A new study projects that Europe's wildfire-affected areas could increase by 39% to 192% by 2100, driven by climate change. Improvements in prevention, detection, and firefighting can reduce the scope of affected areas, with potential reductions of up to 92% in a 1.8°C future.
A study of 103 European cities' climate neutral plans reveals that many rely on carbon removal to compensate for a significant portion of their emissions. Key findings include the energy and transport sectors being major contributors to residual emissions, with only 32% of cities mentioning permanent carbon removal options.
A new study reveals that global crop models are less sensitive to heat extremes than real-world observations, particularly in the reproductive stages of rice. This discrepancy highlights the need for adaptation measures such as developing heat-tolerant varieties and adjusting planting dates to protect crops from extreme heat.
The study identified specific climate measures for each city type, including infrastructure investment in heat protection, urban greening, and transport transition. Rapidly growing cities like Tirana and shrinking cities like Daugavpils benefit from nature-based solutions and infrastructure upgrades.
A new study suggests that adopting a flexitarian Planetary Health Diet could prevent around 15 million premature adult deaths per year. The transformation scenario projects a 9% reduction in global agricultural land use and a 60% decrease in livestock production value by 2050.
The study analyzes household consumption and carbon intensity in 88 countries, revealing that income disparities within groups are more significant than between rich and poor. The research provides guidance on socially balancing climate policy, including factors like car ownership, energy use, and geographical location.
The EU can achieve significant emission reductions by financing climate protection projects abroad and receiving performance-based rewards. The proposed Jurisdictional Reward Funds framework would provide a stable mechanism for ambitious climate policy in Brussels.
Climate change and large-scale land and water use are accelerating changes in the freshwater cycle, exceeding its ability to support vital Earth system processes. Regional patterns vary, with increasing dryness in tropical regions and anomalously wet conditions in northern boreal zones.
A new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research finds that the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) can trigger other countries to adopt carbon pricing. This could lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, with up to 73% more emissions avoided compared to current policies.
A new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research finds that reducing car commutes can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. By targeting densification of neighborhoods around city centers, planners can reduce emissions and create more sustainable urban environments.
A new study finds that investing in cleaner alternatives for the steel sector before 2030 can prevent 73 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions by 2070. This would be more cost-efficient than reducing emissions through other sectors or carbon removals.
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 warns that by 2085, 36% of animal habitats on land may experience multiple extreme events like heatwaves, fires, or floods. However, rapidly cutting emissions to net zero could limit the areas affected to just 9%.
The Nordic Seas Overturning Circulation (NOC) has strengthened while the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) has weakened due to global warming. Models project a slight increase in NOC's density-driven mechanism, which counterintuitively strengthens the northern branch despite AMOC weakening.
The EU must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 86% by 2040 to achieve 2050 climate neutrality through increased renewable energy and electrification. The study suggests a significant role for carbon capture and storage, with capacity needs rising by 26% annually from 2030 to 2040.
A collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) would lead to a substantial release of oceanic carbon, contributing to additional global warming. Higher CO₂ concentrations in the atmosphere amplify this effect, potentially leading to a 0.2°C increase in global temperatures.
A new model study suggests that the EU's emissions trading system can be used to capture CO2 on a large scale, with potential removals ranging from 68-86 million tonnes annually by 2050. The system could provide industry with planning security for residual emissions if dedicated support programmes are implemented.
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.
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.
Forest damage in Europe is projected to increase by up to 20% by 2100 under all climate scenarios. Annually disturbed forest area could rise from 180,000 to 370,000 hectares per year, increasing pressure on other sectors to reduce emissions.
Researchers found that about 40% of West Antarctica's ice may be lost already, while East Antarctica could lose more with 2-3°C warming. The study highlights the need to monitor and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions to prevent destabilization of Antarctic ice basins.
The new book corrects five common misconceptions about carbon pricing as a core instrument of climate policy. It presents the latest research findings from renowned journals and explains why comprehensive government capacities are needed to reduce CO2 emissions efficiently.
The study reveals that up to 13% of areas allocated to land-based carbon removal could overlap with important biodiversity sites in ambitious emissions reduction scenarios. Effective implementation of reforestation and BECCS can reduce the long-term loss of biodiversity due to climate factors by up to 25%, producing net benefits.
A new study provides guidance on designing markets for non-permanent carbon removals, highlighting the importance of permanent storage in policy design. The research emphasizes the need for accurate monitoring and verification to prevent liabilities and adverse incentives.
A study suggests that implementing a full value-added tax on meat could reduce the environmental impacts from diets by 3 to 6 percent, depending on category. The research team analyzed consumption patterns and used an input-output model to estimate the associated impact on climate and ecosystems.
A global food system transformation can slow down global heating by 1.85°C by 2050, while improving human health, reducing hunger and poverty, and conserving biodiversity. The study identifies 23 levers for transformation and finds a high probability of achieving the 1.5°C limit with a 38% chance in 2050.
