A new journal paper highlights the limitations of economic models in assessing climate change impacts, particularly at moderate to high levels of warming. The authors argue that current models inadequately account for tipping points and uncertainties, leading to large discrepancies between scientific and economic estimates.
Professor Sarah Kang from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology has been appointed to the Climate Dynamics Panel (CDP) of CLIVAR. She will provide recommendations on key research priorities in climate dynamics for a three-year term.
A new study by HKU researchers found that land-use changes significantly influence species distribution shifts in response to climate change. In cooler regions, forest loss slows down species migration, while deforestation accelerates it in warmer areas.
New research suggests that poor countries will experience significant increases in temperature variability due to climate change. The study found that up to 15% more extreme temperature fluctuations are predicted for southern Africa and Amazonia, highlighting the unfair pattern of climate impacts on vulnerable populations.
The Tyler Prize honors the groundbreaking research of Dr. Falkowski, which reveals the critical role of tiny phytoplankton in solving climate change. Dr. McCarthy's leadership in global policy initiatives has informed significant climate change policies.
A new study found that Republicans are more persuasive than scientists in correcting misinformation about climate change, despite being associated with denial. The researchers suggest that citing Republican elites endorsing the scientific consensus may be an effective way to persuade citizens.
Australia is joining the Lancet Countdown, a global health and climate change initiative. The country will track its progress on 40 indicators across five categories, including adaptation planning, mitigation actions, and public engagement.
Researchers found that making faraway climate impacts feel closer to people does not necessarily translate into greater policy support. Participants who viewed a smaller map of the Maldives and the US judged the distance as shorter, but their policy support for climate change remained the same.
New research shows human influence on climate change will fuel more extreme summer heat waves in the western U.S., including California and the Southwest. The study predicts man-made climate change will be a dominant driver for heat wave occurrences in specific regions by 2030 and 2050.
A new study reveals that humor can effectively inspire young people to pursue climate change activism. The study found that college-aged adults between 18 and 24 were most inspired by the humorous video, which made them more likely to want to engage in activism and believe climate change is risky.
Oceanographers Paul Falkowski and James J. McCarthy have been awarded the prestigious Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement for their decades-long efforts to understand and communicate the impacts of climate change. Their research, focusing on marine ecosystems and nutrient cycles, has significantly advanced our understanding of hu...
A new study reveals that the collapse of the Laurentide Ice Sheet in North America approximately 16,000 years ago led to significant climate variations in West Antarctica and the tropical Pacific. The research suggests a previously undocumented inter-polar climate change mechanism.
A new data mining methodology developed by Georgia Tech scientists can analyze millions of climate data points without relying on human expertise. The approach breaks down complex models into simpler components, allowing for more robust and transparent results in climate science research.
A new study published in Nature has reduced the uncertainty around climate sensitivity by 60%, offering a more accurate picture of long-term climate change. The research team analyzed year-on-year global temperature fluctuations to derive a measure of climate sensitivity, revealing a range of 2.8+/-0.6°C.
A new model investigates how human behavioral changes evolve in response to extreme climate events and affect global temperature change. Long-term, less easily reversed behavioral changes have the most significant impact in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and reducing climate change.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researcher Matto Mildenberger finds substantial differences in Republican and Democratic climate change views across different states and congressional districts. The research reveals varied opinions among Republicans on issues like climate policies, renewable energy, and carbon regulations, despite part...
A recent study reveals substantial differences in climate change views between Republican elites and their party members, with only a quarter of Republicans believing human-caused climate change. The research also finds that Republican support for climate policies varies by state, with Southern Florida showing strong backing for regula...
The 2017 Climate Science Special Report details past, current and projected changes to the climate, including increased atmospheric and ocean temperatures, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels. Alaska climatologist John Walsh is a contributing author and can provide insights on recent U.S. climate change in the global context.
A recent study by QUT-led researchers found that only 21% of Australia's tourism strategies mention climate change, with most simply acknowledging it as an issue. The study suggests that the industry has significant room to improve and step up action on addressing climate change.
A new study suggests that climate change will negatively impact the reliability of US electricity generation, but today's infrastructure can be adapted to future conditions. Improvements in resiliency are driven by policy and economic opportunities making US power supply cleaner and more efficient.
