A study by University of Exeter researchers reveals tropical forests' sensitivity to climate change, with significant carbon release expected if climate models are inaccurate. The team found a correlation between year-to-year variations in carbon dioxide concentration and long-term changes in tropical forest carbon storage.
A US study found that local weather trends, particularly temperature fluctuations, significantly influence public opinion on global warming. The researchers suggest that headline-making weather can strongly impact climate beliefs, especially among those without strong convictions.
Climate change is threatening US coastal communities' social, economic, and natural systems, with increased risks of sea-level rise, erosion, storms, and flooding. The report emphasizes the need for coordination and planning to ensure resilience against climate change impacts.
Researchers warn that climate change, combined with human-driven factors, could significantly reduce usable groundwater availability for agriculture worldwide. Inadequate monitoring and mismanagement of groundwater usage will exacerbate the issue, compromising global food security.
Current technology cannot provide the carbon-neutral power needed to address climate change; a minimum of 31 new wedges of renewable energy are required. The Department of Global Ecology at Carnegie Institution aims to develop sustainable solutions for environmental issues, including climate change.
A new study suggests that climate change may have a lesser impact on bird populations than previously thought, with housing development potentially causing greater harm. The research found that some species projected to expand their ranges due to climate change may actually lose ground when faced with future development.
Researchers say limiting global temperature rise to 2°C requires reducing emissions to 41-47 gigatons per year by 2020. This is the only way to meet long-term climate targets without carbon capture and storage, according to a new study published in Nature Climate Change.
A recent study published in Bioscience highlights the importance of long-term, site-specific research to understand climate change's impact on ecosystem structure and function. Climate-driven changes affect multiple components of forest ecosystems, including hydrologic variables, phenology, and plant community composition.
The American Chemical Society has developed a comprehensive climate science toolkit, providing explanations of key concepts such as the greenhouse effect and climate change education for the public. The toolkit aims to foster a basic understanding of climate science among scientists and others, enabling informed personal decisions.
A recent study published in BioScience reveals surprising results on the effects of climate change on ecosystems, highlighting the value of long-term ecological research. The analysis shows how changes in temperature and precipitation affect hydrologic variables, plant and animal community composition, and ecosystem services.
A team of international scientists has developed a more consistent definition of climate sensitivity in prehistoric times, which helps improve comparison with IPCC estimates. The study found that the likely range of climate sensitivity consistently has been of the order of 2.2 to 4.8 degrees C per doubling of CO2.
Experts argue that uncertainty about climate change impacts should not delay decision-making on adaptation measures. The costs of adapting to climate change include infrastructure upgrades and risk reduction strategies.
Climate change is affecting all regions in Europe, causing a range of impacts on society and the environment. Higher temperatures, decreased precipitation in southern regions, and melting glaciers are among the key findings.
The University of Michigan and Michigan State University have awarded six grants to organizations across the region for projects that will help decision-makers adapt to climate change and variability in the Great Lakes basin. The grants aim to identify vulnerabilities, strengths, and knowledge related to climate change, and provide rel...
Researchers highlight underestimation of climate change's impact on cultural life, emphasizing importance of considering emotional well-being and community attachment in policy responses. The study shows that ignoring cultural factors can lead to ineffective responses and catastrophic consequences.
The Climate and Urban Systems Partnership aims to educate Pittsburghers, New Yorkers, and other urbanites about how climate change will affect them. The partnership is developing city-specific educational programs about climate change in urban environments, including hands-on activities that connect with local organizations.
A new study finds that efficient end-use technologies have the potential to contribute large emission reductions and provide higher social returns on investment. However, current innovation efforts are skewed towards energy supply technologies, which may be less effective in mitigating climate change.
A study found that climate-prediction models excel at predicting global climate trends over 30-year time frames but struggle with shorter time frames and smaller geographical regions. The researchers used historical climate records to evaluate seven computer simulation models, revealing their reliability on different scales.
A recent survey conducted by IPAC-CO2 Research Inc. found that only 2% of Canadians reject the concept of climate change, while most believe it is real and caused by human activity. The survey also revealed divisions in opinions on how to address climate change, with some prioritizing cleaner cars and others supporting a carbon tax.
