Climate Change, Coal, Emissions and Pollution

EPA proposes new pollution standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants

Green Car Congress

MAY 12, 2023

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new CO 2 standards for coal and natural gas-fired power plants. Through 2042, EPA estimates the net climate and health benefits of the standards on new gas and existing coal-fired power plants are up to $85 billion.

EPA

EPA Pollution Standards Power

Stanford study finds current carbon capture technology inefficient & increases air pollution

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 27, 2019

Jacobson, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University, suggests that carbon capture technologies are inefficient and increase air pollution. However, this research finds that it reduces only a small fraction of carbon emissions, and it usually increases air pollution. —Mark Jacobson.

Pollution

Pollution Carbon Coal Wind

New study puts air-pollution related deaths in India in 2019 at 1.67 million

Green Car Congress

DECEMBER 27, 2020

Air pollution in India resulted 1.67 million deaths in 2019—the largest pollution-related death toll in any country in the world—and also accounted for $36.8 The 2019 death toll attributed to air pollution in India accounted for 17.8% Pollution takes an enormous human toll in India. It is causing 1.67

Pollution

Pollution India 2019 Boston

Global Carbon Project: Global carbon emissions growth slows, but hits record high

Green Car Congress

DECEMBER 5, 2019

The findings are outlined in three new papers published in Earth System Science Data , Environmental Research Letters , and Nature Climate Change. over 2018 emissions. over 2018 emissions. Emissions cuts in wealthier nations must outpace increases in poorer countries where access to energy is still needed.

Carbon

Carbon Global Emissions Climate Change

OECD: governments should make better use of energy taxation to address climate change; “meaningful” increases limited to road sector

Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 14, 2018

Greater reliance on energy taxation is needed to strengthen efforts to tackle the principal source of both greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, according to a new OECD report. Taxes are effective at cutting harmful emissions from energy use, but governments could make better use of them.

Climate Change

Climate Change Climate Tax Energy

EEA report finds more action needed to protect Europe’s most vulnerable citizens from air pollution, noise and extreme temperatures

Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 5, 2019

A new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) warns that the health of Europe’s most vulnerable citizens remains disproportionately affected by environmental hazards such as air and noise pollution and extreme temperatures, especially in Europe’s eastern and southern regions, despite overall improvements in Europe’s environmental quality.

Pollution

Pollution Bulgaria Greece Portugal

Discovery of mechanism for atmospheric particle formation suggests need for ammonia emission regulations

Green Car Congress

MAY 23, 2022

The presence of ammonia was first discovered in the upper troposphere in 2016 using the analysis of averaged MIPAS (Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding) infrared limb-emission spectra. The emission sources are limited up there. This is important, especially in the relatively clean upper troposphere.

Emissions

Emissions Climate Pollution Climate Change

Study findings suggest that switching from coal to natural gas would do little for global climate

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 8, 2011

The study will appear next month in the peer-reviewed journal Climatic Change Letters. The study will appear next month in the peer-reviewed journal Climatic Change Letters. Relying more on natural gas would reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, but it would do little to help solve the climate problem.

Coal

Coal Climate Gas Global

IEA finds CO2 emissions flat for third straight year even as global economy grew in 2016

Green Car Congress

MARCH 18, 2017

Global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions were flat for a third straight year in 2016 even as the global economy grew, according to the International Energy Agency. The data signal a continuing decoupling of emissions and economic activity. Global emissions from the energy sector stood at 32.1

Economy

Economy 2016 Global Emissions

UMD-led study finds China’s SO2 emissions down 75% since 2007, India’s up 50%; India may now be the top SO2 emitter

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 13, 2017

Although China and India remain the world’s largest consumers of coal, a new University of Maryland-led study found that China’s sulfur dioxide emissions fell by 75% since 2007, while India’s emissions increased by 50%. Sulfur dioxide is an air pollutant that causes acid rain, haze and many health-related problems.

India

India 2007 Emissions Aura

PCAST suggests 6 key components for climate change strategy to President Obama; adaptation and mitigation

Green Car Congress

MARCH 23, 2013

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) released a letter to President Obama describing six key components the advisory group believes should be central to the Administration’s strategy for addressing climate change. Improving coordination and support for research efforts on climate change preparedness.

