Articles tagged with "carbon-emissions"
Plug-In Hybrids Pollute Almost As Much As Petrol Cars — EU Data - CleanTechnica
A recent analysis of European Environment Agency data on 127,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) registered in 2023 reveals that PHEVs pollute nearly as much as conventional petrol and diesel cars, emitting only about 19% less CO2 per kilometer on average (135g vs. 166g). Even when operating in electric mode, PHEVs consume fuel and emit 68g of CO2/km—8.5 times higher than official test claims—because their electric motors often lack sufficient power for higher speeds or inclines, causing the combustion engine to engage for roughly one-third of the distance driven in electric mode. This hidden fuel consumption results in an average additional cost of €500 per year for PHEV drivers. The study also highlights that PHEVs are more expensive to purchase than battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with average prices in Germany, France, and the UK projected at €55,700 in 2025—€15,200
energyplug-in-hybridscarbon-emissionselectric-vehiclesfuel-consumptionEU-regulationsautomotive-industryBiofuels Globally Emit More CO2 Than The Fossil Fuels They Replace — Study - CleanTechnica
A recent study highlighted by CleanTechnica reveals that global biofuel production emits 16% more CO2 than the fossil fuels it aims to replace, primarily due to indirect effects such as farming practices and deforestation. Currently, biofuel crops occupy 32 million hectares—an area roughly the size of Italy—to supply just 4% of global transport energy demand. This land use is projected to increase by 60% by 2030, reaching 52 million hectares, equivalent to the size of France. Despite the growing promotion of advanced and waste biofuels, 90% of biofuel production still depends on food crops like corn, sugarcane, and vegetable oil, with a significant portion of vegetable oil burned in vehicles rather than used for food. The study also emphasizes the high water consumption of biofuels, requiring about 3,000 liters to drive 100 km, compared to just 20 liters for electric vehicles powered by solar energy. The analysis suggests that using only
energybiofuelsrenewable-energysolar-energycarbon-emissionsclimate-changesustainable-agricultureLeaked Car Industry Paper: Carmakers’ EU Demands Would Cut EV Sales In Half - CleanTechnica
A leaked position paper from the European car industry lobby ACEA reveals that carmakers are pushing for numerous loopholes in the EU’s car CO2 regulations, which aim to mandate only zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales by 2035. According to analysis by Transport & Environment (T&E), these demands would significantly weaken the EU’s climate ambitions, potentially halving the share of electric vehicle (EV) sales. Key loopholes include counting cars running on so-called carbon-neutral fuels (such as biofuels or e-fuels) as zero-emission, which alone could reduce EV sales by 25%. Additional demands include scrapping the 2027 utility factor adjustment for plug-in hybrids, granting CO2 credits for scrapping old cars, and credits for CO2 reductions in car production, cumulatively lowering the EV market share target to just 52% by 2035. T&E’s Lucien Mathieu criticized the ACEA’s position as undermining investment certainty and Europe’s competitiveness
energyelectric-vehiclesEU-regulationscarbon-emissionsautomotive-industryclimate-policyclean-technologyRecord 2024 Amazon fires released 791 million tons of CO2: Study
The Amazon rainforest experienced its most severe fire season in over 20 years in 2024, burning 3.3 million hectares—an area nearly the size of Belgium—and releasing approximately 791 million tons of carbon dioxide. This emission volume is comparable to Germany’s total annual emissions and is seven times higher than the average emissions from the previous two years. Notably, for the first time between 2022 and 2024, fire-induced forest degradation surpassed deforestation as the leading cause of carbon emissions in the region. The fires were widespread, with Brazil recording its highest emissions from forest degradation ever, and Bolivia losing over 9% of its intact forest to fires. The study attributes the surge in fires to a combination of extreme drought conditions intensified by climate change, forest fragmentation, and land-use mismanagement, including both accidental and deliberate fires set by land grabbers. Researchers used advanced satellite monitoring and rigorous data filtering to accurately detect fire-driven degradation, which often goes unnoticed in national and international accounting
energycarbon-emissionsAmazon-firesclimate-changeforest-degradationenvironmental-impactsatellite-monitoringPope Leo Speaks About Climate Change. Is Anyone Listening? - CleanTechnica
On October 1, 2025, Pope Leo delivered a passionate address at Castel Gandolfo, marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’, which called for the protection of the Earth. Drawing on Saint Francis of Assisi’s canticle praising “Sister, Mother Earth,” Pope Leo emphasized humanity’s responsibility to care for the environment, lamenting how humans have exploited nature and caused widespread ecological harm. He highlighted that the environmental challenges identified a decade ago remain urgent and even more relevant today, urging all sectors of society—including NGOs, advocacy groups, and citizens—to pressure governments into adopting and enforcing stronger environmental regulations. Pope Leo’s message implicitly countered recent climate change denial rhetoric from certain political leaders, underscoring the need for a collective change of heart. He criticized those who dismiss climate science or blame the poor for environmental degradation and called on Christians to align their faith with active care for creation. The Pope stressed that loving God requires respecting and protecting all
energyclimate-changeenvironmental-protectionsustainabilityrenewable-energycarbon-emissionsclimate-policyThe World’s Oceans Are Hurtling Toward Breaking Point
