#Emissions Data

[12thwonderindia]

Navigating Sustainability: A Guide to Assessing the Carbon Footprint of Products and Operations

In the era of heightened environmental awareness, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of assessing and mitigating their carbon footprint. This blog post serves as a comprehensive guide, providing insights into the process of evaluating the carbon footprint of both products and operations. By understanding and quantifying these aspects, companies can embark on a journey toward sustainable practices and informed decision-making.

1. The Significance of Carbon Footprint Assessment

Understanding the Basics:

A carbon footprint assessment is a tool used to quantify the total greenhouse gas emissions, typically measured in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), associated with an organization’s activities, products, or services. Assessing the carbon footprint is a critical step toward identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted strategies for emission reduction.

2. Assessing the Carbon Footprint of Products

A. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):

Definition: Life Cycle Assessment is a comprehensive methodology used to evaluate the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire lifecycle.

Key Stages:

Raw Material Extraction: Assess the environmental impact of acquiring raw materials.

Production: Evaluate emissions associated with the manufacturing process.

Distribution and Transportation: Consider the carbon footprint of transporting the product.

Product Use: Examine emissions during the product’s use phase.

End-of-Life: Evaluate disposal and recycling processes.

B. Product Carbon Footprint Calculation:

Emissions from Materials: Consider the impact of raw materials and their extraction.

Manufacturing Emissions: Assess emissions during the production process.

Transportation Emissions: Calculate the carbon footprint of shipping and distribution.

Use Phase Emissions: Evaluate energy consumption during product use.

End-of-Life Emissions: Consider emissions from disposal or recycling.

C. Strategies for Reduction:

Material Efficiency: Optimize the use of materials to reduce extraction and manufacturing emissions.

Energy Efficiency: Implement measures to reduce energy consumption during production and use.

Sustainable Sourcing: Choose suppliers and materials with lower carbon footprints.

Recyclability: Design products with end-of-life considerations for minimal environmental impact.

3. Assessing the Carbon Footprint of Operations

A. Operational Carbon Footprint Components:

Energy Consumption: Evaluate the carbon footprint associated with electricity and heat use.

Transportation: Assess emissions from company-owned vehicles and business travel.

Industrial Processes: Consider emissions from on-site industrial activities.

Waste Management: Evaluate emissions related to waste disposal.

B. Carbon Footprint Calculation for Operations:

Scope 1 Emissions: Direct emissions from on-site activities.

Scope 2 Emissions: Indirect emissions from purchased energy.

Scope 3 Emissions: Indirect value chain emissions, including supply chain and business travel.

C. Strategies for Reduction:

Renewable Energy Adoption: Transition to renewable energy sources to reduce Scope 2 emissions.

Energy Efficiency Measures: Implement energy-efficient practices and technologies.

Sustainable Transportation: Optimize transportation methods for reduced emissions.

Waste Reduction and Recycling: Prioritize waste reduction and sustainable waste management practices.(Read more…)

[wachinyeya]

Global emissions of local air pollutants have probably passed their peak.

The chart shows estimates of global emissions of pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (which causes acid rain), nitrogen oxides, and black and organic carbon. These pollutants are harmful to human health and can also damage ecosystems. It looks like emissions have peaked for almost all of these pollutants. Global air pollution is now falling, and we can save many lives by accelerating this decline. The exception is ammonia, which is mainly produced by agriculture. Its emissions are still rising. These estimates come from the Community Emissions Data System (CEDS). Air pollution has not peaked everywhere in the world — explore the data for your country →

[jcmarchi]

MIT scientists pin down the origins of a fast radio burst

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/mit-scientists-pin-down-the-origins-of-a-fast-radio-burst/

MIT scientists pin down the origins of a fast radio burst

Fast radio bursts are brief and brilliant explosions of radio waves emitted by extremely compact objects such as neutron stars and possibly black holes. These fleeting fireworks last for just a thousandth of a second and can carry an enormous amount of energy — enough to briefly outshine entire galaxies.

Since the first fast radio burst (FRB) was discovered in 2007, astronomers have detected thousands of FRBs, whose locations range from within our own galaxy to as far as 8 billion light-years away. Exactly how these cosmic radio flares are launched is a highly contested unknown.

Now, astronomers at MIT have pinned down the origins of at least one fast radio burst using a novel technique that could do the same for other FRBs. In their new study, appearing today in the journal Nature, the team focused on FRB 20221022A — a previously discovered fast radio burst that was detected from a galaxy about 200 million light-years away.

