#zero carbon emissions

[wachinyeya]

Virginia’s Great Dismal Swamp, once a thriving wetland, is now being revived as an essential carbon sink to help combat climate change. Peatlands, like those in the swamp, cover only 3 percent of the Earth’s surface but store twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined - which cover 30 percent of global land area. By restoring these unique ecosystems, researchers and conservationists aim to reverse centuries of damage caused by human activity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Peat is a spongy layer of partially decomposed plant material found in waterlogged, acidic environments like the Great Dismal Swamp. This natural carbon storage system has been severely degraded over time.

Since 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and conservation groups like The Nature Conservancy have been rewetting parts of the swamp to protect and rebuild its peat layers. This involves constructing dams and plugging drainage ditches to retain water, which slows peat decay and allows new organic material to accumulate.

Restoration efforts have already rehydrated 60,000 acres of the swamp. Over the next few years, The Nature Conservancy plans to restore an additional 33,000 acres and protect 10,500 acres in Virginia and North Carolina. These projects are funded by over $200 million from the Inflation Reduction Act.

The impact of Virginia’s peatlands will be environmentally significant: restoring them could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of removing up to 1.4 million cars from the road each year.

The secondary benefit is that wetlands like these are home to a diverse range of species, many of which are adapted to the unique, waterlogged environment. Restoring their habitat will enable both plants and wildlife to thrive once more.

Mike Waddington, a peat researcher at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, says: “When we think about storing carbon in ecosystems, it’s almost always about planting trees. There’s often tremendous pressure to plant trees in drained peatlands," he said, "but that’s the wrong choice given the carbon-storing ability of an intact bog." Adding: “In a way it’s the low-hanging fruit.”

The world's largest peatlands are in the central Congo Basin, covering 16.7 million hectares - more than five times the size of Belgium. Researchers reveal that these peatlands store between 26 and 32 billion tonnes of carbon - roughly the equivalent to three years’ worth of global fossil fuel emissions.

[ask-physalia-prime]

Giving you a boost.

Under what legal experts called a “historic” settlement, announced on Thursday, Hawaii officials will release a roadmap “to fully decarbonize the state’s transportation systems, taking all actions necessary to achieve zero emissions no later than 2045 for ground transportation, sea and inter-island air transportation”, Andrea Rodgers, one of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs in the case, said at a press conference with the governor.

[nepalenergyforum]

Government's Commitment to Sustainable Energy and Zero Carbon Target: Minister Khadka

Kathmandu — Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, highlighted that the government is strategically advancing energy development as the foundation of a sustainable, inclusive, and low-carbon economy. He emphasized that the government is making significant progress in sustainable development through plans focused on risk mitigation in development projects, increasing…

[reasonandempathy]

Keeping Track of what Biden has done

dated 7.16.2024

At this point I think everyone, or at least every follower of mine, has seen this infographic from/about Politifact findings comparing Biden's campaign promises to what he's achieved. (link)

Putting together the Compromise (since compromise is expected in national politics), In The Works, and Kept categories we get to 64%. I

Let's run through a lot of what he has done or is in the process of doing, shall we?

I skipped a lot, and sure, there's a lot of room to move forward and be better on a lot of these. And I'm not a technocrat in all of these areas, so I'll even open each one up to "not being fully what it seems".

But Rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement is a huge fucking thing. Including being on track to be net-zero by 2050. There are parts of indian reservations that have never had electricity that are getting both electricity and 5g now. Allowing Medicare to negotiate some drug prices is a start, and it needs to negotiate more, but it's still very solid progress that will help millions of Americans.

Increasing Pell Grants and expanding healthcare access among black communities is very good. Decreasing maternal mortality and increasing domestic autoworker jobs are both awesome. Empowering Unions and the NLRB? Fuck yeah.

I don't think anyone was expecting Joe fucking Biden to be a Progressive/Socialist firebrand. I don't know anyone who fully believed he'd get a $15 federal minimum wage (awesome and meaningful as that would be). But this?

