Articles tagged with "carbon-dioxide"
Geoengineering The Ocean — What Could Possibly Go Wrong? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica critically examines the concept of geoengineering the ocean as a response to climate change, highlighting both the scientific skepticism and ecological risks involved. It begins by addressing the common dismissal of climate science by some who prioritize economic gain over environmental concerns, often invoking religious justifications for exploiting the Earth. The ocean plays a crucial role in absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide, but this process increases ocean acidity, which harms marine life, particularly crustaceans that rely on calcium to build protective shells. Rapid environmental changes outpace the ability of marine species to adapt, leading to potential mass die-offs. The article references a 2026 study published in Advancing Earth & Space Sciences, which evaluates various ocean-based geoengineering proposals such as photosynthesis enhancement, iron fertilization, and seaweed cultivation. While these methods aim to capture and store carbon, the study notes that much of the carbon eventually returns to the atmosphere as biomass decomposes. Alternative strategies like ocean alkalinity enhancement involve adding alkaline substances to seaw
energygeoengineeringocean-acidificationclimate-changecarbon-dioxideenvironmental-impactmarine-lifePower To The People! How Economic Choices Create Political Capital - CleanTechnica
The article "Power To The People! How Economic Choices Create Political Capital" on CleanTechnica, referencing Lloyd Alter’s November 2025 Substack post, critiques modern consumer culture and its environmental consequences. It highlights how continuous consumption, driven by economic systems reliant on fossil fuels, leads to excessive waste and environmental degradation. Alter uses the example of Heather Mitchell, who keeps her six-year-old Samsung phone due to financial constraints, contrasting this with business perspectives that view such frugality as harmful to economic dynamism. This tension underscores a broader societal push for ever-increasing consumption, rooted in a system that equates economic growth with the relentless production and disposal of goods. Drawing on historical and contemporary economic thought, the article emphasizes that the economy fundamentally depends on converting fossil fuels into material goods, which perpetuates environmental harm. Alter argues that this dependence explains political resistance to renewable energy and public transit investments, as these alternatives do not fuel the consumption-driven economy in the same way cars and fossil fuels do
energyeconomyfossil-fuelsconsumptionsustainabilitycarbon-dioxiderenewable-energyNew pressure method captures 99% of CO2 for just $26 per ton
Researchers at Texas A&M University and ExcelThermic Enterprises have developed a novel carbon-capture technology called Pressure Induced Carbon Capture (PICC), which uses only water and pressure to extract carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial flue gases. Inspired by the physical principle behind carbonation in soda and sparkling drinks, PICC dissolves CO2 in water under high pressure and releases it when pressure is reduced. This physical absorption method avoids the drawbacks of traditional amine-based chemical capture systems, such as high costs, chemical degradation, and limited capture efficiency (typically around 90%). The PICC process involves cooling and compressing flue gas, which then contacts cold water in an absorption column to dissolve nearly all CO2 before the cleaned gas is released. The CO2-rich water is subsequently depressurized in stages to release and compress the captured CO2 for underground storage. Economic modeling indicates that PICC can capture 99% of CO2 emissions at a cost of $26 per metric ton, significantly lower
energycarbon-capturecarbon-dioxidedecarbonizationindustrial-emissionspressure-induced-carbon-captureclean-technologyCarbon cycle flaw could plunge Earth into a 'milder' Ice Age: Study
A recent study from the University of California, Riverside, reveals a previously underappreciated mechanism in Earth's carbon cycle that could cause rapid and extreme cooling, potentially triggering ice ages. Traditionally, rock weathering—a slow process where rain dissolves silicate rocks, capturing atmospheric CO2 and stabilizing climate over geological timescales—has been viewed as Earth's primary climate regulator. However, this "gentle" feedback loop does not fully explain geological evidence of past severe ice ages. The researchers propose an additional "erratic thermostat" involving ocean carbon burial, driven by interactions between warming, ocean nutrients, and oxygen levels. As atmospheric CO2 rises and warms the planet, increased nutrient runoff (notably phosphorus) stimulates plankton growth in oceans. These plankton absorb CO2 and, upon dying, sink to the seafloor, burying carbon. Yet, warming also reduces ocean oxygen, preventing permanent phosphorus burial and causing its recycling. This creates a positive feedback loop that boosts plankton growth and
energycarbon-cycleclimate-regulationocean-carbon-burialrock-weatheringcarbon-dioxideclimate-changeFossil Fuels Or Food: Which Is Worse For Climate Change? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica addresses the misconception that food production contributes more to climate change than fossil fuels, clarifying that fossil fuels are the dominant driver of global greenhouse gas emissions. While agriculture does contribute to climate change, its share is significantly smaller compared to fossil fuels. Multiple authoritative sources, including the United Nations, World Resources Institute, and the US Environmental Protection Agency, consistently report that fossil fuel combustion—coal, oil, and natural gas—accounts for roughly 75% or more of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of carbon dioxide emissions. This overwhelming contribution makes fossil fuels the primary target for climate change mitigation efforts. The article further highlights statements and actions from leading academic institutions such as Harvard, Yale, UC Berkeley, Oxford, and Cambridge, all emphasizing the critical role of fossil fuels in driving climate change, public health crises, environmental injustice, and biodiversity loss. These universities are actively working toward fossil fuel divestment and net-zero emissions goals, reflecting a broad consensus in the scientific
