Environmental Science

COP28 Endorses a Path for the Gradual Phase-Out of Fossil Fuels

Announcement of the agreement at COP28. AMR ALFIKYWell beyond the COP 28 deadline, representatives from over 200 countries have finally reached an historic agreement for a transition away from fossil fuels. The approved text calls for a fair, orderly, and equitable transition in energy systems, accelerating action in this crucial decade to achieve carbon...

AI Assists in Tracking Icebergs by Analyzing Radar Data

AI helps scientists to track icebergs using satellite radar dataDepositphotosScientists are employing machine learning to analyze satellite radar data for the identification of icebergs in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. This approach aims to enhance comprehension of their life cycle and environmental repercussions.While icebergs might appear distant and exotic, as depicted in movies like...

Low-Carbon Footprint Ammonia for Eco-Friendly Fertilizers

Credit: Yale E360Researchers at UNSW Sydney, alongside collaborators, have pioneered an eco-friendly technique enabling ammonia production directly on farms, revolutionizing the traditional high-energy methods.The innovation, highlighted in a recent Applied Catalysis B: Environmental publication, drastically improves energy efficiency, scaling up green ammonia synthesis at an industrial level.Formerly reliant on energy-intensive processes contributing significantly...

UV Radiation Could be the Key to Recycling Disposable Diapers Efficiently

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, over 300,000 disposable diapers are incinerated, dumped in landfills or otherwise enter the environment once every minute worldwideCredit: pixaobayDisposable diapers contribute significantly to the world's waste problem, primarily due to their challenging recyclability. Nevertheless, there is a fresh method that can recover the "superabsorber" polymer used in...

West Antarctic Ice Sheet Melting is Inevitably Increasing

Credit: PixaobayNew research suggests that, regardless of our efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet will persist in accelerating its melting rate throughout the century. This impending surge in ice melt is expected to lead to a rapid rise in Antarctica's contribution to sea-level elevation over the next few decades.Utilizing...

Recent Study Reveals Surprising Boreal Forest Fire Effects in North America

Credit: PixaobayA novel research endeavor, employing a unique method to examine satellite images of boreal forests spanning the past thirty years, has identified that fire might be altering the landscape of the area in an unforeseen manner, catching researchers off guard with its findings.Throughout history, fires in North American boreal forests have typically resulted...

Droughts Raise River Water Temperatures

Credit: DepositphotosA recent study unveils the impending rise in river temperatures due to reduced water flows and increasing atmospheric temperatures, posing significant challenges for aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and human society.With the ongoing global warming attributed to climate change and the projected increase in the frequency and severity of droughts, a recent study sheds light...

China’s Global Leadership Reverses Air Pollution Trends

Maps showing trends in global, population-weighted PM2.5 over (a) 1998-2011 and (b) 2011-2019Li et al./Washington University in St. LouisDespite the concerns surrounding climate change, a recent study reveals a positive trend in air pollution. Global data analysis indicates a reduction in exposure to fine particulate matter, a significant environmental health hazard.PM2.5, which stands for...

Excessive Tire Degradation Identified as a Significant Contributor to Pollution in Waterways.

A study has found that tire wear and tear contributes to urban waterway pollution. Credit: PixaobayResearchers from Australia have uncovered that tire degradation constitutes a significant source of contamination in urban waterways, generating particulate matter, including microplastics. However, they have also identified effective methods to mitigate this form of pollution, which poses risks to...

Remote Work Reduces Carbon Footprint

Credit: New perspectiveRemote work reduces carbon footprint. A recent study conducted by Cornell University and Microsoft has highlighted the potential for remote workers to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, up to 54% less compared to their onsite counterparts.This substantial reduction is influenced by various factors, including lifestyle choices and the structure of...