The world’s oceans are facing escalating pressures from human activities, with cumulative impacts projected to more than double by 2050. An international research team led by the National Center for Ecosystem Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) at the University of California, Santa Barbara, integrated 17 global datasets to model future oceanic stressors. Their findings indicate that the most rapid increases in impact will occur near the equator, poles, and coastal regions, with equatorial areas potentially experiencing nearly a threefold rise in human-induced pressures. Key stressors include rising sea temperatures, overfishing, sea level rise, ocean acidification from CO2 absorption, and nutrient-driven algal blooms. These combined pressures threaten marine biodiversity and human societies that depend on ocean resources. The degradation of marine ecosystems could lead to reduced food supplies, loss of tourism and fishing jobs, increased flooding of coastal areas, and destruction of coral reefs that protect shorelines from extreme weather events. The consequences are expected to disproportionately affect developing
energyclimate-changeocean-acidificationenvironmental-impactmarine-ecosystemssustainabilitycarbon-emissionsThe Key To Fossil Fuel Profits? Waste As Much Energy As Possible. - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the inherent inefficiency and wastefulness of fossil fuel energy use, particularly in transportation and industrial processes. It points out that typical gasoline-powered cars are only about 15% efficient, meaning the vast majority of the energy paid for is lost as heat rather than used to move the vehicle. This inefficiency is not a minor leak but a systemic issue embedded in the fossil fuel economy, which continuously wastes huge amounts of energy to sustain its profit-driven extraction and consumption cycle. The article critiques the fossil fuel industry's narrative that fossil fuels are indispensable for modern life and economic progress, emphasizing that much of the energy consumed is wasted rather than productively used. The piece draws on insights from economist Robert Ayres and energy analyst Lloyd Alter to argue that the economy fundamentally transforms energy into goods, services, and waste heat, with fossil fuel systems being particularly wasteful. It challenges the common belief that transitioning to renewable energy is impossible due to high energy demands, citing data from the Liverm
energyfossil-fuelsrenewable-energyenergy-efficiencycarbon-emissionsthermodynamicselectric-vehiclesGood News From India & Australia On Emissions - CleanTechnica
The article highlights recent positive developments in carbon emissions reductions in India and Australia, signaling progress in global efforts to combat climate change despite challenges. In India, carbon emissions from the power sector declined slightly in the first half of 2025, marking only the second drop in nearly 50 years. This reversal follows a decade-long upward trend driven largely by coal-based thermal power. Key factors include a record 69% year-on-year growth in clean energy capacity, particularly solar power, and slower economic expansion that curbed oil demand growth. However, emissions from steel and cement production rose due to government infrastructure spending, and the utility sector’s emission decline was partly influenced by cooler, rainier weather reducing cooling demand. India aims to reach 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, with strong clean energy growth expected to continue. In Australia, the government announced an ambitious national plan to reduce emissions by 62 to 70% by 2035, a target based on independent scientific
energyclean-energycarbon-emissionsrenewable-energysolar-powerclimate-changeIndia-energy-policyThe PHEV Debate Lives On - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the ongoing debate about the usefulness and environmental impact of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). One reader, Tom Dillon, criticizes PHEVs for often not meeting EPA efficiency ratings and points out that many owners do not plug them in, effectively using them as conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. This leads to higher-than-expected CO2 emissions, although PHEVs still generally emit less CO2 than traditional gas vehicles. Another reader, "Peace Man," defends PHEVs by sharing personal experience of driving a Chevrolet Volt mostly on electric power (around 90% of the time) and highlights the practicality of PHEVs in areas where charging infrastructure is limited. He also notes the seamless transition between electric and gas modes and laments the lack of PHEV technology applied to other vehicle types like small pickups or vans. The article emphasizes that the effectiveness of PHEVs depends heavily on user behavior—when used properly, they can
energyelectric-vehiclesplug-in-hybridsPHEVEV-charginginfrastructurecarbon-emissionsHigher Value, Lower Volume: The Future Of Canadian Forestry - CleanTechnica
Canada’s forests, covering nearly 350 million hectares and representing about 9% of the world’s forested land, are vital to the nation’s identity, economy, and climate efforts. However, recent trends show these forests are no longer reliable carbon sinks; instead, they have become net carbon sources in many years due to wildfires, insect infestations, and current harvesting methods. Canada harvests about 130 million cubic meters of wood annually, but natural disturbances like wildfires (averaging 2 million hectares burned yearly, with spikes such as 15 million hectares in 2023) and insect damage significantly reduce forest availability. Without adaptive forest management, harvest levels risk exceeding ecosystem capacities, threatening biodiversity and carbon storage. From a climate perspective, harvesting mature forests releases stored carbon over decades, with only a fraction locked in long-lived products like mass timber. The rest quickly returns to the atmosphere, especially when wood is used for short-lived products or bioenergy. The article highlights the problematic practice of
