A new study reveals that climate change is impacting human health, food supply, infrastructure, and economy through 467 ways, including warming, drought, heatwaves, wildfires, precipitation, floods, and sea level rise. By 2100, the number of hazards occurring concurrently will increase, making it difficult for people to cope.
Weekly air sample analysis in Singapore revealed that peat burning was the primary source of smoke during Indonesian fires in 2015. The study suggests that around 85% of smoke reaching Singapore originated from peat, highlighting the need to protect peat from wildfires.
A new study by Portland State University researchers finds that climate change is causing more severe wildfires and larger insect outbreaks in temperate forests. The study analyzed 50 protected areas and found a strong link between high disturbance activity and warmer, drier-than-average climate conditions.
The University of Cincinnati is studying landslides to improve public safety and understanding of these natural disasters. The research aims to add specific details on landslides to Nevada's map of known hazards, including areas prone to wildfires, flash-flood zones, and earthquake fault lines.
A new study reveals that racial and ethnic minorities face greater vulnerability to wildfires, with Native Americans being six times more likely to live in high-risk areas. The research used a 'vulnerability index' to assess wildfire risk in communities across the US, integrating physical risk with social and economic resilience.
Climate scientists predict that extreme summers, like 2018, will continue if countries don't phase out fossil fuels; however, switching to cleaner coal-burning technology can mitigate this effect. Aerosols play a crucial role in regulating temperatures and cooling the planet.
Researchers found that Douglas-fir density was high after 20 years in severely burned areas, unaffected by management practices. Forest managers should tailor post-fire management to specific objectives and landscape context to maximize effectiveness.
Historically, 4-12% of western US land burned annually, while current trends underestimate future risks. Climate-driven drying and excess vegetation have led to low wildfire rates, shifting assessment towards inevitable future fires. The authors highlight the need for more widespread effective management strategies.
Research suggests that Indigenous fire practices are protecting plant biodiversity in the Gibson Desert by preventing ecosystem transformations, retaining critical species. The traditional burning practices of the Pintupi people have helped conserve unique flora and prevent the destruction of desert myrtle shrubs.
A study of 6.5 million hectares of Brazilian Amazonia found that carbon losses from El Niño forest fires were three to four times greater than expected. The analysis showed that uncontrolled wildfires in understorey areas resulted in high immediate CO2 emissions.
A study by University of Barcelona researchers finds that global warming will increase burned areas due to fires in Mediterranean Europe, with a 40% rise at 1.5°C warming and 100% at 3°C. This calls for rethinking current management strategies and developing climate-fire models to prevent and reduce fire impact.
Researchers from the University of Montana used a flying laboratory to collect data on chemical composition of smoke and its changes over time and travel. The study aims to better predict air quality downwind and understand how fire smoke impacts the climate system.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $15 million in grants to researchers studying the complex interactions between humans and their environment. Projects will investigate topics such as nutrient management, wildfires, hydrology, and volcanic eruptions to better understand how people can interact with nature in a more sustainabl...
A new study from FSU researchers indicates that common satellite imaging technologies have underestimated the number of fires in Florida. Strategically prescribed burns are proving effective against wildfires, while fire experts' reliance on faulty data may be flawed. The study found that only 25% of burned area is detected by satellites.
A recent study found that invasive pine trees significantly increased the severity of the 2017 Knysna wildfires by trebling fuel loads. The study also showed that climate change exacerbated the fire's impact due to a prolonged drought period, and warned that similar conditions will occur again in the future.
Researchers at UCSB and NCAR find that climate change is affecting the connection between El Niño and wildfires, leading to more extreme and frequent fires. As the Earth warms, El Niño events are expected to have a larger impact on fire risk in California and other fire-prone regions.
Chemical engineering researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a physical model that can accurately predict soot and smoke emissions from wildfires. The model provides foundational elements for validating more efficient models, which will aid in predicting smoke emissions and related health effects.
56 active wildfires in British Columbia have burned over 1.5 million acres, with hot and dry conditions creating a high risk of rapid fire spread.
Wildfires in Africa, driven by agricultural practices, have intensified due to low humidity, high winds, and extreme temperatures. In contrast, South American fires, particularly in Chile, are exacerbated by a mega drought and flammable tree plantations.
