A recent study published in Engineering has investigated China’s strategies for achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 in line with the 2°C target of the Paris Agreement. The research team, led by Chinese scientists, assessed China’s carbon peak and carbon-neutrality pathways, and explored their potential impacts on future climate change. The study suggests that pursuing the 1.5°C target may be less feasible for China, as it could cost 3-4 times more than seeking the 2°C target. Instead, China can achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 without relying on extensive negative-emission technologies at an early stage, by focusing on renewable energy development and transforming its energy system. The study highlights the importance of emission reduction, as natural ecosystem carbon sinks have limited capacity and may decline in effectiveness due to future climate warming. The research also discusses the concept of climate overshoot and the role of negative-emission technologies, suggesting that China should accelerate the application of renewable energy and adjust its industrial structure. The study’s findings provide valuable insights into China’s climate change mitigation strategies and their global implications.

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The article discusses the significance of soil carbon sequestration in addressing global climate change and food security. The authors highlight that soil carbon storage can be influenced by a range of factors, including soil type, land use, and climate. The review also emphasizes the importance of understanding the different forms of soil organic matter, including particulate and mineral-associated forms, in order to effectively manage soil carbon storage.

The authors note that the distribution of soil organic matter between particulate and mineral-associated forms can be influenced by abiotic and biotic factors, and that this can impact its response to environmental change. They also discuss the importance of considering the physical and chemical properties of soil organic matter, such as its density and moisture content, in understanding its storage and turnover.

The article concludes by highlighting the need for further research on the interactions between soil, atmosphere, and climate, and the importance of including soil carbon sequestration in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of soil carbon sequestration and its significance in addressing global environmental challenges.

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A recent study by researchers found that Colorado’s 22.8 million acres of forests are emitting more carbon into the atmosphere than they are absorbing, contrary to the state’s initial report. The study tracked carbon levels in various components of the forest ecosystem, including trees, soil, and dead trees, over a 17-year period. The researchers found that disease and insects, such as bark beetles, were the main culprits behind the increased carbon emissions. The study also noted that wildfires, drought, and development contributed to the negative carbon balance.

However, the study’s lead author, Tony Vorster, emphasized that the findings should be viewed in context. He noted that forests can be net carbon sinks or sources depending on factors such as location, tree type, and disturbance levels. The study’s results suggest that some counties, such as Gunnison, act as carbon sinks, while others, like Larimer, do not.

The researchers hope that their findings will inform forest management practices and carbon mitigation strategies. However, Vorster acknowledged that large-scale changes are difficult to implement, and instead, encouraged focusing on smaller-scale, local efforts to promote forest carbon storage. The Colorado State Forest Service is currently developing a “forest carbon co-benefits framework” to provide recommendations for forest management practices that prioritize carbon sequestration.

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The text describes the supply and demand of Carbon Sequestration Services (CSS) in the Chongqing area, China, from 2000 to 2020. The CSSF assessment is based on the carbon sequestration and carbon sequestration services provided by four subsystems: water, forest, farmland, and grassland.

The supply of CSS is divided into two main components: carbon sequestration and carbon sequestration services. The carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) in natural systems, while carbon sequestration services refer to the services provided by natural ecosystems to mitigate climate change.

The results show that the primary sources of NPP (Net Primary Production) are forest and farmland, and the primary sources of CE (Carbon Sequestration) are farmland and water. The water subsystem recorded relatively high NPP levels in the Yunnan River Basin, while the forest subsystem recorded high NPP levels in the Sichuan and North China provinces. The farmland subsystem recorded higher NPP levels in the North China province, and the grassland subsystem recorded high NPP levels in the North China province.

The demand for CSS is also divided into two main components: carbon sequestration and carbon sequestration services. The results show that the primary demand for CE is from farmland, and the primary demand for carbon sequestration services is from forest and water.

The text also discusses the metacoupling and intracoupling of CSSF in the Chongqing area. The metacoupling is the co-evolution of the supply and demand of CSS, while the intracoupling is the internal dynamics of the CSSF system. The results show that the total flow of CSSF initially increases and then decreases, with a significant decrease in the supply area and a significant increase in the demand area.