energysustainable-forestrycarbon-emissionsclimate-changemass-timberforest-managementbioenergyAffordable Homes, New Jobs, Lower Carbon: Inside the Carney Housing Plan - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Canada’s acute housing affordability crisis, driven by population growth and insufficient construction, with annual housing completions (240,000–270,000 units) falling far short of the 500,000 units needed. This shortfall has led to rising rents, increased homelessness, and reduced homeownership accessibility, especially for younger Canadians. Additionally, slow construction using high-carbon materials exacerbates climate challenges by locking in emissions. In response, the federal government has launched the Build Canada Homes initiative, a $13 billion federally capitalized development agency aimed at doubling construction rates by building directly, partnering with private developers, and scaling modern construction methods. The plan leverages 88 federal properties and public resources to accelerate projects, focusing on affordable and social housing that remains permanently affordable, including supportive housing and mixed-income communities, thereby stabilizing housing markets and reducing speculative pressures. A key innovation in the plan is the emphasis on factory-built modular housing and mass timber construction, which can significantly speed up building times (by
energycarbon-emissionsmass-timberconstruction-technologyaffordable-housingsustainable-materialsprefabricated-housingBacon, Hotdogs, Pork Chops, & Ham Bad For Climate Change Too? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the environmental and health concerns associated with consuming pork products such as bacon, hot dogs, pork chops, and ham. It references research linking processed red meats, including pork products, to increased risks of colorectal cancer and premature death. From a climate perspective, pork production is identified as a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, ranking second among animal agriculture sources after cattle. Key factors driving these emissions include manure management, feed production, and transportation. For example, producing a single strip of bacon generates manure weighing 80 times more than the bacon itself, resulting in an enormous environmental burden. Additionally, the article challenges common misconceptions that replacing beef with pork is a more climate-friendly choice, comparing this to the flawed belief that hybrid cars are environmentally beneficial compared to fully fossil-fueled vehicles. It emphasizes that plant-based foods are the most climate-friendly protein sources, offering complete amino acid profiles without the environmental costs of animal agriculture. The piece also notes an often-overlooked source of
energyclimate-changecarbon-emissionsagriculturesustainabilityenvironmental-impactlivestock-emissionsShining The Light Of Truth On Fossil Fuel Madness - CleanTechnica
The article "Shining The Light Of Truth On Fossil Fuel Madness" by Lloyd Alter, featured on CleanTechnica, highlights the fundamental role of energy in economic systems, drawing heavily on the work of economist and physicist Robert Ayers. Ayers emphasized that economies function by extracting and transforming energy into goods and services, a process inherently governed by the laws of thermodynamics. Alter underscores that industrial activities generate significant waste and emissions, with the mass of residuals often exceeding the materials processed. This inefficiency challenges traditional economic views and stresses the environmental costs embedded in consumption patterns, such as the production and disposal of goods. Alter further critiques the fossil fuel economy by illustrating its inefficiency and the systemic incentives that perpetuate it. Using 2023 data from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, he notes that only about 10-12% of the energy in fuels used for transportation effectively powers vehicles, with the rest lost as heat and emissions. This inefficiency benefits oil companies and related industries
energyfossil-fuelsrenewable-energythermodynamicscarbon-emissionssustainabilityenergy-consumptionWhy cement is climate's hardest challenge
The article highlights cement as one of the most significant climate challenges, responsible for about 8% of global CO₂ emissions—more than aviation and shipping combined. In 2022, the cement industry emitted roughly 1.6 billion tonnes of CO₂, with production at 4.1 billion tonnes annually and rising due to urbanization. China alone produces about half of the world’s cement, underscoring the scale of the problem. A key difficulty in reducing emissions lies in the chemical process of cement production: about 60% of CO₂ emissions come from the decomposition of limestone into clinker, not just from fuel combustion, meaning renewable energy alone cannot solve the issue. Despite efficiency gains since 1990, emissions could nearly double by 2050 without transformative changes. Engineers are pursuing multiple strategies to lower cement’s carbon footprint, particularly by reducing clinker content through blending alternative materials, often industrial byproducts. Ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), a steelmaking
materialscementcarbon-emissionssustainable-constructionindustrial-byproductsCO2-reductionclimate-solutionsNot so fast: German court says Apple can’t call Watch carbon neutral
