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NOAA greenhouse gas index continues climbing; 1.29 in 2010

Green Car Congress

NOAA’s updated Annual Greenhouse Gas Index (AGGI), which measures the direct climate influence of many greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, shows a continued steady upward trend. NOAA scientists created the AGGI recognizing that carbon dioxide is not the only greenhouse gas affecting the balance of heat in the atmosphere.

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Renault makes public its lifecycle study of Fluence ICE vs Fluence EV

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Renault’s comparison of the carbon footprint of EV and ICE vehicles over production, operation and end of life. The publication gives the opportunity for an “apples-to-apples” comparison between the environmental impacts of the two types of powertrains: same manufacturer, same model, same boundary conditions. Click to enlarge.

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Up close and personal with Volkswagen’s e-Golf carbon offset project: Garcia River Forest

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In 2014, Volkswagen of America announced that starting with the launch of the zero-tailpipe emissions battery-electric 2015 e-Golf ( earlier post ), it would invest in projects to offset the carbon emissions created from the e-Golf on a full lifecycle basis: production, distribution and up to approximately 36,000 miles (57,936 km) of driving.

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EPA report to Congress finds a strong scientific and technical foundation for mitigating black carbon emissions

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The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted its final Report to Congress on Black Carbon , in response to an October 2009 request from Congress to advance efforts to understand the role of black carbon (BC) in climate change. —Report to Congress on Black Carbon. Report to Congress on Black Carbon.

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Toyota to pioneer use of biosynthetic rubber in engine and drive system hoses

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Since plants absorb CO 2 from the atmosphere during their lifespan, such bio-materials achieve an estimated 20% reduction in material lifecycle carbon emissions in comparison to conventional petroleum-based hydrin rubber. Jointly developed by Toyota, Zeon Corporation , and Sumitomo Riko Co., Vacuum sensing hose production process.

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NASA GISS Study Finds That Methane Has an Elevated Warming Effect Due to Interactions With Aerosols

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In particular, the study led by Drew Shindell found that methane emissions have a larger warming impact due to those interactions than accounted for in current carbon-trading schemes or in the Kyoto Protocol. And hydroxyls drive long chains of reactions involving other common gases, including ozone. Shindell et al.

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GISS study finds applying stricter non-CO2 vehicle emission standards worldwide would yield climate benefits in addition to major health and agricultural benefits

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million metric tons of avoided ozone-related yield losses of major food crops; $US0.6-2.4 While reductions in particulate matter tend to produce local health benefits, the scientists found health and agricultural benefits from reduced ozone disperse more widely. In comparison, the Northern Hemisphere has warmed by about 0.3°C

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