Climate Change

Climate Change Climate Obama Clean

Black carbon linked to increased cardiovascular risk; exacerbated by co-exposure to motor vehicle emissions

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 26, 2014

Black carbon (BC) from incomplete biomass and fossil fuel combustion is the most strongly light-absorbing component of particulate matter (PM) air pollution and a major climate-forcing emission. We wanted to identify the pollution sources that most impact human health to help inform these pollution control efforts.

Carbon

Carbon Emissions Motor Motors

Tsinghua/Argonne Study Finds That Mass Use of EVs in China Could Result in Higher CO2 and Criteria Pollutant Emissions Than Conventional and Hybrid Gasoline Vehicles Due to Coal-Fired Generation of Electricity

Green Car Congress

MAY 25, 2010

Fuel-cycle SO 2 emissions of EVs compared to those of gasoline ICEVs and HEVs in China, current (left) and future (right). The study examined the fuel-cycle CO 2 , SO 2 , and NO x emissions of EVs in China in both current (2008) and future (2030) periods and compared them with those of conventional gasoline vehicles and gasoline hybrids.

Coal

Coal Gasoline-Electric Gasoline China

California ARB: GHG emissions fell below 1990 levels for first time in 2016; down 13% from 2004 peak; transportation emissions up 2%

Green Car Congress

JULY 12, 2018

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced that greenhouse gas emissions in California in 2016 fell below 1990 levels for the first time since emissions peaked in 2004—a reduction roughly equivalent to taking 12 million cars off the road or saving 6 billion gallons of gasoline a year.

2004

2004 2016 Emissions California

Tesla drivers have smoke blown in their faces | Opinion

EV Central

NOVEMBER 13, 2023

But first I wanted to talk about climate change deniers, and how remarkable it is that they still exist. But first I wanted to talk about climate change deniers, and how remarkable it is that they still exist.

Climate Change

Climate Change Coal Saudi Arabia Climate

Tsinghua University provincial-level lifecycle study finds fuel-cycle criteria pollutants of EVs in China could be up to 5x those of natural gas vehicles due to China’s coal-dominant power mix

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 12, 2013

In regions where the share of coal-based electricity is relatively low, EVs can achieve substantial GHG reduction, the team reports in a paper in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology. emissions are less important because of the low contribution of light duty vehicles to national PM 10 and PM 2.5

Coal

Coal Pollution China Gas

EPA proposes CO2 emission standards for new fossil fuel-fired power plants

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 20, 2013

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed Clean Air Act standards to reduce CO 2 emissions from fossil-fuel fired power plants (electric utility generating units, EGUs). The proposed rulemaking establishes separate standards for natural gas and coal plants. Background. In the decision in Massachusetts v. Earlier post.)

EPA

EPA Standards Emissions Power

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

JUNE 3, 2012

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. in the US).

Climate Change

Climate Change Water Climate Europe

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

JANUARY 16, 2013

Schematic overview of the primary black-carbon emission sources and the processes that control. the distribution of black carbon in the atmosphere and determine its role in the climate system. Accounting for all of the ways black carbon can affect climate, it is believed to have a warming effect of about 1.1 Source: Bond et al.

Climate Change

Climate Change Climate Carbon CO2

China study connects ozone pollution to cardiovascular health

Green Car Congress

JULY 17, 2017

Ozone is formed through a chemical reaction that occurs when sunlight interacts with nitrogen oxides and other organic compounds that are generated by coal-burning, vehicle exhaust and some natural sources. They monitored indoor and outdoor ozone levels, along with other pollutants.

Ozone

Ozone Pollution Connect Connected

European Environment Agency report finds carbon capture and storage could also impact air pollution

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 18, 2011

In addition to keeping anthropogenic CO 2 out of the atmosphere, this technology will lead to benefits and trade-offs for air pollution, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report shows that while CCS may have an overall positive effect on air pollution, emissions of some pollutants may increase.

Pollution

Pollution Environment Carbon Coal

Get Your Monkeywrenches Ready! Politicians Beg For Climate Change Wake Up Call

Creative Greenius

JULY 9, 2009

While the finely tailored and pampered leaders of the G8 met in Italy to talk the issue of climate change to death and do nothing tangible about it, activists with a more realistic sense of urgency started to take the necessary action to start cutting greenhouse gases right now. AP Photo/Greenpeace, Kate Davison). In the U.S.,

Climate Change

Climate Change Climate Coal Obama

Perspective: The Role of Offsets in Climate Change Legislation

Green Car Congress

MARCH 6, 2010

An offset is a measurable reduction, avoidance, or sequestration of GHG emissions from a source not covered by an emission reduction program. In this way, offsets would complement the more traditional emissions trading that can occur between two covered sources. what would have happened anyway).