A new study reveals that America's power supply might be more adaptable to climate change due to maintenance and efficient energy technology. However, further research is needed to understand the collective strengths and vulnerabilities of the US power grid under climate conditions.
A new study by The Nature Conservancy found that better land management practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 11.3 billion tonnes per year, equivalent to halting oil burning. Natural climate solutions could deliver 37% of the emissions reductions needed to hold global warming below 2 degrees Celsius by 2030.
A new study by University of Kansas researchers found that cities starting with a narrower focus on connections to natural hazards appear to lay a stronger foundation for a more comprehensive approach. This approach includes addressing climate-related impacts beyond just hazards like flooding and severe storms.
A growing movement in higher education is launching a global effort to educate health professionals on the health impacts of climate change. The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education aims to build expertise among health workers to integrate knowledge into daily practice, enhancing public health while mitigating climate change.
A UBC study identified 294 marine species that will be highly vulnerable to climate change by 2050. These species have limited temperature ranges, restricted geographic ranges, and specific habitat requirements making them more susceptible to climate change.
A new study clarifies different perspectives on loss and damage from climate change, highlighting four key viewpoints: adaptation and mitigation, risk management, limits to adaptation, and existential. These perspectives will help inform research and policy work on loss and damage.
Historic legacies of empire have increased Caribbean states' vulnerability to climate change, with unequal power relationships and limited resources hindering their ability to address the issue. Dr Leon Sealey-Huggins argues that addressing historical inequalities is crucial for a just and lasting approach to climate change.
A recent study found that extreme weather events do not significantly increase support for climate policies, even among those who experienced severe weather. The study suggests that other factors, such as political beliefs and party affiliation, play a much larger role in shaping attitudes towards climate change.
A new Concordia University study uses NASA data to predict Montreal's future climate, showing increased spatial variability and intensity of climate impacts. The research highlights the need for local design and management approaches to address climate change, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
A study by Vienna University of Technology reveals that climate change has a real impact on flood events in some regions, causing them to shift in timing. The magnitude of the flood does not provide enough information to detect the impact of climate change, whereas the timing provides valuable insights into its effects.
Climate change may exacerbate epidemics and spread diseases within their natural range, according to a new study on European pathogens. Nearly two-thirds of the top 100 human and animal pathogens are found to be sensitive to climate change.
A new study estimates that climate change will cause 60,000 premature deaths globally by 2030 and 260,000 by 2100 due to increased air pollution. The research uses global climate models to predict changes in air quality and health outcomes.
Climate change projections indicate that Japan's coastal zones will experience significant beach erosion due to rising sea levels and increased wave heights. The study suggests that beach-loss rates may reach as high as 83% by 2100, posing a significant threat to coastal management.
A European opinion poll found that most citizens are relatively well informed about marine climate change issues, but a significant number are poorly or misinformed. Many believe human activities do not play a role in climate change and think scenarios may have already occurred by 2100.
Scientists developed a method to compare climate model sensitivities with historical data, showing good agreement. Accounting for slow mode feedback, the temperature range of climate sensitivity from historical data is consistent with climate models, implying a higher sensitivity to carbon dioxide emissions.
A new study by AAAS predicts climate change will have a devastating impact on certain US counties, with losses exceeding 20% of gross county product in some areas. Southern and midwestern populations are projected to suffer the largest economic damage due to increased cyclone intensification and sea level rise.
A Cornell University study reveals that labels matter in accepting climate science, with climate change being viewed as more real than global warming. Despite this, 65% of Republicans acknowledge global warming's existence.
A new study found that many US secondary school science teachers possess several climate change misconceptions, similar to the general public. The survey of 220 teachers in Florida and Puerto Rico revealed notable errors regarding greenhouse gas emissions and scientific experiments.
Three EU-funded projects synthesize research knowledge on high-end climate change impacts and adaptation for key policy sectors. Research highlights potential risks, challenges, and opportunities for transformational change, including innovative solutions for coastal zone adaptation.
A new study from the University of Helsinki suggests that climate change may increase the damage caused by a naturally circulating fungal disease in Norway spruce trees. The researchers found that future climate changes can alter the impact of forest pathogens, highlighting the need for further research on this topic.