The team zeroed in further to determine the precise location of the radio signal by analyzing its “scintillation,” similar to how stars twinkle in the night sky. The scientists studied changes in the FRB’s brightness and determined that the burst must have originated from the immediate vicinity of its source, rather than much further out, as some models have predicted.

The team estimates that FRB 20221022A exploded from a region that is extremely close to a rotating neutron star, 10,000 kilometers away at most. That’s less than the distance between New York and Singapore. At such close range, the burst likely emerged from the neutron star’s magnetosphere — a highly magnetic region immediately surrounding the ultracompact star.

The team’s findings provide the first conclusive evidence that a fast radio burst can originate from the magnetosphere, the highly magnetic environment immediately surrounding an extremely compact object.

“In these environments of neutron stars, the magnetic fields are really at the limits of what the universe can produce,” says lead author Kenzie Nimmo, a postdoc in MIT’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. “There’s been a lot of debate about whether this bright radio emission could even escape from that extreme plasma.”

“Around these highly magnetic neutron stars, also known as magnetars, atoms can’t exist — they would just get torn apart by the magnetic fields,” says Kiyoshi Masui, associate professor of physics at MIT. “The exciting thing here is, we find that the energy stored in those magnetic fields, close to the source, is twisting and reconfiguring such that it can be released as radio waves that we can see halfway across the universe.”

The study’s MIT co-authors include Adam Lanman, Shion Andrew, Daniele Michilli, and Kaitlyn Shin, along with collaborators from multiple institutions.

Burst size

Detections of fast radio bursts have ramped up in recent years, due to the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME). The radio telescope array comprises four large, stationary receivers, each shaped like a half-pipe, that are tuned to detect radio emissions within a range that is highly sensitive to fast radio bursts.

Since 2020, CHIME has detected thousands of FRBs from all over the universe. While scientists generally agree that the bursts arise from extremely compact objects, the exact physics driving the FRBs is unclear. Some models predict that fast radio bursts should come from the turbulent magnetosphere immediately surrounding a compact object, while others predict that the bursts should originate much further out, as part of a shockwave that propagates away from the central object.

To distinguish between the two scenarios, and determine where fast radio bursts arise, the team considered scintillation — the effect that occurs when light from a small bright source such as a star, filters through some medium, such as a galaxy’s gas. As the starlight filters through the gas, it bends in ways that make it appear, to a distant observer, as if the star is twinkling. The smaller or the farther away an object is, the more it twinkles. The light from larger or closer objects, such as planets in our own solar system, experience less bending, and therefore do not appear to twinkle.

The team reasoned that if they could estimate the degree to which an FRB scintillates, they might determine the relative size of the region from where the FRB originated. The smaller the region, the closer in the burst would be to its source, and the more likely it is to have come from a magnetically turbulent environment. The larger the region, the farther the burst would be, giving support to the idea that FRBs stem from far-out shockwaves.

Twinkle pattern

To test their idea, the researchers looked to FRB 20221022A, a fast radio burst that was detected by CHIME in 2022. The signal lasts about two milliseconds, and is a relatively run-of-the-mill FRB, in terms of its brightness. However, the team’s collaborators at McGill University found that FRB 20221022A exhibited one standout property: The light from the burst was highly polarized, with the angle of polarization tracing a smooth S-shaped curve.  This pattern is interpreted as evidence that the FRB emission site is rotating — a characteristic previously observed in pulsars, which are highly magnetized, rotating neutron stars.

To see a similar polarization in fast radio bursts was a first, suggesting that the signal may have arisen from the close-in vicinity of a neutron star. The McGill team’s results are reported in a companion paper today in Nature.

The MIT team realized that if FRB 20221022A originated from close to a neutron star, they should be able to prove this, using scintillation.

In their new study, Nimmo and her colleagues analyzed data from CHIME and observed steep variations in brightness that signaled scintillation — in other words, the FRB was twinkling. They confirmed that there is gas somewhere between the telescope and FRB that is bending and filtering the radio waves. The team then determined where this gas could be located, confirming that gas within the FRB’s host galaxy was responsible for some of the scintillation observed. This gas acted as a natural lens, allowing the researchers to zoom in on the FRB site and determine that the burst originated from an extremely small region, estimated to be about 10,000 kilometers wide.