The text also presents three scenarios for the future development of CSSF in Chongqing: the business-as-usual scenario, the low-carbon scenario, and the carbon-neutral scenario. The results show that the low-carbon scenario is the most effective in reducing the demand for CSS, while the carbon-neutral scenario is the most effective in increasing the supply of CE.

Overall, the text provides a comprehensive assessment of the supply and demand of CSSF in the Chongqing area, highlighting the importance of understanding the dynamics of CSSF for effective climate change mitigation and adaptation.

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This content discusses a study on sediment cores from the Ross Sea and open ocean in the Southern Ocean, with a focus on the age, composition, and properties of the cores. The study aimed to understand the changes in the environment and ocean conditions over the past 10,000 years.

The researchers collected 20 sediment cores from the Ross Sea and open ocean, with a total length of over 1,000 meters. The cores were collected using trigger core and box core, and were analyzed for their physical and geochemical properties, including lithology, magnetic susceptibility, smear slide analyses, and 14C dating. The 14C dates were used to determine the age of the cores, with a focus on the Holocene period.

The study found that the sediment cores were composed mainly of diatomaceous mud and diatom ooze, with some cores showing signs of erosion from ice shelves. The 14C dates indicated that the cores were deposited over a period of 10,000 years, with the oldest cores dating back to the last ice age.

The study also analyzed the organic carbon and mercury content of the cores, with results showing a decrease in OC and Hg concentrations over time. The study used a Monte Carlo simulation to assess the uncertainty in the source proportion calculation, and found that the results were robust and reliable.

Overall, the study provides new insights into the environmental and oceanographic changes in the Ross Sea and open ocean over the past 10,000 years, and highlights the importance of sediment cores in understanding the Earth’s climate and environmental history.

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A new study suggests that storing carbon in building materials such as concrete, asphalt, and plastics could be an innovative solution to reduce carbon levels in the atmosphere. By integrating biochar, a carbon-rich substance derived from biomass, into these materials, CO2 can be trapped and stored for centuries. This method, known as carbon sequestration, has the potential to trap 1 gigaton of CO2 if just 10% of the world’s concrete production is made carbon-absorbent. The process is not only effective in reducing emissions but also utilizes existing industrial processes and requires less energy than traditional carbon capture methods. The use of biochar can also improve the durability of materials, making them more resistant to cracks and weathering. This breakthrough has the potential to transform the construction industry and promote a circular economy by reducing waste and emissions. While implementation will require collaboration between researchers, industries, and policymakers, the potential benefits are significant, and the urgency for scalable, long-term solutions to climate change has never been greater.

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The recent findings highlight the need to increase protection and management of global peatlands. This can be achieved by recognizing local authorities, strengthening institutions, and supporting indigenous-led stewardship, such as through Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. The 10 countries with the most peatlands (Canada, Russia, Indonesia, US, Brazil, DRC, China, Peru, Finland, and Republic of the Congo) contain 80% of global peatlands. The first five countries account for 70% of global peatlands. Unfortunately, almost 25% of the world’s peatlands are facing significant stress due to activities like commercial agriculture, forestry, mining, and peat extraction for fuel and horticulture, as well as climate change. The study’s lead author, Kemen Austin, notes that the research shows these ecosystems do not have adequate protection. The study’s findings serve as a benchmark for conservation and management efforts, emphasizing the need for increased protection and management of these critical ecosystems.

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India’s vast green cover is playing a crucial role in the country’s climate strategy, absorbing more carbon dioxide (CO2) than it emits annually, according to a recent study. This finding is significant, as it highlights the environmental benefits of India’s forests and vegetation in mitigating the effects of climate change. The study reveals that India’s green cover is not only absorbing CO2 but also serving as a carbon sink, which is crucial for reducing emissions in rapidly developing economies like India. India has made significant progress in expanding its green cover, and conservation and afforestation efforts must be prioritized to maintain and enhance these vital ecosystems. The study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing forest conservation and afforestation to ensure the continued health of these carbon sinks. Additionally, India’s green spaces offer socio-economic opportunities, including employment in the green energy and forestry sectors. This development could gain momentum for India’s environmental sustainability, with the country holding a significant edge in carbon sequestration, which could shape future climate action plans.

