A new study reveals that microplastics in the air can trap heat, making them a previously unknown contributor to climate change. Researchers found that colored microplastics absorb roughly 16% as much heat as black carbon, with an effect equivalent to running 200 coal-fired power plants annually.
A new study finds that approximately 15% of current global warming is attributed to 'indirect greenhouse gases,' including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. The authors call for integrating these gases into climate policy frameworks, emphasizing their significant impact on warming.
The Earth's energy imbalance has grown to a record high, driving rapid global warming and its projected increase to 1.5°C in four years. Global greenhouse gas emissions have reached an all-time high, contributing to the acceleration of climate change.
A new global analysis suggests that biochar's ability to store carbon in agricultural soils may be overestimated due to increased carbon dioxide emissions from warming. The study found that warming significantly increased CO2 emissions from biochar-amended soils by an average of 77%, with effects strongest in croplands.
A new El Niño index compares warming in the central Pacific with temperatures across the wider tropics, providing a clearer picture of unusual conditions. The Relative Niño index is more suited for monitoring and comparing events over time, reducing sensitivity to global warming trends.
A new study reveals that global warming will increase natural methane emissions, overwhelming those consumed by microbes, leading to a positive feedback loop in climate change. The research, led by Queen Mary University of London, used unique natural experiments to test the effect of warming on methane balance.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown mechanism that transfers heat into the deep ocean, even when surface water temperatures remain stable. The study reveals an abrupt 5°C warming in intermediate waters at 800 meters depth over the past 11,000 years, linked to changes in Southern Hemisphere ocean-atmosphere circulation.
A new study reveals that dark brown carbon from wildfires has a powerful warming effect on the global climate, potentially exceeding that of black carbon. The research found that this 'dark brown carbon' absorbs light well into the visible spectrum, amplifying regional and global warming.
Research reveals tropical cyclones contribute to ocean carbon outgassing but its role is decreasing due to global warming. If emissions remain high, they may reverse to enhancing ocean carbon uptake, accelerating ocean acidification.
The study shows a significant 5°C warming of intermediate waters at 800m depth in the equatorial Atlantic over the last 11,000 years. This warming is not mirrored by changes in tropical sea surface temperatures, indicating an extratropical origin.
Global sea level has risen by 2.06 millimeters per year since 1960, doubling in recent decades, primarily due to accelerated ocean warming and reduced land water storage. The study resolves a long-standing mystery by closing the budget gap with improved instruments and analysis.
Deforestation reduces Amazon's resilience to global warming, with around two-thirds of the forest at risk of degradation at 1.5-1.9°C of warming. Haltting deforestation and restoring forests can strengthen the Amazon's ability to withstand climate change.
A new study reveals that around two-thirds of the Amazon rainforest could shift into degraded ecosystems at 1.5-1.9°C of global warming due to increased deforestation. The study highlights the critical role of the Amazon in regulating moisture recycling and stabilizing the Earth system.
A new tool estimates that global sewer systems emit 1.18 to 1.95 million tons of methane annually, contributing to global warming and climate change. The study confirms that urban sewers are a quantifiable source of methane emissions, highlighting the need for their inclusion in greenhouse gas accounting.
Researchers have forecasted a super El Niño event toward the end of 2026, driven by a rare and extreme surface annular warming pattern in the tropical Pacific. The current heat content buildup alone would generate a moderate El Niño, but adding the influence of annular warming intensifies it into the super category.
A new study reveals that tropical cyclones and post-tropical cyclones are responding differently to surface warming, resulting in increased rainfall intensity and longer-lasting storms. Warmer temperatures lead to wetter tropical cyclones, especially in warm, low-latitude regions.
A study published in Environmental and Biogeochemical Processes found that sustained soil warming of over 5 °C did not increase arsenic or most metal levels in grains. Despite theoretical expectations, porewater As concentrations remained relatively low and grain contamination rose only modestly.
A new study by UFZ researchers warns that extreme global climate outcomes are possible even at moderate levels of global warming, such as 2°C. Sector-specific drivers like precipitation extremes and droughts can lead to severe impacts in vulnerable regions. The study highlights the need for ambitious climate mitigation measures to limi...
Climate research reveals that warming coastal waters are driving large-scale humid heatwaves, with strongest links in tropical regions and between land and ocean. Understanding these interactions can improve climate adaptation strategies and provide early warning indicators for widespread heat extremes.
