter-thick sheet, surpassing Kevlar and potentially setting a new standard for fabric strength.

Bulletproof vests functionality relies on dissipating the energy of projectiles through an intricate network of interconnected fibers. Kevlar’s composition consists of aramid fibers, which are polymers recognized for their exceptional strength. However, under extreme pressure, these chains can slip, which limits their protective capabilities.

For the last six years, Jin Chang and researchers from Peking University in China have focused on creating materials that outperform Kevlar and Dyneema, another renowned polyethylene fiber claimed to be the strongest fabric in the world.

“Extremely high dynamic strength and toughness are essential for textile materials used in impact protection applications,” notes Zhang. “This includes ballistic armor, vehicles, and aircraft.”

His team has pioneered a technique to align carbon nanotubes with aramid polymer chains to prevent molecular slippage. “Our new fiber surpasses all previously noted high-performance polymer fibers,” asserts Zhang. “Our fabric is entirely superior to Kevlar.”

The new invention is described as an “engineered carbon nanotube/heterocyclic aramid composite,” according to Zhang, who aims to create a catchy name similar to Kevlar in the future.

This material outperforms Kevlar, achieving the same ballistic protection with significantly less fabric. Zhang explains that each layer is roughly 0.6 millimeters thick and can slow a bullet’s speed from 300 meters per second to 220 meters per second. “Based on energy absorption calculations, about three fabric layers can halt a bullet,” resulting in a total thickness of 1.8 mm. In contrast, Kevlar would need to be at least 4 mm thick for equivalent protection.

Julie Cairney and her team at the University of Sydney in Australia have called the combination of aramid fibers and aligned carbon nanotubes revolutionary.

“This strategy could lead to the development of other innovative composite materials,” Cairney states, also highlighting that this manufacturing approach is compatible with existing industrial methods, indicating promise for scalable production and practical implementation.

“For personal and military protection, these materials have the potential to create lighter and more effective body armor, enhancing safety while maintaining mobility,” she adds.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Your Flight’s Emissions Are Significantly Greater Than the Carbon Calculator Indicates

Posted on October 31, 2025 by

Contrails from aircraft may amplify the warming effects of air travel

Image Professionals GmbH/Alamy

SEI 272425115 — Contrails from aircraft may amplify the warming effects of air travel

Image Professionals GmbH/Alamy

If you’re using a carbon footprint calculator to assess your flight’s environmental impact, prepare for some surprises. The true effect of air travel can be significantly higher than what most CO₂ calculators indicate.

“These figures are quite alarming,” states Juma Sadukhan from the University of Surrey, UK. She and her team assessed four popular calculators against the one they developed.

For instance, consider a first-class flight on a B777 from Singapore to Zurich. At the time of this research, calculators from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimated the emissions to be around 3000 kilograms of CO₂. In contrast, the Google Travel Impact Model (TIM) places the estimate around 5,000 kg, while MyClimate suggests about 8,000 kg. However, the in-flight emissions calculator developed by Sadukhan and her team estimates the actual emissions exceed 14,000 kg.

“The implications are substantial,” adds team member Eduardo Goan, in collaboration with the Austria-based Therme Group.

The new tool, called the Airline Passenger Dynamic Emissions Calculator (ATP-DEC), diverges from existing calculators in two main ways. Firstly, instead of assuming flights take a perfect route, it utilizes historical data to ascertain the most probable route, actual flight duration, and the time spent taxiing before takeoff and after landing, including the typical occupancy of the aircraft.

Unlike other calculators, this one is dynamic, as past flight data is continuously updated according to Goan. For example, many flights are now taking longer paths due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a change that other calculators fail to recognize.

The second key difference is that ATP-DEC accounts for all the known factors influencing flight’s climate impact, such as contrail formation, nitrogen dioxide emissions, and water vapor. Notably, contrails can exert a greater warming influence than CO₂ emissions alone.

Other flight calculators often omit these factors or use generalized data. “They don’t adjust according to the type of aircraft, fuel efficiency, or environmental conditions,” says Sadukhan. “Our tool is far more comprehensive.”

Goan mentions that the team plans to make this calculator publicly accessible and is working on an app slated for release early next year. “If an airline wishes to incorporate ATP-DEC, they could start immediately,” he says, though establishing the necessary data connections might take weeks or even months.

Current flight emissions calculators may allow travelers to voluntarily contribute a modest fee to “offset” their carbon footprint. Nonetheless, several studies indicate that many offset programs fail to fulfill their claims.

An ICAO representative stated that the methodology for ICAO’s carbon emissions calculations can be accessed at: its website. “This calculator does not consider the climate change impacts of aircraft emissions using radiative forcing indices.” They noted that “Such multipliers need to be factored in, given the lack of a scientific consensus.”

“TIM is a free, precise, and transparent resource that assists consumers in selecting flights with lower emissions,” affirmed Dan Rutherford from the International Clean Transportation Council, a nonprofit organization that guides Google on enhancing its CO₂ calculator. “We will keep refining the model, including the integration of short-lived climate pollutants like contrails, to enhance its utility for the flying public.”

“We find this study to be a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue,” stated Kai Landwehr from MyClimate. Landwehr emphasized that no single method is foolproof due to the uncertainties surrounding the impacts of global warming, such as those resulting from contrails. However, utilizing improved and current data can boost accuracy. “We intend to update the calculator in the upcoming months to integrate best practices and insights from this research.”

IATA has also been approached for comments.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Researchers Discover That “Linear Dune Canyons” on Mars Were Formed by Sliding Carbon Dioxide Ice Blocks

Posted on October 15, 2025 by

Parallel channels known as linear dune canyons can be observed within some of Mars’ dunes. Contrary to what their name suggests, these canyons are frequently quite winding. It was previously believed that these landforms were created through debris flow processes influenced by liquid water. However, recent satellite imagery has revealed that they are active during the local spring due to processes involving carbon dioxide ice. During the Martian winter, ice accumulates on the dunes, breaking off at the top as temperatures rise in early spring. In new experiments conducted in the Mars Chamber, planetary researchers from Utrecht University, the University of Le Mans, the University of Nantes, the Grenoble Institute of Astrophysics, and the Open University have demonstrated that linear dune canyons form when blocks of carbon dioxide and ice slide or submerge into the sandy slopes of dunes, or shift downwards with considerable force, draining the nearby sand. This drilling action is triggered by a powerful gas flow generated by the sublimation of carbon dioxide ice, as it transitions into carbon dioxide gas. The movement of sliding carbon dioxide ice blocks contributes to the formation of shallow channels, while the excavation of carbon dioxide ice results in the development of deep, winding channels in Martian dunes.

Two examples of Martian dunes with linear dune gullies: (a) linear dune gullies in the dune field of Gall Crater; (b) A linear dune canyon in the dune field of an unnamed crater in the center of the Hellas Plain. Image credit: Roelofs et al., doi:10.1029/2024GL112860.

Linear dune canyons are remarkable and enigmatic formations located in the mid-latitude sand dune regions of Mars.

Despite their designation, these parallel and often meandering waterways, characterized by sharp bends, limited source areas, distinct banks, and hole-like channel terminations, have no equivalent on Earth.

They differ significantly from the conventional canyon topography found on steep slopes both on Mars and Earth, which typically features erosional alcoves, channels, and sedimentary aprons that are often larger than linear dune canyons.

“In our simulations, we observed how high gas pressures cause the sand to shift in all directions around the blocks,” stated Loneke Roelofs, a researcher at Utrecht University and lead author of the study.

“Consequently, the blocks become lodged into the slope and get trapped within cavities, surrounded by small ridges of settled sand.”

“However, the sublimation process persists, leading to continued sand displacement in all directions.”

“This phenomenon drives the block to gradually descend, resulting in a long, deep canyon flanked by small sand ridges on either side.”

“This is precisely the kind of canyon we find on Mars.”

In their research, Dr. Roelofs and colleagues merged laboratory experiments that let blocks of carbon dioxide and ice slide down sandy slopes under Martian atmospheric pressure with observations of the linear dune canyons located within the Russell Crater Giant Dunes.

“We experimented by simulating dune slopes of varying steepness.”

“We released chunks of carbon dioxide ice down a slope and observed the outcomes.”

“Once we discovered an appropriate slope, we began to see significant effects. The carbon dioxide ice chunks started to penetrate the slope and move downwards, resembling burrowing moles or dune sandworms. It was quite an unusual sight.”

“But how exactly do these ice blocks originate? They form in the desert dunes located in the midlands of Mars’ southern hemisphere.”

“During winter, a layer of carbon dioxide ice develops across the entire surface of the dunes, reaching thicknesses of up to 70 cm. As spring arrives, this ice begins to warm and sublimate.”

“The last remnants of the ice persist on the shaded side of the dune’s summit, where blocks will break off once temperatures rise sufficiently.”

“When a block reaches the base of the slope and halts its movement, sublimation continues until all carbon dioxide evaporates, leaving behind a cavity filled with sand at the dune’s base.”

This study was published in the October 8th issue of Geophysical Research Letters.

_____

Loneke Roelofs et al. 2025. Particle transport driven by explosive sublimation causes blocks of CO2 to slide and burrow, forming winding “linear dune valleys” in Martian dunes. Geophysical Research Letters 52 (19): e2024GL112860; doi: 10.1029/2024GL112860

Source: www.sci.news

It Could Have Up to 90% Less Carbon Storage Capacity Than You Realize

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Icelandic geothermal power facilities engaged in the underground injection of carbon dioxide for extended storage

sigrg/carbfix

Recent studies indicate that the planet may exhaust its capacity for storing captured carbon dioxide within the next 200 years, revealing that our ability to retain CO.₂ underground is significantly less than previously believed.

Government and industry advocates promote the underground storage of carbon dioxide as a viable solution to achieving net-zero emissions while still utilizing fossil fuels.

