Greenhouse gases are atmospheric constituents that absorb and emit infrared radiation, thereby contributing to the greenhouse effect and Earth’s radiative energy balance. Major greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), ozone (O₃), and various halogenated compounds, along with water vapour (H₂O) as a feedback agent. Their radiative forcing depends on concentration, spectral absorption properties, atmospheric lifetime, and overlap with other absorbers. In climate research, greenhouse gases are quantified via metrics such as global warming potential and effective radiative forcing to assess their contribution to anthropogenic climate change and to inform emissions mitigation strategies.
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O).
Environment
Oct 8, 2025
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Carbon is the chemical element found in the greenhouse gas CO₂ emitted from fossil fuels burned in cars, factories and other sources. When carbon is stored in the ocean instead of remaining in the atmosphere, it helps to ...
Ecology
Oct 7, 2025
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Because the hustle and bustle of cities is driven largely by fossil fuels, urban areas have a critical role to play in addressing global greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, cities contribute around 75% of global carbon dioxide ...
Earth Sciences
Oct 6, 2025
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Inhalers are the frontline treatment for asthma and COPD, but they come with a steep environmental cost, according to a new UCLA Health study—the largest to date quantifying inhaler-related emissions in the United States.
Environment
Oct 6, 2025
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The world's 20 most powerful economies, the G20—currently led by South Africa—face mounting pressure to slash greenhouse gas emissions and help nations adapt to climate change. Economist and international affairs specialist ...
Environment
Sep 30, 2025
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Despite the federal U.S. retreat, the global ambition to slash emissions and reach net zero remains intact, with commitments from cities, regions and companies rising steadily, according to Net Zero Stocktake 2025.
Environment
Sep 23, 2025
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All eyes are on China this week, as the world's biggest polluter readies a new emissions-cutting plan—reinforcing its role as a steadfast defender of global climate diplomacy while Europe stalls and the United States doubles ...
Environment
Sep 23, 2025
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Between a third and half of all soil carbon on Earth is stored in peatlands, says Tom and Marie Patton Distinguished Professor Joel Kostka. These wetlands—formed from layers and layers of decaying plant matter—span from the ...
Earth Sciences
Sep 18, 2025
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More than 1,000 US scientists and experts on Tuesday denounced the White House's efforts to overturn a key finding that underpins government authority to regulate greenhouse gases.
Environment
Sep 16, 2025
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A new study led by the U.S. Forest Service, with Chapman University as a key senior collaborator, published in Nature Communications, suggests Earth's own tropical soils may contribute to climate change as global warming ...
Earth Sciences
Sep 16, 2025
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