Climate warming significantly increases plant growth in permafrost regions by altering growing seasons and root penetration, but its impact depends on nitrogen supply. A new study reveals that moss-associated biological nitrogen fixation is a critical factor in sustaining plant growth under warming conditions.
A new study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research finds global warming has accelerated by 0.35°C per decade since 2015, surpassing previous decade averages. The research team analyzed five large global temperature data sets and found an acceleration with a statistical certainty of over 98 percent.
A recent study found that tropical algae were largely unaffected by periods of global warming up to 1.5 degrees Celsius in the distant past. This resilience provides valuable insights into the potential consequences of climate change and supports the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
A new study reveals that air-conditioning use will more than double by 2050, causing up to 8.5 GtCO₂‑eq per year in the worst-case scenario. This is equivalent to around 74–183 billion transatlantic return flights and adds 0.03°C to 0.07°C of global warming.
Scientists detected statistically significant changes in global atmospheric temperatures in response to three major natural events: Mount Pinatubo, Australian wildfires, and Hunga Tonga eruption. The study's findings suggest that these events may not have played a role in the acceleration of global surface warming in recent years.
Climate warming stimulates sphagnum growth, promotes iron protection, and inhibits microbial decomposition in boreal peatlands. This leads to increased soil carbon accumulation, potentially offsetting half of the decline in boreal forest carbon sink under future warming.
A study by Newcastle University found that UK winters are becoming significantly wetter, with a 7% increase in rainfall per degree of global warming, driven by rising temperatures from anthropogenic warming. The experts warn that this trend will continue to worsen, increasing the risk of flooding and economic damages.
A decade-long study reveals that combined effects of rising atmospheric CO₂ and warming reduce phosphorus availability in rice-upland crop rotation systems. Warming plays a dominant role in redirecting phosphorus into less accessible soil pools.
A study by UC3M and UNIZAR reveals that most US states are warming in specific parts of their temperature distribution, even when the average warming is not statistically significant. Regional differences have varying impacts on agriculture, public health, and climate action.
Research from the University of East Anglia predicts that tropical cities will experience increased urban heat island effects under 2°C global warming. The study finds that up to 81% of medium-sized cities will warm more than surrounding rural areas, with some experiencing warming rates up to 100% higher.
A new study suggests that current climate actions may not effectively curb global warming acceleration, as aerosol reduction weakens cooling effect. Climate policy assessments need to consider additional climate effects from co-reduced aerosols and their risks.
A recent study reveals that the Circum-global Teleconnection Pattern (CGT) weakens under global warming, leading to changes in regional heatwave duration. The research found a significant increase in heatwave duration over Eastern Europe, Tibetan Plateau, and North America, while a decrease was observed over the Middle East.
A study found that warming and increased precipitation weaken soil multifunctionality in semiarid grasslands by intensifying competition between bacteria and fungi. The researchers' findings showed a decline in microbial diversity, changes in fungal community structure, and reduced network complexity.
A new study improves projection accuracy by combining climate model projections with observational data. The analysis reveals that many models overestimate global warming and refines estimates of the remaining carbon budget, narrowing the uncertainty range from 352-702 billion tons to 251-666 billion tons.
Researchers found that warming temperatures may actually reduce nitrogen gas emissions from forest soils in dry conditions, contradicting earlier predictions. The study's findings suggest that moisture levels, not just heat, play a crucial role in determining the fate of nitrogen in forests.
A modelling study suggests that heat stored in the Southern Ocean could be released, causing a rapid warming of the atmosphere. The ocean acts as a large heat reservoir, mitigating atmospheric warming since the Industrial Revolution.
The 2025 Global Carbon Budget projects a record high of 38.1 billion tonnes of fossil CO2 emissions, with decarbonisation efforts not enough to offset growing energy demand. Climate change is weakening the land and ocean carbon sinks, reducing the remaining carbon budget to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
A decade-long study by Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers found that soil microbial communities reorganize to form more stable networks, reducing carbon emissions. Microbial thermal adjustment and efficient microorganisms mitigate the effects of climate warming.
The study reveals that North America and Europe will experience significant warming (3.7-3.8°C) and drought expansion by the end of the 21st century due to land-air coupling, which amplifies the impact of GHG emissions. If uncontrolled, this could lead to severe climate risks, including reduced Gross Primary Productivity.