Climate Change

Climate Change Climate Emissions 2008

WHO: 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air; 7M deaths per year

Green Car Congress

MAY 2, 2018

New data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. Updated estimations reveal a death toll of 7 million people every year caused by ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution. Ambient air pollution alone caused some 4.2 g/m 3 (for PM 10 ) and 10 ?g/m

Pollution

Pollution Africa Asia Europe

California Energy Commission approves $8M grant for H2 fueling station at Port of Long Beach

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 8, 2018

The California Energy Commission approved an $8-million grant to Equilon Enterprises—a fully owned subsidiary of Shell Oil—to develop a high-capacity hydrogen fueling station to service and promote the expansion of zero-emission fuel cell electric Class 8 drayage trucks at the Port of Long Beach. s second-busiest container port.

Long Beach

Long Beach Grant California Energy

EEA report: EVs are better for climate and air quality

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 26, 2018

Battery electric cars emit less greenhouse gases and air pollutants over their entire life cycle than petrol and diesel cars, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report. Emissions are usually higher in the production phase of electric cars, but these are more than offset by lower emissions in the use phase over time.

Climate

Climate Pollution Gasoline-Electric 2017

International study identifies 14 key measures to reduce methane and black carbon emissions; reduction in projected global mean warming of ~0.5 °C by 2050

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 13, 2012

Circle areas are proportional to values for (A and B) climate change, (C and D) human health (values for population over age 30), and (E and F) agriculture. The team considered about 400 emission control measures to reduce these pollutants by using current technology and experience. Source: Shindell et al.

Carbon

Carbon Ozone Emissions International

US and China jointly announce GHG reduction targets; US to cut net GHG 26-28% by 2025, China to peak CO2 by ~2030

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 12, 2014

US President Barack Obama said the US will cut net greenhouse gas emissions in the US by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025. Together, the US and China account for more than one third of global greenhouse gas emissions. The US and China jointly announced greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. per year on average between 2020 and 2025.

China

China Climate Change CO2 United States

Study from Thuringia shows 50% of harmful soot comes from local sources, 50% from long-distance transport

Green Car Congress

JUNE 12, 2021

Soot particles from oil and wood heating systems as well as road traffic can pollute the air in Europe on a much larger scale than previously assumed. Black carbon is associated with primary emissions from combustion processes from anthropogenic sources (car, domestic heating and industry) or biogenic sources (e.g. forest fires).

Transportation

Transportation Germany Climate Change Climate

EPA: US greenhouse gases up 2% in 2013; increased coal consumption, cool winter

Green Car Congress

APRIL 16, 2015

US GHG emissions by sector, 1990-2013. Total US greenhouse emissions were 6,673 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2013, an increase of 2% (127.9 over the prior year, according to the EPA’s newly published Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990–2013. Total US emissions have increased by 5.9%

2013

2013 EPA Coal 2004

Global CO2 emissions stalled for the third year in a row

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 21, 2017

The annual assessment of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the JRC and the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) confirms that CO 2 emissions have stalled for the third year in a row. Emissions from international transport (aviation and shipping) contribute another 3% to the total global GHG emissions.

Emissions

Emissions Global CO2 India

CicLaVia is Back This Sunday & We’ll Be Rolling Against Coal!

Creative Greenius

APRIL 5, 2011

CicLaVia where public streets from Boyle Heights to Downtown, MacArthur Park to East Hollywood will be shut down to traffic and open to you and me emission free. My favorite part of this next CicLaVia is t he Bike Parade coming from my friends at Greenpeace and Sierra Club which they’re calling ROLL AGAINST COAL.

Coal

Coal Sierra Los Angeles Green

GCP Carbon Budget Finds Anthropogenic CO2 Emissions Rose 2% in 2008 Despite Global Financial Crisis; Natural Sinks Not Keeping Pace With Increasing Emissions

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 17, 2009

Despite the economic effects of the global financial crisis (GFC), carbon dioxide emissions from human activities rose 2% in 2008 to an all-time high of 1.3 Other main findings of the study include: CO 2 emissions from the burning of fossil fuels have increased at an average annual rate of 3.4% over the previous seven years.