The Maryland-Delaware Climate Change Education, Assessment, and Research (MADE CLEAR) partnership aims to deliver effective climate change education as a national model. The initiative connects scientists, educators, and policymakers to promote critical thinking and scientific objectivity in the classroom.
The 2012 Marine Climate Change in Australia Report Card reveals climate change is altering the country's marine ecosystems. Key findings indicate warming sea temperatures are influencing species distribution and foraging patterns of seabirds.
Climate scientist Chris Field testifies before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, highlighting the link between climate change and extreme weather events. He urges policymakers to take action to reduce risk, citing evidence from IPCC reports and scientific research.
A University of Michigan report found that Generation X is lukewarm about climate change, with a small but statistically significant decline in concern between 2009 and 2011. Only 5% of surveyed Gen Xers were alarmed, while 18% were concerned, with education and scientific knowledge being key factors in explaining levels of concern.
Researchers found that a hypothetical nuclear war between India and Pakistan would greatly reduce staple crop yields, even in distant countries, with decreases of 10-40% and 2-20% respectively. The study used global climate models to calculate the climate impacts of such a conflict.
Climate models show that warmer beach conditions and increased frequency of hot years will lead to high egg and hatchling mortality rates among leatherback sea turtles. The eastern Pacific population is projected to decline by 75% by 2100, making conservation efforts crucial for their recovery.
International experts emphasize the need for concerted global efforts to address climate change and its substantial health impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations. Encouraging individual actions like walking, cycling, and healthier eating can bring co-benefits for both public health and reduced climate impact.
International expert Jerome Singh argues that climate change deliberations must consider the human health implications of climate change, highlighting the need for ethically sound principles to guide policy-making. The author proposes a multi-disciplinary synergized framework incorporating bioethics, public health ethics, and global he...
Researchers will assess climate change impacts on biodiversity, habitats, and ecosystem services in Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia. They aim to identify sustainable options for communities coping with climate change.
A new study reconstructed Australasian temperatures over the last millennium using natural climate records, revealing no warmer periods since 1950. The results support human-caused climate change as the primary driver of recent warming in the region.
A new study finds that nearly 9% of the Western Hemisphere's mammals may be unable to keep pace with climate change. Climate change projections suggest that many species will experience severe range contractions due to slow dispersal rates.
A study published in Nature Climate Change finds that climate change's impact on corn price volatility could far outweigh other influences. Even moderate global warming could lead to damaging heat waves and more price fluctuations.
Climate change is expected to reduce agriculture productivity by up to 50% in Southeast Asia, posing a significant threat to food security. Climate-smart agriculture has become crucial for the region's adaptation strategy, focusing on innovations to adapt agriculture to wild swings in climate extremes.
A new study identifies nearly 130 bird species at risk due to climate change, with 72% of threatened and endangered species projected to be further impacted. The research provides a comprehensive list of vulnerable species for conservation action, prioritizing wetland birds and those dependent on sea or near-shore habitats.
Researchers at Iowa State University are organizing a symposium to explore the idea of using instant communications technology to distribute information about crops and climate change to farmers. The symposium aims to develop global systems that facilitate quick communication between farmers, researchers, and policymakers.
Climate change researcher Stephen Sheppard emphasizes the importance of using new visualization media to engage people in addressing climate change. He suggests that such media can be more effective than traditional models in making the future with climate change more real and compelling.
A new study by Mark Collard at the AAAS conference links climate change to human evolution by analyzing the impact of environmental variation on food-gathering tools. The research suggests that harsh environments led to more complex tool use, which can be used as a proxy for tracking climate change's impact on human evolution.
Climate experts at Stanford University discuss the compound effects of climate change and climate variability on global food markets. The symposium highlights two key challenges: extreme temperatures and El Niñ-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon.
Researchers aim to make climate research more accessible by relating global data to local needs. Cesar Izaurralde discusses the implications of increasing CO2 concentrations and how to mitigate them. The symposium explores innovative approaches to climate change communication.
A new study published in Climatic Change identifies political mobilization by elites and advocacy groups as the driving factor behind public opinion on climate change. The research found that information-based science advocacy has a minimal effect on public concern, while elite cues and economic factors play a crucial role.
A study found that national political leaders play a key role in shaping public opinion on climate change, with a peak in agreement between Democrats and Republicans in 2006-2007. However, public concern has since dropped as partisanship increased.
