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Study finds that worldwide SO2 emissions rose between 2000-2005 after decade of decline; China, shipping topped growth

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Global sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) emissions peaked in the early 1970s and decreased until 2000, with an increase in recent years due to increased emissions in China, international shipping, and developing countries in general, according to a new analysis appearing in the open access journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. Credit: Smith et al.

2005 186
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HEI: 95%+ of world’s population live in areas of unhealthy air

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coal, wood, and dung) for cooking and heating. billion people—one in three global citizens—were exposed to household air pollution from the use of solid fuels (for example, coal, wood, charcoal, dung, or other biomass) for cooking and heating. was industrial coal; transportation followed as a close second.

Pollution 218
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Study concludes abundant shale gas is neither climate hero nor villain; need for targeted GHG reduction policy

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While natural gas can reduce greenhouse emissions when it is substituted for higher-emission energy sources, abundant shale gas is not likely to substantially alter total emissions without policies targeted at greenhouse gas reduction, according to a new study by two researchers at Duke University.

Climate 199
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Air pollution regulations over last decade in Chinese city has halved health costs

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Between 2000 and 2012, these included mandating the closure of many polluting sources, auditing companies that produced large amounts of toxic and hazardous materials, setting pollutant emissions standards, and promoting energy efficiency and pollution reduction. Particulate matter is released by coal-burning plants and other sources.

Pollution 218
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Black carbon is a much larger cause of climate change than previously assessed; about twice previous estimates, and 2/3 the effect of CO2

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Emission rates of BC in the year 2000 by region, indicating major source categories in each region. Total global emissions of black carbon using bottom-up inventory methods are 7500 Gg yr -1 in the year 2000 with an uncertainty range of 2000 to 29000. Source: Bond et al. Click to enlarge. W m -2 (+0.17 W m -2 range). Bond et al.

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Study finds global CO2 emissions back on the rise in 2010

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Global carbon dioxide emissions show no sign of abating and may reach record levels in 2010, according to a study led by the University of Exeter (UK). The study, which also involved the University of East Anglia (UK) and other global institutions, is part of the annual carbon budget update by the Global Carbon Project.

2010 210
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MIT report finds China’s actions on climate change crucial; argues for global economy-wide greenhouse gas tax

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These scenarios show that, even more modest and realistic goals require near universal participation of major greenhouse gas emitters, Paltsev says. From 2000 to 2010, China’s energy use grew 130%, up from a growth of 50% the previous decade.