reducing emissions
Hydraulic Fracturing Increases Water Stress in Already Stressed Regions
A large portion of hydraulic fracturing operations in the U.S.
Significant Vehicle Emissions Reductions Difficult, But Possible
It will be very difficult for the U.S. to reduce its automobile petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050 relative to 2005, according to a new congressionally mandated report by the National Research Council.
Black Carbon Emissions Warm More Than Previously Thought
Black carbon emissions from the burning of fossil fuels for transportation and industrial/residential uses and from fires are the second most important emission in forcing atmospheric warming, next to carbon dioxide, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research. The recent estimates are twice as high as past ones, reported BBC News.
Greater Short-Term Emissions Reductions Give Greater Long-Term Climate Protection
If global carbon emissions can be kept to less than 55 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year (GtCO2e/yr) by 2020, the 2°C (3.6°F) global warming target, determined as the maximum increase that would still permit dangerous climate change to be avoided, could be met relatively inexpensively, according to a
UCLA Outlines LA’s Sustainability Goals
If Los Angeles could eliminate coal from its mix of energy sources, implement a myriad of measures including increasing the efficiency of natural gas-fired power plants, and ensure all residents have access to sustainable transportation options, the city could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 30 percent below 1990 levels.
Commission Finds CA Energy Policies at Risk of Failure
California’s energy transition—from a system powered by fossil fuels to one with one-third of the supply coming from renewable energy sources—while ambitious, is at risk of a policy failure if certain concerns outlined in a new report by the Little Hoover Commission aren’t addressed.
Two-Degree Warming Target Unreachable
The goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees C (3.6 degrees F) is highly unrealistic, according to a new analysis by the UK based firm PricewaterhouseCoo
Firm Temperature Threshold Could Improve Climate Negotiations
One reason climate negotiations have failed thus far—many countries agreeing to emissions reductions but not following through with action—could be because no certain, dangerous temperature threshold exists which, once crossed, would absolutely spell catastrophe, according to a new study published in PNAS
New Standards Boost Fuel Efficiency by 2025
New fuel economy standards finalized this week by the Obama administration will nearly double the fuel efficiency of cars and light-duty trucks to 54.5 mpg by 2025, according to the EPA.
CA Tests Cap-and-Trade Program
California’s cap-and-trade program—a market designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by allowing emitting companies to buy and sell credits in order to stay below the emissions limit set by the government—is set to begin in November.