article thumbnail

Black carbon is a much larger cause of climate change than previously assessed; about twice previous estimates, and 2/3 the effect of CO2

Green Car Congress

the distribution of black carbon in the atmosphere and determine its role in the climate system. Black carbon (BC) is the second largest man-made contributor to global warming and its influence on climate has been greatly underestimated, according to the first quantitative and comprehensive analysis of this pollutant’s climate impact.

article thumbnail

Study projects thermoelectric power in Europe and US vulnerable to climate change due to lower summer river flows and higher river water temperatures

Green Car Congress

Projected changes in summer mean usable capacity of power plants in the US and Europe for the SRES A2 emissions scenario for the 2040s (2031–2060) relative to the control period (1971–2000). A study published in Nature Climate Change suggests that thermoelectric power plants (i.e., Source: van Vliet et al. Click to enlarge.

article thumbnail

Warming Climate Threatens California Fruit and Nut Production

Green Car Congress

Winter chill, a vital climatic trigger for many tree crops, is likely to decrease by more than 50% in California during this century as global climate warms, making the state no longer suitable for growing many fruit and nut crops, according to a team of researchers from the University of California, Davis, and the University of Washington.

Climate 170
article thumbnail

New study finds GHG emissions from palm oil production significantly underestimated; palm oil biofuels could be more climate-damaging than oil sands fuels

Green Car Congress

Historical analysis shows strong acceleration of plantation development in recent years: 70% of all industrial plantations have been established since 2000 and only 4% of the current plantation area existed in 1990. Tropical peatlands cover more than 25 Mha in Southeast Asia and are estimated to contain around 70 Gt of carbon.

Oil-Sands 314
article thumbnail

Study associates long-term exposure to air pollution with increasing emphysema

Green Car Congress

Long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants, especially O 3 (ozone), is significantly associated with increasing emphysema, according to a new study led by the University of Washington, Columbia University and the University at Buffalo. This work in the MESA Air study was led at the University of Washington.

Pollution 223
article thumbnail

Devil in the Details: World Leaders Scramble To Salvage and Shape Copenhagens UNFCCC Climate Summit

Green Car Congress

Although most countries have already revealed their opening emissions reduction proposals, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer pointed out Thursday that “ we still await clarity from industrialized nations on the provision of large-scale finance to developing countries for immediate and long-term climate action. by Jack Rosebro.

Climate 236
article thumbnail

Satellite study shows drought-stricken Colorado River Basin states depleting their groundwater

Green Car Congress

According to the US Bureau of Reclamation, the federal water management agency, the basin has been suffering from prolonged, severe drought since 2000 and has experienced the driest 14-year period in the last hundred years. JPL developed the GRACE spacecraft and manages the mission for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Washington.

Colorado 285