A Dartmouth study has quantified the global economic fallout of El Niño, finding it costs the economy $4.1 trillion and $5.7 trillion in the half-decade after each event. The study's findings are included in the 10 New Insights in Climate Science report ahead of COP29.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to deal with the complexity of multiple crises, integrating various scales and disciplines. The 'translator' model uses well-known analytical methods to connect different perspectives and allows for a more nuanced description of health and climate crises.
A new study finds nearly half of northern Central America is suitable for growing coca, a lucrative cash crop. The region's favorable climate and soil conditions make it an attractive location for criminal groups seeking to expand their operations.
A recent study found that extreme melting episodes in Greenland have doubled in frequency since the 1950s, with significant consequences for the global climate. The increased risk of large ice blocks breaking off into the ocean is linked to global warming and is expected to continue, with potential impacts on Europe's climate.
A new study reveals that eco-friendly activewear companies' post-consumer circular economy policies are hindered by geography, making them ineffective for global customers. The research found that many companies have take-back schemes but restrict them to domestic customers or specific locations, limiting their environmental impact.
A new study reveals that Maasai women are gaining access to household decisions through livelihood diversification, education, and secure land tenure. This research contributes to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality, highlighting the value of empowering decision-making for women in pastoralist communities.
A study by Dartmouth College finds that regenerative agriculture's impact on farmers extends beyond financial gain, influencing their relationships and quality of life. By adopting practices like reduced tillage and cover cropping, farmers experience reduced dependence on agrochemicals and improved soil fertility.
Urban green infrastructure projects can bring health and climate benefits, but their distribution is unequal in urban landscapes. Researchers recommend a justice-oriented approach that considers historical development patterns and existing power structures to ensure equitable access to environmental amenities. This includes building re...
A new study finds that the US Drought Monitor is not keeping pace with climate change, leading to frequent severe droughts being classified as rare. The consequences are dire, with some regions spending more time in extreme drought conditions than federal guidelines allow, potentially leaving them without adequate aid.
A new study predicts climate change will lead to an overall decrease in areas suitable for malaria transmission from 2025 onwards. The research used several climatic and hydrological models to create a more in-depth picture of malaria-friendly conditions on the African continent.
Researchers discovered the missing piece of the puzzle behind a rare polynya in Antarctica's Maud Rise, which formed in 2016-2017. The team found that complex interactions between wind, ocean currents, and geography led to the polynya's persistence.
A University of California, Riverside study found that communities in unincorporated areas lack basic critical infrastructure, including healthcare access. Caregivers perceive U.S.-based physicians as not providing sufficient information, while Mexican-based physicians are seen as offering better care.
Researchers at PolyU are using GeoAI to monitor and analyze environmental changes, detect disaster-damaged buildings, and optimize traffic flow. The technology has the potential to support sustainable urban development and improve public health.
A new approach to species identification has been developed, combining DNA testing with other factors like behavior and geography to confirm discoveries. This method addresses the limitations of DNA testing alone in identifying new species, particularly when forces like natural selection affect genetic code.
Researchers found that restored coral reefs can triple their coral cover and carbonate production rates within four years, making them comparable to healthy reefs. However, the community composition on restoration sites differs from healthy reefs due to mixed branching coral types.
A PSU study analyzed the meteorology behind the September 2020 Western United States extreme weather event, which caused record-breaking cold temperatures and early-season snowfall in the Rocky Mountains. The research found that a highly amplified wave pattern persisted for several days, fueled by dry air from western Canada.
SEIS-UK, a seismic monitoring facility at University of Leicester, has received £2 million funding over 7 years to continue providing state-of-the-art equipment to UK researchers and their global collaborators. This investment supports high-quality research in earth and environmental sciences.
Studies reveal how primates modify behaviors to care for themselves and others despite physical disabilities. Behavioral flexibility is crucial, allowing them to adjust species-typical behaviors and innovate new ways to participate in daily activities.
A new study found that urban environment, road types, and crosswalk access play a major role in determining who gets blamed for crashes. Pedestrians were more likely to be blamed on roads with high traffic speeds and few crosswalks, while drivers were more likely to be faulted in areas with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
The researchers conclude that intensive agricultural cultivation has reduced the landscape's water storage capacity, leading to severe droughts. Restoring natural habitats can restore soil structure, allowing for evapotranspiration and guaranteeing rainfall in drought years.