A study published in Cognition found that Pope Francis's 2015 encyclical on climate change increased perceptions of his credibility on the issue, particularly among liberals, but did not directly influence people's beliefs about its seriousness or effects on the poor. The study used a panel of 602 U.S. adults who completed surveys befo...
The Massachusetts Wildlife Climate Action Tool has received a national award for its exemplary leadership in addressing climate change impacts on fish and wildlife species and their habitats. The tool, launched in 2015, provides information on climate change vulnerabilities and offers adaptation strategies to protect natural resources.
Scientists analyzed DNA samples from 97 western spotted skunks and found three genetic sub-groups corresponding to different climate refugia created by Ice Age climate change. This discovery suggests that climate change played a more important role in the evolution of spotted skunks than geographical barriers.
A new study outlines a four-step framework for testing whether global warming contributed to record-setting weather events. The research found that human-caused climate change increased the odds of hottest events across over 80% of the globe, while also posing risks for vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
New research from the University of Montana suggests that climate-change driven increases in rainfall in warm, wet forests will cause increased plant growth. This is a positive outcome for reducing global carbon dioxide levels, as it removes CO2 from the atmosphere through plant growth.
A recent study found that cover crops can mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing soil carbon sequestration. The research suggests that cover cropping can be an effective adaptive management tool to maintain yields and minimize nitrogen losses as the climate warms.
A University of Washington study shows that two leading methods for calculating the planet's response to greenhouse gas emissions are not as far apart as previously thought. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, found that recent observations support a climate sensitivity of about 2.9 degrees Celsius.
Research highlights the potential of older adults as a resource for climate action, with individual steps such as reducing energy consumption and family leadership. The publication aims to engage this demographic in addressing climate change, leveraging their time, talent, and desire for purpose.
Research highlights trees' crucial role in retaining water and producing cooling moisture, enhancing food security and climate change adaptation. The study suggests a new perspective on the relationship between trees and water in addressing climate change.
Researchers from Lund University reviewed 120 articles on climate change between 1997 and 2013, finding no omission of results that could challenge the theory. However, they did find widespread selective reporting of large statistically significant results.
A new study proposes 'agrowth' as a middle ground between pro-growth and anti-growth policies, aiming to reduce resistance to climate policies. The research suggests that adaptation to climate change can be achieved through flexible economic strategies, rather than relying solely on growth.
Climate change research needs to focus on how changing population structures will affect future human wellbeing. Global scenarios already include demographic data, but this is not being fully utilized. A new conceptual model, 'demographic metabolism,' can account for the replacement of generations and their impact on vulnerability.
A University of Washington project explores the effects of climate change and subsistence hunting on polar bears, while also shedding light on the cultural value of the species to indigenous peoples. The research aims to set polar bears in context as resources for others, clarifying misinformation about hunting.
Climate change is driving population migration, particularly in Arctic Alaska, where rising temperatures and thawing permafrost pose significant threats. Lawrence Hamilton's research uses annual migration data to shed light on the climate contribution to this phenomenon.
A new analysis found that climate change is having a massive impact on threatened species, with nearly 700 species affected. The study suggests that negative responses to climate change have been vastly underreported, with only 7% of mammals and 4% of birds previously estimated to be impacted.
A comprehensive study published in Nature Climate Change found that nearly 700 bird and mammal species have already been impacted by climate change. The research suggests that around half of threatened mammals and 23% of threatened birds are likely to be negatively affected by future climatic changes.
The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education aims to share best practices and design model curricula for academic and non-academic audiences. The consortium's goal is to create a cadre of highly trained health professionals to address the harmful health effects of climate change.
A new study led by Cornell University researchers found that exposure to Pope Francis' image heightened moral beliefs about climate change in wide segments of the public, particularly Republicans. For Republicans who saw the pontiff's photo prior to answering questions, 39% agreed that climate change is a moral issue, up from just 30%.
Researchers identify three critical areas for climate research to tackle new frontiers of climate study. They include understanding the fate of carbon in the atmosphere and accurately modeling regional climate changes. These efforts require international collaboration and significant computational resources.
Researchers tested tropical rainforest fly Drosophila birchii's response to climate change by transplanting flies along mountain gradients. They found similar responses across families, indicating little potential for thermal tolerances to evolve.