“This means that the FRB is probably within hundreds of thousands of kilometers from the source,” Nimmo says. “That’s very close. For comparison, we would expect the signal would be more than tens of millions of kilometers away if it originated from a shockwave, and we would see no scintillation at all.”

“Zooming in to a 10,000-kilometer region, from a distance of 200 million light years, is like being able to measure the width of a DNA helix, which is about 2 nanometers wide, on the surface of the moon,” Masui says. “There’s an amazing range of scales involved.”

The team’s results, combined with the findings from the McGill team, rule out the possibility that FRB 20221022A emerged from the outskirts of a compact object. Instead, the studies prove for the first time that fast radio bursts can originate from very close to a neutron star, in highly chaotic magnetic environments.

“These bursts are always happening, and CHIME detects several a day,” Masui says. “There may be a lot of diversity in how and where they occur, and this scintillation technique will be really useful in helping to disentangle the various physics that drive these bursts.”

This research was supported by various institutions including the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto, the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, the Trottier Space Institute at McGill University, and the University of British Columbia.

[you-need-not-apply]

“But co2 levels have always changed-!”

Not this much this rapidly. Currently we are at roughly 427 ppm per latest count (July 2024).

[blimbo-buddy]

Man you know this lecture I'm listening to right now about global warming makes it even crazier that there are people who straight up don't think it's a thing, an actual "fuck you mean 'nuh-uh?' moment

[12thwonderindia]

Embarking on a Green Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started with Emissions Tracking Software

As businesses increasingly embrace sustainability, the need for accurate emissions tracking becomes paramount. Transitioning from manual processes to advanced emissions tracking software is a crucial step toward achieving environmental goals. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to seamlessly set up emissions tracking software, empowering your organization to quantify, manage, and reduce its carbon footprint effectively.

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Scope

Before diving into software setup, clarify your emissions tracking goals. Identify the specific scopes (Scope 1, 2, and/or 3) you plan to measure. Establishing clear objectives will guide your software setup process and ensure you focus on relevant emission sources.

Step 2: Choose the Right Emissions Tracking Software

Considerations:

Scalability: Ensure the software can scale with your business as it grows.

User-Friendly Interface: Opt for software with an intuitive interface for seamless navigation.

Comprehensive Reporting: Look for features that support comprehensive reporting across different emission scopes.

Step 3: Gather Emission Data Sources

Identify all potential emission sources within your organization. This includes energy consumption, transportation, industrial processes, and any other activities contributing to your carbon footprint. Gather historical data to establish a baseline for comparison and goal setting.

Step 4: Implement Data Integration

For a streamlined emissions tracking process, integrate the software with existing systems that generate relevant data. This may include energy bills, transportation logs, and other sources of emission-related information. Automation and integration reduce manual data entry errors and ensure real-time tracking.

Step 5: Customize Emission Categories

Tailor the software to your organization’s specific emission sources. Create categories that align with your business activities, making it easier to track and manage emissions effectively. Common categories include energy consumption, transportation, industrial processes, and waste generation.(Read More…)

[wachinyeya]

Geneva-based Infomaniak has been recovering 100 per cent of the electricity it uses since November 2024.

The recycled power will be able to fuel the centralised heating network in the Canton of Geneva and benefit around 6,000 households.

The centre is currently operating at 25 per cent of its potential capacity. It aims to reach full capacity by 2028.

Swiss data centre leads the way for a greener cloud industry

The data centre hopes to point to a greener way of operating in the electricity-heavy cloud industry.

"In the real world, data centres convert electricity into heat. With the exponential growth of the cloud, this energy is currently being released into the atmosphere and wasted,” Boris Siegenthaler, Infomaniak's Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, told news site FinanzNachrichten.

“There is an urgent need to upgrade this way of doing things, to connect these infrastructures to heating networks and adapt building standards."

Infomaniak has received several awards for the energy efficiency of its complexes, which operate without air conditioning - a rarity for hot data centres.

The company also builds infrastructure underground so that it doesn’t have an impact on the environment.

Swiss data centre recycles heat for homes

At Infomaniak, all the electricity that powers equipment like servers, inverters and ventilation is converted into heat at a temperature of 40 to 45C.

This is then channelled to an air/water exchanger which filters it into a hot water circuit. Heat pumps are used to increase its temperature to 67C in summer and 85C in winter.

How many homes will be heated by the data centre?

When the centre is operating at full capacity, it will supply Geneva’s heating network with 1.7 megawatts, the amount needed for 6,000 households per year or for 20,000 people to take a 5-minute shower every day.

