Articles tagged with "carbon-footprint"
EVs At 38.3% Share In The UK - Vauxhall Frontera Arrives - CleanTechnica
In August 2024, plugin electric vehicles (EVs) captured a 38.3% share of the UK auto market, up significantly from 29.4% a year earlier. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 26.5% of sales, growing 15% year-over-year, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) surged 69%, reclaiming the lead over hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) for the first time since 2020. Despite a slight 2% decline in overall auto sales volume (82,908 units), EV market share reached new highs, driven in part by PHEVs now typically offering over 50 miles of electric range. Tesla remained the leading BEV brand with a 15% market share. The UK government reintroduced a BEV incentive scheme with grants tiered by carbon footprint and vehicle price, aiming to support lower-cost EVs under £37,000 and encourage cleaner battery supply chains. However,
energyelectric-vehiclesUK-auto-marketbattery-productioncarbon-footprintclean-energy-incentivesplug-in-hybridsFrom Reuse To Burial: Managing Mass Timber Beyond The Building Stage - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the critical importance of managing mass timber beyond its use in construction to ensure its role as a genuine climate solution. Mass timber, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), is gaining traction for its ability to reduce embodied carbon by replacing high-emission materials like concrete and steel and by storing biogenic carbon absorbed during tree growth. However, the climate benefits hinge on effective end-of-life strategies that keep the carbon locked away rather than releasing it back into the atmosphere. Designing buildings for disassembly enables direct reuse of timber components, potentially extending carbon storage to a full century and avoiding emissions from new material production. When direct reuse is not feasible, cascading uses—downcycling timber into smaller components, furniture, or composite products—can prolong carbon storage and reduce demand for virgin materials, though less efficiently than reuse. Beyond reuse and cascading, transforming timber into stable forms like biochar offers long-term carbon sequestration. Biochar, produced by heating wood without oxygen, res
materialsmass-timbercarbon-footprintsustainable-constructioncross-laminated-timberclimate-solutioncarbon-storageA Push For Change In The US Electoral College Gives Us Hope For Future Climate Action - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC), an initiative aiming to reform the U.S. Electoral College system by ensuring the presidency goes to the candidate who wins the national popular vote. Currently, a candidate must secure at least 270 of 538 electoral votes, which are mostly awarded on a winner-takes-all basis by states. The NPVIC has been enacted by 17 states plus Washington D.C., totaling 209 electoral votes, and will only take effect once states controlling at least 270 electoral votes join. Advocates argue this reform would encourage presidential candidates to campaign nationwide rather than focusing on a handful of battleground states, thus engaging a broader electorate. The article also highlights the political and fiscal divides between "blue" and "red" states, noting that many blue states contribute more to the federal government than they receive, fueling tensions and discussions about coordinated state policies and resistance to federal authority. This context underscores the broader challenges in U.S. governance and collective action
energyclimate-changeenvironmental-policyUS-Electoral-Collegecollective-actioncarbon-footprintclimate-actionRemarkable longevity of Roman concrete could build sustainable future
A recent study published in iScience explores the remarkable longevity and sustainability potential of ancient Roman concrete, which has endured for over two millennia in structures like aqueducts and bridges. Researchers compared Roman concrete recipes—using locally sourced rocks, volcanic pozzolan, and recycled rubble—with modern concrete formulations that mix sand, gravel, and limestone. While Roman concrete did not significantly reduce carbon emissions or energy demand compared to modern concrete, it notably lowered emissions of air pollutants such as nitrogen and sulfur oxides by 11% to 98%. Additionally, its exceptional durability means it requires less maintenance and repair, potentially reducing the environmental impact over time by prolonging the lifespan of concrete structures. The study highlights that modern concrete production contributes approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions and 3% of total energy demand, driving the search for greener alternatives. Although simply adopting Roman concrete recipes today may not substantially cut emissions, the research suggests that combining ancient Roman techniques with modern innovations could lead to more sustainable construction materials
materialssustainable-concreteRoman-concreteconstruction-industrydecarbonizationcarbon-footprintdurability8 Hints To Reduce Your Food Footprint - CleanTechnica
The article "8 Hints To Reduce Your Food Footprint" from CleanTechnica highlights the significant environmental impact of global food systems, which contribute nearly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. It emphasizes that every stage of food production and consumption—from growing and processing to packaging, transporting, and disposing—uses energy and generates emissions. The piece encourages individuals to make mindful food choices to reduce their personal food footprint and offers practical strategies to do so. Key recommendations include limiting ultra-processed foods in favor of fresh fruits and vegetables, which tend to be healthier for both people and the planet. Reducing food waste is also critical; planning meals, rotating refrigerated items, and creatively using leftovers can minimize household food waste, which accounts for over a third of all household waste. Adopting a primarily plant-based diet is another major suggestion, as meat and dairy production use the majority of farmland and produce a disproportionate share of agricultural emissions while providing a relatively small percentage of calories and protein. The article also advocates