2008

2008 Emissions Carbon Climate Change

Equity: More important than ever

Electric Auto Association

DECEMBER 2, 2021

Endless studies on the impact of pollution and climate change on low-income families have all come up with the same general result: It is a very real and very serious problem. This is in addition to underserved population exposure to tailpipe pollution from high concentrations of car and truck traffic.

Climate Change

Climate Change West Virginia Pollution Kansas City

US Global Change Research Program Issues Report on Impacts of Climate Change in US; Details Point to Potential Value of Early, Aggressive Action

Green Car Congress

JUNE 17, 2009

Widespread climate-related impacts are occurring now in the US and are expected to increase. A product of the interagency US Global Change Research Program, the 190-page report was commissioned in 2007 and completed this spring. It is clear that climate change is happening now. Source: USGCRP. Click to enlarge.

Climate Change

Climate Change Climate Global United States

Researchers describe the “where” and “when” of life cycle emissions from gasoline and ethanol in the US

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 11, 2012

Contributions of regions to total life cycle emissions for three fuels (µg per vehicle-mile traveled per km 2 land area). Dashed lines show US average emissions. Associated tailpipe emissions alone account for 40?60% Credit: ACS, Tessum et al. Click to enlarge.

Gasoline

Gasoline Emissions Gasoline-Electric Pollution

Obama climate plan calls for new fuel economy standards for heavy-duty vehicles post-2018; cleaner fuels and investment in advanced fossil energy

Green Car Congress

JUNE 25, 2013

President Obama’s plan, which sidesteps the need for Congressional involvement by relying on a wide variety of executive actions, has three main components: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the US. Preparing the US for the impacts of climate change. Leading international efforts for GHG emission reductions and adaptation.

Obama

Obama Cleaner Climate Fuel Economy

UCS analysis finds Hyundai-Kia with best sales-weighted new vehicle environmental performance in US in 2013

Green Car Congress

MAY 27, 2014

In its sixth sales-weighted analysis of emissions from 8 major automakers’ 2013 model year vehicles, the Union of Concerned Scientists’ (UCS) latest Automaker Rankings report found that Hyundai-Kia unseated Honda as the “Greenest Automaker.” Click to enlarge. Source: UCS. Click to enlarge.

2013

2013 Kia Hyundai Sale

UN Environment report says national GHG pledges only bring one-third of reductions needed for Paris Agreement

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 31, 2017

If the emissions gap is not closed by 2030, the report says, it is extremely unlikely that the goal of holding global warming to well below 2 ˚C can still be reached. In the current policy scenario, total emissions for transport are 9.7 GtCO 2 direct emissions and 0.28 GtCO 2 indirect emissions for electricity use.

Environment

Environment Climate Change Coal Climate

New tool provides upstream data data for lifecycle analysis of fuels

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 10, 2012

The Excel-based Upstream Dashboard provides “upstream” data for lifecycle analysis of coal, natural gas, crude oil, uranium, and biomass, as well as gasoline, ethanol, jet fuel, and diesel derived from either petroleum or coal-gasification. Results are listed in a chart as well as illustrated in a bar graph.

Fuel

Fuel Coal Climate Change Illinois

Fast action on black carbon, ozone and methane could help limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees C

Green Car Congress

JUNE 15, 2011

The climate change benefit is estimated for a given year (2050) and human health and crop benefits are. Fast action on pollutants such as black carbon, ground-level ozone and methane may help limit near term global temperature rise and significantly increase the chances of keeping temperature rise below 2 °C (3.6 °F)—and

Ozone

Ozone Carbon Climate Change Global

Duke study finds China’s synthetic natural gas plants will have heavy environmental toll; 2x vehicle GHG if used for fuel

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

Coal-powered synthetic natural gas (SNG) plants being planned in China would produce seven times more greenhouse gas emissions than conventional natural gas plants, and use up to 100 times the water as shale gas production, according to a new study by Duke University researchers published in the journal Nature Climate Change.

Gas

Gas Mercury Climate Change Fuel

CicLaVia is Back This Sunday & We’ll Be Rolling Against Coal!

Creative Greenius

APRIL 5, 2011

CicLaVia where public streets from Boyle Heights to Downtown, MacArthur Park to East Hollywood will be shut down to traffic and open to you and me emission free. My favorite part of this next CicLaVia is t he Bike Parade coming from my friends at Greenpeace and Sierra Club which they’re calling ROLL AGAINST COAL.