energyfossil-fuelsclimate-changegreenhouse-gas-emissionscarbon-dioxiderenewable-energyenvironmental-impactThe Human Health Risk Of Breathing Carbon Dioxide - CleanTechnica
The article critiques recent claims attributed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) promotes plant growth and benefits agriculture and ocean chemistry. The author strongly disputes this optimistic view, arguing that increasing CO2 levels pose significant health risks to humans and ecosystems. The piece condemns current U.S. leadership for prioritizing fossil fuel profits over environmental and public health, accusing them of ignoring the dangers of elevated CO2 concentrations. Supporting this stance, the article references a scientific study by Ugo Bardi and colleagues titled “Carbon dioxide as a pollutant: the risks on human health and the stability of the biosphere.” This research highlights that while CO2 contributes to global warming, it also chemically affects biological systems, increasing ocean acidity and harming marine life. Importantly, elevated CO2 negatively impacts human health, especially in enclosed environments where concentrations can rise to dangerous levels, as exemplified by the Apollo 13 mission’s life-threatening CO2 buildup. The article warns
energycarbon-dioxideenvironmental-protectionair-qualityhuman-health-risksclimate-changefossil-fuelsDOE Decrees That We Can Never Have Too Much Carbon Dioxide - CleanTechnica
The article critiques a July 29, 2025, Department of Energy (DOE) report that controversially claims there is no such thing as too much carbon dioxide (CO2). The report, authored by a group of known climate change skeptics, asserts that elevated CO2 levels promote plant growth and neutralize ocean alkalinity, challenging the widely accepted view that rising CO2 contributes to ocean acidification and harmful climate impacts. It also downplays the economic damage of human-caused climate change and warns that aggressive mitigation policies might be more harmful than beneficial. Furthermore, the report disputes the link between CO2 emissions and increased frequency or intensity of extreme weather events, and suggests U.S. climate policies have negligible global effects. Critics highlight that the report cherry-picks data and misrepresents scientific consensus, with climate experts condemning it as a regression to climate denialism. The authors, handpicked by the Energy Secretary, allegedly ignore established evidence such as rising sea levels and the broader impacts of
energycarbon-dioxideclimate-changegreenhouse-gasesDepartment-of-Energyenvironmental-policyglobal-warmingA Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Made Climate History, But Trump Wants It Gone - CleanTechnica
The Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, established in 1958 at an elevation of 3,397 meters, has played a pivotal role in climate science by providing continuous, high-quality measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Its location—remote, high-altitude, and influenced by air currents from across the Northern Hemisphere—makes it ideal for monitoring global greenhouse gas levels without local pollution interference. The data collected here led to the creation of the Keeling Curve, named after Charles David Keeling, which graphically demonstrates the steady rise of CO2 over the past seven decades due to fossil fuel combustion and land use changes. This curve has been fundamental in confirming the human contribution to climate change. Today, the observatory’s measurements are maintained by NOAA and supported by institutions such as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Schmidt Sciences, Earth Networks, and the National Science Foundation. The observatory has facilitated hundreds of research collaborations worldwide and remains a critical resource for understanding atmospheric CO2 dynamics
energyclimate-changecarbon-dioxidegreenhouse-gasesMauna-Loa-Observatoryatmospheric-monitoringfossil-fuelsThe Israel-Iran Military Action Amplifies The Environmental Costs Of War - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran, highlighting the environmental consequences of warfare in the region. It notes that the US has deployed large bombs targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, including the heavily fortified Fordo site, amid political rhetoric from President Donald Trump urging Iran to seek peace without a clear strategic plan. The conflict risks causing extensive environmental damage, particularly from potential fires at oil refineries and storage sites, which could release a variety of harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane. These pollutants threaten air quality, soil, and water resources, with additional concerns about damage to water and sanitation infrastructure and oil pollution in the Persian Gulf. The article further contextualizes the environmental costs of war by referencing the significant damage and emissions caused by conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. It emphasizes that modern warfare is highly carbon-intensive, accounting for approximately 5.5% of global annual CO2 emissions due to
energyenvironmental-impactmilitary-emissionsfossil-fuelsair-pollutiongreenhouse-gasescarbon-dioxideCheapest carbon fix? Common clay may help capture CO₂ from the air
materialsCO2-captureclimate-technologyclay-mineralsenvironmental-solutionscarbon-dioxidenanomaterials