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Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Many of the impacts of climate change can be reduced, delayed or avoided by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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/multimedia/Algae-biodiesel-gets-green-light.html CSIRO research has shown that it is possible to produce algal biodiesel at a lower cost and with less greenhouse gas emissions than fossil diesel. Algal biodiesel production could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address future fuel shortages and create jobs.
/resources/carbon-and-rural-land-use-key-findings.html Greenhouse gas storage and mitigation can take place in rural Australia. This key report explores greenhouse gas mitigation and carbon storage opportunites for Queensland and Australia.
/science/CO2-geosequestration.html Preparing a gas sample for carbon isotopic analysis Experience gained extracting fossil fuels is being reversed and applied to storing CO2 in underground reservoirs.
/science/FutureFuelsForum.html A traffic jam ©iStockphoto.com/aabejon Articulating the challenges for Australia in arriving at a sustainable transport fuel mix. Image: iStockphoto.com
CSIRO research has shown that it is possible to produce algal biodiesel at a lower cost and with less greenhouse gas emissions than fossil diesel.
Algal biodiesel production could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address future fuel shortages and create jobs.

CSIRO's research is focused on the following:

Hand holding dish of ultra clean coal.

Flagship research into low emission electricity
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Traffic on an urban arterial road.

Flagship research into low emission transport
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Preparing a gas sample for carbon isotopic analysis.

Underground storage of carbon dioxide
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Close up of pylons.

Flagship research into distributed energy
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Close up of car wheel.

Developing solutions for low emission fuels
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A large solar dish.

Renewables - energy for the future
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Sun shining through clouds over some mountains, with trees in the foreground.

Greenhouse gas and carbon management in forests
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Man in fire protective suit lighting a fire in the tropical savannas of Australia.

Fire and carbon in regional Australia
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Image of the globe from space showing Australia, and the sun rising over the horizon.

The bioeconomy
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Cutting Australia’s emissions is a major national undertaking that involves households, companies, communities and governments.

Mitigation efforts over the next few decades will have a large influence on whether greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere can be stabilised at a level low enough to reduce the risk of more serious climate change impacts.

CSIRO is developing practical technologies for reducing emissions in industry, agriculture, transportation and energy. We are also exploring methods for capturing greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, to prevent them from entering the atmosphere.

Our climate change mitigation research includes:

  • helping industry, communities and households increase energy efficiency and lower emissions
  • improving transport options
  • generating power from solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable sources
  • developing carbon capture and storage technology
  • exploring the potential of biofuels and carbon sinks (such as forests and soil)
  • reducing methane production from livestock.

The Energy Transformed Flagship is leading CSIRO’s climate change mitigation research. The goal of the flagship is to develop technologies to halve greenhouse gas emissions, double the efficiency of the nation’s new energy generation, supply and use, and position Australia for a future hydrogen economy.

Agriculture and land use practices are also significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Through the Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, CSIRO researchers are finding practical ways to reduce emissions from farming, bushfires and other non-energy sources.

Increasing the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed and stored by the natural environment is another important way to control greenhouse gases. CSIRO research is developing ways to maximise the benefits of carbon dioxide ‘sinks’ such as forests, farmland and soils.

Second Level:
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Index of reducing greenhouse gas emissions related information:
  • Image shows man at computer using a modelling programme.

    Piecing together the global energy puzzle - delivering energy solutions for a sustainable future is a huge challenge, but with decision support and by expanding the information-base for decision-making, this task becomes easier.

  • Image of mixed grains, cereals and pulses.

    The bioeconomy provides an opportunity for Australia to redefine the role of agricultural, natural resources and sustainable energy production.

  • Carbon dioxide emissions from human activities increased by 2 per cent in 2008.

    Despite the economic effects of the global financial crisis (GFC), carbon dioxide emissions from human activities rose 2 per cent in 2008 to an all-time high of 1.3 tonnes of carbon per capita per year, according to a paper published today in Nature Geoscience.

  • The CSIRO Renewable Energy Integration Facility.

    A new CSIRO research centre to help transform Australian electricity networks and lower greenhouse gas emissions was opened today at the CSIRO Energy Centre in Newcastle, NSW.

  • Vista of a stormy ocean in the foreground and a city in the background.

    CSIRO is conducting research to help Australia and the world respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by a changing climate. (32 pages)

  • Image of Dr Bill Priestley

    Download the flyer for the 2009 Priestley Lecture, which will be delivered by Professor Lawrence Mysak on Tuesday, 13 October. (2 pages)

  • A photograph of land with crops in the foreground and some trees in background.

    An analysis of Greenhouse Gas Mitigation and Biosequestration Opportunities from Rural Land Use. This report estimates the amount of greenhouse gases that can be stored or mitigated by changes in rural land use in Queensland and more broadly, Australia.

  • RV Southern Surveyor.

    The new vessel will be capable of operating continuously for 55 days at sea, cruising at 12 knots over a range of 10 000 nautical miles.

Contact

Ms Lou Morrissey
Communication Manager
Energy Transformed Flagship
Phone: 61 2 4960 6140 
Fax: 61 2 4960 6021