A German court has ruled that Apple cannot label its Watch Series 9 as carbon neutral, overturning the company’s earlier claim that the product’s entire lifecycle—from manufacturing to disposal—does not contribute to global warming. Although Apple calculates that each aluminum Apple Watch generates just over 8 kilograms of carbon emissions, it offsets these through carbon credits purchased from a reforestation project involving eucalyptus trees in Paraguay. The court’s decision was prompted by a lawsuit from the German environmental group Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH). The court focused on the nature and duration of the carbon offset project, noting that three-quarters of the eucalyptus plantation area is on leased land with leases expiring in 2029. This short timeframe undermines the credibility of Apple’s carbon-neutral claim because consumers would reasonably expect that carbon offsets should be secured well beyond 2050, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s goal to end carbon emissions in the latter half of the century. Without longer-term land security, the plantations could be cut
energycarbon-neutralitycarbon-emissionsApple-Watchenvironmental-lawcarbon-offsetsustainabilityGas power plants approved for Meta’s $10B data center, and not everyone is happy
Meta has received approval from a Louisiana state regulator for Entergy’s plan to build three large natural gas power plants to supply electricity to Meta’s $10 billion AI data center in the state. These plants, expected to be operational by 2028 and 2029, will generate a combined 2.25 gigawatts of power, with the data center’s total demand potentially reaching 5 gigawatts as it expands. The approval has sparked controversy among local residents and groups, who worry about potential special treatment for Meta and Entergy, especially concerning a related 1.5-gigawatt solar power project across Louisiana. Additionally, concerns were raised about the 15-year contract’s long-term financial impact on ratepayers, given that natural gas plants typically operate for 30 years or more and large-scale power projects often exceed budgets. While Meta has been actively purchasing renewable energy, the reliance on new natural gas plants complicates its 2030 net-zero carbon emissions goal by locking in
energynatural-gaspower-plantsrenewable-energycarbon-emissionsdata-centerssustainabilityMeta to add 100 MW of solar power from U.S. gear
Meta has entered into a $100 million agreement with solar developer Silicon Ranch to build a 100-megawatt solar farm in South Carolina. This renewable energy installation will power Meta’s upcoming $800 million AI data center in the state, with both facilities expected to be operational by 2027. The majority of the solar farm’s equipment will be sourced from the U.S., underscoring a focus on domestic manufacturing. This deal marks the eighteenth collaboration between Meta and Silicon Ranch, which collectively have driven over $2.5 billion in investments. In 2025 alone, Meta has added more than 2 gigawatts of solar capacity, including projects in Ohio, Kansas, and Texas. The company, like many large hyperscalers, leverages solar energy primarily to meet its net-zero carbon emissions goals and to benefit from the cost-effectiveness and rapid deployment of solar power. These factors help reduce the time-to-power for new data centers, addressing a critical bottleneck in their development.
energysolar-powerrenewable-energydata-centersMetacarbon-emissionssustainabilityAnalysis: Record UK Wildfires Have Burned an Area Twice the Size of Glasgow in 2025 - CleanTechnica
In 2025, the UK has experienced a record-breaking wildfire season, with over 40,000 hectares of land burned—an area more than twice the size of Glasgow. This figure surpasses previous records and is nearly four times the average burned area for this time of year between 2012 and 2024. The total burned area exceeded the previous annual record as early as April and has continued to grow throughout the year. Fire services in England and Wales responded to 564 wildfires from January to June 2025, a significant increase from just 69 fires during the same period in 2024. Most UK wildfires are caused by human activities such as disposable barbecues, cigarettes, and campfires, but climate change is identified as the major driver behind the increasing frequency and intensity of these fires globally. Notable wildfires in 2025 include intense blazes in Scotland's Galloway Forest Park, visible from space, and nearly 150 fires on Northern Ireland's
energywildfiresclimate-changecarbon-emissionsenvironmental-impactUK-wildfiresfire-managementThe High-Carbon Truth Behind A ‘Green’ California Microgrid - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica critically examines a California microgrid project in Calistoga, intended as a wildfire resilience measure using hydrogen fuel cells to provide local power during outages. While the project is promoted as a clean alternative to diesel generators, the hydrogen fuel used is sourced from a grid-connected electrolyzer in Georgia, where electricity generation has a relatively high carbon intensity. Producing, liquefying, and transporting the hydrogen over 2,800 miles results in substantial CO2 emissions—estimated at about 23.6 kg of CO2 per kilogram of hydrogen delivered. When converted back to electricity in California, the carbon intensity of the power generated is between 1,400 and 1,600 grams of CO2 per kWh, far exceeding California’s grid average and even worse than modern diesel generators. The article questions the rationale behind public funding for such a high-carbon, inefficient solution, highlighting that state and federal programs, along with utility ratepayer funds, are supporting systems that increase rather than
energymicrogridhydrogen-fuel-cellcarbon-emissionsrenewable-energyenergy-efficiencyclean-energyClean Energy Exports From China Are Lowering Carbon Emissions In Other Countries - CleanTechnica
