Articles tagged with "greenhouse-gases"
Methane-eating bacteria turn waste gas into valuable materials
A recent scientific review highlights the potential of methane-eating bacteria, known as methanotrophs, to convert methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into valuable products like animal feed, biodegradable plastics, and cleaner fuels. Methanotrophs consume methane as both a carbon and energy source, naturally thriving in methane-rich environments such as wetlands and landfills. By oxidizing methane through specialized enzymes under mild conditions, these microbes offer a dual benefit: reducing methane emissions while enabling low-energy manufacturing pathways. Researchers are developing practical applications including landfill bio covers, methane-stripping biofilters, and wastewater treatments seeded with methanotrophs to capture and utilize methane effectively. However, the review also cautions that methane removal via methanotrophs can sometimes increase emissions of nitrous oxide, another potent greenhouse gas, due to microbial competition for metals. Therefore, designing systems that balance reductions in both gases is critical. Beyond emission control, methanotrophs can act as biological factories producing methanol,
energymaterialsmethanegreenhouse-gasesbiodegradable-plasticsmicrobial-biotechnologywaste-gas-conversionThe Earth Is Nearing an Environmental Tipping Point
The article highlights that in 2024, global greenhouse gas emissions reached their highest ever annual level, increasing by 0.8% from 2023 despite scientific warnings to reduce emissions. This ongoing rise is intensifying climate change effects such as heat waves, fires, floods, droughts, and storms, while also acidifying oceans. Crucially, the planet is approaching critical environmental tipping points—thresholds beyond which natural systems shift irreversibly from stabilizing to amplifying climate stress. Crossing these tipping points risks triggering cascading effects that could push Earth’s climate further from stability, with systems like the Amazon rainforest, Greenland Ice Sheet, and Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) under threat, though exact warming thresholds remain under study. Among the most vulnerable are tropical coral reefs, often called the "rainforests of the ocean," which support immense biodiversity and sustain over 400 million people economically and ecologically. The Great Barrier Reef has suffered repeated mass bleaching events in
energyclimate-changegreenhouse-gasesglobal-warmingenvironmental-tipping-pointscoral-reefsclimate-impactBots Are Manipulating The Clean Energy Information You Seek Online - CleanTechnica
A recent study published in Nature reveals that AI chatbots can significantly influence real-world political preferences, shifting voter opinions by up to 15 percentage points. This persuasive power surpasses that of traditional campaigning and advertising, raising concerns about the manipulation of public opinion in major elections. The study highlights that chatbots often rely on large volumes of cited evidence to bolster their arguments, making them highly convincing. However, this flood of information also increases the risk of spreading false or misleading claims, particularly as chatbots aligned with right-leaning politics tend to share more inaccuracies than those supporting left-leaning candidates. This manipulation extends into the realm of climate change information, where bots distort scientific facts about human-caused global warming. Because large language models draw from internet content that includes a disproportionate amount of climate disinformation—especially from right-wing social media—bots contribute to downplaying or misrepresenting the severity and causes of climate change. They often shift responsibility away from human activity, dilute the health risks,
botsclean-energyclimate-changemisinformationAI-chatbotsgreenhouse-gasesenergy-transitionHydrogen buildup adds hidden warming risk to energy transition
New research reveals that hydrogen, long considered a clean energy ally, is contributing to global warming through its rising atmospheric levels over the past three decades. A comprehensive global assessment by the Global Carbon Project shows hydrogen concentrations increased about 70% from preindustrial times to the early 2000s, stabilized briefly, then rose again around 2010, mainly due to human activities such as industrial hydrogen production, methane oxidation, and agricultural nitrogen fixation. Although hydrogen does not directly trap heat, it indirectly warms the planet by interfering with atmospheric “detergents” that break down methane, a potent greenhouse gas. This interference prolongs methane’s atmospheric lifetime, amplifying its warming effect. The study highlights a warming feedback loop where increasing methane oxidation produces more hydrogen, which in turn slows methane breakdown, exacerbating climate change. Hydrogen-related reactions also generate other greenhouse gases like ozone and stratospheric water vapor, further intensifying warming. Despite hydrogen’s indirect role, its cumulative effect has raised global temperatures by about
energyhydrogen-emissionsclimate-changegreenhouse-gasesmethaneatmospheric-chemistryglobal-warmingOPPD Proposes Extending Life of Dangerous Coal Plant - CleanTechnica
The Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) has proposed a resolution to extend the operation of the North Omaha coal power plant, reversing previous commitments made since 2014 to retire the facility. This proposal, set for a board vote on December 18, has raised concerns among local environmental and health advocates, notably the Sierra Club Nebraska Chapter. The group urges OPPD to honor its earlier promises to retire or refuel the plant, highlighting the significant health risks and environmental damage caused by continued coal burning, including the emission of over 1.6 million tons of greenhouse gases annually. The Sierra Club criticizes OPPD’s decision to commission a study from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a utility consulting firm, arguing that such firms are not suited to provide accurate health impact data. Instead, they advocate for clean energy alternatives to meet peak demand, such as energy efficiency programs, incentives for distributed generation, and battery storage investments. The Sierra Club emphasizes that retiring the coal plant aligns with