Researchers identify Caribbean Islands as prone to rapid drought conditions known as flash droughts. A new drought index considers atmospheric demand for moisture to predict drying conditions earlier.
Scientists at Ohio State University discovered that tropical ice cores can provide accurate measurements of surface global mean temperature. The study found that the temperature in the middle and upper troposphere cooled by 7.35 degrees Celsius during the Earth's glacial period, shedding light on new theories about climate dynamics.
Erle Ellis, professor of geography and environmental systems, argues that human societies have developed unprecedented capabilities to scale up and transform ecological systems. However, these advancements often come with negative environmental consequences, such as climate change and species extinctions.
A study published in Political Geography reveals that Putin's autocratic leadership appeals to people with close-minded personalities who value tradition and don't trust science. The research found consistent support for Putin across six neighboring countries, with men and older generations showing higher approval rates.
A Concordia-led study found that human rights are frequently absent from national climate change adaptation policies. The researchers assessed 147 countries and discovered that vulnerable groups, including poor people, elderly individuals, and Indigenous communities, are often excluded from planning and decision-making processes. This ...
Researchers uncover 10 new trilobite species in Thai sanctuary, shedding light on Cambrian-Ordovician period and connecting Thailand to parts of Australia. The discovery helps date the age of fossils and better understand global geography.
A new map of 20th century land use in Britain shows that semi-natural grasslands lost 90% of their lowland meadows and pasture due to intensified agriculture. The researchers found that only a small proportion of species' responses to environmental change were strongly interactive, with most being 'idiosyncratic'.
Researchers from Texas A&M University's Department of Geography and collaborating departments aim to improve understanding of how environmental hazards influence human health outcomes. The project, 'Climate-LEAD,' will create robust models using localized data to inform decision-making in vulnerable communities.
A new study from the University of Delaware uses machine learning and social media reviews to show environmental injustices in urban green spaces. The research found that neighborhoods with predominantly white, college-educated residents have a disproportionate access to higher quality parks.
A study of five case studies reveals the benefits of incorporating ecological connectivity into environmental assessments. The research emphasizes the need for guidance on conducting connectivity analyses and monitoring project impacts.
Researchers developed an impacts-based thresholds approach to better prepare Ohio farmers for drought conditions. The method takes into account changes in soil moisture, crops, and livestock losses to provide earlier and more accurate notice of approaching droughts.
The US experienced its highest death rates in over a century, fueled by drug overdose mortality. From 1999 to 2020, drug overdose deaths more than quadrupled, with white and Native Americans experiencing the greatest increase.
A new study finds that warming temperatures may triple groundwater depletion rates in India under a business-as-usual scenario, with approximately 60% of the country's irrigated agriculture depending on the threatened groundwater. The study calls for policies to conserve groundwater and reduce energy subsidies.
A new study reveals that extreme glacial cooling around 1.1 million years ago caused the extinction of early humans on the continent. The research suggests that the cooling pushed European climate to levels beyond what archaic humans could tolerate, emptying the continent.
A new DNA study reveals that the intermingling of hunter-gatherer groups in Europe was strongly linked to geography, with certain groups remaining isolated for thousands of years. The research adds detail to the puzzle of European Stone Age history.
Researchers from Finland and international partners applied the doughnut model to transport, finding that it can help balance social and environmental needs. The study highlights the need for metrics that consider both travel time and wider effects on the environment.
Researchers developed a model to estimate energy expenditure for thermoregulation on the first voyages from Tahiti to New Zealand. Results showed that larger body sizes helped colonizers survive harsher conditions, with males losing up to 13.3 pounds and females losing 5.9 pounds during a 25-day trip.
A team of researchers has developed a machine learning technique that can extract details from historic Sanborn maps, allowing for the creation of 3D digital models of lost neighborhoods. The models can be used to study the economic loss caused by urban renewal and other factors, providing a new approach to urban historical research.
A new study by University of Delaware researchers assesses the effects of climate variability on crop production in the US. The study reveals that fluctuations in planted and harvested areas contribute significantly to crop production shocks, which can have severe impacts on food stability.