A recent report analyzed by Carbon Brief reveals that China’s exports of clean energy technologies—including solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles, and wind turbines—are significantly reducing carbon emissions in other countries. In 2024 alone, these exports are estimated to have cut global emissions outside China by 1%, avoiding approximately 4 billion tons of CO2 over the products' lifetimes. The emissions saved from using these technologies in just one year surpass the emissions generated during their manufacturing. While producing these clean energy products in China emitted about 110 million tons of CO2 in 2024, this is outweighed by the emissions reductions achieved abroad. Factoring in China’s overseas manufacturing and clean power projects, the annual CO2 avoidance rises to 350 million tons, equivalent to about 1.5% of global emissions outside China—nearly matching Australia’s total yearly emissions. China’s clean energy impact is global, with exports reaching 191 of 192 UN member states and investments in manufacturing and projects worldwide
clean-energycarbon-emissionssolar-panelsbatterieselectric-vehiclesChina-exportsrenewable-energyYes, Trump's Policies Are Hurting The EV Transition — Automaker Statements - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights how policies under Donald Trump’s administration are negatively impacting the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States. Key measures include the removal of federal EV tax credits, elimination of used EV tax credits, and the rollback of federal and California regulations aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and fossil fuel use by automakers. Although these policy changes have not yet been fully implemented, automakers are already adjusting their strategies and forecasts in anticipation of these shifts. Major automakers have expressed concerns about the effects of these policy reversals. Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk warned of “a few rough quarters” ahead due to the loss of incentives, which is slowing the rollout of more affordable EV models and reducing revenue from regulatory credit sales. Similarly, Rivian has significantly lowered its expected revenue from regulatory credits, delaying its path to positive cash flow. Legacy automakers like Ford and General Motors are also scaling back EV investments, delaying product launches, and reconsidering production plans, with Ford
energyelectric-vehiclesautomakersEV-tax-creditclean-energycarbon-emissionsrenewable-energy-policiesCanada's Fossil Fuel Funding Faces Growing Legal Risks After ICJ Ruling - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Canada’s continued public financial support for fossil fuel projects, highlighting the recent announcement of a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal near Kitimat called Cedar LNG. While the project is promoted as a clean energy innovation powered by renewable electricity and involving Indigenous economic development, its full lifecycle emissions are substantial—estimated at roughly 300 million tons of CO₂ equivalent over 25 years. Despite renewable energy powering the facility itself, most emissions arise from the extraction, processing, shipping, and combustion of the LNG abroad. Cedar LNG joins other heavily subsidized fossil fuel projects in British Columbia, such as an operational LNG facility in Kitimat that has received tens of millions in tax exemptions and infrastructure support, with total subsidies for such projects reaching billions of dollars. The article also highlights the broader context of Canada’s longstanding, bipartisan financial backing of fossil fuel infrastructure, exemplified by the Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline. Initially budgeted at $7 billion, the pipeline’s costs ballooned to $
energyrenewable-energyfossil-fuelsLNGcarbon-emissionsenergy-infrastructureclean-energy-innovationSweden, Once A Climate Action Leader, Now Lags Behind Its Peers In Europe - CleanTechnica
Sweden, historically a leader in climate action, is now falling behind its European peers, raising concerns about the future of the EU’s climate ambitions. The country’s environmental leadership dates back over a century, highlighted by early scientific contributions to understanding carbon emissions and pioneering policies such as carbon taxation in 1991. Sweden also played a key role in international climate efforts, including substantial financial commitments to the Green Climate Fund and the establishment of a comprehensive Climate Policy Framework supported by most political parties. The global climate movement, notably sparked by Greta Thunberg’s activism, further cemented Sweden’s reputation as a frontrunner in decoupling economic growth from fossil fuel emissions, achieving a significant reduction in carbon emissions while growing its GDP. However, recent developments have reversed much of this progress. Since the right-wing shift in Sweden’s government, investments in climate action have been drastically cut, leading to the largest increase in fossil fuel emissions in 15 years and a halving of carbon uptake by forests. These
energyclimate-changecarbon-emissionsclean-technologyenvironmental-policysustainable-developmentEuropean-Green-DealCommercial Building Owners Want To Save Energy Star - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the controversy surrounding the future of the Energy Star program, a government-run initiative aimed at promoting energy efficiency in commercial buildings. Lee Zeldin, the current EPA administrator aligned with MAGA ideology, has proposed eliminating the program or outsourcing it to private contractors, arguing that it requires excessive taxpayer funding and government staffing. Critics of this view highlight the program’s significant public benefits, including preventing over 4 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions in the past 30 years and enabling businesses to avoid $14 billion in energy costs through tools like Portfolio Manager, which tracks and benchmarks energy use across properties. Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager tool is especially valued by the real estate industry and sustainability advocates for providing a trusted, government-backed, and objective source of data on building energy performance. It helps owners identify inefficient buildings, comply with local energy disclosure mandates, and make informed decisions on energy-saving investments. Given that buildings contribute a substantial portion of emissions—over two-thirds in cities like New York—Energy Star plays