Previously estimated industry figures suggested a global geological storage capacity of about 14,000 Gigatonnes of CO.₂. However, as noted by Jori Rogelj from Imperial College London, UK, this capacity was thought to be effectively limitless.

Through comprehensive analysis, Rogelj and his team discovered that the actual available storage space might be considerably lower. By assessing stable geological formations while excluding areas with significant risk factors, such as proximity to major urban centers, sensitive ecosystems, or regions prone to earthquakes, they concluded that only 1460 Gigatonnes of geological storage capacity is viable worldwide.

“From a situation where storage options appeared virtually boundless, we’ve transformed our perspective,” Rogelj explains. “The storage potential we can depend on requires careful management and represents a crucial asset,” he continues, emphasizing that the potential is now ten times more valuable than previously recognized.

Most climate projections indicate that adequate underground carbon storage is essential for the world to attain net-zero emissions. The extent of this storage relies fundamentally on reducing fossil fuel consumption. Researchers caution that if we continue to depend on geological storage to isolate significant emissions post-net zero, we could deplete carbon storage entirely by the year 2200.

Rogelj asserts that his findings suggest underground carbon storage should only be utilized as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted. He recommends relying on zero-emissions solutions whenever feasible, rather than capturing and storing emissions from fossil fuel power stations.

This strategy would preserve underground storage capacity for CO₂ that could be utilized with technologies such as direct air capture (DAC), which extracts excess CO₂ directly from the atmosphere. DACs, along with other “negative emissions” technologies, can potentially help the world achieve net negative emissions beyond reaching net zero, opening up pathways to effectively reverse climate change.

According to Rogelj and his colleagues, the 1460 Gigatonnes of accessible underground CO₂ storage capacity could allow the world to counteract warming by as much as 0.7°C.

Nonetheless, Stuart Haszeldine from the University of Edinburgh warns that the actual usable geological storage capacity might be less than the industry’s 14,000 Gigatonnes estimate and suggests that these revised lower figures could still be overly optimistic.

He argues that the team’s approach to evaluating risk factors is “quite conservative,” pointing out that certain seismic regions, such as the North Sea, have been excluded from consideration but remain suitable for carbon isolation. “We understand enough about carbon storage and oil reserves. An oil field filled with oil, gas, or carbon dioxide can withstand quakes of magnitude 6 without any issues,” Haszeldine states.

He emphasizes that most analysts foresee carbon sequestration as an integral part of the transition away from fossil fuels. Therefore, he predicts that the volume of carbon injected underground yearly should diminish once net-zero emissions are achieved.

“[Carbon capture and storage] encompasses a wide range of climate pessimism and challenges, which have often been overlooked, explaining why we don’t really require a tremendous amount of joint CO₂ storage capacity,” Haszeldine concludes.

Topics:

Climate change/
Carbon capture

Source: www.newscientist.com

Carbon storage might be only a tenth as effective in fighting climate change as previously believed.

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent research indicates that the ability to safely store carbon is significantly lower than earlier estimates, being only a tenth of what was initially predicted. This finding constraints its viability as a solution to the climate crisis.

New estimates, published in Nature, reveal that carbon capture could lower global warming by just 0.7°C, a stark contrast to the previously estimated 6°C.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO)₂ from the environment or industrial processes, transporting it, and storing it deep underground to prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

The study cautions that many areas once considered suitable for CCS may pose significant risks. Concerns such as leaks, seismic activity, and water contamination could render numerous potential sites unsafe.

The researchers conducted an extensive analysis of local mapping areas for viable carbon storage locations. Their findings suggest that, in reality, CCS can store only about 146 billion tonnes of CO.₂, approximately 10 times less than previously thought.

“Carbon storage is often framed as a solution to the climate crisis,” stated the lead author, Matthew Guido, a senior researcher at IIASA and the University of Maryland, USA. “Our findings indicate that its effectiveness is limited.”

“With current trends hinting at a potential rise of up to 3°C this century, even maximizing the available geological storage won’t suffice to limit warming to 2°C.”

Co-author Jori Rogelgi, a senior researcher and director at the Grantham Institute, emphasized that carbon storage should not be perceived as an endless solution for climate preservation.

“Instead, geological storage sites should be viewed as a precious resource that must be managed responsibly to ensure a safe climate future for humanity,” he remarked. “It should be employed to halt and counteract global warming rather than wastefully offset ongoing, preventable CO.₂ emissions.”

Trees naturally absorb carbon, while carbon storage technology responsibly hides carbon deep underground – Credit: A. Martin UW Photos

The study also suggests that nations like the US, Russia, China, Brazil, and Australia, as major fossil fuel producers, might benefit from utilizing depleted oil and gas fields for carbon storage.

“This issue transcends mere technology,” remarked co-author Siddharth Joshi, a research scholar at IIASA. “It encompasses concepts of transgenerational and national justice.”

“Countries with the highest historical emissions should lead in utilizing this resource wisely as they hold the most practical carbon storage options.”

Experts not involved in this research are currently debating the accuracy of the paper’s figures and their implications for the future of carbon storage as astrategy to mitigate the climate crisis.

However, Professor Carrie Leah, a climate scientist at Cardiff University who was not part of the study, stated that the finite nature of carbon storage should redirect focus towards reducing fossil fuel usage.

“There is no solitary solution to climate mitigation,” Leah noted. “It’s akin to a pie comprised of multiple slices.

“This study illustrates that the CCS portion of the pie is significantly smaller than previously believed, highlighting the urgent need to address the larger slices of fossil fuel reduction.”

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

CO2 Chronicles: A Compelling New Book Urging Action on Carbon Dioxide Narratives

Posted on August 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Florian Gaertner/Photothek via Getty Images

A Shared Narrative₂: It’s Everything
Peter Brunnen (Allen Lane)

Carbon dioxide influences our perceptions. Emissions from power stations, vehicle exhausts, and the burning of natural habitats contribute to our planet’s increasing warmth. These realities are compelling lawmakers and decision-makers to confront climate change earnestly.

CO₂, comprised of one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms, is essential for life on Earth. However, the escalating levels of CO₂ are now exacerbating global warming and threatening life itself. This contradiction is a central theme explored by Peter Brannen in A Shared Narrative₂: Planetary Experiments, a meticulously researched and persuasive read.

Brunnen, a science journalist known for his previous work on the extinction events of Earth’s history, now tackles a monumental task: elucidating the carbon cycle (CO₂) and its implications, a topic often overlooked in educational settings, while revealing the fascinating stories that span our planet’s history.

It’s easy to overlook the periodic table. It’s also simple to disengage readers with mundane discussions about air movement. Yet, Brunnen artfully revitalizes this narrative, emphasizing CO₂‘s significance for all living beings. He vividly depicts events from millions of years ago, like the “Snowball Earth,” and the 56 million-year phase when the planet was “held captive by ice,” compelling readers to visualize these extraordinary, yet unimaginable, realities.

We learn in school that wood consists of carbon. However, Brunnen expands on this, discussing elements such as “mushroom psychedelics, pepper spices, and coffee caffeine.” While many authors might stop there, Brunnen elaborates: Carbon exists in “your eyeball, bougainvillea petals… blue whale baleen, fat, and brain… your tub scum, lion’s mane.”

These rhetorical flourishes may risk overwhelming the reader, yet Brunnen delivers a cogent and artful case. The highest praise I can offer this book is that it frequently inspires a childlike awe—a feeling we often take for granted, much like the subjects that permeate our daily lives.

However, this isn’t merely a children’s book. In addition to the planet and its inhabitants, Brunnen draws on historical insights to urge immediate action, advocating for a transition away from fossil fuels.

His analysis draws careful parallels between our current CO₂ emissions and those that precipitated the last mass extinction, a theme he reiterates throughout his work, articulating a growing urgency as he approaches his conclusions. “We can’t escape this dilemma,” he asserts. He critiques the notion of carbon capture and storage as merely a stopgap, arguing that it serves only to mitigate our current lifestyle without addressing the root cause. “In summary, we’re in deep trouble,” he writes.

Assuming no actions are taken and trends continue, he warns that companies may only awaken to their environmental impact after it’s too late, likening such reactions to misguided efforts.

This prevailing attitude, he observes, is common in “some climate circles,” and demands correction. “Sticking to the current path will undoubtedly lead to severe climate disaster, and regardless of how successful changes may be, we must explore all options to avoid catastrophe,” he states.

Decision-makers aiming to steer society away from fossil fuels would benefit immensely from engaging with this book.

Chris Stokell Walker is a technology writer based in Newcastle, UK

New Scientist Book Club

Enjoy reading? Join a welcoming community of fellow book enthusiasts. Every six weeks, we explore exciting new titles, offering members exclusive access to excerpts, author articles, and video interviews.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists Uncover Mesozoic Carbon Dioxide Levels and Photosynthesis Through Dinosaur Tooth Enamel Analysis

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

During the Mesozoic era, from 252 to 66 million years ago, analyses of the oxygen isotope composition in dinosaur teeth revealed that the atmosphere contained significantly more carbon dioxide than it does today, with global plant photosynthesis levels roughly double those of the present.

Fossil teeth of Camarasaurus from the Morrison Formation in the US. Image credit: sauriermuseum aathal.

A study conducted by Göttingen University and researcher Dr. Dingsu Feng examined the dental enamel of dinosaurs that roamed North America, Africa, and Europe during the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous periods.

“Enamel is one of the most stable biological materials,” they explained.

“It captures different oxygen isotopes based on the air dinosaurs inhaled with each breath.”

“The isotope ratios of oxygen reflect fluctuations in atmospheric carbon dioxide and plant photosynthesis.”

“This connection allows us to infer insights about the climate and vegetation of the dinosaur era.”

“During the late Jurassic, about 150 million years ago, the air contained four times more carbon dioxide than before industrialization, prior to significant human emissions of greenhouse gases.”

“In the late Cretaceous, around 730 to 66 million years ago, carbon dioxide levels were three times higher than today.”

