Ask MIT Climate works to answer questions that people have asked about our changing planet, the impact it will have to life on Earth, and what folks can do about it! Answers to all types of questions are provided by MIT faculty and scientists.

We’ve included list of questions and the start to answers below. The provided links will take you directly to the specific Ask MIT Climate question on MIT’s Climate Portal where you can get the full answer!

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How can carbon emissions from freight be reduced?

Although most of the world’s cargo moves by ship, focusing on land may be the best way to reduce the carbon footprint of freight.

https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/how-can-carbon-emissions-freight-be-reduced
Why aren’t biofuels more prevalent?

Without new breakthroughs, producing much more biofuel than we do today might be a net-negative for the climate—and would definitely raise our fuel prices.

https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/why-arent-biofuels-more-prevalent
How are gases in the atmosphere analyzed and measured?

By shining different kinds of light and radiation through air samples, scientists can tell which gases are absorbing or reacting to that light, and in what amounts.

https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/how-are-gases-atmosphere-analyzed-and-measured
When scientists say the Earth has warmed by 1°C, which parts of the planet are being measured?

The parts of the planet being measured are our land and ocean surfaces: what we call global average surface temperatures.

https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/when-scientists-say-earth-has-warmed-1deg-celsius-which-parts-planet-are-being-measured
What is the most cost-effective way to buy carbon offsets?

Offset sellers make it easy to compare prices across projects—but you should also make sure you can trust that your purchase is really keeping carbon out of the air.

https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/what-most-cost-effective-way-buy-carbon-offsets
How much carbon dioxide does the Earth naturally absorb?

The planet naturally releases and absorbs far more carbon dioxide than humans emit by burning fossil fuels. The problem is that human activities have thrown the Earth’s carbon cycle out of balance.

https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/how-much-carbon-dioxide-does-earth-naturally-absorb
Will companies pass on the cost of a carbon tax to consumers?

They could, but companies will still face pressure to clean up their greenhouse gas emissions—and there are ways to relieve the burden for their customers.

https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/will-companies-pass-cost-carbon-tax-consumers

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Greenhouse Gases

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Greenhouse gases are gases — like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide — that keep the Earth warmer than it would be without them.

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