energyEnergy-Starenergy-efficiencycarbon-emissionsbuilding-managementenergy-savingssustainabilityRoman ruins inspire scientists to create cement from volcanic rock, no kiln required
Scientists at Stanford, inspired by ancient Roman observations, have developed a new type of cement made from volcanic rock that requires no kiln and produces significantly less carbon dioxide. The research draws on Pliny the Elder’s account from 79 A.D., describing how volcanic ash from the Puteoli region (modern Pozzuoli) naturally hardens into stone when immersed in water—a property that contributed to the durability of Roman structures like the Pantheon. Traditional cement production involves heating limestone above 1,400°C, releasing about 8% of global CO₂ emissions, making it a major contributor to climate change. Tiziana Vanorio and her team studied volcanic rocks beneath the Campi Flegrei supervolcano near Pozzuoli, which had naturally undergone heating and lost carbonate content, thus avoiding CO₂ release during processing. They developed a method to crush these volcanic rocks into a cement-like material that forms tiny internal fibers, providing strength without the need for steel reinforcement. This innovative cement mimics natural
materialscementvolcanic-rockeco-friendly-constructioncarbon-emissionssustainable-materialsRoman-concreteClimate Action — Are Democracies Better Than Autocracies? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica examines the complex relationship between political systems—democracies versus autocracies—and their effectiveness in addressing climate change. It highlights that most of the world's largest carbon emitters are state-owned fossil fuel companies operating within autocratic regimes, which rely heavily on fossil fuel revenues to sustain their power. For example, Russia, a leading emitter, has shown little incentive to reduce methane leaks despite the environmental and economic benefits, driven by political priorities rather than climate concerns. This reliance on fossil fuels makes it politically and economically challenging for autocratic governments to commit to meaningful climate action, as doing so could threaten their regimes. While democracies face their own challenges, such as entrenched interest groups slowing progress, some experts argue they may be better positioned to negotiate and implement climate policies. The article references views from climate negotiators and scholars, including Todd Stern and Francis Fukuyama, who suggest that authoritarian states theoretically have the power to enforce rapid climate action due to centralized control but often lack
energyclimate-changefossil-fuelscarbon-emissionsmethane-leaksstate-owned-companiesParis-AgreementMicrosoft is buying tons of carbon removal from Xprize startup Vaulted Deep
Microsoft is accelerating its efforts to meet its 2030 carbon-negative pledge by purchasing large volumes of carbon removal credits, including a recent deal to acquire 4.9 million metric tons of carbon removal from Vaulted Deep, a startup specializing in underground carbon sequestration. Vaulted Deep collects solid waste materials such as treated sewage, manure, and paper sludge, converts them into a slurry, and injects this mixture into porous underground rock formations using fracking-derived technology. This 12-year agreement, running through 2028, represents a significant step in Microsoft's strategy to offset its growing emissions, which have increased by nearly 25% since 2020 due to rapid data center expansion. Despite heavy investments in renewable energy, Microsoft faces challenges in eliminating emissions from essential operations like semiconductor manufacturing, which currently lack zero-greenhouse-gas alternatives. In 2024, the company reported 14.9 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, more than double its target for 2030. To bridge this
energycarbon-removalclimate-technologyrenewable-energycarbon-emissionsenvironmental-sustainabilitycarbon-captureFarmed Shrimp Is High Carbon As Well - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the significant carbon footprint associated with farmed shrimp production, which accounts for 55% of global shrimp output. Predominantly farmed in countries like China, Thailand, Indonesia, and others, shrimp aquaculture involves raising shrimp in dedicated ponds, lakes, and tanks. This industry kills an estimated 440 billion shrimp annually. A major environmental concern is the destruction of mangrove forests—vital coastal ecosystems that act as carbon sinks, protect wildlife, and buffer storm impacts. Between 1980 and 2012, about 20% of the world’s mangroves were cleared for shrimp farming, releasing large amounts of stored carbon and destabilizing coastal zones. In addition to mangrove loss, shrimp farming requires energy-intensive maintenance of water quality and feed production, contributing further to carbon emissions. The global distribution of farmed shrimp, with around 90% of U.S. shrimp imports coming from overseas, adds substantial carbon emissions due to long-distance shipping by cargo vessels, which also
energycarbon-emissionsaquacultureshrimp-farmingclimate-changemangrove-deforestationsustainable-seafoodWhy We Should Pay Attention To Gen Z's Climate Demands - CleanTechnica