energycoal-powerclean-energybattery-storagedistributed-generationgreenhouse-gasesenvironmental-impactMethane Super-Emitters Beware, Bloomberg Is Coming
The article discusses a new $100 million initiative launched by Bloomberg Philanthropies to combat methane super-emitters worldwide. Methane, a greenhouse gas with 80 times the warming impact of carbon dioxide, has historically received only 2% of climate finance despite its significant role in climate change. Bloomberg’s fund aims to establish a global network of “Methane Response Basecamps” to identify and reduce methane emissions, which could cut global methane emissions by 30% by 2030—equivalent to removing about 10 gigatons of CO₂ and preventing numerous health issues related to air pollution. A major challenge in addressing methane emissions has been detecting their sources. Advances in satellite technology, particularly NASA’s Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) on the International Space Station, have enabled the identification of over 50 methane super-emitters across regions including Central Asia, the Middle East, and the southwestern United States. These super-emitters are typically linked to fossil fuel
energymethane-emissionsclimate-actiongreenhouse-gasesenvironmental-monitoringsatellite-technologydecarbonizationThe Pope Asks People To Be More Human - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica emphasizes the critical role of cleantech—technologies aimed at significantly reducing pollution and combating climate change—in addressing the escalating environmental crises caused by greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights the ongoing conflict between the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and the entrenched financial interests that resist this change. Many individuals and entities benefit economically from the fossil fuel industry and often reject or ignore scientific evidence about climate change, perpetuating misinformation and obstructing progress toward sustainable solutions. Additionally, the article discusses broader humanitarian concerns, focusing on Pope Leo XIV’s recent statements condemning inhumane treatment of immigrants and inconsistent “pro-life” stances that oppose abortion but support the death penalty or harsh immigration policies. The Pope’s message underscores the importance of genuine human compassion and challenges societal divisions rooted in race, language, and heritage. The article argues that immigration positively contributes to the U.S. economy, contrary to common misconceptions, and that economic inequality—exacerbated by billionaires and corporations
energyclean-technologyclimate-changepollution-reductionfossil-fuelsgreenhouse-gasesenvironmental-impactSome More Sustainable Rice Alternatives - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica addresses the significant climate impact of rice cultivation, primarily due to methane emissions from traditional wet farming methods. It highlights several sustainable farming practices that can reduce these emissions, including alternate wetting and drying (AWD), mid-season drainage, and direct seeding. AWD involves controlled irrigation around critical growth periods to reduce methane and arsenic uptake. Mid-season drainage temporarily dries fields during the growing season to cut greenhouse gas emissions, while direct seeding reduces the flooding period by about a month, further lowering methane output. Beyond improving rice cultivation methods, the article explores low-carbon alternatives to rice for those seeking more sustainable diets. While not exhaustive, the suggested alternatives include grains and foods that often have higher protein content than rice, offering both environmental and nutritional benefits. The piece underscores the broader context that agriculture and food production significantly contribute to climate change, with rice being a notable factor due to its methane emissions. Additionally, the article briefly mentions teff, a grain used in Ethiopian cuisine,
energysustainable-agriculturemethane-emissionsclimate-changerice-cultivationgreenhouse-gaseslow-carbon-dietMethane Madness Infects New Zealand Government - CleanTechnica
The article discusses New Zealand's significant methane emissions problem, largely stemming from its vast population of ruminant farm animals—approximately 24 million sheep and 10 million cattle. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas about 80 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat, is produced naturally during the digestion process of these animals. Agriculture accounts for half of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions, with methane making up about 85% of that share. Under former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand had set ambitious methane reduction targets aiming to cut emissions by 25-50% by 2050 to help combat global warming. However, the current government led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has significantly weakened these targets, opting instead for a goal of "no additional warming" by reducing methane emissions only 14-24% below 2017 levels by 2050. This shift is justified by the government as a necessary balance between climate goals and protecting the agricultural sector, which is vital for
energymethane-emissionsgreenhouse-gasesclimate-changeagriculture-emissionsNew-Zealand-energy-policyenvironmental-impactScientists harness sunlight to pull carbon dioxide out of thin air