energygreenhouse-gas-emissionsfood-footprintsustainable-food-systemsplant-based-dietcarbon-footprintenvironmental-impactDairy Products Are High Carbon - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the significant greenhouse gas emissions associated with dairy production. Dairy cows, as ruminants, produce methane—a potent greenhouse gas—through enteric fermentation, while their manure and urine release nitrous oxide, another powerful greenhouse gas. Additional emissions arise from fossil fuel use in growing cattle feed, fertilizer production, land conversion for pasture, and energy-intensive processes involved in dairy product manufacturing and distribution. Methane from cattle is particularly impactful, being 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide in warming the atmosphere, despite its shorter atmospheric lifespan. Beyond direct emissions, the article points out inefficiencies and waste in the dairy supply chain, such as milk that is produced but not consumed, which decomposes and generates methane. Dairy products like ice cream and cheese further contribute to carbon emissions due to energy-intensive processing and storage, often relying on fossil-fuel-based electricity. Cheese, especially hard varieties, has a notably high carbon footprint—almost double that of chicken per unit of protein—because
energygreenhouse-gasesmethane-emissionsdairy-industrycarbon-footprintfossil-fuelsclimate-changeLamb Is High Carbon Too? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights that lamb, like beef, is a high-carbon animal-based food primarily due to methane emissions from ruminant digestion. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, accounts for about half of the emissions associated with lamb and beef production. Additional carbon emissions arise from land use changes, such as converting wild land and peat soils for agriculture, growing animal feed, pasture management, and the energy-intensive processes of slaughter, processing, and refrigeration. Even small amounts of meat waste contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to lamb and beef, other animal products like pork, chicken, eggs, and dairy have lower carbon footprints. Beyond environmental concerns, the article challenges the nutritional necessity of eating lamb, noting that plant-based foods can provide complete proteins with all essential amino acids, debunking the myth that animal foods are uniquely complete. It also explores the misconception linking pleasure from eating indulgent foods to happiness. Neuroscientific research cited in the article shows that true happiness depends more on
energygreenhouse-gasesmethane-emissionscarbon-footprintsustainable-agricultureclimate-changefood-productionThe New Volvo ES90: A Big Electric Car with a Small Carbon Footprint - CleanTechnica
The new Volvo ES90, launching production in summer 2025, is a fully electric vehicle designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and a reduced carbon footprint. Produced using climate-neutral energy, the ES90’s life cycle carbon footprint is estimated at 31 tonnes when charged with the European energy mix, dropping to 26 tonnes when charged with wind energy. This footprint is significantly lower—about 50% less than the Volvo S90 mild hybrid and 30% less than the plug-in hybrid S90—making it one of the lowest carbon footprint Volvo cars to date. Volvo’s third-party verified life cycle assessment (LCA) report highlights the materials and processes contributing to emissions, covering raw material extraction through end-of-life, underscoring the company’s commitment to transparency and informed consumer choices. Volvo’s holistic sustainability approach for the ES90 includes the use of recycled and bio-based materials, such as 29% recycled aluminum, 18% recycled steel, 16% recycled polymers,
electric-vehiclesenergy-efficiencysustainable-materialscarbon-footprintrecycled-materialselectric-car-technologyclimate-neutral-manufacturingBeef Is The Highest Carbon Food? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica addresses the misconception that individual actions to reduce carbon footprints are insignificant compared to emissions from fossil fuel corporations. It emphasizes that with a global population of about 8 billion people—expected to grow by 1.4 billion in 20 years—collective individual behaviors, including the use of fossil fuel products and food choices, significantly impact climate change. Among various foods, beef has the highest carbon footprint, largely due to the methane emissions from cattle digestion and manure, nitrous oxide release, and the extensive land use changes required for cattle grazing and feed production. Cattle farming contributes to environmental degradation beyond greenhouse gas emissions. Large-scale cattle operations lead to deforestation, particularly in South America’s Amazon region, where cattle ranching accounts for 80% of deforestation. This deforestation releases stored carbon and destroys wild habitats. Additionally, runoff from cattle manure contaminates waterways, contributing to the creation of dead zones such as the Gulf of Mexico’s hypoxic zone, which kills
energyclimate-changecarbon-footprintgreenhouse-gasesmethane-emissionsagriculture-impactenvironmental-sustainabilityOffset Your Carbon Footprint (and Make a Profit) - CleanTechnica
The article highlights World Tree’s investment opportunity that combines environmental impact with financial returns by planting fast-growing Empress hardwood trees. Investors fund the planting of these trees on selected farms across the U.S., Panama, and Belize, where the trees mature in 8–12 years into valuable lumber. Upon timber sale, investors receive 30% of the proceeds, with potential returns up to five times the initial investment, driven by an 80% tree survival rate and an average lumber price of $5.89 per board foot. One acre of Empress trees can offset an individual’s carbon footprint for a decade while restoring degraded farmland and supporting healthier ecosystems. World Tree is positioned to capitalize on the growing $170 billion North American lumber market, projected to increase demand through 2050. With 7,000 acres already planted and farms carefully vetted for optimal growth, the company offers a unique sustainable investment. Empress trees grow three times faster than traditional species like pine, enhancing both profitability and environmental benefits.