The article highlights Generation Z (born 1997–2012) as a digitally savvy and environmentally conscious cohort that demands transparency and tangible climate action from brands and institutions. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z rejects superficial sustainability claims and greenwashing, instead insisting on verifiable data and real progress. This generation disproportionately feels the emotional and mental health impacts of climate change and natural disasters, fueling their activism and consumer choices. Key statistics show that a significant portion of Gen Z is willing to change jobs over climate concerns, push employers for sustainable practices, prefer sustainable brands, and pay more for eco-friendly products. Their engagement signals a critical call to action for governments, companies, and organizations to provide meaningful pathways for climate agency and systemic change. A particular focus for Gen Z is on Scope 3 emissions—those indirect emissions from a company’s supply chain and product use, which typically make up around 80% of a company’s carbon footprint. Gen Z expects businesses to measure, disclose, and reduce these emissions through
energyclimate-changesustainabilitycarbon-emissionsGen-Zenvironmental-impactclimate-actionHousing Policy Has Consequences For Urban Communities ... And Nations - CleanTechnica
The article critiques the housing policy vision outlined in the conservative Project 2025 plan, which emphasizes prioritizing single-family homeownership as central to the American Dream and generational wealth building. The plan advocates for local control over zoning laws but paradoxically supports federal intervention to block progressive urban policies like New York City’s congestion charge. This contradiction highlights a broader political hypocrisy: conservatives decry government overreach unless it serves their agenda. The focus on single-family homes implicitly favors suburban and rural living, often at the expense of urban environments where multi-family housing is common, and which tend to support more diverse and dense populations. The article also discusses the environmental implications of housing patterns, referencing urbanist Lloyd Alter’s experience in Toronto. Alter’s lifestyle, enabled by living in a walkable, transit-accessible neighborhood, results in a significantly smaller carbon footprint compared to suburban or rural living reliant on cars. This contrasts sharply with the Project 2025 agenda, which disregards carbon emissions and promotes suburban sprawl through
energyurban-housingpollution-controlzoning-lawscarbon-emissionssuburban-livingenvironmental-policyEmbodied carbon is the next big challenge for structural engineers
The article highlights the growing importance of addressing embodied carbon in structural engineering as operational emissions decline. Embodied carbon refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with a building’s materials throughout their lifecycle—from extraction and manufacturing to installation and eventual demolition. It often accounts for over half of a building’s total lifecycle emissions in the first few decades, making it a critical focus area since these emissions are largely fixed once construction materials are in place. Given that the construction industry contributes around 40% of global emissions, reducing embodied carbon early in the design process has become a priority for engineers, regulators, and clients alike. Measuring embodied carbon is complex due to inconsistent data sources and project variability, requiring lifecycle assessments (LCA) and tools such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment (WBLCA) software, and carbon factor databases. However, quantification challenges remain, especially for materials like engineered wood or recycled content, forcing engineers to rely on proxies and assumptions. To effectively reduce
energyembodied-carbonstructural-engineeringsustainable-designlifecycle-assessmentconstruction-materialscarbon-emissionsShipping Is Flying The Flag For Multilateral Climate Action: Why Aren’t We Celebrating Yet? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the recent climate agreement reached by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the shipping industry. This deal, influenced heavily by Europe’s earlier regulatory actions, sets ambitious targets for 2030, 2040, and aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. For the first time, the IMO established a globally binding regulation with a mandate to reduce the carbon intensity of shipping fuels over time, coupled with a penalty pricing system for ships that fail to meet these targets. This represents a significant multilateral climate action milestone, as it introduces a sector-specific mechanism to generate revenues for decarbonization efforts. However, the article highlights major criticisms of the agreement. The deal is seen as insufficiently ambitious, exempting nearly 90% of shipping emissions from penalties and generating only about $10 billion annually—comparable to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) but on a global scale. More concerning is the agreement’s potential to
energyclimate-changeshipping-industrybiofuelscarbon-emissionsdecarbonizationinternational-maritime-organizationTulum Energy rediscovered a forgotten hydrogen tech and used it to raise $27M
Tulum Energy emerged from a forgotten discovery made between 2002 and 2005 by engineers at the Techint Group, who accidentally created a pyrolysis reaction in an electric arc furnace that split methane into pure hydrogen and solid carbon without producing carbon dioxide. This reaction, which was initially overlooked due to limited interest in methane pyrolysis and hydrogen at the time, was rediscovered by Techint’s corporate venture arm, TechEnergy Ventures, as they sought cleaner hydrogen production methods. Leveraging this accidental innovation, Techint spun out Tulum Energy, which recently secured an oversubscribed $27 million seed funding round led by TDK Ventures and CDP Venture Capital to develop the technology commercially. Tulum Energy’s approach to methane pyrolysis stands out because it does not require expensive catalysts, unlike some competitors, and uses a modified version of widely available electric arc furnace technology. The company plans to build a pilot plant in Mexico adjacent to a Techint steel plant, with the potential for the plant to directly