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According to the Natural Resources Institute Finland, Finland’s forests released 1.12 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2023, turning from carbon sinks to carbon sources. This change, which began in 2021, has sparked debate in Finland, challenging the country’s long-held assumption that its forests reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation recommends reducing forest harvests by 10-15% to reach 55-60 million cubic meters per year. The Environmental Manager of the association, Antti Heikkinen, emphasizes that drastic measures are needed to achieve climate goals. The Environmental Minister, Kai Mykkänen, agrees, stating that reducing logging is the only way to increase carbon sinks. The decline in forest growth and increased logging by the forest industry, as well as the cessation of Russian wood imports after the invasion of Ukraine, contributed to the shift. This development threatens Finland’s 2035 climate target, which relies on equal emissions and carbon sink levels. Environmentalists, including Maria Ohisalo, Member of the European Parliament, urge immediate action, warning that excessive logging could lead to costly sanctions for Finland.

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A new study has found that conserving and restoring peatlands and mangroves in Southeast Asia could reduce more than 50% of the region’s land-use carbon emissions. This region, home to the Sundarbans, has vast areas of carbon-storing peatlands and mangroves that slow down organic matter decomposition. Despite taking up only 5% of the region’s land, these ecosystems play a crucial role in emission reduction and climate goals. The study highlights the importance of including these ecosystems in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the Paris Agreement to increase emission reduction targets. The researchers estimate that conserving and restoring peatlands and mangroves could mitigate approximately 770 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually, equivalent to nearly double Malaysia’s national greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. The study also provides updated estimates of emissions from disturbed peatlands and mangroves across Southeast Asia, highlighting hotspots for intervention. The researchers urge ASEAN governments to conserve and restore these ecosystems to mitigate climate change and support sustainable development.

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A new international study published in Nature Communications finds that conserving and restoring Southeast Asia’s carbon-rich peatlands and mangroves could mitigate more than 50% of the region’s land-use carbon emissions. Despite occupying just 5% of the region’s land, these ecosystems play a crucial role in emission reduction efforts. The study, led by the National University of Singapore, estimates that conserving and restoring these ecosystems could mitigate around 770 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually, or nearly double Malaysia’s national greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. The researchers highlight the significant climate benefits of conserving and restoring these ecosystems, which store more than 90% of their carbon in soils rather than vegetation. They also note that degradation of these ecosystems can result in massive carbon emissions and contribute to regional haze events. The study calls for ASEAN governments to integrate peatland and mangrove conservation into national climate strategies and highlights the potential for carbon credits to unlock funding for conservation and restoration projects.

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Google has announced that it has contracted $100 million in carbon removal credits in 2024, exceeding its original goal of $35 million. The company has also reported that it has contracted over 790,912 tons of carbon credit removals through deals to restore carbon sinks, enhanced rock weathering, biomass carbon removals, and direct air capture. Google’s carbon removals were procured through independent purchases and deals, as well as through Frontier, a carbon removal purchasing consortium backed by Google, Stripe, Meta, and others. The company has also launched initiatives such as the Symbiosis Coalition, which aims to purchase up to 20 million tons of nature-based carbon removal credits by 2030. Google has also invested in various carbon capture projects, including a deal with CarbonRun, a Canadian carbon removal and river restoration company. The company has set a goal of adapting to the rising energy needs of artificial intelligence, which has led to a 13% increase in its emissions in 2023. Google has stopped counting carbon credits towards its net-zero goals and is now focused on investing in carbon removal solutions.