This is still good.

This is both good and miles better than Trump's policies.

[netscapenavigator-official]

God. I try not to drag drama from one platform to another because I don’t wanna be a source of misery for y’all, but this type of shit is getting way too common, so I just wanna say:

If you can’t separate your opinion of Elon Musk from your opinion of green energy technologies like batteries and zero emission transportation, then you have successfully fallen for propaganda created by the oil industry.

If you believe fear mongering about lithium batteries being “dangerous” or electric vehicles being abnormally fire-prone, then you need to reevaluate your stance on environmentalism. An anti-climate change stance cannot coexist with a misinformed distain for extremely important, modern, (and statistically proven safe), energy innovations.

[priteshwemarketresearch]

Green Ammonia Market Statistics, Segment, Trends and Forecast to  2033

The Green Ammonia Market: A Sustainable Future for Agriculture and Energy

As the world pivots toward sustainable practices, the green ammonia market is gaining momentum as a crucial player in the transition to a low-carbon economy. But what exactly is green ammonia, and why is it so important? In this blog, we'll explore the green ammonia market, its applications, benefits, and the factors driving its growth.

Request Sample PDF Copy:https://wemarketresearch.com/reports/request-free-sample-pdf/green-ammonia-market/1359

What is Green Ammonia?

Green ammonia is ammonia produced using renewable energy sources, primarily through the electrolysis of water to generate hydrogen, which is then combined with nitrogen from the air. This process eliminates carbon emissions, setting green ammonia apart from traditional ammonia production, which relies heavily on fossil fuels.

Applications of Green Ammonia

Agriculture

One of the most significant applications of green ammonia is in agriculture. Ammonia is a key ingredient in fertilizers, and its sustainable production can help reduce the carbon footprint of farming. By using green ammonia, farmers can produce food more sustainably, supporting global food security while minimizing environmental impact.

Energy Storage

Green ammonia can also serve as an effective energy carrier. It can be synthesized when there is surplus renewable energy and later converted back into hydrogen or directly used in fuel cells. This capability makes it an attractive option for balancing supply and demand in renewable energy systems.

Shipping Fuel

The maritime industry is under increasing pressure to reduce emissions. Green ammonia has emerged as a potential zero-emission fuel for ships, helping to decarbonize one of the most challenging sectors in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.

Benefits of Green Ammonia

Environmental Impact

By eliminating carbon emissions during production, green ammonia significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional ammonia. This aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and achieve sustainability goals.

Energy Security

Investing in green ammonia can enhance energy security. As countries strive to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, green ammonia offers a renewable alternative that can be produced locally, minimizing reliance on imported fuels.

Economic Opportunities

The growth of the green ammonia market presents numerous economic opportunities, including job creation in renewable energy sectors, research and development, and new supply chain dynamics. As demand increases, investments in infrastructure and technology will drive innovation.

Factors Driving the Growth of the Green Ammonia Market

Regulatory Support

Governments worldwide are implementing policies and incentives to promote the adoption of green technologies. These regulations often include subsidies for renewable energy production and carbon pricing mechanisms, making green ammonia more competitive.

Rising Demand for Sustainable Solutions

With consumers and businesses becoming increasingly aware of their environmental impact, the demand for sustainable solutions is on the rise. Green ammonia aligns with this trend, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional ammonia.

Advancements in Technology

Ongoing advancements in electrolysis and ammonia synthesis technologies are making the production of green ammonia more efficient and cost-effective. As these technologies mature, they will further enhance the viability of green ammonia in various applications.

Conclusion

The green ammonia market represents a promising avenue for sustainable development across agriculture, energy, and transportation sectors. As technology advances and regulatory support strengthens, green ammonia is poised to become a cornerstone of the global transition to a greener economy. Investing in this market not only contributes to environmental preservation but also opens up new economic opportunities for innovation and growth.