This means the Canton of Geneva can save 3,600 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2eq) of natural gas every year, or 5,500 tCO2eq of pellets annually.

The system in place at Infomaniak’s data centre is free to be reproduced by other companies. There is a technical guide available explaining how to replicate the model and a summary for policymakers that advises how to improve design regulations and the sustainability of data centres.

[hbrns]

Data: The New Black (and Green, and Blue)

In a world where even your toaster is collecting data, it's clear that we're living in the age of information. But it’s not just about the quantity of data we have, it’s what we do with it that truly counts. Data collection and analysis have become the cornerstones of progress, allowing us to monitor, understand, and address some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet. From tracking the effects of climate change to conserving biodiversity and optimizing energy consumption, data is the unsung hero that's quietly changing the game.

Climate Change – Decoding the Planetary Puzzle

When it comes to climate change, data is our most crucial ally. We often hear about rising temperatures and extreme weather, but behind these headlines lies a vast network of data collection efforts. Global temperature records, sea-level measurements, greenhouse gas concentrations, and ice melt rates are all meticulously tracked (1). This data is not just about identifying problems, but also about monitoring our mitigation efforts. Models like the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM), an open-source tool developed by the Joint Global Change Research Institute, uses data to simulate future scenarios based on different policies and technological developments. These models help us understand what impact current policies will have on climate. The European Environment Agency (EEA) also offers numerous resources, including case studies and country profiles, to help understand climate change impacts and adaptation strategies (2). Furthermore, remote sensing data is increasingly being used to monitor methane emissions, particularly from the waste sector. Tools like the EPA’s Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gas Data Tool, set to be updated in 2025, will provide more detailed non-CO2 emissions projections. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also uses data from different scientific communities to give us a comprehensive picture of climate change, informing us of how far we have come and how much more work we need to do. It also provides useful data to aid with making crucial political decision with the ultimate goal of limiting global warming (3). Data is therefore not just a collection of facts; it's a powerful tool that shapes policy, directs innovation and drives climate action.

Biodiversity – Mapping the Web of Life

The biodiversity crisis is another area where data collection and analysis play a pivotal role. Understanding how species are responding to environmental changes requires systematic monitoring of animal populations, habitats, and ecosystems. The use of camera traps, for instance, has revolutionised the way we study terrestrial mammals, providing standardised animal sampling while simultaneously quantifying local human activity. One such study, using data from 102 survey sites across 21 countries, showed how changes in human activity, such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, affected wildlife behaviour. This demonstrates that animals respond differently to increased human activity depending on their size and place in the food chain. The study also demonstrated the need for localised information on human activity that matches the animal data, highlighting the value of continuous monitoring of various animal assemblages. Initiatives like the 30x30 target, which aims to protect and conserve at least 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030, depend heavily on data to track progress and ensure effective protection of marine biodiversity. The 30x30 Progress Tracker, created by the nonprofit organisation SkyTruth, is an example of a tool that provides accessible, transparent and easy-to-use data, demonstrating how important standardised data collection is for achieving conservation goals. This data is not just about tracking how species are doing; it's also about identifying hotspots of biodiversity, understanding threats to ecosystems, and informing conservation strategies. For example, the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative is a finalist for the Earthshot Prize for their work in protecting and restoring nature. The Bloomberg Ocean Initiative has also invested heavily to restore and protect critical ocean ecosystems to support the 30% ocean protection goal. These initiatives show how data collection and analysis guide conservation efforts, making sure our actions are as effective as possible.

Energy – Powering a Sustainable Future

In the energy sector, data analysis is crucial for optimizing energy usage and transitioning to sustainable solutions. The growth of solar power, for example, has been incredible, leading to a surplus of electricity at certain times (4), (5), (6). Data on electricity generation and demand are essential for managing grids efficiently and accommodating the increasing amounts of renewable energy. The European Electricity Review, for example, provides annual data on the EU power sector and its transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) offers a wealth of data, including reports on renewable energy progress and the COP28 Tripling Renewable Capacity Pledge (7). They also provide data on energy efficiency. This type of data allows us to understand the challenges and opportunities of the ongoing energy transition, allowing us to make the right changes to how we power our world. For example, data can be used to understand how power systems become increasingly dominated by solar power, which can drive down prices to zero or even negative at times. The growth of battery storage is the perfect solution to this as it allows the storage of surplus electricity. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that the US is expanding renewable energy production on federal lands, which could potentially power more American homes by 2035. Data analysis can also help with the implementation of BIPV (Building-integrated photovoltaic) technologies, by identifying locations where they could be the most effective. Furthermore, research into thermal energy storage using materials like clay-phosphate ceramics and industrial waste heat recovery can also benefit from data analysis. By analysing real-time data, we can optimize energy grids, reduce wastage, and accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies.