Coal

Coal Sierra Los Angeles Green

Study finds rising temperatures increase risk of unhealthy ozone levels absent sharp cuts in precursors

Green Car Congress

MAY 5, 2014

Ozone pollution across the continental United States will become far more difficult to keep in check as temperatures rise, according to new work led by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The RCPs were chosen to represent a broad range of climate outcomes, based on a literature review. Scenario A2 and RCP 8.5.

Ozone

Ozone Climate Change Pollution Climate

EPA proposes new pollution standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants

Stanford study finds current carbon capture technology inefficient & increases air pollution

New study puts air-pollution related deaths in India in 2019 at 1.67 million

Global Carbon Project: Global carbon emissions growth slows, but hits record high

OECD: governments should make better use of energy taxation to address climate change; “meaningful” increases limited to road sector

EEA report finds more action needed to protect Europe’s most vulnerable citizens from air pollution, noise and extreme temperatures

Discovery of mechanism for atmospheric particle formation suggests need for ammonia emission regulations

Study findings suggest that switching from coal to natural gas would do little for global climate

IEA finds CO2 emissions flat for third straight year even as global economy grew in 2016

UMD-led study finds China’s SO2 emissions down 75% since 2007, India’s up 50%; India may now be the top SO2 emitter

PCAST suggests 6 key components for climate change strategy to President Obama; adaptation and mitigation

Black carbon linked to increased cardiovascular risk; exacerbated by co-exposure to motor vehicle emissions

Tsinghua/Argonne Study Finds That Mass Use of EVs in China Could Result in Higher CO2 and Criteria Pollutant Emissions Than Conventional and Hybrid Gasoline Vehicles Due to Coal-Fired Generation of Electricity

California ARB: GHG emissions fell below 1990 levels for first time in 2016; down 13% from 2004 peak; transportation emissions up 2%

Tesla drivers have smoke blown in their faces | Opinion

Tsinghua University provincial-level lifecycle study finds fuel-cycle criteria pollutants of EVs in China could be up to 5x those of natural gas vehicles due to China’s coal-dominant power mix

EPA proposes CO2 emission standards for new fossil fuel-fired power plants

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

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

China study connects ozone pollution to cardiovascular health

European Environment Agency report finds carbon capture and storage could also impact air pollution

Get Your Monkeywrenches Ready! Politicians Beg For Climate Change Wake Up Call

Perspective: The Role of Offsets in Climate Change Legislation

WHO: 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air; 7M deaths per year

California Energy Commission approves $8M grant for H2 fueling station at Port of Long Beach

EEA report: EVs are better for climate and air quality

International study identifies 14 key measures to reduce methane and black carbon emissions; reduction in projected global mean warming of ~0.5 °C by 2050

US and China jointly announce GHG reduction targets; US to cut net GHG 26-28% by 2025, China to peak CO2 by ~2030

Study from Thuringia shows 50% of harmful soot comes from local sources, 50% from long-distance transport

EPA: US greenhouse gases up 2% in 2013; increased coal consumption, cool winter

Global CO2 emissions stalled for the third year in a row

CicLaVia is Back This Sunday & We’ll Be Rolling Against Coal!

GCP Carbon Budget Finds Anthropogenic CO2 Emissions Rose 2% in 2008 Despite Global Financial Crisis; Natural Sinks Not Keeping Pace With Increasing Emissions

Equity: More important than ever

US Global Change Research Program Issues Report on Impacts of Climate Change in US; Details Point to Potential Value of Early, Aggressive Action

Researchers describe the “where” and “when” of life cycle emissions from gasoline and ethanol in the US

Obama climate plan calls for new fuel economy standards for heavy-duty vehicles post-2018; cleaner fuels and investment in advanced fossil energy

UCS analysis finds Hyundai-Kia with best sales-weighted new vehicle environmental performance in US in 2013

UN Environment report says national GHG pledges only bring one-third of reductions needed for Paris Agreement

New tool provides upstream data data for lifecycle analysis of fuels

Fast action on black carbon, ozone and methane could help limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees C

Duke study finds China’s synthetic natural gas plants will have heavy environmental toll; 2x vehicle GHG if used for fuel

CicLaVia is Back This Sunday & We’ll Be Rolling Against Coal!

Study finds rising temperatures increase risk of unhealthy ozone levels absent sharp cuts in precursors

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