Teeth from two dinosaur species, the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Kaatedocus siberi, showed an exceptionally unique oxygen isotope composition.

This phenomenon is indicative of carbon dioxide spikes linked to major geological events like volcanic eruptions—such as the massive eruption of the Deccan Traps in India at the close of the Cretaceous period.

The heightened photosynthetic activity of plants at that time on both land and water is likely associated with elevated carbon dioxide levels and higher average annual temperatures.

This research marks a milestone in paleoclimatology. Historically, soil and marine proxy carbonates have served as the primary tools for reconstructing past climates.

Marine proxies, which are indicators of sediment fossils and chemical signatures, help scientists comprehend ancient marine environmental conditions, yet these methods often involve uncertainties.

“Our approach offers a fresh perspective on the planet’s history,” Dr. Fenn remarked.

“It paves the way to use fossilized tooth enamel for probing the composition of Earth’s atmosphere and plant productivity during that era.”

“Understanding these factors is crucial for grasping long-term climate dynamics.”

“Dinosaurs may well become new climate scientists, as their teeth have recorded climate data for over 150 million years. At last, we have received their message.”

Study published on August 4, 2025, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

____

Dingsu Feng et al. 2025. Mesozoic Atmospheric CO₂ Concentrations reconstructed from the enamel of dinosaur teeth. PNAS 122 (33): E2504324122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2504324122

Source: www.sci.news

Climate Change Feedback Loops Are Degrading Earth’s Carbon Sinks

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Wildfires in Greece are diminishing the Earth’s natural carbon sink

Thanassis Stavrakis/AP Photo/Alamy

Climate change is increasingly compromising the ability of the Earth’s natural carbon sinks to absorb excess carbon dioxide. This results in greenhouse gases emitted by human activity lingering in the atmosphere, contributing to further warming.

These feedback loops account for roughly 15% of the rise in CO2 levels since 1960, according to Pierre Friedlingstein from the University of Exeter, UK.

The land and oceans serve as carbon sinks, absorbing nearly half of the extra CO2 produced by humans. While higher CO2 levels can enhance plant growth, leading to greater CO2 uptake by vegetation, extreme temperatures, droughts, and wildfires associated with global warming can counteract this CO2 fertilization effect.

Friedlingstein is part of the Global Carbon Project, which aims to clarify the amounts of CO2 being emitted, how it is absorbed by different sources, and how this process evolves over time. Previously, his research team used climate models to project a 27% increase in land sinks in the absence of drought or other feedbacks.

His latest estimates have adjusted this figure to 30%, as he shared at the Exeter Climate Conference last month. He mentioned that ocean sinks also increase CO2 by 6% without feedback effects.

Together, land and oceans contribute over 15% of atmospheric CO2. Since 1960, CO2 levels have surged to around 100 parts per million (ppm), indicating that 15 ppm can be traced back to the feedback effects impacting the sinks. “The sink hasn’t collapsed, but its recovery is slow,” Friedlingstein noted.

There remains uncertainty regarding the sink’s capacity, as David Armstrong McKay from the University of Sussex has observed. “It aligns with expectations, but it’s not encouraging news that we’re marginally off what we projected,” McKay stated. “As warming intensifies, it will challenge land sinks’ adaptability to increased CO2, with extreme events like the recent El Niño-enhanced drought hampering the positive effects on vegetation growth.”

The pressing question is what will unfold next. With the rise in warming, droughts, and fires, research has indicated that land sinks have made minimal net CO2 contributions in the past two years.

This has raised concerns that the effectiveness of land sinks might significantly decrease in the near future, opposing the gradual decline most climate scientists anticipate.

Nonetheless, Friedlingstein referred to these short-term fluctuations as “blips” that may not accurately predict future trends. “What we should focus on is the long term,” he emphasized.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Chemists Incorporate Novel Carbon Homologs

Posted on August 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Carbon exists in various forms known as homologues, each with distinct properties including differences in color and shape. For instance, in diamond, every carbon atom is connected to four neighboring carbons, while in graphite, each carbon atom is bound to three others. The newly created molecule, Cyclo[48]Carbon, features 48 carbon atoms arranged in alternating single and triple bond patterns, exhibiting sufficient stability for spectroscopic characterization at room temperature in solution.

Chemical structure of cyclo[48]carbon [4]Catenan. Image credit: Harry Anderson.

Dr. Yuz Gao and his research team from Oxford University integrated cyclo.[48]Carbon molecules, creating a C48 ring that threads through three additional macrocycles.

These threaded macrocycles enhance the stability of the C48 by restricting access to the protected cyclocarbons.

Previously, molecular rings made entirely of carbon atoms have only been investigated in gas phase or at extremely low temperatures (4-10 K).

The researchers assert that Cyclo[48]Carbon maintains stability in a solution at 293 K (20 degrees Celsius).

This stability was achieved by utilizing threaded macrocycles, choosing larger cyclocarbons with low strain, and developing gentle reaction conditions for the non-masked step of the synthesis (where precursor molecules transform into the final product).

“Establishing stable cyclocarbons in vials under ambient conditions is a critical milestone,” stated Dr. Gao.

“This facilitates the examination of reactivity and characteristics under standard laboratory conditions.”

The team characterized the cyclocarbon catenene using a range of techniques including mass spectrometry, NMR, UV-visible, and Raman spectroscopy.

An intense observation of ¹³C NMR resonance for all 48 SP1 carbon atoms suggests that each carbon resides in a similar environment, strongly supporting the cyclocarbon catenene structure.

“The findings mark the pinnacle of our extensive efforts to synthesize cyclocarbon catenanes, based on the expectation that they may be stable enough for studies at room temperature,” remarked Professor Andersen.

The team’s research was published in the journal Science.

____

Yuze Gao et al. 2025. Solution phase stabilization of cyclocarbons by catenene layers. Science 389 (6761): 708-710; doi: 10.1126/science.ady6054

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Develop a Second Novel Carbon Molecule

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers have stabilized ring-shaped carbon molecules by adding “bumpers” to protect the atoms.

Harry Anderson

An innovative variety of whole carbon molecules is currently under investigation at standard room temperature. This marks only the second instance of such research since the synthesis of the spherical buckyball 35 years ago. These advancements may lead to the development of materials that offer substantial efficiencies for emerging electronic and quantum technologies.

Carbon molecules composed of circulating rings can display unique chemical characteristics and, similar to buckyballs and carbon nanotubes, can conduct electricity in unexpected ways. Nonetheless, these rings are fragile and often disintegrate before researchers can analyze them.

“Cyclic carbons are fascinating molecules that we’ve been endeavoring to create for quite some time,” said Harry Anderson from Oxford University. Traditionally, it was essential to maintain a sufficient length for studying the molecules, but Anderson and his team have discovered a method to stabilize cyclic carbon at room temperature.

This process involves modifying the cyclic carbon structure. The researchers have achieved this with unprecedented molecular constructs—specifically, rings consisting of 48 carbon atoms known as cyclo[48]Carbon, or c₄₈. They augmented the c₄₈ by incorporating a “bumper” that prevents the 48 atoms from colliding with one another or with additional molecules.

“There are no unnecessary embellishments,” remarked Max Fonderius from Ulm University, Germany. “Simplicity possesses an exquisite elegance.”

A new configuration called Cyclo[48]carbon [4]Catenan remains stable for approximately two days, allowing researchers to investigate c₄₈ for the first time. Interestingly, the molecule’s 48 carbons behaved as if they were arranged in infinite chains, a formation that enables charge transfer between atoms indefinitely.

This remarkable conduction ability suggests that cyclic carbon could be utilized in a variety of next-generation technologies, including transistors, solar cells, semiconductors, and quantum devices. Nonetheless, further inquiry is necessary to validate this potential.

Innovative techniques for stabilizing cyclic carbon may also inspire other scientists to explore exotic carbon molecules. “I believe there is likely a competitive race happening right now,” said von Delius. “Consider this elongated ring as a stepping stone toward the creation of an infinite chain.”

Von Delius further explained that a solitary chain of carbon molecules could prove to be even superior conductors than the rings like C₄₈. “It’s truly remarkable, and it represents the next significant advancement,” he stated.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Forests with Healthy Wildlife Populations Store Four Times More Carbon

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Capuchin Monkeys and Their Role in Seed Dispersal in Tropical Forests

Carlos Grillo/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Tropical ecosystems, rich in animal biodiversity that aids in seed dispersal, can sequester carbon at rates up to four times higher than fragmented forests lacking these animals or where their movements are limited.

“This underscores the connection between the loss of animal biodiversity and the processes that intensify climate change,” explains Evan Fricke from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “We’ve lost the potential for tropical forest regeneration.”

While animals only store a fraction of the carbon in their environment, their activities significantly influence ecosystem carbon dynamics. Notably, species such as monkeys, birds, and rodents play a crucial role in dispersing a wide variety of seeds.

Fricke mentions that “linking this to a prolonged process like carbon capture across landscapes proved quite challenging.”

Fricke and his team examined over 3,000 plots in tropical forests where trees are returning and successfully reabsorbing carbon following disturbances. They then assessed the degree of movement and diversity disruption of seed-dispersing animals in each plot, with findings influenced by forest fragmentation and data from monitored animals.

They discovered that increased disruption in seed disperser movement correlated with lower rates of carbon accumulation. The forests with the most disturbed animal behaviors grew four times faster than those with minimal disruption.

On average, disturbances in animal diversity and movement patterns that disperse seeds halved the carbon accumulation potential of affected plots. This indicates that such disruptions had a more detrimental impact than other factors inhibiting tree regrowth, such as fires and livestock grazing.

In contrast, forests experiencing the least disruption sequestered carbon more rapidly than monoculture wood farms. “Natural growth enhanced by animal activity presents a cost-effective and biodiversity-friendly recovery method,” states Fricke.