The report highlights 22 vital signs at record levels, including surface temperature and ocean heat content. It proposes high-impact strategies to mitigate the climate crisis, such as transitioning to renewable energy and protecting ecosystems, which can remove up to 10 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
A model study explores how carbon pricing paired with redistribution can help the energy transition and climate globally, increasing welfare and reducing economic inequality. The research team developed an integrated assessment model to map relationships between economy, income distribution, and climate policy in 179 countries.
Researchers analyzed interplay between environment and income inequality, identifying theoretical mechanisms and empirical evidence. The study suggests that good climate policy can promote social balance by increasing labour productivity and wages.
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could shut down after 2100 due to climate change, leading to severe winter extremes in northwestern Europe and shifts in tropical rainfall belts. A collapse of deep convection in the Labrador, Irminger, and Nordic Seas is seen as a tipping point for the shutdown.
A new study maps planetary boundary of functional biosphere integrity, finding 60% of global land areas outside safe zone and 38% in high-risk zone. Human demand for biomass and land use are major contributors to the strain on the biosphere.
A new attribution study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research shows that adaptation measures have reduced economic losses from flooding by 63 percent and fatalities by 52 percent in Europe since 1950. Despite climate change, vulnerability has declined across the continent, with some regional differences.
Bird populations in the tropics have dropped by roughly a third since 1980, with some species experiencing declines of over 50%. The study highlights the impact of extreme heat on bird mortality, fertility, breeding behaviors, and offspring survival.
Hospital and nursing home food are found to be lacking in healthy plant-based options, with too many refined grains, added sugars, and saturated fats. The study recommends reducing animal-source foods and increasing plant-based options to improve both human and planetary health.
A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found strong support for international carbon pricing, redistribution to poorer countries, and global climate policies. High acceptance rates were recorded in 20 countries and the EU/US, with significant willingness to pay for climate protection in the Global South.
A study published in Communications Earth & Environment suggests that a four-meter global sea level rise could be triggered if the West Antarctic Ice Sheet collapses, with temperatures just above present-day levels being sufficient to trigger collapse. Immediate actions to reduce emissions could still prevent this catastrophic outcome.
The article proposes four indicators for targeted policies: investment type, local availability of skilled workers and materials, information and advice, and split incentives. It recommends pilot projects to facilitate the transition and make better use of existing data sources.
A new study reveals the atmosphere can store moisture over extended periods, creating a physical memory effect. This 'memory' allows monsoon systems to flip between two stable states, with severe consequences for regions relying on monsoon rainfall.
A new study from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research finds that failing to account for declining forest carbon storage capacity could make reaching Paris agreement targets impossible and costly. Immediate action is recommended to safeguard carbon stocks, prevent escalating costs, and promote sustainable land use practices.
A new study finds that global heating could exceed previous estimates, with even low emission scenarios leading to higher temperatures. The Paris Agreement's goal of limiting warming to 2°C may only be achievable under very low emissions and lower-than-estimated climate sensitivity.
A pathway to more global climate finance is outlined in a recent study, highlighting the need for $500 billion annually between 2025 and 2035. This funding would support developing countries in reducing CO2 emissions in line with the 1.5-degree limit, resulting in significant economic benefits.
The study finds that climate plantations outside of agricultural land are unlikely to achieve high carbon removal levels, with potential limits set by planetary boundaries. A more plant-based diet could free up space for other uses and reduce emissions.
A study by PIK reveals disparities between scientific attention, policy density, and emissions. Climate protection policies in China and the USA are subject of intense research, while Africa and smaller countries with impressive emission reductions lack research attention.
The study found that transitioning to healthy diets can minimize trade-offs and improve nutrition, health, the environment, and livelihoods in China. By adopting a holistic approach to food system transformation, policymakers can address social and environmental challenges while steering towards SDG targets.
The study finds that only seven percent of announced green hydrogen production capacity has been completed on time, highlighting the need for more competitive projects. Researchers recommend using demand-side instruments like binding quotas to channel green hydrogen into sectors with high energy demands.
A climate fee on food could effectively cut greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture by up to 22.5% annually, according to a new study. The social cost of carbon would be reflected in food prices, with more sustainable products like vegetables becoming cheaper and meat and dairy more expensive.
The study found that climate policies would lead to a smaller increase in consumer food prices in wealthier countries, with prices rising by 1.25 times, compared to 2.45 times in lower-income countries. This means consumers in wealthier countries are shielded from fluctuations in farm prices.
The Planetary Boundaries framework, developed by Johan Rockström and Katherine Richardson, identifies nine global biophysical boundaries essential for regulating the Earth system. The third update highlights six transgressed boundaries, emphasizing the urgent need for immediate action to mitigate further risks.
Researchers at PIK found that three sustainable development pathways are far more effective than current 'business as usual' strategies, driving progress towards SDGs while curbing global warming and environmental degradation. The pathways include a rapid shift to plant-based nutrition and reduced energy use per capita.
Researchers found that 30% of subnational regions have fully decoupled carbon emissions from economic growth. Decoupling is driven by climate action and has been successful in Europe, but less than half of regions will meet net-zero targets by 2050.