Researchers at Yale University predict that tropical cyclones will cause $109 billion in damages globally by 2100, with climate change exacerbating the issue. The US and China are expected to bear the brunt of the damage, while small island nations like those in the Caribbean will be disproportionately affected.
Researchers call on scientists to provide clear data on how climate change impacts food security and suggest strategies for mitigation. They highlight the need for policy recommendations to encourage sustainable agricultural practices and prepare the global agriculture sector for climate change.
Research by Dr Emma Tompkins and Hallie Eakin finds individuals and private sectors support public adaptations to climate change, enhancing resilience. Institutional mechanisms like social contracts and modified reporting are required to scale up such activities.
A new study in Nature Climate Change presents a more complete picture of the climate costs of land use changes by incorporating biophysical effects beyond greenhouse gases. The researchers found that tropical rainforests are highly valuable for protecting against climate warming, while boreal forests have lower climate regulation values.
Researchers reconstructed climate sensitivity over five ice-age cycles using a global suite of records, comparing it with changes in greenhouse gas concentrations and Earth-Sun orbital configuration. The study estimates a 3.1-3.9°C temperature increase for a modern doubling of atmospheric carbon-dioxide concentrations.
A new study by Indiana University researchers finds that climate change will outpace species' ability to adapt, with ranges shifting dramatically between now and 2100. The rate of future change in suitable habitat will be two to three orders of magnitude greater than the average change over the past 300 millennia.
New research emphasizes the importance of considering human-environment interactions in climate change models, as growing populations contribute to extreme weather conditions. The study suggests a complex-systems approach to modeling climate change, taking into account human behavior components.
Climate-smart agriculture encourages tree-based farming systems to reduce deforestation and promote carbon sequestration. By improving farmers' incomes, it can enhance food security and mitigate climate change through greenhouse gas emission reductions.
New research reveals that climate change is causing certain species to adapt to new habitats, helping them track ongoing warming. The Brown Argus butterfly has successfully expanded its distribution northwards in the UK, using a range of distinct habitats.
The report presents the most comprehensive scientific analysis of climate change in the Pacific region, indicating warmer temperatures, ocean acidification, and increased extreme weather events. Future projections suggest decreased droughts and tropical cyclone frequencies, but increased extreme rainfall and sea-level rise.
A recent survey found near unanimous agreement among climate scientists on human-caused global warming, but many Americans believe most scientists disagree. This misperception reduces certainty about global warming and climate policy support. Correcting this misunderstanding is crucial to addressing the issue.
A team of MSU researchers is working on a project to link climate change to coping strategies and impacts on food production, security, and incomes for farm families in Zambia and Kenya. The study will provide new information on how climate change affects farming households and their responses.
A new mathematical model simulates the effect of climate change on plant-pollinator relationships. In some cases, evolution can rescue mutually dependent species from extinction, but density and distribution of other species play a crucial role in their survival.
Researchers found that birds' wings have grown longer and bodies are increasing in mass over the last 27 to 40 years in central California. Climate change is believed to be behind the trend, which challenges the usual thinking about climate change and body size.
Recent presidential and congressional elections reveal a correlation between climate change policy stances and electoral success. Voters favor candidates taking 'green' positions on climate change, while those expressing skepticism lose support.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst has been chosen to lead a consortium of seven universities in hosting the Northeast Climate Science Center, a five-year, $7.5 million grant. The center will study climate change effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and resources in the region.
The University of Oklahoma will host a regional climate science center, providing expertise and strength to address climate variability and change. The center will link weather and climate projections with operational decisions made by land managers, supporting natural resource management.
The NIH has launched a new research program to investigate the impact of climate change on human health, with a focus on identifying risk factors and vulnerabilities among various populations. The program aims to develop data and models to support health impact predictions and guide public health interventions.
Climate change threatens global food security, but new studies suggest that genetic traits in seeds and crop wild relatives can help. Developing heat-tolerant potato varieties could reduce climate-related damage by up to 65% of the world's potato crop.
A new study examines the impact of climate change on amphibian species, finding that rapid temperature swings can trap species at different points in their travels. The research suggests that many species will become endangered due to their inability to tolerate unfavorable climate conditions for extended periods.