Earth, wind, flora sway Trinidad sulfur levels
Geologists get a glimpse into the power of wind, rain, coastal proximity and climate on coastal environments.
Read moreEnvironmental Science
New report deepens understanding of wind-wildlife interactions
An increase in the generation of wind energy is a key component of the U.S. strategy to reduce carbon emissions from the power sector. Approximately 97 gigawatts of wind energy production capacity are currently installed in the U.S., and in 2018, wind energy supplied about 6.5% of the nation's electricity. Scenarios developed by various groups, including U.S. Department of Energy, indicate that a four- to five-fold expansion over current levels of electricity produced by wind is needed by the year 2050 to help meet U.S. carbon emission reduction goals.
Read moreA new way to turn heat into useful energy
An international team of scientists has figured out how to capture heat and turn it into electricity. The discovery could create more efficient energy generation from heat in things like car exhaust, interplanetary space probes and industrial processes.
Read moreSoap from straw: Scientists develop eco friendly ingredient from agricultural waste
A scientist has discovered a way of using one of the world's most abundant natural resources as a replacement for humanmade chemicals in soaps and thousands of other household products.
Read moreLighting the path to renewable energy
Scientists have developed a novel, standardized way of quantifying and comparing these variations in solar power. The new study may help guide the development and performance of solar photovoltaic farms — systems that harness the sun's energy and convert it to electricity.
Read moreCutting emissions gradually will avert sudden jump in warming
Steadily reducing fossil fuel emissions over coming years will prevent millions of premature deaths and help avoid the worst of climate change without causing a large spike in short-term warming that some studies predict, new analysis from finds. The finding dispels the misconception that the air-quality and climate benefits of transitioning to clean energy play out at different timescales — a sticking point in recent climate negotiations.
Read moreRethinking scenario logic for climate policy
Current scenarios used to inform climate policy have a weakness in that they typically focus on reaching specific climate goals in 2100 – an approach which may encourage risky pathways that could have long-term negative effects. A new study presents a novel scenario framework that focuses on capping global warming at a maximum level with either temperature stabilization or reversal thereafter.
Read moreRole of Tambora eruption in the 1816 'year without a summer'
A new study has estimated for the first time how the eruption of Mount Tambora changed the probability of the cold and wet European 'year without a summer' of 1816. It found that the observed cold conditions were almost impossible without the eruption, and the wet conditions would have been less likely.
Read moreWelcome indoors, solar cells
Scientists have developed organic solar cells optimized to convert ambient indoor light to electricity. The power they produce is low, but is probably enough to feed the millions of products that the internet of things will bring online.
Read moreCombination of wood fibers and spider silk could rival plastic
The unique material outperforms most of today's synthetic and natural materials by providing high strength and stiffness, combined with increased toughness.
Read more