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South Korea’s government has announced that a bill promoting the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) industry will take effect on Friday. The bill aims to support the development of CCUS technologies and foster the industry, which is crucial for tackling climate change. The government has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, the government will spend 129.3 billion won ($88.6 million) this year on projects aimed at developing renewable energy technologies, such as next-generation solar power and hydrogen power, as well as improving the efficiency of nuclear power plants. Additionally, some of the funds will be used to enhance stability in the nation’s energy supply, which is expected to be impacted by the growth of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies. The CCUS bill is seen as a key step in achieving South Korea’s climate change goals and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

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Researchers in Saudi Arabia and the Bahamas have discovered an innovative method to locate seagrass meadows: using green turtles and other sea creatures to guide them. By attaching satellite tags to female turtles while they nest on beaches, scientists have been able to track their movements and identify areas with seagrass. The turtles have proven to be incredibly reliable, accurate, and cost-effective, even more so than advanced technology and public databases. The study revealed 34 new seagrass sites in the Red Sea, increasing the region’s known area by 13%. Seagrass meadows play a critical role in carbon capture and storage, making their conservation crucial. The use of turtles as “guides” offers a significant advantage over other methods, which can be expensive and inaccurate. The study provides valuable data for conservation efforts in the Red Sea and highlights the importance of innovative approaches to protect the environment and economies.

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A recent report titled “Blue Carbon and its Role in Carbon Sequestration” highlights the significant potential of mangroves in storing carbon, with the ability to store over 1,000 tons of carbon per hectare. Mangroves, along with other blue carbon ecosystems, are crucial in combating climate change and achieving sustainability goals. They absorb and store carbon dioxide at a rate higher than terrestrial forests, providing additional benefits such as coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood support. However, these ecosystems are threatened by human activities like aquaculture, agriculture, and pollution. The loss of blue carbon ecosystems not only reduces their carbon sequestration capacity but also exacerbates climate change by releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere. Restoring these ecosystems can provide economic benefits, with ecotourism and government initiatives like the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) and the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) policy promoting sustainable coastal development.

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China is promoting the trade of carbon sinks generated from water loss and soil erosion control efforts to broaden funding avenues for conservation projects. In November, an entrepreneur and four local enterprises purchased 115,600 metric tons of carbon sinks from a water and soil conservation project in Yunnan province, valued at 3.8 million yuan. This is the first individual purchase of carbon sinks generated through water loss and soil erosion control efforts in China. The country has also unveiled a guideline to include carbon sinks generated from water and soil erosion control into the China Certified Emissions Reductions Program. The trading of carbon sinks is currently guided by the Tanpuhui mechanism, which encourages the public and small businesses to adopt green practices. The proceeds from the transactions will be allocated towards upcoming water and soil conservation endeavors. The initiative aims to transform environmental benefits into economic value, expanding funding channels for conservation efforts and encouraging increased participation in water and soil conservation.

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A recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) reveals that over 7,500 lakes in western Greenland experienced a fundamental ecological transformation due to extreme climatic conditions. In September 2022, a series of atmospheric rivers (ARs) brought record heat and rain, followed by the remnants of Hurricane Fiona, causing record melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet. This led to a significant amount of carbon, iron, and other elements being released from permafrost, altering the physical features of the lakes and transforming the ecosystems. As a result, the lakes’ water became more acidic and the organisms that live in them were severely impacted, leading to a 350% increase in carbon dioxide flux from the lakes to the atmosphere. The study also found a 72% increase in methane concentrations in August 2023. The transformation of these lake ecosystems poses significant risks to the health and economy of Greenlandic communities, and highlights the importance of better integrating the potential for such surprises into future climate scenarios and adaptation plans.