A review of research on summer weather stalling highlights the impact of Arctic warming on air circulation patterns, leading to more frequent extreme weather events. The study suggests that prolonged sunny episodes can turn into heat waves and heavy rainfall, posing a major climate risk.
A new study found that frequent fires in eastern US forests make droughts harder for young trees to survive, even in wet areas. The research shows that fire can promote warmer, drier conditions and reduce nitrogen availability, leading to increased drought stress.
Researchers found that lichen communities in severely burned areas showed significantly lower abundance and diversity, even 16 years after the fire. The loss of tree canopy and hot, dry microclimate left in the forest post-fire hindered lichen growth, suggesting that recolonization may not occur until mature trees regrow.
A study published by the USDA Forest Service found that tweets from California during the 2015 wildfire season could predict air quality impacts from smoke. The research combined ground-based monitoring with a topic model mapping citizens' tweets to improve models for predicting smoke dispersion.
A recent study published in Ecosphere reveals that mixed-severity wildfires actually produce more benefits than costs to Spotted Owl populations. The research analyzed 21 scientific studies and suggests that management strategies prioritizing fuel-reduction logging are outdated.
Researchers found a significant association between wildfire activity and elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the northwestern United States. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that increased wildfires may offset reductions in anthropogenic PM2.5 levels.
A University of California, Davis study found that grasslands are more resilient carbon sinks than forests in 21st century California, especially when considering the impacts of droughts and wildfires. Grasslands store most of their carbon underground, making them a viable option for carbon offset efforts.
Researchers at the University of Zurich discovered that black carbon can age for millennia on land and in rivers before being exported to the ocean, forming a major long-term sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide. This finding adds a significant piece to the puzzle of understanding the global carbon cycle.
A multidisciplinary team at UC Santa Barbara found that immediate responses to disasters like wildfires and floods can have unintended consequences. By prioritizing long-term planning and adaptation strategies, decisionmakers can mitigate the risks of climate change-mediated disasters.
Beneficial rainfall from hurricane Bud's remnants has spread into the U.S. Desert Southwest, helping to alleviate drought and wildfires. The heaviest rainfall over land occurred in northwestern Mexico with over 200 mm (7.9 inches) indicated.
The 2017 US wildfire season was exacerbated by a series of extreme events, including a wet winter, hot summer, and dry fall. Climate change likely played a role in fueling the fires, while human activity contributed to ignition, with nearly 90% of wildfires sparked by people.
A new study found that climate change is amplifying the relationship between lightning-ignited fires and rising temperatures across the Southern Hemisphere. The strongest impact on fire activity was attributed to the Southern Annular Mode, which is expected to continue due to increasing greenhouse gas levels.
A new study found that urbanization and climate change are driving off low-lying morning clouds in southern California, leading to increased wildfire risk. The decrease in cloud cover correlates with lower vegetation moisture and higher fire danger.
A new technique using high-resolution satellite imagery and aerial measurements provides a more accurate picture of forest recovery from wildfires. By distinguishing between canopy and understory growth, scientists can better understand forest dynamics and carbon sequestration.
Researchers at Rutgers University discovered that orangutans exposed to smoke from wildfires eat and rest more, but don't gain weight. The study suggests long-term health problems for critically endangered orangutans.
Scientists are making progress in understanding 'smoke taint' in wine after wildfires, discovering links between volatile phenols and glycoconjugates. The study found that fermentation can increase smoky compounds, complicating efforts to remove taint from tainted wines.
New research finds that thinning forests due to wildfires can reduce water stress and save up to 17 billion gallons of water annually. This approach may help offset the costs of forest restoration, which could increase water flow from Sierra Nevada watersheds by as much as 10 percent.
Research analyzing 30 years of data reveals that large wildfires significantly increase annual river flow, but also lead to increased contaminants like sediment and nutrients. Prescribed burns, on the other hand, show no significant impact on river flows.
A new study found that wildfire smoke exposure is associated with increased rates of ER visits for heart-related complaints, including ischemic heart disease, irregular heart rhythm, and pulmonary embolism, among adults aged 65 and older. The risk was greatest on dense smoke days.
Researchers report that wildfires can cause a variable but predictable impact on the substances released from soils and flow into drinking water sources, leading to contamination. The study found that as wildfire severity increases, the amount of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) released by soil decreases, while sediments increase.
Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that homebuilding near wild areas since 1990 has greatly increased homes at risk from wildfires, leading to higher costs in fighting fires. The study found that the wildland-urban interface, where homes and wild vegetation meet, has grown rapidly across the US.