energycarbon-capturesustainable-investingforestryrenewable-resourcesclimate-changecarbon-footprintAbandoning The Market - CleanTechnica
The article "Abandoning The Market" from CleanTechnica reflects on the author's personal journey from conservative political views to recognizing the undeniable reality of climate change, sparked by observing the 2003 Hardiness Zone map that showed significant warming in their local area. The map, which was suppressed by the George W. Bush administration due to its implications about climate change, revealed a temperature increase of over 10°F in the author's region, bringing new environmental challenges like Lyme disease. This denial of clear scientific evidence by a political party led the author to reconsider their political alignment, especially after witnessing the resistance to acknowledging climate change among like-minded conservatives. The author connects this personal experience to a broader geopolitical and economic context, highlighting a recent International Energy Agency paper that underscores China's dominant position in clean energy investment and markets. The U.S., by contrast, has lagged behind due to political denial and lack of engagement with the realities of climate change. The article critiques the entrenched political denial in the U.S.
energyclimate-changeglobal-warmingrenewable-energysolar-powerwind-powercarbon-footprintWomen Live In Ways That Emit Less Carbon Than Men - So What? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the gender differences in carbon footprints, highlighting that women generally have lower carbon emissions than men due to differences in consumption patterns, particularly in diet and transportation. It emphasizes that mitigating climate change requires changes in personal consumption, especially in high-emission sectors such as food choices and commuting methods. For example, in France, diet and transport account for about half of an individual's carbon footprint, with men’s higher emissions largely driven by greater consumption of red meat and more frequent use of cars. The study cited suggests that if all men adopted women’s consumption habits without reducing women’s, significant reductions in carbon emissions could be achieved, particularly in food (1.9 MtCO2e) and transport (11.5 MtCO2e). The article contrasts the US and France, noting that the average American’s carbon footprint (about 16 tons/year) is substantially higher than that of the average French person (9.2 tons/year), partly due to cultural norms that promote consumption as a status symbol, especially among men. This includes preferences for muscle cars and frequent upgrades of technology, which contribute to excessive emissions. Indoor energy use, such as air conditioning and fuel-burning appliances, also plays a significant role in the US carbon footprint. The article also points out that household structure influences emissions, with couples and families showing different patterns in food and transport footprints. Overall, the findings imply that climate policies should consider gender and social roles, as women’s consumption patterns may be more aligned with net-zero goals, while men may face greater behavioral and cultural barriers to reducing emissions.
energycarbon-footprintclimate-changegreenhouse-gas-emissionsconsumption-patternstransportation-emissionsenergy-consumptionMIT turns seawater, soda cans into 90% cleaner hydrogen fuel
hydrogenclean-energysustainable-technologyaluminum-recyclingcarbon-footprintgreen-hydrogenrenewable-energyGoogle inks another massive solar power deal to electrify its data centers
energysolar-powerrenewable-energydata-centerscarbon-footprintclean-powersustainabilityAviation Professionals Call For A New Flight Plan On Emissions
energyemissionsaviationclimate-changesustainable-aviation-fuelscarbon-footprintfossil-fuelsNew Data On Fossil Fuel Industry Emissions Could Play Pivotal Role In Climate Litigation
energyclimate-changefossil-fuelsemissionscarbon-footprintsustainabilityclimate-litigation