Cutting urban carbon emissions by retrofitting buildings
To support the worldwide struggle to reduce carbon emissions, many cities have made public pledges to cut their carbon emissions in half by 2030, and some have promised to be carbon neutral by 2050. Buildings can be responsible for more than half a m.....»»
Biodiversity in the city: Designing urban spaces for humans and animals
Animals and plants also live and thrive on public squares. This creates opportunities for greater biodiversity and well-being for the human population. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have studied at 103 locations in Munich ho.....»»
Guest commentary: Every step counts to drive down greenhouse gas emissions with green materials
Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to incorporate novel, recyclable materials that produce fewer greenhouse gases. Many are turning to next-generation materials......»»
Study finds humidity diminishes daytime cooling gains in urban green spaces
Urban green spaces provide shade for city dwellers facing rising temperatures brought on by climate change, but how much relief from the heat island effect do they provide when humidity is factored in?.....»»
Study finds four global policies could eliminate >90% of plastic waste and 30% of linked carbon emissions by 2050
A study released in Science determines that just four policies can reduce mismanaged plastic waste—plastic that isn't recycled or properly disposed of and ends up as pollution—by 91% and plastic-related greenhouse gases by one-third......»»
Researchers say impact of Trump"s climate policies "recoverable"
US president-elect Donald Trump's expected climate rollbacks will likely have a "small" impact on global warming, as long as other countries resist the temptation to slacken their own carbon-cutting efforts, new research found Thursday......»»
The time is ripe to support urban agriculture: Experts urge Congress to fund new iteration of Farm Bill
As Congress reconvenes, a coalition of advocates has published a policy brief calling on representatives to provide more support for urban agriculture through a new iteration of the Farm Bill, which has been in a state of limbo since expiring in Sept.....»»
NZ"s food manufacturers are embracing the idea of a circular economy but are slow to implement it
Around the world, the growth of industry and consumption has escalated environmental damage through increased emissions, waste and pollution from landfills......»»
Agrivoltaics for sustainable food, energy and water management in East Africa
Combining solar power production with agriculture can significantly boost crop yields, conserve water and generate low-carbon electricity for areas particularly vulnerable to climate change, a new study has shown......»»
Scientists develop a phase-transformable membrane for efficient gas separation
Industrial gas separation, essential for clean energy and environmental protection, demands efficiency and adaptability. Current materials, however, lack the flexibility to selectively separate gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) while.....»»
Stark warning on emissions as leaders split on climate goals at COP29
Global leaders offered competing views on how to tackle climate change at UN-led talks Wednesday as a new report warned the world must reach carbon neutrality much sooner than planned......»»
This elephant figured out how to use a hose to shower
A younger rival may have learned how to sabotage those showers by disrupting water flow. Mary the elephant shows off her hose-showering skills. Credit: Urban et al./Curren.....»»
Four out of five people in Africa use wood for cooking. A transition would cut emissions and save lives
Four in every five people in Africa cook using wood, charcoal and other polluting fuels in open fires or inefficient stoves. This releases harmful pollutants and leads to respiratory illnesses and heart disease, particularly among children......»»
Nations to submit boosted climate plans: what"s at stake?
Nations have begun setting carbon-cutting targets for the decade ahead, and how ambitious these pledges are could make or break global efforts to avoid dangerous levels of climate change......»»
Nations approve new UN rules on carbon markets at COP29
Governments at the COP29 talks approved Monday new UN standards for international carbon markets in a key step toward allowing countries to trade credits to meet their climate targets......»»
Study reveals why carbon boosts metal nanoparticle catalysts
Precious metals play an important role in the chemical industry as catalysts: With the help of silver, platinum, palladium or other elements, chemical reactions can take place that would otherwise not progress or would only progress at a much lower r.....»»
New CRISPR system for gene silencing doesn"t rely on cutting DNA
Scientists from Vilnius University's (VU) Life Sciences Center (LSC) have discovered a unique way for cells to silence specific genes without cutting DNA. This research, led by Prof. Patrick Pausch and published in the journal Nature Communications,.....»»
Research uncovers how barred owls interact with urban areas and why it matters
Novel research published in Ornithological Applications has revealed noteworthy insights into how barred owls (Strix varia) interact with urban environments, with implications for both wildlife conservation and urban planning......»»
New greenhouse gas projections show Colorado moving in right direction to reduce pollution
Colorado is projected to fall short of its benchmarks for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the next five years, but a new look at progress shows that, like a person trying to lose weight for a class reunion, the state has shaved off a few more po.....»»
Satellite data analysis shows wildland-urban interface areas have grown by 35% over past two decades
A trio of environmental scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, working with a colleague from China's Ministry of Education, has found evidence via satellite analysis that global.....»»
Private jet carbon emissions soar 46%: Study
The carbon footprint from private jet travel grew 46 percent between 2019 and 2023 and will keep rising unless the ultra-luxury industry is regulated, according to new research published Thursday......»»