Scientists at Harvard, led by assistant professor Richard Y. Liu, have developed a novel method to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air using sunlight. Their approach employs specially designed organic molecules called photobases that, when activated by sunlight, generate hydroxide ions capable of efficiently capturing and releasing CO₂. Unlike current direct air capture technologies, which require significant energy input, Liu’s light-driven process offers a low-energy, reversible, and potentially solar-powered alternative, representing a promising step toward scalable greenhouse gas removal solutions. Liu’s research integrates expertise from chemistry, materials science, and engineering, with collaboration from energy professor Daniel G. Nocera. Funded primarily by an NSF CAREER award and supported by Harvard amid federal funding challenges, the work exemplifies practical innovation combined with educational goals. The team’s findings, published in Nature Chemistry, highlight how creative molecular design can harness abundant sunlight to address climate change by enabling more energy-efficient carbon capture technologies. Liu advocates for continued scientific investment to
energycarbon-capturesunlightphotobasesgreenhouse-gaseslow-energy-technologymaterials-scienceAbandoned coal borehole leaks methane equivalent to 10,000 cars
A single abandoned coal exploration borehole in rural Queensland, Australia, has been identified as a significant methane “super-emitter,” releasing approximately 235 tonnes of methane annually—equivalent to the climate impact of 10,000 new cars each driving 12,000 kilometers per year. Researchers from the University of Queensland used advanced Quantum Gas LiDAR technology to conduct the first long-term methane emission measurements from such a borehole, which is about 100 meters deep and located in the Surat Basin. The borehole, drilled around twenty years ago and covered by dirt, was detected partly due to the absence of grass growth around it, indicating leakage. This discovery raises concerns that thousands of similar abandoned boreholes across Queensland—estimated at around 130,000—may also be leaking methane, though the extent and sealing quality of these holes remain largely unknown. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a warming effect approximately 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide over 20 years, making these emissions a significant but
energymethane-emissionscoal-boreholesgreenhouse-gasesclimate-impactLiDAR-technologyenvironmental-monitoringCountries Obliged to Include Aviation Contrails in Climate Plans under Paris Agreement, New Legal Advice Shows - CleanTechnica
A recent legal analysis commissioned by environmental groups Transport & Environment (T&E) and Opportunity Green concludes that countries are legally obligated under the Paris Agreement to include non-CO2 emissions from aviation—such as contrails—in their national climate plans (Nationally Determined Contributions, NDCs). These non-CO2 emissions are estimated to account for at least half of aviation’s climate impact and have a significant warming effect comparable to CO2 emissions. The analysis highlights that excluding these emissions means countries are failing to meet their commitments to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as stipulated by the Paris Agreement. The legal advice rests on three main arguments: the temperature-based targets of the Paris Agreement require addressing all warming contributors; the agreement mandates simultaneous reductions in CO2 and non-CO2 greenhouse gases; and the precautionary principle calls for action based on the best available scientific knowledge, even amid uncertainties. Aviation’s non-CO2 emissions, particularly contrails, have been
energyclimate-changeaviation-emissionsParis-Agreementgreenhouse-gasesenvironmental-policynon-CO2-emissionsFactcheck: Trump’s Climate Report Includes More than 100 False or Misleading Claims - CleanTechnica
A fact-check by Carbon Brief reveals that a 140-page climate report commissioned by the Trump administration and published by the US Department of Energy in July 2025 contains over 100 false or misleading claims. The report, intended to justify rolling back US climate regulations, was compiled in just two months by five researchers handpicked by the administration, many of whom lack climate science credentials. Key misleading assertions include the claim that CO2-induced warming may be less economically damaging than commonly believed and that aggressive emissions mitigation policies could cause more harm than good. Experts have criticized the report for factual errors, misrepresentation of research, poor citations, and selective use of data. The report aims to undermine the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which legally supports federal greenhouse gas emissions regulations by recognizing six greenhouse gases as harmful contributors to climate change. The US Environmental Protection Agency indicated that the new report’s “updated studies and information” would challenge the assumptions underlying that finding. Carbon Brief’s extensive review involved consulting many climate scientists
energyclimate-changeemissions-regulationUS-Department-of-Energygreenhouse-gasesenvironmental-policyclimate-scienceScientists Hack Microbes to Identify Environmental Sources of Methane - CleanTechnica
Researchers at UC Berkeley have used CRISPR gene-editing technology to manipulate a key enzyme in methane-producing microbes (methanogens) to better understand how these microbes influence the isotopic composition of methane. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is largely produced by microbes in oxygen-free environments such as wetlands, rice fields, landfills, and animal guts. Identifying the precise environmental sources of methane has been challenging because scientists rely on isotopic signatures—variations in the ratios of carbon and hydrogen isotopes—to trace methane origins. This study reveals that the activity of the microbial enzyme significantly affects these isotopic fingerprints, complicating efforts to accurately attribute methane emissions to specific sources. The findings suggest that current methods for quantifying methane sources may have large uncertainties, sometimes within tens of percent, limiting the ability to track changes over time or prioritize mitigation efforts effectively. By integrating molecular biology with isotope biogeochemistry, the researchers provide new insights into how methanogen biology controls methane’s isotopic signature.