Researchers found extreme warming of Amazon lakes in 2023, with water temperatures soaring above 40°C and lake levels plummeting to record lows. The study highlights the vulnerability of tropical lakes to intense warming and calls for better monitoring of these ecosystems under climate change.
Jülich researchers found that long-lived contrails usually form within existing natural ice clouds, rather than clear skies. This has significant climate implications, as contrail cirrus clouds can enhance the warming greenhouse effect or have a cooling effect depending on surrounding conditions.
A new Australian fossil fuel site, set to start production in 2026, will contribute significantly to global warming. The project's emissions are expected to cause approximately 0.00039 degrees Celsius of additional global warming, posing risks to human health and the environment.
A new study reveals that Antarctic sea ice plays a critical role in predicting global warming, with a greater extent of sea ice leading to more significant warming. The research found that ocean heat uptake and thermal sea level rise will be higher than previously estimated by 2100, with implications for policy and science.
A new study finds that a 2°C warming intensifies the Arctic's ability to absorb greenhouse gases, but reduces its capacity in alpine regions. This imbalance has significant implications for global carbon budgets and climate projections.
A new study reveals that tropical forest soils may release enormous amounts of CO2 as they warm, potentially amplifying global warming. The research found that soil respiration increased by 42–204% in experimentally warmed plots, marking one of the largest CO2 release rates ever recorded.
A study reveals that warming temperatures alone do not lead to increased carbon dioxide emissions from soil. Instead, adding more carbon and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus triggers higher CO2 levels released from the soil. This finding highlights the crucial role of microbes in regulating soil carbon cycling.
A 30-year study reveals East Antarctica's interior is warming at a rate of 0.45-0.72°C per decade, faster than global average, driven by changes in the Southern Indian Ocean. This warming process may underestimate future Antarctic ice loss predictions.
Heat-stressed Australian mountain ash forests are losing a quarter of their trees by 2080 due to global warming. The natural thinning response to temperature stress may decline large-scale tree-planting initiatives to reduce atmospheric carbon levels.
A new study found that future changes in ozone will cause 0.27 watts per square meter of extra warming, making it the second largest contributor to future warming after carbon dioxide. This means countries' efforts to ban CFCs and HCFCs have provided less climate benefit than previously calculated.
A new study by Chinese researchers uses high-resolution satellite data to quantify global methane emissions from landfills, revealing open dumps emit 4.8 times more methane than engineered sanitary landfills.
Climate models project an accelerating increase in heatwave duration due to global warming, with each additional increment of warming causing larger increases in long heat waves. As temperatures rise, the typical length of heatwaves will also increase, posing significant impacts on humans, livestock, and ecosystems.
A new study published in Communications Earth and Environment suggests that the cleanup of air pollution in East Asia has likely accelerated global warming. The reduction in sulfate emissions from countries like China has partially unmasked greenhouse gas-driven warming, leading to record-breaking surface temperatures.
A new study finds that cleaner air in East Asia, particularly China, has contributed to the recent acceleration in global warming. The region's aerosol reductions account for most of the observed warming since 2010, even after accounting for natural fluctuation events.
A new review synthesizes decades of observational evidence and climate modeling advances to chart a path forward for more reliable TC projections. The team determined that tropical sea surface temperature (SST) warming patterns modulate TC genesis, intensity, and spatial distribution.
A Michigan State University team analyzed 126 simulated warming experiments to understand how plants respond to a hotter climate. They found that summer-only experiments may not account for winter warming effects and highlighted knowledge gaps in current studies.
A recent study found that global cooling promoted rapid evolution and diversification of marine life during the Late Paleozoic era, while abrupt warming led to mass extinctions. The research used high-resolution fusuline data to reconstruct the history of this ancient group of single-celled organisms.
A recent study found that coral reefs are rapidly moving poleward due to ocean warming, but immediate action can still significantly improve their future outlook. The research suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions could limit coral loss to around a third, rather than the expected 86%.
A study found that a record-smashing North Atlantic marine heatwave in 2023 was caused by record-breaking weak winds combined with increased solar radiation. The warming waters radiated heat back into the atmosphere, triggering deadly heatwaves across Europe and intensifying hurricanes.
A recent study found that warming to 2.7°C would preserve only 24% of present-day glacier mass, while limiting warming to 1.5°C would conserve 54%. Glacier loss poses significant consequences for sea levels, freshwater availability, and tourism.