Earlier ecological models indicated that seed dispersers might significantly influence carbon storage; however, this study further elucidates the critical role these animals play, according to Oswald Schmitz from Yale University. “It highlights their importance now and into the future.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Significant Carbon Sinks Could Be Gone for a Second Consecutive Year

Posted on July 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The vegetation in Chapada das Mesas National Park, Brazil, struggles to capture atmospheric CO₂.

Pulsar Images/Alamy

A preliminary analysis has revealed that the extreme heat and rainfall of 2024—the hottest and wettest year recorded—now emits as much carbon dioxide as land ecosystems can mitigate. This marks the second consecutive year where land carbon sinks have nearly vanished due to climate stresses, potentially explaining the unprecedented surge in atmospheric CO₂ levels in 2024.

The implications of these findings are serious: land carbon sinks, which typically absorb billions of tons of CO₂ annually, are weakening more rapidly than anticipated, threatening our climate goals. However, it’s uncertain whether this trend over the past two years indicates a permanent shift.

“Everyone involved in this research was taken aback,” noted Guido van der Werf from Wageningen University, Netherlands. “We anticipated a minor sink, but the current situation reveals very few sinks exist.”

Land forests, grasslands, and other ecosystems work to absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere as they grow. However, when these ecosystems decay or burn, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere. Ideally, these processes should remain balanced. Yet, over the last fifty years, ecosystems have been absorbing more carbon than they are releasing, forming fluctuating carbon sinks.

This imbalance is thought to stem primarily from rising CO₂ levels benefiting plant growth, as well as other aspects like nutrient pollution and afforestation. Nonetheless, the effects of increased CO₂ are predicted to be finite as ecosystems may eventually lose their fertilization benefits. “We understand that land carbon sinks will decline, but the pace remains uncertain,” said van der Werf.

In 2023, researchers grew increasingly alarmed as land carbon sinks diminished significantly due to extreme wildfires, heat, and drought, all exacerbated by rising greenhouse gas levels and emerging El Niño patterns in the Pacific, which are generally linked to weakened sinks.

In 2024, it was expected that the carbon sink would strengthen with the decline of El Niño and fewer wildfires. Yet, international teams, including van der Werf, found that it remained incredibly weak.

To evaluate carbon cycling, researchers utilized satellite data to track land greenness corresponding to plant growth and compute the productivity of Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems. They then subtracted the CO₂ released through wildfires and decomposition, leveraging global atmospheric CO₂ measurements for their estimates.

The analysis revealed that the land carbon sink for 2024 was nearly nonexistent, with approximately 2.6 billion tonnes less than expected. This was less than the struggling sink observed between the 2015 and 2016 El Niño events, marking the worst land carbon sink in over a decade.

However, this weakening, unlike in 2023, was not predominantly driven by wildfires and drought. Instead, the study indicated an escalated rate of organic matter decomposition. While ecosystems did show increased productivity (with greenness reaching record highs), it was outpaced by a measure referred to as total ecosystem respiration, reflecting the overall CO₂ output.

“The substantial drop in land carbon sinks stems from respiration,” explained Guanyu Dong, from Nanjing University, who led the study. “The mechanisms at play are completely different.” While most regions have experienced a weakened sink, this trend is especially pronounced in tropical grasslands and shrublands, he added.

Van der Werf indicated that these figures are preliminary estimations and other research teams analyzing the carbon sink could yield varying results. Yet, this decline could largely elucidate the record spike in CO₂ concentrations witnessed in 2024, which is too substantial to be solely attributed to fossil fuel emissions.

The recurring disappearance of sinks for two consecutive years may foreshadow a more rapid decline than previously anticipated. “This suggests that a more pessimistic model might hold true,” noted van der Werf. Early losses in carbon sinks lead to faster increases in airborne CO₂ levels, potentially escalating temperatures even after emissions reach zero.

“That is certainly a possibility, and underscores the alarming nature of this phenomenon,” stated Scott Denning from Colorado State University, who was not involved in the research. He cautioned that the past two years could be aberrations, making it challenging to generalize about accelerated rates of decomposition. “One must interpret even these two years of data cautiously to avoid concluding it represents a permanent collapse,” he advised.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Declining Snowcover in Forests Poses a Threat to Carbon Storage

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Forests similar to Vermont’s Mansfield State Forest are experiencing snow loss

Douglas Rissing/Getty Images

Many forests are losing their winter snowpacks due to rising global temperatures, which can significantly hinder growth and diminish the capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Current predictions suggest that these expectations may overestimate future carbon storage, as they fail to account for the complexities linked to winter climate shifts, according to Emerson Conrad Rooney from Boston University, Massachusetts.

Rising temperatures generally promote growth in temperate forests by enhancing decomposition and nutrient availability during warmer seasons. However, the model primarily overlooks winter changes, especially snow loss.

“The diminishing deep and insulating snowpacks cannot merely be seen as a minor change,” says Elizabeth Burakowski at the University of New Hampshire. Her findings indicate that such changes impact water storage and the health of ecosystems, warning that deep snow days could vanish from much of the U.S. by century’s end.

To better understand these cold-weather impacts, Conrad Rooney and his team modeled the effects of a 5°C increase in global temperatures on the growth of red maple trees (Acer rubrum) in a New Hampshire experimental forest. Some plots were treated with buried cables to warm the soil during the growing season, while others had their snow removed in winter, which warmed the soil and created conditions for freeze-thaw cycles.

Over a decade, trees in both scenarios exhibited more growth than those left undisturbed. However, the areas devoid of snow experienced a significant reduction in growth, halving their typical increase. Researchers attribute this disparity to root damage from exposing the soil to temperature fluctuations without snow cover.

“Snow acts as an insulating blanket, keeping the soil from freezing,” explains Conrad Rooney. “Less snow means an increase in freeze-thaw cycles.”

When researchers projected similar outcomes for northeastern U.S. forests, they estimated an anticipated loss of snowpacks by the century’s end could result in a decrease in carbon storage by about one million tons annually, in contrast to models that do not incorporate the implications of snow loss.

“The fluctuating presence of snow throughout winter undermines the stable soil conditions essential for the long-term carbon storage needed by northeastern ecosystems,” states Burakowski.

However, it’s important to note that not all snowy forests react similarly to snow loss as the deciduous trees found in the Northeast. David Bowling from the University of Utah emphasizes the necessity for accurate modeling of different ecological responses, noting, “There are many changes occurring.”

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Fig Trees Could Help Combat Climate Change by Transforming Carbon Dioxide into Stone

Posted on July 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Fig trees may excel at reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere

Raimund Link/Mauritius Images Gmbh/Alamy

Certain fig trees have the ability to transform significant quantities of carbon dioxide into solid forms, allowing carbon to remain in the soil even after the tree has perished. This indicates that fig trees used for timber or fruit cultivation could offer additional environmental benefits through this carbon sequestration process.

While all trees generally utilize carbon dioxide from the air, most of it is converted into structural molecules such as cellulose. However, some tree species also synthesize a crystalline substance known as calcium oxalate, and the bacteria within the trees and soil can convert it to calcium carbonate, a primary component of rocks like limestone and chalk.

Mineral carbon can remain in the soil significantly longer than organic matter derived from wood. Trees that store carbon in this manner include iron syrup (Milisia Excelsa), which is found in tropical Africa and is valued for its wood yet does not yield edible fruit.

Recently, Mike Rory from the University of Zurich and his team discovered that three fig species indigenous to Samburu County, Kenya, can also produce calcium carbonate through their own processes.

“Most trees generate calcium carbonate within the soil,” Laurie explains. “We [also] observe that high concentrations can transform the entire root structure into calcium carbonate in the soil, which is a remarkable finding.”

The research team initially identified the calcium carbonate-generating fig species by using a weak hydrochloric acid solution to detect its release from calcium carbonate. Subsequently, they could confirm the presence of calcium carbonate in the surrounding soil and analyze wood samples to pinpoint where calcium carbonate was being generated.

“What genuinely astonished me was how deep I was digging for [calcium carbonate],” Laurie remarked, as he presented his findings at the Goldschmidt conference in Prague, Czech Republic, this week.

Further investigations are needed to estimate the total carbon storage of these trees, the resilience of water in various climates, and the water requirement. Nevertheless, if fig trees can be integrated into future planting initiatives, they could serve as both a source of nourishment and a carbon sink, according to Laurie.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

No Carbon Offset Programs Established Due to Forest Fires

Posted on July 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Wildfires raging in the Amazon rainforest

Fernando Lessa/Alamy

Numerous forest-related carbon offset initiatives certified by Verra, the largest carbon registry globally, face potential risks from wildfires and other disturbances that may hinder effective carbon release from the atmosphere.

These forest-based carbon offset initiatives aim to conserve or restore forests to produce carbon credits, which can be sold to corporations or individuals to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Such schemes are designed to maintain a “buffer pool” of unsold carbon credits as insurance against future carbon losses due to factors like wildfires, pests, or severe weather events. Nevertheless, assessments of these buffer pools indicate that current carbon offset strategies are likely not sufficiently secured.

“The figures don’t really rely on scientific evidence, as far as we know,” stated William Anderegg from the University of Utah. A spokesperson from Verra defended the organization’s methodology, asserting that the determination of buffer pool size is grounded in rigorous, science-based risk evaluations, stressing that replenishment should align with what buffer-immersed projects have collected.

Buffer pools pose a significant challenge, especially when forest-based carbon credits are sold to offset emissions from fossil fuels that may have been in the atmosphere for centuries. “If you’re attempting to sequester carbon into trees, you need to guarantee its stability over an extended period,” Anderegg remarked.

In principle, by safeguarding adequate carbon to counterbalance potential losses over decades, a large buffer pool would suffice. However, previous research by Anderegg and his team revealed that forest carbon projects certified by Verra typically secured only 2% of their credits for protection against natural risks.