[mummer]

as someone working in an adjacent industry it’s crazy to me how much biomass as a renewable energy source is obviously a huge fucking scam

[poojahedge5]

Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it’s a harsh reality we face today. The ever-increasing global temperatures and Unpredictable climate patterns are a clear sign of our collective impact on the planet. Among the many contributors to this crisis, manufacturing industries play a significant role in carbon emissions.

India’s manufacturing sector is undeniably a cornerstone of its economic growth. It has the potential to create millions of jobs, boost exports, and elevate the nation to new heights of prosperity. However, the shadow of environmental concerns looms large over this potential boon.

The rapid industrialization we are witnessing is mirroring China’s trajectory, with the risk of falling into the same pollution trap. The question is, can we afford to prioritize short-term economic gains at the expense of long-term environmental sustainability? The consequences of unchecked carbon emissions are stark – from deteriorating air and water quality to extreme weather events

[nando161mando]

Can't wait for him to claim a bonus for achieving net zero emissions next year!!!

[solarpunkpresentspodcast]

As fun as it is to talk about how solarpunk the various Studio Ghibli movies are, Ariel and I decided to stay truer to Season 5's theme of tech in this bonus chat. One of our listeners is interested in converting cars to run off of a mixture of ammonia and hydrogen, so we decided to take a look at the issue of using hydrogen as a fuel in general.

It's a hot topic, one of those that we all have feelings about, without necessarily knowing much of the facts. Worse, at the moment, the hype over (and use of) hydrogen fuel constitutes little more than greenwashing - especially egregious, because it's becoming a policy issue raised as part of a net-zero energy solution in many countries.

We do our best here to bring you the facts about what hydrogen fuel is, how hydrogen fuel is made, whether or not hydrogen could actually be a sustainable fuel, and what role hydrogen fuel would most sensibly play in our attempts to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions ASAP.

(PS: Apologies for the potato quality audio; my mic decided to die right before recording. Am fixing it as we speak because I finally have time...)

[mamanbou]

the thing of it is if we all just individually liked or disliked taylor swift, it would be normal, but as it stands there are people who are obsessively reverent (and defensive) over everything about her and those people are insane and insufferable and wrong. and there are people who hate her vehemently and refuse to entertain the idea of any value (or even acknowledge talent) in anything she makes and those people are generally not insane but they're also kind of insufferable and observably wrong. everybody needs to stop talking about this woman online until we can figure out whats going on

[eannpatterson]

Conflicted about cost-benefit analysis of international conferences

Last week I wrote about my stimulating experience of attending a conference in Orlando, Florida and presenting our recent research to the experimental mechanics community for the first time in four years.  Whilst there, I was conscious of the ecological footprint of my trip – the venue was making extensive use of single use plastics on a scale that surprised me.  However, my trans-Atlantic flight…

[carbon-market-chronicle]

Carbon Market Chronicles: 2023 Unveiled and 2024’s Inflection Points

The voluntary carbon market (VCM) witnessed both considerable progress and significant hurdles in 2023 as reviewed by the MSCI Carbon Markets in its recent webinar. 

The review includes key developments from 2023 and the potential inflection points to watch out for in 2024. Notably, the findings show that 2023 has the lowest number of credits issued in 3 years. In contrast, the year ended with a record number of monthly retirements. 

Here’s a recap of the webinar, focusing on carbon credit issuances and retirements, demand, key market players, investment, major policy developments, and 2024 outlook.

Peaks, Valleys, and 2023’s Record Retirements

In 2023, credit issuances recorded the lowest annual total in 3 years after falling 25% year-on-year, as seen below. This slow down in supply was largely due to Nature-based and renewable energy projects issuing their lowest annual amounts in 5 and 4 years, respectively. 

The MSCI report saw retirements rallied in Q4 2023, the second highest quarter on record. And that’s despite the slow down in corporate activity in mid-year. This momentum seems to have been carried into January this year. 

In fact, that’s the second highest January to date and may even exceed the 17 MtCO2 set in 2022. December 2023 alone has seen 36 megatons of credit retirement, setting a new monthly high, around 25% above the previous high record. 