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Blue carbon ecosystems, including mangroves, sea grasses, and salt marshes, are nature’s most effective carbon sinks, sequestering carbon at a rate 10 times greater than mature tropical forests. They also store more carbon per equivalent area than tropical forests. Mangroves alone can store over 1,000 tons of carbon per hectare. However, their restoration is hindered by policy and economic bottlenecks, including the use of blue carbon credits, which are often complex and expensive to verify. Additionally, corruption and mismanagement within government agencies, such as the Bangladesh Forest Department, can also hinder conservation efforts. On the other hand, innovations such as the Blue Carbon Method in Australia and the use of technology, including AI and blockchain, can streamline the process of restoring coastal ecosystems. The economic benefits of restoring blue carbon ecosystems include job creation, sustainable tourism, and fisheries safety. With an estimated market potential of $50 billion by 2030, investments in blue carbon restoration can yield significant economic returns, with every $1 invested returning $6 in economic benefits, according to the OECD.

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A new study has found that a third of the Arctic’s tundra, forests, and wetlands have become a source of carbon emissions, rather than a carbon sink. For millennia, the Arctic has acted as a deep-freeze for the planet’s carbon, holding vast amounts of potential emissions in the permafrost. However, with rising temperatures, the region is now releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere, contributing to global heating. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, analyzed monitoring data from 200 study sites between 1990 and 2020 and found that over 30% of the region was a net source of CO2, rising to 40% when emissions from wildfires were included. The researchers warn that the Arctic ecosystem, which has been accumulating carbon for thousands of years, is beginning to change and needs better monitoring. The study’s lead author notes that the permafrost-carbon feedback, where warmer temperatures lead to the release of stored carbon, is a key driver of this change.

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A recent study by the Met Office found that the rapid increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is incompatible with the goals set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to limit global warming to 1.5°C. In 2021, the largest annual rise in CO2 levels was recorded in Mauna Loa, Hawaii, exceeding predictions. Satellite measurements globally showed a huge increase due to record high fossil fuel emissions and weakened natural carbon sinks. Despite forecasts predicting a slower rise this year, CO2 levels remain too high to achieve the IPCC’s 1.5°C scenario. This means that global warming will continue to rise, with 2024 being recorded as the warmest year on record. Scientists stress that significant and immediate emission cuts are necessary to limit further warming. They warn that building up CO2 in the atmosphere will continue until drastic action is taken to stop it and bring levels back down.

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The Great Dismal Swamp in southern Virginia is a 113,000-acre national wildlife refuge that has been affected by human interference, leading to the loss of its peatland ecosystem. Hydrologist Fred Wurster has spent a decade restoring the swamp by building small dams to encourage water to accumulate in the area. The peatland ecosystem is crucial in the fight against climate change, as it stores carbon dioxide and releases it slowly over time. The swamp has released an estimated 183 teragrams of carbon dioxide equivalents since the late 1700s, equivalent to driving 42 million gas-powered cars for a year.

To reverse this trend, agencies like the US Fish and Wildlife Service and nonprofit groups like The Nature Conservancy are restoring the peatland ecosystem by rewetting the area and slowing down the decay of peat. This process allows new deposits to build up, reducing carbon emissions. The Nature Conservancy is planning to restore 33,000 acres and protect 10,500 acres of peatlands in Virginia and North Carolina, which will result in an estimated annual greenhouse gas reduction equivalent to taking 57,120 to 1.4 million cars off the road.

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A recent Met Office study found that the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, the most significant planet-warming gas, rose at its fastest annual rate last year. The measured increase of 3.58 parts per million (ppm) exceeded predictions. Satellite measurements showed a global rise due to record high emissions from fossil fuels, weakened natural carbon sinks, and exceptional wildfires. To limit global warming to 1.5°C, the build-up of CO2 in the air needs to slow to 1.8 ppm per year, but the forecasted rise between 2024 and 2025 is expected to be less extreme due to a shift from El Niño to La Niña conditions, which will partially re-strengthen carbon sinks. However, even this slower rise will still be too fast to track IPCC scenarios that limit global warming to 1.5°C. Professor Richard Betts emphasized the need for urgent international action for rapid emissions cuts to limit global warming below 1.5°C. He noted that the long-term warming trend will continue due to ongoing CO2 buildup in the atmosphere.