To evaluate whether this is an adequate safeguard, Anderegg and his colleagues employed ecological models to calculate the necessary size of the buffer to effectively manage the risk posed by natural disturbances across various tropical forest types. They juxtaposed these findings with the buffer pools currently mandated for Verra certification.

The results indicated that Verra’s standards fall short of ensuring permanent carbon storage in nearly all scenarios. In certain instances, the required buffer could be 11 times smaller than necessary. “Given these natural hazards, [the buffer] should be at least doubled, if not more, to be fitting,” Anderegg noted.

A Verra representative mentioned that the majority of the 76 million carbon credits presently within the buffer pool are utilized. They added, “previous reversals suggest that the buffer is not overwhelmed.” “The ongoing maintenance of buffer pools over time clearly demonstrates their effectiveness despite the risk of reversals,” the spokesperson stated.

Buffer pools are not merely a concern for Verra. For instance, California’s regulated carbon offset program has faced wildfires in recent years. A significant portion of the buffer pool was designed to endure for a century.

This concern is anticipated to grow as forest carbon losses escalate. “To secure sustainability extending beyond 100 years, you must ensure that the buffer is sufficiently robust to confront multiple climate variations,” Anderegg concluded.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

The US Military’s Expanding Carbon Footprint: A Concern That Urges Action—Here’s How They Plan to Reduce It.

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A new study has unveiled the significant carbon footprint of the US military, indicating that even modest budget cuts can lead to substantial reductions in emissions.

Published in the journal PLOS Climate, the study reveals a strong correlation between spending by the US Department of Defense (DOD) and energy consumption, along with greenhouse gas emissions. The authors assert that lowering military expenditures could result in considerable environmental benefits.

The US military stands as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, with an estimated output of 636 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents (a standard measure for greenhouse gas emissions) recorded between 2010 and 2019.

In fact, if the military were classified as a country, its emissions would surpass those of nations like Sweden and Portugal.

Moreover, this data only considers scope 1 and 2 emissions, which are the direct emissions from fuel combustion and purchased electricity. Indirect emissions (scope 3) from factors such as employee travel, waste disposal, and supply chains are not included, indicating that the military’s actual carbon footprint is even larger.

Utilizing public data from 1975 to 2022, Professor Ryan Tomb of Penn State University has examined the relationship between military spending, energy consumption, and consequently greenhouse gas emissions.

As expected, increased military spending leads to higher energy usage, while budget cuts result in decreased consumption. Interestingly, the study found that the reduction in spending had a more pronounced effect on energy consumption than increases did.

“Our findings show that spending reductions correlate with lower energy use, particularly from military facilities, vehicles, equipment, and jet fuel,” Thombs stated in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

“Although further research is required to explore specific mechanisms, these results imply that cutting spending may compel the military to diminish the scale, distance, and frequency of operations more than increased spending would push for expansion,” he added.

More than half of the fuel consumed by the national army is allocated to flying fighter jets. – Christopher Campbell, senior airline in the Air Force

Another potential reason for this trend could be that budget cuts may disproportionately limit aviation activities.

Globally, military jets rank among the most energy-intensive machines. In the US military, jet fuel has accounted for 55% of total energy usage over the last fifty years.

“Given the substantial share of energy consumption, prioritizing a reduction in aviation activities is critical,” Thombs commented. “Aviation is highly energy-intensive, and serious efforts to lessen military emissions should target this area.”

It is widely acknowledged that controlling aviation emissions is challenging. Both military and commercial aviation are often described as “hard-to-abate” sectors that cannot yet transition away from fossil fuels at the scale and energy density currently required.

This suggests that curtailing aviation operations is essential for achieving emissions reductions, according to Thombs.

The research team also outlined projections for various future budget scenarios. They discovered that if military spending were to decrease by 6.59% annually from 2023 to 2032, the DOD could save energy equivalent to the entire energy usage of Slovenia or Delaware. This represents a feasible reduction rate observed over the last 50 years, making it a plausible target.

While the scientific rationale is evident, the political landscape tells a different story. Governments worldwide are increasingly escalating their defense budgets amid a climate fraught with conflict and instability.

On June 26th, President Trump’s administration proposed a $1.01 trillion National Defense Budget for the upcoming fiscal year, marking a 13.4% increase from the previous year.

Despite this trend, Thombs remains hopeful. He believes that with the right framing, it is possible to achieve spending reductions. He pointed to previous proposals by Senators Edward Markey and Bernie Sanders to cut military spending by 10%, redirecting those funds toward jobs, healthcare, and education.

“Framing these reductions in such a manner could be an effective strategy, as reinvesting these resources could significantly enhance people’s lives,” Thombs remarked. “Ultimately, the most effective way to mitigate the social and environmental costs associated with the military is to scale it back.”

Researchers are currently planning to explore why spending cuts yield such exceptional energy savings and whether this trend holds for other major military forces.

Read more:

About our experts

Ryan Tomb serves as an assistant professor of rural sociology in the Faculty of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education at Penn State University in the United States. His published research appears in American Sociological Review, Sociological Methodology, Journal of Health and Social Behavior, and Society, along with interdisciplinary journals such as Changes in the Global Environment, Energy Research and Social Sciences, Climate Change, and Environmental Survey Letters.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Google Takes Steps to Offset Its Carbon Footprint, Report Reveals

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In 2021, Google established an ambitious target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Nevertheless, since that time, the company has taken a contrary path by investing in energy-demanding artificial intelligence. According to its latest sustainability report, Google’s carbon emissions surged by 51% between 2019 and 2024.

The intent behind the new research is to challenge even the vast statistics, contextualizing Google’s sustainability report and presenting a more somber outlook. A report from nonprofit advocacy group Kairos Fellowship revealed that, between 2019 and 2024, Google’s carbon emissions increased by 65%. Additionally, from the first year public data on Google’s emissions became available in 2010 to 2024, the total greenhouse gas emissions soared by 1,515%, according to Kairos. The report noted that when Google upped its emissions by 26% from 2023 to 2024, this was the largest increase within that timeframe.

“Google’s own data supports this assertion. Companies are accelerating climate crises, and key metrics—including emissions and water usage—are trending in a concerning direction for both us and our planet.”

The authors of the report found that they discerned Google’s energy consumption and the bulk of the figures used to calculate rising carbon emissions within the appendix of Google’s Sustainability Report. Many of these figures were not prominently featured in the main body of Google’s report, they claim.

Google did not respond promptly to inquiries regarding these figures.

The authors of the report, titled Eco Fail, attribute the discrepancies between the calculated figures and Google’s sustainability report to several factors. Google employs market-based emissions metrics, while researchers use location-based emissions. Location-based emissions represent the average energy consumed from the local electricity grid, while market-based emissions include the energy procured to offset total emissions.

“[Location-based emissions] Franz Ressel, lead researcher and co-author of the report, stated. Businesses may pollute in one area while trying to ‘settle’ those emissions by purchasing energy contracts from elsewhere.”

According to a Kairos survey, the energy demand from Google’s data centers has surged by 820% since 2010. Emissions from electricity purchases for data centers increased by 121% between 2019 and 2024, according to the report’s authors.

“This increase is equivalent to adding 6.8 TWh of energy consumption, comparable to the total energy used by the state of Alaska over a year,” Sugerman explained.

Based on the current trajectory, the Kairos Report authors assert that it appears unlikely Google will meet the 2030 deadline without considerable public pressure. Since 2019, Google has tracked three categories of greenhouse gas emissions, referred to as Scopes 1, 2, and 3, and has made significant reductions in Scope 1 emissions. According to the report, Scope 1 emissions, which include emissions from Google’s own facilities and vehicles, represent merely 0.31% of its total emissions. Scope 2 emissions primarily consist of indirect emissions associated with the electricity purchased to power its facilities, while Scope 3 encompasses indirect emissions from various other sources, including suppliers, the usage of Google’s consumer devices, and employee business travel.

“Continuing to expand at current rates is unsustainable,” Sugerman added.

Thirsty, power-hungry data centers

Amid the construction of resource-intensive data centers across the country, experts are scrutinizing Google’s water usage as well. Google’s sustainability report reveals a 27% increase in water withdrawal to 1.1 billion gallons between 2023 and 2024.

Kairos indicates that this volume is “sufficient to meet the drinking water needs of 2.5 million residents and 5,500 industrial users in Boston and its surrounding areas.”

Tech companies are facing both internal and external pressures to enhance the sustainability of their data centers with clean energy. Recently, Amazon employees proposed a series of shareholder proposals which compelled the company to disclose its overall carbon emissions and assess the impact of its data centers on the climate. This proposal was ultimately voted on. Multiple organizations, including Amazon’s Employees for Climate Justice, the Conservation Voters Federation, Public Citizens, and the Sierra Club, published an Open Letter in the San Francisco Chronicle and the Seattle Times, urging the CEOs of Google, Amazon, and Microsoft to “refrain from committing to new gas and delaying coal plants to power their data centers.”

Skip past newsletter promotions

“In just the last two years, your corporation has constructed data centers across the United States that could consume as much electricity as 4 million American households,” states the letter. “Within five years, these data centers alone will use enough electricity for more than 22 million households, comparable to the consumption of several medium-sized states.”

In its sustainability report, Google cautions that the company’s “future trajectory” may be influenced by the “evolving landscape” of the tech industry.

“We are at a significant inflection point due to the rapid growth of AI, which affects not just our company but the entire tech sector,” the report explains. “The unprecedented pace of development and potential nonlinear growth driven by the uncertain availability of clean energy and infrastructure needed to support this growth may affect our capacity to project future emissions and reduce them.”

The Kairos report criticized Google for its “heavy reliance on speculative technologies, especially nuclear power,” in pursuit of its 2030 zero carbon emissions goal.

“Google has concentrated on nuclear energy as a ‘clean energy solution’, despite the prevailing consensus among scientists and industry experts that achieving successful large-scale deployments will not happen in the near or medium term,” the report states.

