Annual Emission (annual + emission)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Regional-scale measurements of CH4 exchange from a tall tower over a mixed temperate/boreal lowland and wetland forest

GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 9 2003
Cindy Werner
The biosphere,atmosphere exchange of methane (CH4) was estimated for a temperate/boreal lowland and wetland forest ecosystem in northern Wisconsin for 1997,1999 using the modified Bowen ratio (MBR) method. Gradients of CH4 and CO2 and CO2 flux were measured on the 447-m WLEF-TV tower as part of the Chequamegon Ecosystem,Atmosphere Study (ChEAS). No systematic diurnal variability was observed in regional CH4 fluxes measured using the MBR method. In all 3 years, regional CH4 emissions reached maximum values during June,August (24±14.4 mg m,2 day,1), coinciding with periods of maximum soil temperatures. In 1997 and 1998, the onset in CH4 emission was coincident with increases in ground temperatures following the melting of the snow cover. The onset of emission in 1999 lagged 100 days behind the 1997 and 1998 onsets, and was likely related to postdrought recovery of the regional water table to typical levels. The net regional emissions were 3.0, 3.1, and 2.1 g CH4 m,2 for 1997, 1998, and 1999, respectively. Annual emissions for wetland regions within the source area (28% of the land area) were 13.2, 13.8, and 10.3 g CH4 m,2 assuming moderate rates of oxidation of CH4 in upland regions in 1997, 1998, and 1999, respectively. Scaling these measurements to the Chequamegon Ecosystem (CNNF) and comparing with average wetland emissions between 40°N and 50°N suggests that wetlands in the CNNF emit approximately 40% less than average wetlands at this latitude. Differences in mean monthly air temperatures did not affect the magnitude of CH4 emissions; however, reduced precipitation and water table levels suppressed CH4 emission during 1999, suggesting that long-term climatic changes that reduce the water table will likely transform this landscape to a reduced source or possibly a sink for atmospheric CH4. [source]


Assessment of methane and nitrous oxide flux from mangroves along Eastern coast of India

GEOFLUIDS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2008
R. CHAUHAN
Abstract Mangroves are considered to be a minor source of greenhouse gases (CH4 and N2O) in pristine environmental condition. However, estimates of efflux suggest that anthropogenic activities have led to a pronounced increase in greenhouse gas emission. Along the east coast of India, mangroves vary substantially in area, physiography and freshwater input, which ultimately modify the biogeochemical processes operating within this ecosystem. An attempt has here been made to elucidate the existing variation and role of climatic variability on the emission of greenhouse gases from mangroves. The flux estimates of CH4 and N2O have been quantified from Bhitarkanika mangrove accounting for spatial and temporal (seasonal) variation. The annual rates were estimated to be 0.096 × 10 9 g CH4 year,1 and 5.8 × 103g N2O year,1 for the whole mangrove area of the east coast of India. Upscaling these estimates yield an annual emission of 1.95 × 10 12 g CH4 year,1 and 1.1 × 10 11 g N2O year,1 from worldwide mangrove areas. The influence of elevated nutrient inputs through anthropogenic influence enhances the emission of greenhouse gas. The present article shows the need to develop an inventory on greenhouse gas flux from mangrove ecosystem. [source]


Recent Advances in CO2 Capture and Utilization

CHEMSUSCHEM CHEMISTRY AND SUSTAINABILITY, ENERGY & MATERIALS, Issue 11 2008
Kerry Yu Dr.
Abstract Energy and the environment are two of the most important issues this century. More than 80,% of our energy comes from the combustion of fossil fuels, which will still remain the dominant energy source for years to come. It is agreed that carbon dioxide produced from the combustion process to be the most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas leading to global warming. Atmospheric CO2 concentrations have indeed increased by almost 100,ppm since their pre-industrial level, reaching 384,ppm in 2007 with a total annual emission of over 35,Gt. Prompt global action to resolve the CO2 crisis is therefore needed. To pursue such an action, we are urged to save energy without the unnecessary production of carbon emissions and to use energy in more efficient ways, but alternative methods to mitigate the greenhouse gas have to be considered. This Minireview highlights some recent promising research activities and their prospects in the areas of carbon capture and storage and chemical fixation of CO2 in constructing a future low-carbon global economy with reference to energy source, thermodynamic considerations, net carbon emissions and availability of reagents. [source]


Native wildlife on rangelands to minimize methane and produce lower-emission meat: kangaroos versus livestock

CONSERVATION LETTERS, Issue 3 2008
George R. Wilson
Abstract Ruminant livestock produce the greenhouse gas methane and so contribute to global warming and biodiversity reduction. Methane from the foregut of cattle and sheep constitutes 11% of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Kangaroos, on the other hand, are nonruminant forestomach fermenters that produce negligible amounts of methane. We quantified the GHG savings Australia could make if livestock were reduced on the rangelands where kangaroo harvesting occurs and kangaroo numbers increased to 175 million to produce same amount of meat. Removing 7 million cattle and 36 million sheep by 2020 would lower Australia's GHG emissions by 16 megatonnes, or 3% of Australia's annual emissions. However, the change will require large cultural and social adjustments and reinvestment. Trials are underway based on international experiences of managing free-ranging species. They are enabling collaboration between farmers, and if they also show benefits to sustainability, rural productivity, and conservation of biodiversity, they could be expanded to incorporate change on the scale of this article. Farmers have few options to reduce the contribution that livestock make to GHG production. Using kangaroos to produce low-emission meat is an option for the Australian rangelands which would avoid permit fees under Australia's Emissions Trading Scheme, and could even have global application. [source]


Climate change levy and its application within the dairy industry

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DAIRY TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2003
George S Plemper
The government's climate change levy on energy use in the nondomestic sector was announced in the March 1999 Budget and came into effect on 1 April 2001. During 1990 it is estimated that 603 million tonnes of carbon dioxide contributed to 79% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions. Nationally, energy consumption within the dairy industry contributes to only 0.2% of the UK's annual emissions of carbon dioxide and climate change levy agreements throughout the industry are unlikely to have a major impact on the government's Climate Change Programme. Paradoxically, the arrangements that dairies are required to put into place as part of their Climate Change Agreements are of paramount importance for the achievement of operational and process efficiency within the dairy sector. [source]