When it comes to registries, the four largest, namely Verra, Gold Standard, ACR, and CAR continue to dominate the market. They provide more than 90% of the credits retired last year. 

Retirements from these “Big 4” registries actually rose last year by 6%, while retirements across the next ten prominent names dropped slightly in 2023. 

Of the top 10 retirees, Delta Airlines aced the first spot. They were also the largest retiree corporate in 2021 and 2022. While some of these companies exited the top 10 last year, others remain while new ones entered the market.

Shell topped the list in 2023 with around 16 million metric tonnes, followed by Volkswagen with over 8 MtCO2e. Overall, there are more joiners than leavers last year when it comes to retiring credits. 

Unlocking the Nascent Carbon Removal Market

Gaining a lot of interest in 2023 is the nascent CDR market, referring to high permanent engineered carbon removals. These include biochar and direct air capture, which usually command a premium price than other project types. That’s because they’re known to be of higher quality and high durability. 

Last year, the number of CDR transactions fell slightly year-on-year. But the quantity of credits, represented by the right hand chart, increased significantly to 5.4 million.  

Navigating the Ups and Downs of Carbon Credit  Prices 

The declining trend in 2022 was carried over into the first half of 2023. But looking at the average level, the drop wasn’t that much. It was only 16% lower in 2022 compared to 2023. 

In terms of price by project type for last year, all of them were lower in Q4, resulting in full year price declines. REDD+ projects saw the least drop, 15%, while renewable energy experienced the largest price decrease, 39%. 

Both energy efficiency (pink line) and REDD+ (green line) projects were subject to increased media and academic scrutiny in 2023. They sustained weaker prices.

Interestingly, both nature restoration and non-CO2 gasses projects rebounded in November and December last year. Meanwhile, energy efficiency, REDD+, and non-CO2 gasses converged around the same price level at $4.65 by the end of the year. 

This suggests that the market is not distinguishing between these project types, potentially signaling a weak market environment. 

Policy Developments in 2023: From EU Directives to COP28’s Uncharted Territories

Last year also saw some major policy developments. For instance, the EU’s green claims directive aims to empower consumers for the green transition directive. It bans claims of neutral, reduced, or positive climate impact based on carbon offsetting, on the grounds that it’s a misleading consumer practice. 

Moreover, the VCMI carbon integrity claims, the Claims Code of Practice (CCPs), is a significant regulation for the VCM.

There are also landmark regulations of market trading and standards wherein national governments are stepping in. For example, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) introduced proposed guidance for trading of voluntary carbon credit derivative contracts. 

In the Global South, there has been growth in national carbon credit markets while carbon pricing systems and schemes are being proposed in several African countries. Amid increased scrutiny in carbon credits certified by Verra, the leading carbon certifier updated its standards. 

At the COP28 climate summit, carbon markets find their footing amid Article 6 frustrated talks. Article 6.2 rules are mostly in place but there’s a lack of Article 6.4 agreement on key steps. Disagreements centered on integrity concerns, yet Article 6 agreements are moving ahead. 

Looking forward, MSCI Head of Carbon Markets, Guy Turner, raised a pertinent question: “Could we be at an inflection point for the market in 2024?”

There could be a number of inflection points, five in particular. 

The potential new sources of demand driven by CORSIA, VCMI, SBTi, and more compliance markets in near and long term. 

Quality initiatives moving into implementation.

Jurisdictional approaches are starting to take off – whether by governments or donor institutions. High interests are observed in jurisdictional soil carbon and blue carbon.

Increasing clarity for corporations on claims and disclosures on the use of credits, with the EU and UK taking the lead.

Macroeconomic cycle turning but political uncertainties

In the ever-evolving landscape of the voluntary carbon market, 2023 marked both triumphs and challenges. From record retirements to the rise of CDR investments, the market navigated uncertainties. As 2024 unfolds, potential inflection points await, shaping the future trajectory of the global carbon market.