Data: Our Crystal Ball

In conclusion, data collection and analysis are not just technical necessities but also powerful tools that drive progress in various fields that have a direct impact on our future. From understanding the intricacies of climate change to protecting vulnerable ecosystems and building a sustainable energy future, data provides the foundation for informed decisions and effective actions. It is the foundation of our progress and will be key to our future. So, to all the tech leaders out there, remember that in the data-driven world, the future is not just bright; it’s also meticulously measured, carefully analysed, and constantly evolving. Now, go forth and make some insightful and planet-saving data magic!

References

European Environment Agency (EEA)

International Energy Agency (IEA)

Mammal responses to global changes in human activity vary by trophic group and landscape | Nature

Today in Energy | US Energy Information Administration

New interagency study finds renewable energy production expansion on Federal lands could power more American homes by 2035 | Energy Global

Hausfather, Z. (2025). An assessment of current policy scenarios over the 21st century and the reduced plausibility of high-emissions pathways. Dialogues on Climate Change, 0(0).

Zhang, Y., Jackson, C. & Krevor, S. The feasibility of reaching gigatonne scale CO2 storage by mid-century. Nat Commun 15, 6913 (2024)

[artemtechnologie]

Carbon Emission Data

The shift towards environmental responsibility requires businesses to prioritize sustainability, and carbon emission data plays a key role in this transformation. By accurately tracking carbon emission data, companies can measure their environmental impact, ensuring they meet both regulatory requirements and sustainability goals. As global pressure to combat climate change intensifies, having reliable carbon emission data is not just a necessity for compliance, but a strategic advantage for companies committed to a more sustainable and eco-conscious approach.

[pekasnugs]

Understanding air pollution from space

🧬 ..::Science & Tech::.. 🧬 Arlene Fiore uses satellite data paired with ground observations to refine our understanding of ozone smog and interactions with meteorology and climate

[movingtothefarm]

6 videos - Weathered by PBS Terra

[nuadox]

China has launched the world’s largest sodium-ion battery unit

- By Nuadox Crew -

China has launched the world's largest sodium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) in Qianjiang, Hubei province.

The first phase, a 50MW/100MWh project, is now operational and will eventually double in capacity to 100MW/200MWh. The system includes 42 BESS containers with 185Ah sodium-ion batteries, 21 power conversion system units, and a 110kV booster station.

Developed by Datang Hubei Energy Development, a state-owned enterprise, this project is part of China's effort to diversify energy storage technologies away from lithium. Sodium-ion batteries are seen as a promising alternative due to their potential to ease supply chain issues, despite their lower energy density and higher initial costs compared to lithium-ion.

Sodium-ion batteries offer advantages such as better efficiency and durability under extreme conditions. China is heavily investing in this technology due to its limited lithium reserves but abundant sodium resources. HiNa Battery predicts a significant growth in the sodium-ion battery industry, potentially reaching terawatt-hour scale by 2030.

Header image credit: Image Creator from Microsoft Designer/DALL.E (AI-generated)

Read more at Energy-Storage.news

--

Other recent news

AI and Emissions: Google’s AI operations have significantly increased emissions by 48% due to the high energy consumption of their data centers.

[nando161mando]

Temperatures 1.5C above pre-industrial era average for 12 months, data shows

[12thwonderindia]

Navigating the Green Wave: How the Regulatory Landscape is Driving the Adoption of Carbon Accounting Software

In the fast-evolving world of business, environmental responsibility is no longer just a moral imperative but a legal requirement. As global awareness of climate change intensifies, governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are tightening their grip on carbon emissions reporting. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the shifting regulatory landscape is propelling businesses to adopt carbon accounting software to not only comply with regulations but to thrive in a sustainable future.