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New research from the University of California, Davis, and Stanford University has highlighted the potential of building materials to act as carbon sinks, capturing 1.66 billion tons of CO2 from the atmosphere each year, equivalent to 50% of global human-caused emissions. The study identified nine types of carbon-storing building materials, including bio-based plastics, asphalt binders, and carbon-loaded concrete. While bio-based plastics show the highest carbon absorption potential by weight, concrete has the greatest storage potential due to its massive production volume. If 10% of the world’s concrete aggregates were carbonateable, it could store up to 1 billion tons of CO2. To achieve this potential, companies must produce these materials at scale, meeting performance and safety standards while being cost-effective. Experts suggest that governments and regulatory bodies introduce incentives, establish building codes, and set industry standards to support the transition to carbon-storing building materials and meet global net-zero goals.

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A recent study by researchers from the University of California, Davis’ Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Stanford University’s Earth Systems Science Department has found that building materials can be a significant carbon sink. The study identified nine types of carbon-storing building materials, including bio-based plastics, biochar-added concrete, and carbon-loaded artificial rocks as aggregates. The research team found that the highest carbon storage potential is achieved through the use of carbonated aggregates in concrete production, which could store up to 1 billion tons of CO2 if 10% of global concrete aggregates were carbonateable. To achieve the full potential of these materials, large-scale production is necessary, but this requires them to be cost-effective and meet performance and safety standards. To accelerate the adoption of these materials, experts suggest introducing incentives, establishing building codes, and setting industry standards. The study highlights the potential of building materials to remove 1.66 billion tons of CO2 from the atmosphere annually, equivalent to 50% of global human-caused carbon emissions.

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The goal of achieving net-zero emissions requires balancing anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions with greenhouse gas removal. Traditional methods of carbon capture and storage face challenges and risks. Researchers have found that common building materials, such as concrete, asphalt, wood, and bricks, can act as carbon sinks, storing billions of tons of CO2. Concrete, the most widely used building material, emerges as a key player, with estimates suggesting that if 10% of global concrete aggregate production incorporates carbonated aggregates and biochar, it could sequester a gigaton of CO2 annually.

Other materials, such as magnesium oxide-based cement, bricks with biomass fibers, and asphalt with bio-based binders, also show potential for carbon storage. These materials often come from low-value waste streams, promoting economic development and a circular economy. While there are challenges to implementing these technologies, such as material performance and validating net storage potential, many solutions are nearing readiness for adoption.

The cumulative carbon storage potential of these materials is significant, with concrete and asphalt aggregates accounting for 11.5 gigatons, and the global production of wood, bricks, and bio-based plastics adding another 5.1 gigatons, for a total of over 16.6 gigatons. Realizing this potential requires addressing challenges such as material sourcing, production, and disposal. The adoption of these materials also aligns with global efforts to achieve a circular economy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors.

The research emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to accelerate the adoption of these technologies, with investments in research and development and incentives for using low-carbon materials driving progress. By rethinking the role of construction materials, humanity can transform the built environment into a powerful ally in the fight against climate change, with the right strategies ensuring that the potential of these materials is fully realized.

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A recent study suggests that buildings and infrastructure could become significant carbon sinks if they switch to construction materials that store carbon. The study, published in Science, found that if all building materials were CO2-sequestering, the construction industry could store approximately 16.6 billion tonnes of CO2 per year. This is roughly 40% of the current annual CO2 emissions. The researchers examined the potential for storing carbon in various materials, including concrete, bricks, asphalt, plastic, and wood. They found that the amount of material used was more important than the storage potential of each material. Concrete, which is widely used, had the most potential as a carbon sink due to its large quantity used. The study suggests that the building industry is risk-averse and may initially use these new materials in non-load bearing applications, such as insulation and flooring, before widespread adoption. The researchers believe that this could be a major breakthrough in delivering net zero cities.