The study found that WUI area in the coterminous US grew by 33% between 1990 and 2010, with a 41% increase in houses. The areas experiencing wildfires had fewer homes in 1990 compared to 2010, highlighting the growing wildfire risk.
A new study forecasts a 15% drop in average global lightning flashes by 2100 due to climate change. This could lead to fewer wildfires and reduced impact on infrastructure, as well as altered greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study found that individuals who choose to stay during wildfires have a higher tolerance for risk and believe they can prepare their property. Issuing voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders significantly decreases the odds of staying, while relying on physical cues increases the likelihood of waiting and seeing.
Researchers found that increased fluctuations in the jet stream's path since the 1960s coincide with more extreme weather events, including heat waves, droughts, wildfires, and flooding. The study used tree ring data to reconstruct historical changes in the North Atlantic jet stream prior to the 20th century.
Wildfire smoke plumes spread across the US, causing devastating effects on air quality and health. Researchers found that smoke from wildfires can tip air quality to unhealthy levels, particularly in urban areas with high population densities.
A quarter of the world's land could become significantly drier if global warming reaches 2C, according to new research. This change would increase the threat of droughts and wildfires, with areas such as semi-arid regions experiencing conditions similar to arid climates.
A new study found significant decreases in tree regeneration following 21st century wildfires, highlighting the loss of forest resilience. The research team analyzed data from over 1,500 sites across five states, measuring seedlings growing in areas burned by wildfires during the past three decades.
Researchers found significant decreases in tree regeneration following wildfires in the early 21st century, a period marked by hotter and drier conditions. This decline in forest resilience will take much longer to recover after a wildfire, with some areas showing no seedlings growing.
Researchers found that areas recently treated with controlled burns fared better in the 2013 Rim Fire. The best predictor of fire severity was how severe the area last burned, indicating that reducing initial burn severity can limit future fires.
A recent study warns of the increasing threat of forest fires in Europe and their impact on air quality. The JRC's annual report confirms longer and more intense fire seasons, with severe health implications for humans, particularly during prolonged fire seasons.
Researchers found that mechanically thinning and prescribed burns can reduce fire-severity by up to 60% when used optimally. The study's findings have implications for forest management teams across the US, highlighting the importance of fire in ecosystem restoration.
A University of Missouri team created a Physical Chemical Fire Frequency Model to understand how climate influences wildfire frequency. The model uses temperature and precipitation variables to predict wildfire patterns across different regions. By analyzing global wildfire data, the researchers have identified predictable patterns in ...
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that brown carbon aerosol from wildfires loses its ability to absorb sunlight the longer it remains in the atmosphere, leading to a significant reduction in warming effects. This finding challenges current climate models and could impact air quality management districts.
A new study using DNA metabarcoding technology is helping to improve the monitoring of Canada's vital boreal forest. The approach enables quick and accurate detection of aquatic organisms, providing valuable insights into ecosystem health.
A study led by University of California, Davis found that spotted owls prefer forests with tall trees (over 105 feet) and high canopy cover, rather than dense understory. This discovery could resolve the management dilemma of balancing owl habitat with forest resilience to wildfires and droughts.
A review by UC Davis graduate students highlights the need for research on wildfire smoke's composition and its impact on human health. The study found that current scientific evidence is insufficient, and pesticides and fire-suppression chemicals used in California contribute to the toxic effects of wildfire smoke.
British Columbia has been severely impacted by forest fires, with large portions of the landscape decimated by fire. The NASA's Aqua satellite provides a clear visual representation of the extent of the damage through its natural color and false color images.
A joint Canada-France study reveals evidence of wildfires in the French Alps during an ice age 20,000 years ago. The presence of tree charcoal and macro-remains confirms that fires occurred in high mountain areas with no vegetation to burn, challenging long-held assumptions about climate and forest ecology.
Researchers at Portland State University found a correlation between wildfires and warm weather fluctuations, known as the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), in fire-scarred trees dating back to 990 A.D. This study, published in PNAS, indicates that wildfires have become more frequent due to climate change.
PNNL scientist Jiwen Fan has received a $2.5 million DOE Early Career Research award to investigate severe thunderstorms in the central United States. The research aims to understand how storms form, change, and are influenced by factors such as urban heat islands and wildfires.