1. The Rise of Emissions Regulations: A Global Phenomenon

Around the world, governments are implementing stringent regulations aimed at curbing carbon emissions. Whether it’s the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the United States’ Clean Energy Standard, or other regional initiatives, businesses are under increasing pressure to accurately measure, report, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

2. The Mandatory Reporting Mandate: A Game-Changer for Businesses

Many jurisdictions are making carbon emissions reporting mandatory for businesses of all sizes. This shift forces companies to move beyond voluntary sustainability efforts and adopt robust carbon accounting practices to meet legal obligations. Failure to comply not only risks penalties but can also tarnish a company’s reputation in an era where environmental accountability is under intense scrutiny.

3. The Role of Carbon Accounting Software in Compliance

Enterprises grappling with the complexities of emissions reporting are turning to advanced carbon accounting software to streamline compliance efforts. These tools not only automate data collection but also offer real-time insights, making it easier for businesses to stay ahead of regulatory requirements and submit accurate reports.

4. From Compliance to Competitive Advantage

While regulatory compliance is the primary driver, savvy businesses are realizing that adopting carbon accounting software is not just about meeting legal obligations — it’s a strategic move that can confer a competitive edge. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability through accurate emissions reporting can enhance brand reputation, attract environmentally conscious customers, and even open doors to new business opportunities.(Read More …)

[pebblegalaxy]

Google's Greenhouse Gas Dilemma: Balancing AI Expansion and Climate Goals #GoogleEmissions #ClimateChange #AI #Sustainability #GreenTech

Google’s Greenhouse Gas Dilemma: Balancing AI Expansion and Climate Goals In recent years, Google has been at the forefront of technological advancements, driving innovations that have reshaped industries and everyday life. However, its latest environmental report reveals a troubling trend: a significant rise in greenhouse gas emissions. This surge poses a serious challenge to Google’s ambitious…

[jcmarchi]

Coral reefs in peril from record-breaking ocean heat - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/coral-reefs-in-peril-from-record-breaking-ocean-heat-technology-org/

Coral reefs in peril from record-breaking ocean heat - Technology Org

Record breaking marine heatwaves will cause devastating mass coral bleaching worldwide in the next few years, according to a University of Queensland coral reef scientist.

Corals – illustrative photo. Image credit: Pixabay (Free Pixabay license)

The alarming finding is the result of an international study led by UQ’s Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg of UQ’s School of the Environment, who is currently attending the COP28 climate change meetings in Dubai.

“We were shocked to find heat stress conditions started as much as 12 weeks ahead of previously recorded peaks and were sustained for much longer in the eastern tropical Pacific and wider Caribbean,” Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said.

“Historical data suggests the current marine heatwaves will likely be the precursor to a global mass coral bleaching and mortality event over the next 12 to 24 months, as the El Niño phase of El Niño-Southern Oscillation or ENSO continues.

“Across July 2023, Earth experienced its warmest days on record since 1910, as well as the warmest month ever recorded for sea surface temperatures.

“This puts immense pressure on vital but fragile tropical ecosystems, such as coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows.

“For example, a coral reef in the Florida Keys called Newfound Harbor Key accumulated heat stress almost 3 times the previous record and it occurred 6 weeks ahead of previous peaks.”

Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said the findings come at a critical point in protecting global biodiversity, with commitment to climate change mitigation slipping in many nations.

“The latest environmental information indicates that we’re well off-track when it comes to keeping global surface temperatures from reaching a very dangerous condition by mid to late this century,” he said.

“Frankly, we’re hurtling in the opposite direction.

“Compounding this is the fact these devastating impacts appear to be rolling into a vast record-breaking global event.”

Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said that without serious and swift action, the persistence of coral reefs beyond the next few decades is in serious jeopardy.

“Our study shows that ENSO is a major determinant of the fate of the world’s coral reefs,” he said.

“Rising sea temperatures, coupled with other stressors such as ocean acidification and pollution, have severely weakened their resilience.

“This puts coral reefs and a quarter of the ocean’s biodiversity at serious risk of annihilation.”

Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said efforts to introduce of heat-tolerance genes into the natural coral population have shown promise, but the reality of scaling these efforts remains logistically challenging.

“Given the complex and interconnected nature of marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, a comprehensive approach is necessary for mitigating the impacts of changing oceanic conditions,” he said.

“The importance of reducing our emissions is underscored in our findings, where massive changes to oceanic warming are set to destroy coral reefs and many other ecosystems.

“With this in mind, there are extremely tough discussions underway at the COP28 climate meetings.”

This research is published in Science.

Source: The University of Queensland

You can offer your link to a page which is relevant to the topic of this post.