A new Dartmouth study projects a 52% increase in extreme precipitation events in the Northeast by the end of the century. The region is expected to experience more frequent heavy rainfall events, with winter and spring contributing most to this projected increase.
A new study found that hundreds of U.S. counties lack access to safe and accessible play areas for children. The researchers used machine learning technologies to determine the county-level disparities in physical activity environments.
A new species of Jurassic pliosaur has been discovered that may have grown up to 14.4 meters in length, twice the size of a killer whale. The discovery was made using vertebrae found in an Oxfordshire museum and published in the Proceedings of the Geologists' Association.
A recent study in Columbus reveals striking disparities in accessibility for wheelchair users traveling by public bus. Manual wheelchair users have access to only 1% of the city, while powered wheelchair users can reach about 25%. The main obstacle is infrastructure, particularly sidewalks, which are damaged or missing in many areas.
A study found that declines in racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates were largely due to increases in mortality among White individuals, rather than decreases in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations. The shift from urban to rural areas also contributed to the decline.
A team from Kennesaw State University is studying the cultural, historical, and health significance of artisanal alcohol production in Cabo Verde. The researchers aim to understand the economic, social, and environmental impacts of grogue production, a national liquor produced by fermenting sugar cane.
Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder identified a fossil chili pepper that may rewrite the geography and evolutionary timeline of the tomato plant family. The team's findings suggest that chili peppers were present in North America at least 50 million years ago.
A Dartmouth College study found that more than 500 home runs since 2010 can be attributed to higher-than-average temperatures due to climate change. Rising temperatures could account for 10% or more of home runs by 2100, with some stadiums experiencing significant spikes in home run totals.
Researchers found clinician-owned practices significantly improved quality of cardiovascular preventive care without burnout among clinicians and staff. Across various practice sizes, geography, and composition, 18.3% met criteria for quality and well-being promoting practices.
Researchers found that a simple 19th century Secchi disk is effective in monitoring phytoplankton abundance, providing valuable long-term data on ocean changes. The tool's continued use supports scientists studying climate change, ecosystem health, and water quality.
Researchers found interdecadal variability of solar radiation impacted strong Meiyu events, particularly in the Yangtze River. The study analyzed historical data and simulations, revealing a correlation between strong solar radiation and higher frequency of strong Meiyu events.
A macroecological study found that giant tree properties, such as trunk circumference and age, are strongly correlated with climatic factors. The probability of a tree being an object of faith tends to increase with lower annual precipitation, highlighting the impact of climate change on spiritual ecosystem services.
George Mason University researchers are developing a digital twin system to provide farmers with real-time data on crop conditions, soil, weather, and markets. The CropSmart Digital Twin (CSDT) aims to support the USDA's goal of increasing U.S. agricultural production by 40% while reducing its environmental footprint by half by 2050.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that people's use of popular websites and social media platforms differs significantly based on their location and language. The study analyzed data from 124 countries and found that YouTube and Twitter are used in distinct ways across regions.
Researchers at University of Delaware examine transnational agricultural land acquisitions and forest loss, revealing threats to biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The study uses largest global dataset of georeferenced agricultural land investments to quantify the impact of these investments on forest cover.
A new species of pterosaur has been identified with over 400 tiny, hooked teeth, offering insights into its extraordinary feeding mechanism. The discovery suggests the pterosaur likely fed on tiny shrimp and copepods while wading through shallow lagoons.
The fellowship will study the uneven nature of the UK economy across regions and their responses to global economic changes, including Brexit and the cost of living crisis. It will provide impartial knowledge about these issues, grounded in social scientific research.
A team of researchers suggests a global mineral supply agreement to ensure green energy infrastructure development. The US, with its current metal shortage, particularly relies on China for mineral supplies, which could hinder the green transition.
A £1m project aims to develop a biodiversity credit standard to measure and value biodiversity for market trading and investment. The research team will test a potential methodology and assess industry uptake of new innovation.
A new study predicts that climate change will increase rainbow viewing opportunities in northern latitudes and high elevations, while decreasing them in tropical regions. The research used photographs from Flickr to map rainbow occurrences under current and future climates.
A Dartmouth study found that severe heat waves resulting from climate change have already caused massive economic losses worldwide. The research estimates $16 trillion was lost to the effects of high temperatures on human health, productivity, and agricultural output.