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A new study estimates that billions of tons of carbon from fossil fuels have been stored in long-lasting human-made items, such as gadgets, building materials, and infrastructure, over the past 25 years. This “technosphere” has grown at a rate faster than fossil fuel emissions, with 400 million tons of carbon added annually. However, many of these items eventually end up in landfills or incinerators, releasing carbon emissions back into the atmosphere. The study suggests that nearly 30% of fossil carbon is trapped in rubber and plastic, while 25% is stored in bitumen, a byproduct of crude oil. The authors warn that the technosphere is a “ticking time bomb” and that humans are not good at recycling. They propose that designing products to be recycled and last longer can help keep carbon trapped for longer. Ultimately, the solution starts with reducing consumption and avoiding waste. The study highlights the need for more sustainable management of the technosphere to mitigate climate change.

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The text describes a study on the impacts of climate change on the carbon dioxide (CO2) sink capacity of the Wadi El-Rayan Lakes in Egypt. The lakes are two man-made lakes in the hyper-arid Western Desert, formed by diverting agricultural wastewater in 1973 and 1980. The study uses a hydrodynamic model to simulate the lakes’ water levels, temperature, and salinity under different climate scenarios (RCP 2.6 and 8.5) from 2020 to 2050. The model is validated using data from 2014.

The study estimates the potential changes in the lakes’ CO2 sink capacity by simulating the solubility of CO2 in water at different temperatures and salinities. The results show that the lakes’ CO2 sink capacity will decrease under both scenarios, with the largest decrease expected in the Upper Lake. The study also examines the impact of climate change on the lakes’ water column capacity and total capacity to dissolve CO2 from the atmosphere.

The study uses four assumptions to simplify the estimation of CO2 sink capacity: 1) the waterbody is divided into water columns, 2) temperature and salinity distribution is homogenous along the water column, 3) CO2 solubility is a function of surface cell values, and 4) the CO2 sink capacity is a function of the solubility and water volume.

The study uses ArcGIS and OriginLab software for spatial data processing and statistical analysis. The results show that the changes in the lakes’ CO2 sink capacity will depend on the season, location, and time. The Upper Lake has a higher CO2 sink capacity than the Lower Lake, and the largest decrease in sink capacity is expected in the Lower Lake under RCP 8.5.

Overall, the study provides an estimate of the impacts of climate change on the CO2 sink capacity of the Wadi El-Rayan Lakes, which can be used to inform management and conservation efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change on these lakes.

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Climate change is having a significant impact on India’s forests, but there is a lack of ground-level observational data to determine the exact effects. Forests are crucial for absorbing excess carbon emissions and storing carbon dioxide. Photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen, is affected by rising temperatures. While increased carbon dioxide levels can lead to carbon fertilization, increasing plant growth, this can only be beneficial up to a certain point. Research by scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Goa, found that forests in some regions of India are actually decreasing carbon dioxide absorption due to decreased photosynthesis. This is due to increased temperatures in these regions. Another study found that tropical forest trees’ photosynthetic ability starts to fail when leaf temperatures reach 46.7°C, and at an average atmospheric temperature rise of 4°C, tropical trees will reach a point of no return. It is crucial to study the impact of climate change on forests at the individual species level and to conduct more research to understand the effects of climate change on forests in India.

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Forests are crucial for regulating rainfall and providing biodiversity, but deforestation and degradation release carbon dioxide, driving climate change. The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 announced a 1.5% increase in India’s forest and tree cover, but some experts have expressed skepticism, citing inflated data due to the inclusion of commercial bamboo plantations, coconut groves, and orchards. Critics argue that 1,488 sq km of non-notified forests have vanished between 2021 and 2023. A former principal chief conservator of Forests notes that plantations are increasing by 18,000 sq km annually, but forest and tree cover has only increased by 1,400 sq km in two years, suggesting either deforestation and plantations are partly supplementing the deficit or a significant portion of plantations are failing. The report does acknowledge declines in eco-sensitive zones, such as the Western Ghats and lower Himalayas. The impact of deforestation was recently seen in Kerala’s Wayanad region, where incessant rains brought down denuded hills, killing over 250 people.