energyhydrogen-productionmethane-pyrolysisclean-energyelectric-arc-furnacecarbon-emissionsstartup-fundingHow Much Energy Does AI Use? The People Who Know Aren’t Saying
The article discusses the opaque nature of energy consumption data related to AI, particularly large language models like ChatGPT. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claimed that an average ChatGPT query uses about 0.34 watt-hours of energy, roughly equivalent to a high-efficiency lightbulb running for a couple of minutes. However, experts criticize this figure for lacking transparency and context, such as whether it includes energy used for training models, server cooling, or image generation. OpenAI has not provided detailed disclosures explaining how this number was calculated, leading to skepticism among researchers like Sasha Luccioni from Hugging Face, who emphasizes the need for more comprehensive environmental transparency in AI. The article highlights a broader issue: most AI models in use today do not disclose their environmental impact, with 84% of large language model traffic in May 2025 coming from models with zero environmental disclosure. This lack of transparency hampers efforts to accurately assess AI’s carbon footprint, especially as AI usage grows rapidly. Misleading
energyartificial-intelligenceAI-energy-consumptioncarbon-emissionsenvironmental-impactenergy-transparencyclimate-changeThe "EVs Are Big Polluters" Circus Is Back In Town - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica addresses renewed criticism of electric vehicles (EVs), sparked by comments from Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, who argued that in Japan—where electricity generation relies heavily on thermal power plants—producing EVs could increase carbon emissions compared to hybrids. This statement was seized upon by anti-EV groups to claim that EVs are worse polluters than hybrids or gasoline cars. However, the article highlights that such claims often stem from misinformation or ideological bias against EVs and fail to consider the full lifecycle emissions of vehicles. Scientific studies, including one published by IOP Science, acknowledge that EV manufacturing produces higher initial carbon emissions due to battery production, creating a "carbon debt." Yet, over their operational lifetime, EVs offset this debt by producing significantly lower emissions during use, especially as electricity grids become cleaner. The breakeven point for EVs to become cleaner than hybrids is typically between 20,000 and 30,000 miles, and even shorter when
energyelectric-vehiclescarbon-emissionsbattery-manufacturingrenewable-energypower-gridsustainabilityPuerto Rico Contemplates A Reunion With Spain - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a movement in Puerto Rico advocating for reunification with Spain, reflecting a desire among some residents to escape the island’s current status as a U.S. territory. Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony for over four centuries until the Spanish-American War in 1898, after which it became a U.S. possession. Although Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, they lack voting representation in Congress and cannot vote in presidential elections, while many do not pay federal taxes. This political limbo, combined with economic challenges such as high costs for imported goods and electricity (due in part to shipping restrictions favoring U.S.-registered vessels), fuels dissatisfaction. The movement, led by José Lara and called Adelante Reunificacionistas, seeks to make Puerto Rico the eighteenth autonomous community of Spain, citing shared language and culture as key reasons. Supporters of reunification argue that Spanish governance could help Puerto Rico overcome economic and cultural stagnation experienced under U.S. rule. The article highlights historical grievances
energyelectricitypower-plantsoil-importcarbon-emissionsPuerto-Rico-energyenergy-costsDutch firm eyes nuclear power propulsion for greener cargo fleet
energynuclear-propulsioncarbon-emissionssmall-modular-reactorsoffshore-vesselssustainable-shippingdecarbonizationBreakneck data center growth challenges Microsoft’s sustainability goals
energysustainabilitycarbon-emissionsdata-centersmaterialsMicrosoftclean-energyTotalEnergies Inaugurates its Largest Solar Field in Europe — in Spain - CleanTechnica
energysolar-powerrenewable-energyTotalEnergiessustainabilityelectricity-generationcarbon-emissionsMarine offshore platform gets solar boost to reduce 90% CO2 emissions
energysolar-poweroffshore-platformsustainabilitycarbon-emissionsautonomous-systemsrenewable-energyJapan: Scientists develop new trick to trap ammonia from air, water
energyammonia-productionartificial-photosynthesiscatalystssustainable-agriculturecarbon-emissionsphotocatalysisEinride founder steps down as CEO amid push to scale electric, autonomous trucks
electric-trucksautonomous-vehiclescarbon-emissionsfreight-industryelectric-mobilitytransportation-technologysustainable-logisticsPowering the Future: A 30-Year Roadmap to Zero-Emission Port Operations
energydecarbonizationelectrificationshippingport-operationsrenewable-energycarbon-emissionsAmpersand Unveils Upgraded Electric Motorcycle Named “Alpha”
electric-motorcyclese-mobilityclean-energyelectric-vehiclessustainable-transportationcarbon-emissionsAfricaWebinar: Why clean construction doesn’t equal costly construction
clean-constructionlow-carbon-materialssustainable-buildingenergy-efficiencycarbon-emissionsCanadian-industriesinfrastructure-developmentSAF Takes Off & Ticket Prices Follow: The Real Cost Of Greener Air Travel
energysustainable-aviation-fueldecarbonizationelectric-aviationcarbon-emissionsaviation-industrygreen-hydrogenAra Partners’ new $800M fund will decarbonize old industrial assets
energydecarbonizationclimate-techindustrial-assetsinfrastructure-fundcarbon-emissionsinvestment