Furthermore, the Kairos report contends that Google’s presentation of certain data can be misleading. For instance, in discussing data center emissions, Google claims a 50% improvement in energy efficiency over 13 years. The report’s authors argue that focusing on energy efficiency figures rather than sharing absolute emissions numbers obscures Google’s total emissions.

“Since 2010, the company’s overall energy consumption has increased by 1,282%,” the report concludes.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Trump’s EPA Aims to Eliminate Carbon Emission Regulations for Power Plants

Posted on June 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed on Wednesday its intention to lift current limitations on greenhouse gas emissions from coal and gas-fired power plants.

EPA administrator Lee Zeldin stated at a press conference that the carbon pollution standards established during the Biden administration “stifle” economic growth in the name of environmental protection. Zeldin, who was appointed by President Donald Trump in January, emphasized that this announcement marks significant progress in US energy management and reassured that the agency would not allow power plants to generate more electricity than they currently do. Presently, the electricity sector represents a quarter of total US emissions. Latest EPA Emissions Data.

Zeldin also indicated that the EPA plans to roll back regulations related to mercury emissions from power plants set by the Biden administration.

Environmental advocates argue that the EPA’s proposal intensifies the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to reshape climate initiatives across various federal agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Energy, and the National Weather Service. In 2024, the Biden administration confirmed its commitment to address the climate crisis with the most stringent carbon pollution standards for power plants to date, which now face an uncertain future.

Gina McCarthy, who served as EPA administrator under President Joe Biden, described Zeldin’s announcement as a “political maneuver” in a statement on Wednesday that dismissed a “decade of scientific research and policy evaluation.”

“By allowing increased pollution, his legacy will be defined by those who cater to the fossil fuel industry at the cost of public health,” McCarthy stated.

On January 25th, Jeffrey Energy Center’s coal-fired power plant near Emmett, Kansas.
Charlie Riedel / AP file

“Science and daily observations tell us that removing pollution standards on the largest industrial gas polluters in the United States is a mistake,” stated Jill Tauber, vice president of climate and energy litigation at Earthjustice, a nonprofit currently involved in litigation against the Trump administration over various environmental rollbacks.

US power plants are significant sources of global carbon emissions. A report from the Institute of Policy Integrity at New York University indicates that if the US electricity sector were treated as a separate nation, it would rank as the sixth largest emitter worldwide.

During the first Trump administration, the EPA loosened several Obama-era greenhouse gas regulations for power plants, but this latest announcement marks a shift towards completely eliminating such standards. Zeldin is following through on his commitment made in March to challenge the “religion of climate change” by revisiting or rescinding 31 regulations related to tailpipe emissions, coal ash, and wastewater management from oil and gas.

The proposed regulations, which are now open for public commentary, are facing scrutiny from legal advocates and environmental organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council. They contend that the EPA has a legal obligation to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Legal precedent mandates that greenhouse gases be controlled by the EPA under the Clean Air Act.

“We are closely monitoring whether the EPA will remove these crucial standards based on legal reasoning that is likely to be unviable,” remarked Meredith Hawkins, Federal Climate Law Director for the Natural Resources Defense Council. “The NRDC is prepared to take legal action to ensure our right to breathe clean air is upheld.”

Reducing historic limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants could significantly influence global climate change, as well as have adverse effects on human health and the economy.

Harvey Writer, a lawyer and law professor at George Washington University, expressed hope that if the EPA pursues its planned deregulation, energy companies and utilities committed to renewable energy investments will challenge the Trump administration in court.

“The primary consequence of the proposed regulations is uncertainty and instability,” he stated. “It leaves stakeholders unsure about the next steps ahead. This complicates investment choices and affects job-related decisions, generating widespread market uncertainty.”

Greenhouse gas emissions from power plants extend beyond climate concerns. The combustion of fossil fuels emits carbon dioxide and various air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, mercury, and particulate matter. These pollutants are linked to higher instances of respiratory ailments and cardiovascular disease. Regulating carbon emissions from power plants can lead to a broader reduction in air pollution for communities near these facilities, according to Laura Kate Bender, vice president of national advocacy and public policy at the American Lung Association.

“This is a dual-edged sword. On the one hand, fossil fuel-fired power plants exacerbate climate change while simultaneously causing health issues,” Bender noted. “Climate change is a public health crisis, and mitigating carbon emissions in the electricity sector is crucial to addressing this emergency.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The River Releases Ancient Carbon Into the Atmosphere

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Rivers like the Chuya in Russia can emit carbon dioxide and methane.

Parilov/Shutterstock

Globally, rivers are releasing ancient carbon into the atmosphere, revealing surprising insights for scientists and indicating that human impact on natural landscapes may be more severe than previously understood.

It is already established that rivers emit carbon dioxide and methane as part of the carbon cycle, a rapid gas exchange linked to the growth and decay of organisms, estimated to release around 2 Gigatonnes of carbon annually.

Researchers, including Josh Dean from the University of Bristol, explored the age of this carbon.

The team utilized radiocarbon dating to analyze carbon and methane released from over 700 river segments across 26 countries.

“When we compiled the available data, what we found was surprisingly significant. [Regarding the carbon released], these ancient stores may originate from much older reserves,” Dean states.

Ancient carbon is sequestered in geological formations such as rocks, peat bogs, and wetlands. The findings reveal that around one Gigatonne of this carbon is released annually via rivers, leading to the conclusion that ecosystems are currently removing one Gigatonne less carbon from the atmospheric balance than previously believed.

“This represents the first comprehensive assessment of river emissions on a global scale, which is quite remarkable,” remarks Taylor Maavara from the Cary Ecosystem Studies Institute in Millbrook, New York.

The pressing concern now is understanding the reasons behind the release of such ancient carbon. Factors might include climate change and human activities that alter natural landscapes. Dean observes that the carbon from rivers has appeared “aged” since the 1990s.

“Human activity may be accessing these long-term carbon reservoirs, which can lead to older carbon being released through these channels,” he explains.

For instance, rising temperatures due to climate change can result in carbon being released from thawing permafrost and increase the weathering rates of rocks. Additional factors such as peatland drainage and wetland desiccation could also play a role. Dean emphasizes the necessity for further research to ascertain the degree to which human activities contribute to this phenomenon and how carbon release varies over time.

“This is a critical area of research,” he asserts. “If we believe we are storing old carbon within these reservoirs, we’re mistaken; this understanding is crucial.” These insights carry significant implications for national climate strategies, particularly concerning reliance on natural ecosystems to mitigate ongoing emissions.

“This research raises intriguing questions about how and to what extent we can manage ancient carbon,” says Scott Teig from Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan. He adds that tackling climate change is likely vital to prevent the release of CO2 and methane from these ancient reserves.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Microplastics Could Impair the Ocean’s Carbon Capture Capacity

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Free divers surrounded by plastic pollution

Sebnem Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Microplastics are not merely present on the ocean’s surface. A comprehensive study on small particles has shown their widespread presence throughout the water column, potentially impacting the ocean’s capacity to sequester carbon from the atmosphere.

“There are countless entities like this all across the ocean’s interior,” states Tracy Mincer from Florida Atlantic University.

Mincer and his team analyzed microplastic data collected over the last decade from nearly 2,000 global locations. While many assessments concentrate on shallow ocean surfaces, their dataset incorporated samples from various depths, including some of the ocean’s deepest regions.

The researchers found microplastics documented precisely where research efforts were focused. This includes the Mariana Trench, where more than 13,000 microplastic particles were recorded, nearly 7 kilometers per cubic meter.

They were taken aback by the uniform distribution of the smallest particles throughout the water column. “While we anticipated finding plastics at both the ocean’s surface and its depths, they were unexpectedly widespread,” remarked Aron Stubbins from Northeastern University, Massachusetts.

Additionally, these plastic polymers contribute significantly to the carbon particles present in the water. At a depth of 2,000 meters, an area less biologically active than the surface, they account for 5% of the carbon content.

The ecological ramifications of these findings are not yet fully understood. One major concern is that buoyant plastics consumed by plankton may decrease the amount of carbon that is effectively transported to deeper layers through fecal pellets and carcasses. This could impede the ocean’s biological carbon pumps, says Stubbins. However, he emphasizes that quantifying the impact of this phenomenon remains a challenge. “We are uncovering a variety of plastics throughout the ocean,” he notes.

“We can no longer afford to overlook the insights of chemists and biologists in understanding how vast ocean systems operate,” stated Douglas McCauley from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He believes this research will clarify the discrepancies between estimates of millions of tons of plastic entering the oceans and the actually measured quantities. “Sadly, it’s not vanishing. Instead, it has dispersed throughout the water as microplastics,” he adds.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Curiosity Rover Uncovers Carbonate Minerals on Early Mars, Revealing the Carbon Cycle in Action

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

NASA’s curiosity rover discovered evidence of the ancient Mars carbon cycle, bringing scientists closer to answers on whether the planet can support life.

Curiosity watches the track retreat in the distance on April 30, 2023 at a site called Ubajara. This site is where Rover discovered the Siderate. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.

Planetary researchers have long believed that Mars once had a thick carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere and liquid water on the surface of the planet.

That carbon dioxide and water should have reacted with Mars rocks to produce carbonate minerals.

However, to date, rover missions and near-infrared spectroscopy analysis from Mars orbit satellites have not discovered the amount of carbonate on the Earth’s surface predicted by this theory.

“We’ve seen a lot of experience in the world,” said Dr. Benjamin Tutoro, a researcher at the University of Calgary.

“The planet is habitable and shows that the model of habitability is correct.”

Using data collected by curiosity, Dr. Tutoro and his colleagues analyzed the composition of the 89 m stratigraphic section of Gail Crater, which once contained an ancient lake.

They identified high concentrations of iron carbonate minerals called siderelites in layers rich in magnesium sulfate, ranging from about 5% to over 10% by weight.