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The study highlights the urgent need for behavioral changes to combat climate change, as human activities are rapidly depleting the effectiveness of natural carbon sinks. Gross primary productivity (GPP) measures the carbon dioxide fixed by plants per unit of time and area, and researchers analyzed the drivers of change in GPP to predict future trends. The study found a decline in GPP across 68% of the Earth’s terrestrial surface, indicating that many natural carbon sinks are reaching saturation. The main driver of this decline is the reduction in the CO2 fertilization effect, which refers to increased plant growth with higher atmospheric CO2 levels. The study also found that land use changes and environmental factors, such as urbanization and deforestation, have significantly contributed to the decline in GPP. The findings highlight the inadequacy of relying solely on terrestrial carbon sinks for climate change mitigation and emphasize the need for reducing anthropogenic emissions and achieving carbon neutrality to stay within safe climate thresholds.

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A new study has revealed that the Earth’s major carbon sinks, such as forests and soils, are nearing their limits and may soon be unable to compensate for rising greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that the world’s terrestrial carbon absorption capacity has sharply diminished, with a marked decrease in gross primary productivity (GPP) across more than two-thirds of the Earth’s land surfaces. This decline is driven by a slowdown in the CO2 fertilization effect, where higher CO2 concentrations stimulate plant growth. The study suggests that natural ecosystems are approaching a saturation point, and once reached, they will no longer be able to compensate for emissions, potentially triggering an acceleration in global warming. The findings have significant implications for climate change mitigation strategies, highlighting the need for swift and comprehensive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopting low-carbon technologies and sustainable land management practices. The study underscores the importance of protecting and restoring ecosystems, but also emphasizes the need for a multi-pronged approach to address the climate crisis.

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Researchers at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands have estimated that billions of tons of carbon from fossil fuels have been stored in long-lasting human-made items, such as gadgets, building materials, and infrastructure, over the past 25 years. This “technosphere” has grown at a rate faster than fossil fuel emissions, with 400 million tons of carbon added annually. However, when these objects are discarded and incinerated, they release carbon emissions into the atmosphere, making it a “ticking time bomb.” The study suggests that nearly 30% of fossil carbon is trapped in rubber and plastic, while another quarter is in bitumen used in construction. The researchers emphasize the need to manage the disposal of these items in a more climate-friendly way, such as designing products for recyclability and longevity, and reducing consumption. Landfills can act as a long-term carbon sink if managed well, but the authors acknowledge that they often have negative environmental impacts. Ultimately, the solution requires a shift in consumer behavior and a focus on reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption.

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The Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture (YCNCC) is working to combat climate change by studying the use of soil as a carbon sink. The center notes that healthy soil absorbs and stores more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it releases. Researchers are testing a method called enhanced rock weathering (ERW), which involves applying finely ground basalt to croplands to raise soil pH, increase crop yields, and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. ERW has multiple co-benefits, including the potential for new revenue streams for farmers through carbon credits. The US Midwest alone has the potential to sequester 1.5-2 million tons of CO2 annually. The YCNCC is working to understand the economic and environmental impacts of ERW on local communities. FedEx Corporation, a supporter of the YCNCC, is committed to achieving carbon neutral operations by 2040 and is funding research into natural solutions for carbon capture. The company’s goal is to decarbonize what’s possible, co-create with purpose, and neutralize what’s left.

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The Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture (YCNCC) is exploring the potential of healthy soil as a primary pathway for long-term carbon sequestration. They are researching the use of finely ground basalt as a soil amendment to neutralize acidic soil and increase crop yields, reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, and create new revenue streams for farmers through carbon credits. This approach, known as Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), has the potential to sequester 1.5-2 million tons of CO2 annually in the US Midwest alone, equivalent to the emissions from the aviation sector. The project involves working with farmers, mining companies, and the voluntary carbon market to understand the economic and environmental impacts on local communities. The goal is to create a scalable solution that benefits both the environment and the agricultural industry. FedEx Corporation has committed $100 million to the YCNCC to support this research and is advancing ERW as part of its goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040.

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