A growing awareness is being raised about the interconnectedness of ocean health and human well-being, with emerging diseases and contaminants posing significant risks. NOAA's Oceans and Human Health Initiative aims to develop early warning systems to mitigate these risks while optimizing the health benefits of sea products.
Scientists uncover toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in air pollutants from fossil fuels, damaging fish hearts and potentially contributing to human cardiovascular diseases. This emerging threat highlights the need for further research on the impacts of urban air pollution on human health.
A new approach to managing marine resources in Puget Sound uses ecosystem services as a framework, including the value of Dungeness crab and eelgrass. This research aims to inform management decisions that balance economic and environmental concerns.
The Gulf of Maine's ecosystem has undergone significant changes due to fishing and climate change, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to fishery management. A new approach prioritizing ecosystem processes and tradeoffs between human activities is necessary to balance economic needs with environmental protection.
A new 11-year solar cycle is expected to bring increased risks for power grids, communications, GPS signals, and cell phones. The first sunspot appeared in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the beginning of Solar Cycle 24.
Scientists from NOAA's Earth System Research Lab will conduct a field study in Costa Rica to observe the troposphere during the rainy season. They aim to understand key processes related to climate change, the stratospheric ozone layer, and global chemistry.
Scientists forecast a moderately strong or weak solar storm cycle starting in March 2008 and peaking in October 2011 or August 2012. The panel's predictions are evenly split on the intensity of the cycle, with some expecting a record-breaker.
The new CarbonTracker tool will distinguish between natural and human-produced carbon cycle changes, providing verification for climate models. It will also enable policymakers to compare emissions from urban centers and businesses.
Research conducted by the US Climate Change Science Program has helped resolve uncertainties about global climate change causes and projected future changes in temperature and sea-level rise. The program's contributions significantly increased confidence attributing human activities to temperature increases since the mid-20th century.