energymethane-emissionsmicrobial-methane-productiongreenhouse-gasesenvironmental-scienceCRISPRisotope-analysisBurgers Bending Your Budget? Blame It On Climate Change - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica explains that the rising cost of burgers and red meat is closely linked to climate change and its impact on agriculture. Climate change has led to more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns, including prolonged droughts and intense rainfall, which disrupt pasture availability for cattle ranchers. As a result, ranchers face higher feed costs, sometimes sourcing feed from hundreds of miles away, and are forced to reduce herd sizes by sending cattle to slaughter earlier. This reduction in cattle supply, combined with increased costs for feed, equipment, and higher interest rates, has driven beef prices to record highs, with ground beef surpassing $6 per pound and steaks nearing $11.50 per pound. The article highlights methane emissions from cows as a significant contributor to greenhouse gases, exacerbating global warming and further intensifying climate impacts. This creates a feedback loop where climate change worsens conditions for cattle ranching, which in turn affects meat prices. The phenomenon of rising consumer costs driven by climate-related factors is termed
energyclimate-changegreenhouse-gasesmethane-emissionsagriculturesustainabilityenvironmental-impactTwiggy Forrest's Billionaire Bubble On Hydrogen’s Risks - CleanTechnica
The article critiques Australian billionaire Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest's dismissal of the climate risks posed by hydrogen as an energy source, highlighting a broader trend of "hydrogen climate harm denial." During a discussion with UK climate policy expert Baroness Bryony Worthington, Forrest challenged the established science that hydrogen acts as an indirect greenhouse gas by inhibiting the breakdown of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Forrest accused the Environmental Defense Fund of spreading misinformation, but the article clarifies that his claims contradict well-established atmospheric science. Scientific consensus shows that hydrogen competes with methane for hydroxyl radicals in the atmosphere, reducing methane’s breakdown and thereby prolonging its greenhouse effect. Studies since the 1990s have quantified hydrogen’s global warming potential (GWP), with recent research indicating a GWP over 20 years approximately 33-37 times that of carbon dioxide and over 100 years about 11-12 times. While exact values vary, the evidence consistently indicates hydrogen’s significant indirect warming impact, especially relevant
energyhydrogen-energyclimate-changegreenhouse-gasesmethaneglobal-warming-potentialclean-energy-debateDOE 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-warmingScientists Say New Government Climate Report Twists Their Work
A recent Department of Energy (DOE) report challenges the mainstream scientific consensus on climate change, claiming that CO2-induced warming is less economically damaging than commonly believed and that aggressive mitigation efforts might cause more harm than good. However, nine scientists from various disciplines criticized the report for misrepresenting their work through cherry-picked data, misinterpretations, and omission of relevant context. The report’s authors, four scientists and one economist known for contrarian views on climate science, were recently hired by the DOE, raising concerns among mainstream researchers about the report’s credibility and motivations. The release of the DOE report coincided with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement to seek a rollback of the 2009 endangerment finding, which underpins the agency’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases. The EPA cited the DOE report as part of its scientific review to challenge this foundational ruling. DOE Secretary Chris Wright and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin framed the report as an effort to restore “common sense” and rational
energyclimate-changeDepartment-of-Energyenvironmental-policygreenhouse-gasesEPAclimate-scienceCleaner Air Is Making The Earth Hotter — Study - CleanTechnica
A recent study highlights an unintended consequence of efforts to improve air quality: reducing sulfur dioxide emissions, particularly in East Asia, has contributed to an acceleration in global warming. Since 2010, China’s aggressive air pollution policies have cut sulfur dioxide emissions by about 75 percent, significantly lowering aerosol pollution. While this has clear health benefits, sulfur aerosols previously masked some of the warming caused by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. The study found that these aerosol reductions have contributed approximately 0.05°C per decade to global temperature increases, explaining much of the recent spike in warming, even after accounting for natural climate variability. The research, based on simulations from eight major climate models through the Regional Aerosol Model Intercomparison Project (RAMIP), underscores the complex relationship between air pollution and climate change. Aerosols such as sulfur dioxide have short atmospheric lifetimes, so their removal leads to a temporary boost in warming until long-term greenhouse gas-driven trends dominate. The findings emphasize the necessity of simultaneous efforts to reduce both