This was unexpected as orbital measurements had not detected carbonates in these layers.

Given its source and chemistry, the researchers speculate that the Seidelians, formed by the water rock reaction and evaporation, indicate that carbon dioxide has been chemically isolated from the Martian atmosphere to sedimentary rocks.

If the mineral composition of these sulfate layers represents a globally sulfate-rich region, these deposits contain large carbon reservoirs that were previously unrecognised.

The carbonate is partially destroyed by a later process, indicating that some of the carbon dioxide was later returned to the atmosphere, creating a carbon cycle.

“The discovery of abundant siderelites in Gale Crater represents both an astonishing and important breakthrough in understanding Mars’ geological and atmospheric evolution,” Dr. Tutoro said.

Dr. Thomas Bristow, a researcher at NASA’s Ames Research Center, added:

“A mere centimeters below gives us a good idea of minerals that were formed on or near the surface about 3.5 billion years ago.”

Survey results It will be displayed in the journal Science.

____

Benjamin M. Tsutoro et al. 2025. Carbonates identified by the curiosity rover show the carbon cycle operating on ancient Mars. Science 388 (6744): 292-297; doi: 10.1126/science.ado9966

Source: www.sci.news

Astounding Discovery: Curiosity Detects Long-Chain Carbon Molecules in Martian Mudstones

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Sample analysis of Mars Instrument on NASA’s Curiosity Rover detected decane, anteca and dodecane molecules in Gale Crater samples.

This graphic shows the long chain organic molecules, decane, undercane, dodecane, and rover of curiosity from NASA. Image credit: NASA/Dan Gallagher.

“The main scientific goal of Curiosity is to quantitatively assess the possibility of Mars’ habitability in the past or present,” says Dr. Caroline Freissinet, researcher at Atmosphères ET Observation Spatiales at CNRS and Laboratoire.

“Sample analysis in the MARS (SAM) instrument suite on a rover is dedicated to this task by employing inventory of organic and inorganic compounds present on the surface of Mars as potential chemical biosignatures and investigating the nature of the conservation.”

Using SAM instruments, researchers analyzed molecules released from excavated mudstone samples called Cumberlands, collected in Yellowknife Bay, the geological layer of Gale Crater.

They were able to detect three long chain alkanes: decane (c)₁₀h_{twenty two}), unedecane (c₁₁h_{twenty four}), and dodecan (c₁₂h₂₆).

“These long carbon chains, which contain up to 12 consecutive carbon atoms, can exhibit similar characteristics to the fatty acids produced on Earth through biological activity,” the researchers said.

Dodecane represents the highest molecular mass organic molecule ever identified on the surface of Mars.

“Detection of long-chain alkanes shows various causes of organic matter and storage mechanisms in Cumberland samples,” the scientists said.

“Clays and sulfate minerals are expected to play an important role in this long-term storage.”

According to the author, the source of Mars’ long-chain alkanes remains uncertain.

“Laboratory experiments support sources from the saturated forms of linear chains, primary carboxylic acids, i.e. decano acids, dodecano acids, and tridecano acids, for decane, undecano and dodecano acids, respectively,” they said.

“Abiotic processes can form these acids, but are considered to be a universal product of biochemistry, on the ground and perhaps Mars.”

“The origin and distribution of these molecules therefore has great interest in searching for potential biosignatures on Mars.”

Survey results It will be displayed in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

____

Caroline Freecinet et al. 2025. Long chain alkanes are preserved in the mudstones of Mars. pnas 122 (13): e2420580122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2420580122

Source: www.sci.news

Recent study explains the atomic-level process of microorganisms metabolizing carbon monoxide.

Posted on January 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

More than 2 billion tons of carbon monoxide are released in the atmosphere every year. Various bacteria and old bacteria take this in about 250 million tons, reducing carbon monoxide to a safer level. According to new studies, these microorganisms use a special enzyme called CO Dehydrogenase to extract energy from this universal but very toxic gas.

kropp et al。 Demonstrates that CO dehydrogenase can oxidize carbon monoxide to an invasion level. Image credit: NASA / NOAA / GSFC / SUOMI NPP / VIIRS / NORMAN KURING.

“Carbon monoxide is a powerful poison with multiple cell life, and is also a high -energy fuel and carbon source of microorganisms,” said the University of Monash University and his colleagues, Ashley Crop.

“Carbon monoxide is released in large quantities in the atmosphere, and nature and human sources contribute to the estimated 26 million tons of carbon monoxide emissions each year.”

“Nevertheless, the average carbon monoxide concentration in the atmosphere remains very low at about 100 ppb for consumption by non -biological processes and microbial oxidation.”

“Microorganism consumption accounts for an estimated 10 to 15 % of carbon monoxide removed from the atmosphere (approximately 250 million tons per year).”

In their research, the authors showed for the first time how Co -Dehydrogenase extracted carbon monoxide and power cells.

“This enzyme is used in microorganisms of our soil and water areas. These microorganisms consume carbon monoxide for their own survival, but in the process. Help me, “said Kropp.

“This was a great example of the ingenuity of microorganisms. How did life evolve how toxic toxic things are evolved,” said Devid Gillet, the University of Monache.

“These microorganisms help to clean our atmosphere. This is because carbon monoxide is indirectly greening gas in opposition to air pollution that kills millions of people every year. Reduce warming.

“This discovery is unlikely to be used directly to fight the emissions of carbon monoxide, but deepen understanding of how the atmosphere is regulated and how it will respond to future changes. Nothing.

“This discovery emphasized the wider importance of microorganisms,” said Professor Chris Green at the University of Monash.

“Microorganisms have countless roles that are indispensable to both human and planet health, but they are often misunderstood and are often misunderstood, so they are often noticed.”

“Microorganisms were a major reason for our air,” said Kropp.

“We breathe, detoxify various pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, and make half of oxygen to detoxify.”

Survey results It will be displayed in the journal Natural chemical student。

______

A. KROPP et al。 Kinon extraction promotes carbon monoxide oxidation in the atmosphere of bacteria. NAT CHEM BIOLReleased online on January 29, 2025. Doi: 10.1038/S41589-025-01836-0

Source: www.sci.news

New Record High of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Levels Recorded at Monitoring Station

Posted on January 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Observatory has been recording atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations since 1958.

Fred Espenak/Science Photo Library

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels measured by Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Observatory weather station increased by 3.58 parts per million in 2024, the largest increase since records began in 1958.

‘We’re still going in the wrong direction,’ climate scientists say Richard Betts At the Met Office, the UK’s weather bureau.

Part of this record increase is due to carbon dioxide emissions from human activities such as fossil fuel burning and deforestation, which reached an all-time high in 2024. Added to this were numerous wildfires caused by record global warming driven by climate change. Long-term warming plus El Niño weather patterns.

Betts predicted that atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations measured at Mauna Loa would rise by 2.26 parts per million (ppm) this year, with a margin of error of 0.56 ppm either way. This is significantly lower than the 2024 record, but it would exceed the last possible pathway to limiting the rise in global surface temperatures to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

“You can think of this as another nail in the 1.5°C coffin,” Betts says. “Now that’s highly unlikely.”

Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is the most important indicator when it comes to climate change, as increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is the main driver of short- and long-term warming. The first continuous measurements of CO2 levels were taken at Mauna Loa.

“Because this station has the longest observation record and is located far from major anthropogenic and natural sources of CO2 emissions and sinks, it is often used to represent changes in global CO2 concentrations. It will be done.” Richard Engelen At the EU’s Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service.

However, observations from satellites have made it possible to directly measure the global average atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. According to CAMS, it rose by 2.9 ppm in 2024. Although this is not a record, it is one of the largest increases since satellite observations began.

“The reasons for this large increase require further investigation, but are likely a combination of a recovery in emissions in much of the world after the coronavirus pandemic and interannual fluctuations in natural carbon sinks.” says Engelen. Carbon sinks refer to marine and terrestrial ecosystems that absorb about half of the carbon dioxide emitted by humans.

It has long been predicted that as the Earth warms, this excess CO2 will become less absorbed. “The concern is whether this is the beginning of that,” Betts said. “We don’t know.”

At Mauna Loa, carbon dioxide increases will be higher than global average levels in 2024 due to the large number of wildfires in the Northern Hemisphere, Betts said. CO2 plumes from sources such as wildfires take time to mix evenly into the world’s atmosphere. “Fire emissions in the Northern Hemisphere were particularly high last year,” he says.

Although it is now certain that global warming will exceed the 1.5°C threshold, Betts believes it is still the right goal to set that goal. “The Paris Agreement is carefully worded to seek to limit global warming to 1.5%. We recognized from the beginning that this would be difficult,” he says. “The idea was to set this stretch goal to motivate action, and I actually think it was successful. It galvanized action.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Amazon purchases UK’s largest electric truck to decrease carbon footprint

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Amazon is set to deploy nearly 150 electric heavy goods vehicles in the UK to reduce carbon emissions from its delivery operations. The company has purchased over 140 electric Mercedes-Benz HGVs and eight Volvo trucks, marking the UK’s largest order for electric trucks. These vehicles will join Amazon’s fleet over the next 18 months, increasing its current electric HGV fleet from nine vehicles.

The switch to electric logistics is being supported by government funding under the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Program (ZEHID). Amazon plans to set up fast-charging points across its UK network to keep its electric trucks operational.

Amazon’s investment in green transport is part of a £300m initiative announced in 2022 to increase its electric HGV fleet to 700 vehicles by 2025. However, challenges such as a lack of public infrastructure, high costs, and range concerns are hindering the industry-wide transition to electric HGVs.

Amazon Logistics European vice president Nicola Fyfe stated that the company’s commitment to electric vehicles aligns with its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The move includes large-scale deliveries by rail and foot in city centers, expanding Amazon’s green delivery options.

