greenhouse gases
Newsletter
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China's emissions of potent greenhouse gases surge over the past decade
Emissions of two highly potent greenhouse gases in China have surged by 78% over the last decade, dominating global output.
In short:
- Perfluorocarbons, used in manufacturing and aluminum smelting, trap heat more effectively than CO2 and persist for thousands of years.
- A study from MIT found that by 2020, China accounted for 64-66% of global emissions for two specific perfluorocarbons.
- These emissions primarily originate from industrial zones in western China, linked to the aluminum industry.
Why this matters:
Given China's pivotal role in global greenhouse gas emissions, its strategies for reducing these potent gases will be important. The rapid increase in emissions of these long-lasting greenhouse gases from China threatens global climate goals. These gases trap heat much more effectively than CO2, intensifying global warming and exacerbating climate change.
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Texas offers more coastal waters for carbon dioxide storage
Texas is opening over a million acres of offshore waters for companies to inject greenhouse gases underground to mitigate climate change.
In short:
- Texas issued its largest request for proposals to inject greenhouse gases underground to mitigate climate change yet, targeting Lavaca Bay, Matagorda Bay and other coastal areas.
- ,Backed by federal funding and with support from the oil and gas sector, carbon sequestration is expanding, despite concerns over long-term feasibility and cost.
- The Texas Railroad Commission seeks authority to regulate these wells, but environmental groups and lawmakers urge caution.
Key quote:
“We are really now on the cusp of moving away from institutional research and more towards broad commercial deployment.”
— Charles McConnell, director of the Center for Carbon Management in Energy at the University of Houston.
Why this matters:
Reducing atmospheric CO2 through sequestration could have immediate benefits. Lower CO2 levels can help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events, heatwaves and poor air quality, all of which have direct impacts on human health. However, a continued dependence on fossil fuels, facilitated by carbon sequestration, could maintain high levels of other pollutants that pose serious health risks, including particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.
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Biden administration launches initiative to reduce food waste
The White House has introduced a comprehensive national strategy aimed at curbing food waste in the United States.
In short:
- The initiative seeks to change behaviors in businesses and homes, extend the shelf life of foods, and enhance food donation and composting efforts.
- The plan includes funding for research on food preservation technologies and consumer education on reducing waste.
- Compared to some state and international policies, the strategy lacks new regulations but is considered a positive starting point by experts.
Key quote:
“Everyone has a role to play in reducing food loss and waste, and I hope that these federal commitments will inspire and catalyze action in the private sector and communities around the U.S.”
— Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture
Why this matters:
Reducing food waste is important for lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving food security. The U.S. discards nearly a third of its food supply, contributing significantly to environmental degradation and resource inefficiency.
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Russia's war on Ukraine significantly increases global emissions
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to greenhouse gas emissions exceeding those of 175 countries annually, contributing to the global climate crisis, according to a new report.
In short:
- Russia's invasion has released 175 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, comparable to emissions from 90 million petrol cars for a year.
- Emissions result from direct warfare, reconstruction, landscape fires, and disrupted air travel.
- Russia faces a $32 billion climate reparations bill for the war's first two years.
Key quote:
"Russia is harming Ukraine but also our climate. This ‘conflict carbon’ is sizeable and will be felt globally."
— Lennard de Klerk, IGGAW lead author
Why this matters:
Military activities, including the use of heavy weaponry, explosions, and the mobilization of troops and equipment, contribute significantly to carbon emissions. The destruction of infrastructure and industrial facilities adds another layer of environmental degradation. These emissions exacerbate the global climate crisis, compounding the already urgent need for international climate action.
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America's growing preference for larger vehicles raises concerns
An alarming rise in the size of American cars is causing environmental and safety issues, with SUVs and pickups now dominating the market.
In short:
- SUVs and pickups, favored by lax policies, now make up more than 80% of new car sales, exacerbating safety risks for pedestrians and increasing carbon emissions.
- Federal policies, including the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, encourage larger vehicles by offering more lenient fuel efficiency requirements for "light trucks."
- Recent revisions by the EPA to vehicle greenhouse gas rules aim to address some issues but still allow large electric vehicles to evade stricter emissions standards.
Key quote:
"People like me were saying, 'give carmakers another loophole and they’ll use it. But we lost."
— Dan Becker, former Sierra Club executive
Why this matters:
In addition to safety concerns, this trend toward brawnier transportation puts pressure on fuel economy targets and climate change efforts. While advancements in technology have made larger vehicles more fuel-efficient than they once were, they still lag behind smaller, lighter vehicles in terms of miles per gallon. The result is a transportation sector that could be moving counter to environmental goals, just as the urgency to address climate change intensifies.
In 2021, Cynthia Palmer argued that to tackle climate change and save lives, the Biden Administration needs to support bike- and pedestrian-friendly streets.
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Changes anticipated in EPA's power plant emissions regulations as deadline approaches
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency nears finalization of its emissions standards for power plants, potential modifications aim to tighten controls on gas-fired facilities.
In short:
- The EPA is considering extending compliance deadlines for power plants needing carbon capture technology.
- Discussions suggest modifications that would broaden the scope of strict emissions standards to include more gas-fired power plants.
- Stakeholders including environmentalists and industry groups have influenced the ongoing revisions, seeking feasible implementation timelines.
Key quote:
"We were obviously concerned that by removing existing gas from this rule that it opens up the opportunity to rely more on existing gas, and the emissions from gas plants could increase."
— Ann Weeks, senior counsel and legal director at the Clean Air Task Force
Why this matters:
Natural gas plants, while cleaner than coal-fired plants, still emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. In addition, these plants can release pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
Tightening emissions regulations aligns with broader efforts to reduce the United States' carbon footprint and transition towards more sustainable energy sources.
Listen: EHN reporter discusses EPA's new proposed air pollution limits.
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Banks pressured to tighten climate strategies for agriculture sector
Despite constituting a small fraction of their portfolios, big banks' financing of the industrial livestock industry plays a disproportionately large role in global greenhouse emissions, a recent environmental report reveals.
In short:
- A new report indicates big banks' funding of the industrial livestock sector is significant for its climate impact, despite being a minor part of their loan portfolios.
- Among the banks, three major ones account for 60% of financial backing to the largest animal agriculture companies, which are key in emissions.
- Proposed solutions include mandatory emissions reporting and reduction plans for these companies, aligning with global climate objectives.
Key quote:
"We're saying to them, 'Look, this is something that is a very, very tiny portion of your portfolio, but could actually make massive strides towards your own stated climate commitments,'"
— Monique Mikhail, campaigns director of Friends of the Earth’s Agriculture & Climate Finance program
Why this matters:
The financing from major banks helps sustain and expand these operations, directly linking them to the environmental impact associated with industrial livestock farming. This support extends not only to the farms themselves but also to the entire supply chain, including feed production, animal breeding, meat processing, and distribution networks, all of which contribute to the carbon footprint of the industry.
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