energyair-pollutionsulfur-dioxideclimate-changegreenhouse-gasesenvironmental-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-fuelsDairy 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-changeMethaneSAT’s Silence Won’t Save Methane Emitters From Scrutiny - CleanTechnica
MethaneSAT, a methane-monitoring satellite developed by the Environmental Defense Fund, lost communication with ground control in June 2025 and was declared irrecoverable in July, just 15 months after launch. This failure disappointed many climate scientists and environmentalists due to the satellite’s innovative approach: it combined precise hyperspectral imaging technology with global coverage and open, publicly accessible data to identify methane leaks from sources like oil and gas fields, landfills, and agriculture. MethaneSAT’s data had already highlighted significant under-reported emissions, emphasizing the urgent need for methane emission reductions to meet climate goals, given methane’s potency as a greenhouse gas—about 80 times more effective than CO2 over 20 years. Despite MethaneSAT’s loss, the article stresses that this is not a critical setback for global methane transparency. MethaneSAT was part of a broader ecosystem of methane detection technologies, including other satellites like the privately funded GHGSat constellation, which monitors emissions from individual facilities, and the
energymethane-detectionsatellite-technologyclimate-changeenvironmental-monitoringhyperspectral-imaginggreenhouse-gasesLamb 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-productionSlow Down, Cool Down: Reducing Methane From Coastal Shipping - CleanTechnica
The article highlights a recently recognized source of methane emissions linked to large ships operating in shallow coastal waters. Research shows that vessels with draughts over nine meters traveling faster than 12 knots can disturb organic-rich seabed sediments, releasing methane—a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 82.5 times that of CO₂ over 20 years. Field measurements near Neva Bay, Russia, confirmed measurable methane release caused by such ship activity. While oceanic cargo ships mostly transit deep waters and thus generate negligible methane emissions from sediment disturbance, large coastal vessels like cruise ships, roll-on/roll-off (roro), and ropax ferries frequently operate in shallow, sediment-rich zones, making their methane emissions more significant. The article also notes that dredging in major ports disturbs methane-rich sediments, causing episodic methane releases, but these events are infrequent and minor compared to the overall maritime carbon footprint. Although methane emissions from coastal shipping and dredging are currently small relative to the billion
energymethane-emissionscoastal-shippinggreenhouse-gasesclimate-impactmaritime-pollutionsediment-disturbanceBeef 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-sustainabilityAre There Practical Solutions To Methane Emissions From Cattle? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the significant issue of methane emissions from cattle, particularly those raised on factory farms in the US. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 21 to 26 times greater than carbon dioxide, is produced naturally during the digestive process of ruminant animals like cows. This enteric methane accounts for 17% of global methane emissions and 3.3% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing methane emissions is critical to limiting global warming to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels, a target endorsed by over 150 countries in the 2021 Global Methane Pledge aiming for a 30% reduction by 2030. While eliminating beef consumption would be the simplest solution, it is unrealistic for the general population, so practical mitigation strategies focus on reducing emissions from livestock production. One promising approach centers on altering cattle diets, especially in factory farms where cows are often fed inexpensive, unsustainable feeds like corn and soy, including dried distillers grains (
energymethane-emissionsgreenhouse-gasesclimate-changeagriculturesustainabilitylivestock-managementThe 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-dioxide