Skip past newsletter promotions

Amazon’s shift towards electric vehicles represents a significant step in its sustainability efforts and commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Mars’ polar regions covered in white due to carbon dioxide ice

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Planetary scientists using ESA's Mars Express spacecraft's high-resolution stereo camera have captured stunning images of Earth's mysterious landscapes. Australe Scopri Region in the southern hemisphere of the red planet.

Frozen landscape of the Australe Skopli region on Mars' south pole. Image credit: ESA / DLR / FU Berlin.

“Here, a layer of carbon dioxide ice and dust envelops the site, turning Mars white,” ESA researchers said in a statement.

“The contrasting light and dark layers are especially striking on the exposed surfaces of hills and valleys.”

“They track the seasonal polar layered deposits characteristic of the region, which form when layers of ice freeze and trap varying amounts of dust within them. It is something that will be done.”

“It's probably better to take a sled ride, but either way, dress warmly, because it's -125 degrees Celsius (-193 Fahrenheit) outside so it's cold,” they added.

“Skiers and sledders on Mars will have to slalom around potentially hundreds of dust jets.”

“That's because ski season is almost over and it's starting to look like spring, or even summer. This image was taken on June 16, 2022, near the Antarctic summer solstice.”

If you zoom in on the image above, you can see numerous dark spots where the ice has already sublimated. This is a sure sign that the sun's warming rays have been hitting the area for some time.

“When sunlight hits the translucent upper layer of carbon dioxide ice, it warms the underlying surface,” the scientists explained.

“The ice at the bottom of the layer begins to sublimate, forming pockets of trapped gas.”

“As the pressure increases, the overlying ice suddenly cracks, causing gas to burst out from the surface.”

“These gas fountains carry black dust from below, which falls to the surface in a fan-shaped pattern depending on the prevailing wind direction.”

“Fan lengths range from tens of meters to hundreds of meters.”

“If you look more closely, it often appears that the fans follow the boundaries between polar layered deposits.”

“Perhaps these boundaries represent zones of weakness, from which escaping dust-laden jets can more easily break through the ice layer.”

“We may have missed the chance to create 'Frosty the Snowman,' but it's still a wonderful time of year on Mars.”

Source: www.sci.news

Tesla urges UK to strengthen regulations on vehicle carbon emissions.

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Tesla has urged the UK government to tighten regulations on carbon emissions from cars and trucks according to documents. The electric car maker also pushed for higher taxes on fossil fuel vehicles.

In a letter to Labor’s Lilian Greenwood, Tesla, led by Elon Musk, proposed strengthening zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) requirements for cars and imposing restrictions on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The company called for the introduction of similar rules by the UK government’s Minister of Roads.

Despite a public feud with the Labor Party, Tesla’s vice president praised Labor’s commitment to decarbonizing the energy system and achieving net zero by 2030 in a letter published under the Freedom of Information Act and shared with the Guardian through the fast charging newsletter.

Tesla’s stance contrasts with other automakers lobbying for deregulation. The company believes that advancing and enhancing ZEV mandates is crucial as sales of new electric vehicles increase, prompting growth in the used electric vehicle market.

For trucks, Tesla’s proposed mandate could boost the market for heavy-duty electric vehicles, coinciding with the company’s plans to launch the Tesla Semi. The company called for immediate action to address truck emissions and highlighted the UK lagging behind the EU in regulating such emissions.

A ZEV truck mandate could benefit Tesla by creating a new market for selling credits to rival manufacturers. The company has long advocated for stricter rules on clean transportation and higher taxes on gasoline and diesel cars.

Skip past newsletter promotions

Elon Musk waves near a Tesla semi-electric truck during a 2022 livestream event. Photo: TESLA/Reuters

Despite disagreements with environmentally conscious buyers over his support for Donald Trump, Tesla continues to profit from selling credits to competitors. The company’s revenue from credits reached $2.1bn (£1.65bn) in the first nine months of 2024.

Tesla faces challenges in the US as subsidies for electric cars are cut, potentially impacting sales. However, the company may benefit indirectly if Chinese automakers face tariffs preventing sales in the US without similar assistance to rivals.

Elon Musk is expected to leverage his relationship with Trump to advocate for deregulation in the self-driving car industry. Tesla’s upcoming self-driving taxi, the CyberCab, is key to the company’s future earnings growth. The company also sees an opportunity for the UK to lead in self-driving technology development.

Tesla declined to provide further comments on the matter.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Scientists uncover innovative method to transform carbon dioxide into methane

Posted on November 22, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A new class of atomically dispersed nickel catalysts directly converts trapped carbon dioxide (CO)₂ to methane (CH₄), according to Tomaz Neves García, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher at The Ohio State University, and colleagues.

Direct electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide scavenging species, namely carbamates and (bi)carbonates, may be promising for carbon dioxide capture and conversion from point sources. Image credit: Neves Garcia others., doi: 10.1021/jacs.4c09744.

Carbon dioxide is the greenhouse gas responsible for most of global warming and is produced by power plants, factories, and various forms of transportation.

Typical carbon capture systems, aimed at reducing the presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by separating carbon dioxide from other gases and converting it into useful products. .

However, the operation of these systems requires large amounts of energy, making this process difficult to implement on an industrial scale.

“Now we have found a way to save much of this precious energy by using a special nickel-based catalyst to convert the captured carbon dioxide directly into methane,” said Dr. Neves Garcia.

By using nickel atoms placed on a charged surface, Dr. Neves-Garcia and his co-authors were able to convert carbamates, a scavenging form of carbon dioxide, directly into methane.

They discovered that nickel atoms, an inexpensive and widely available catalyst, were very good at this transformation.

“We are producing high-energy fuels from low-energy molecules,” said Dr. Neves Garcia.

“What's so interesting about this is that while other companies are capturing, capturing and converting carbon in stages, we're saving energy by doing these steps simultaneously. is.”

Most importantly, streamlining the carbon capture process will help scientists reshape what they know about the carbon cycle and inform more complex strategies for faster and more efficient climate mitigation technologies. This is an important step to establish.

“We need to focus on minimizing the energy spent on carbon capture and conversion as much as possible,” said Dr. Neves García.

“So instead of performing all the capture and conversion steps separately, we can integrate it into one step and avoid wasted energy processes.”

“Many carbon capture methods are still in their infancy, but this is a promising field as researchers from a variety of disciplines are working on improvements.”

“Using renewable electricity to convert carbon dioxide into fuel has the potential to end the carbon cycle.”

“For example, when methane is burned to produce energy, it emits carbon dioxide, which can be captured and converted back into methane to support a continuous energy production cycle without adding to the planet's global warming burden. It may be possible.”

The study also represents the first time researchers have discovered that carbamates can be converted to methane using electrochemistry.

Many attempts have been made to convert the captured carbon dioxide into useful products, but so far most researchers have only shown the ability to produce carbon monoxide.

“Methane can be a very interesting product, but most importantly it opens the way to developing further processes to convert the captured carbon dioxide into other products” Neves Garcia said the doctor.

of the team work Published in Journal of the American Chemical Society.

_____

tomas neves garcia others. 2024. Integrated capture and conversion of carbon dioxide to methane with amines over single-atom nickel catalysts. J.Am. Chemistry. society 146 (46): 31633-31646;doi: 10.1021/jacs.4c09744

Source: www.sci.news

Private jet carbon emissions have skyrocketed in recent years

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Elon Musk will board a private jet in Beijing in 2023

Jade Gao/AFP via Getty Images

Researchers say private jet flights should be subject to a carbon tax to curb runaway carbon emissions from the sector.

Emissions from civil aviation increased by 46% between 2019 and 2023, according to an analysis of 18.7 million flights by nearly 26,000 aircraft.

Flights were mainly for leisure purposes, with 1,846 commercial flights alone leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Other popular destinations included the Cannes Film Festival, the Super Bowl, the COP28 climate change conference in Dubai and the World Economic Forum in Davos. Travel to the south of France, Ibiza and other Spanish destinations peaked during the summer months as people jetted in for long weekends in the sun.

“A fairly small group of very wealthy individuals are driving up emissions pretty quickly because of their lifestyles and investments,” he says. stephen gosling At Linnaeus University, Sweden.

Together with his colleagues, Goessling used flight tracking data from millions of flights to build a picture of civil aviation usage around the world.

Flying in a private jet is the most polluting form of travel, emitting an average of 3.6 tonnes of CO2 per flight. Equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of a person living in Sweden.

The analysis found that most private jet flights are short, with nearly half of all flights flying less than 500 kilometers. Most were within the United States and Europe.

Total emissions from private jets in 2023 will be 15.6 megatons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the annual emissions of Tanzania. This is up from 10.7 million tonnes in 2019.

Growth rates were distorted by the coronavirus pandemic. Unlike civil aviation, which had significant restrictions in 2020 and 2021, civil aviation saw only a small drop in flight numbers and emissions in 2020, before returning to growth the following year.

According to the data, many of the most widely used private jets are owned by billionaires such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, pop star Jay-Z and TV personality Kim Kardashian. It is said to be owned by a celebrity. Compiled by the website “Celebrity Jet”.

“This is about inequality in greenhouse gas production,” he says. mark maslin At University College London. “It's not even the 1 percent. It's the richest 0.1 percent of people in the world who snap their fingers and take private jets.”

Goessling says the high personal emissions of the ultra-wealthy run the risk of undermining the public's desire to reduce personal emissions. “If the very rich don't need to reduce their emissions, there's no reason for anyone else to reduce their emissions, because everyone else is reducing their emissions,” he says.

Mr Goessling would like to see a carbon tax applied to the use of private jets. “We can put a price tag on every ton [of carbon] “It's being emitted, and I think everyone agrees that it's fair for the wealthy to pay for the damage they're causing,” he says.

Some hope the government goes further. Sean Curry Campaign group Stay Grounded is calling for a total ban on the use of private jets. “About half of these flights are short-haul flights,” he says. “If we ban private jets and invest in real infrastructure, they could easily be replaced by trains.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com