Articles tagged with Anthropogenic Climate Change
A major review in Frontiers in Science highlights how unsustainable food systems contribute to both health and climate crises. Experts examine evidence-based strategies to tackle industrial food systems promoting overconsumption and environmental pressures.
A comprehensive review highlights the urgent need to transform unsustainable food systems, which drive both obesity and environmental harms. The authors recommend subsidies for healthy foods, taxes on unhealthy products, and restrictions on aggressive marketing to address these twin crises.
Recent research reveals that volcanic eruptions can cause unpredictable weather patterns, including volcanic rain, dust storms, and unstable Antarctic air. The study also found that the Antarctic surface atmosphere has become less stable and more prone to gravity waves since the 1950s.
A new study from Northern Arizona University provides 13 years of carbon dioxide emissions data for the United States, enabling businesses and cities to make informed environmental policy choices. The dataset is expected to help policymakers create trading markets and climate-friendly investments.
Research shows that intense storms in the Southern Ocean enable it to absorb more heat from the atmosphere. This helps regulate Earth's climate by reducing global warming. The study found that stronger storm activity generates lower surface temperatures across the ocean.
The Alps are expected to reach a peak loss rate of 2,000-4,000 glaciers per year by 2033-2041, with only 110 glaciers remaining in Central Europe by 2100. Regions like the Rocky Mountains and Andes will also experience significant glacier losses.
A new study found that rising temperatures are driving changes in polar bear DNA, which may help them adapt to increasingly challenging environments. The researchers discovered that genes related to heat-stress, aging, and metabolism are behaving differently in polar bears living in southeastern Greenland.
A new study reveals that ammonia-oxidizing archaea rely on urea as a nitrogen source, enabling them to flourish in open ocean waters. This discovery challenges existing understanding of nitrification rates and highlights the crucial role of urea in sustaining ocean productivity.
A survey of 4,000 Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and US citizens found that people were more supportive of climate policies in their own country if they believed other countries were also taking action. The study's findings suggest that reciprocity plays a significant role in shaping public opinions on climate policy.
The Amazon is shifting to a hotter, drier climate with more intense droughts, stressing trees and increasing mortality rates. By 2100, hot drought conditions could occur up to 150 days per year, affecting tree species that are vulnerable to heat stress.
Simulations predict a 22-26% and 37-43% increase in extreme floods on the Karnali River between 2020 and 2099, with high emissions expected to see a 73-84% increase. The study highlights the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate flood hazards.
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.
The 106th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will focus on the intersection of technology and human decision-making in weather, water, and climate sciences. The meeting will feature keynote presentations, Presidential Sessions, and named symposia highlighting key Earth science topics.
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.
Research shows that flooding in delta cities like Shanghai can expand by up to 80% and be much deeper by 2100 due to extreme climate events, sea-level rise and land subsidence. A major adaptation effort is required to raise defences and construct mobile flood barriers.
A new study reveals that the burning of fossil fuels is accelerating winter rainfall changes in Northern and central Europe, including the UK, by more than two decades. This finding significantly upsets climate model projections, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation planning and infrastructure investment.
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 statement provides guidance as countries debate closing ambition gap at COP30 and small island states call for honoring 1.5°C goal. Research shows that limiting overshoot and returning below 1.5°C is still possible with quick emissions fall and clean-energy deployment acceleration.
According to a new study, humans travel for approximately 1.3 hours per day, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. This constant travel time is influenced by psychological desires and practical limitations, resulting in a convergent range of travel times across different modes of transport.
A new study reveals that ocean acidification is accelerating at a rate outpacing atmospheric CO2 levels, with the Northeastern Pacific Ocean experiencing rapid acidification. The research analyzed coral skeletons from the past century, showing that CO2 has been accumulating in North American waters faster than in the atmosphere.
Climate change is expected to lead to a significant increase in methane emissions from lakes and reservoirs, with current emissions potentially doubling by the end of the century. This would contribute to faster climate change than currently predicted, highlighting the urgent need for reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers developed a Climate BioStress model to detect biological signatures of climate change. A Sentinel System (CBS3) is proposed to track climate stress indicators across biological, built, and social infrastructures.
A global study of participants from six countries found that addressing psychological distance and the threat to one's way of life are most effective interventions in boosting motivation for environmental efforts. The study suggests that making climate action a patriotic duty can increase willingness to exert physical effort.
Scientists at UC Riverside are using advanced technology to understand how corals regain life-giving algae after suffering from heat stress. By studying the cellular and genetic mechanisms of algae reestablishment, researchers aim to develop practical tools to help reefs survive ocean warming.
The Lancet Countdown report links climate change to violence and community health, emphasizing the need for social and economic changes to prevent conflict. Strengthening food systems and ensuring emergency responses can reduce grievances and protect healthcare workers.
A new report warns that the planet is on a dangerous path and that rapid action can avert the worst outcomes of climate change. The report highlights the need for effective climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, including reducing fossil fuel consumption and promoting renewable energy sources.
A new report published in BioScience reveals Earth's climate crisis is accelerating at an alarming rate, with 22 of 34 planetary vital signs now at record levels. The study emphasizes that climate change mitigation strategies are available and urgently needed to limit warming.
Young adults adopting pro-environmental behaviors such as active travel and reduced meat consumption during the university transition period may benefit from targeted interventions. This study identifies significant life events as key drivers of behavior change in early adulthood.
Human-driven climate change makes wildfires in parts of South America and Southern California much larger and more destructive. Climate models warn that severe heatwaves and droughts will make extreme wildfires more frequent and intense worldwide.
A study found that UK MPs and the public overestimated the time needed for global greenhouse emissions to peak. Labour MPs were more likely to know the correct answer than Conservative MPs. The researchers suggest that institutions like the IPCC need to improve communication about climate change to policymakers and the public.
New research shows that despite global GDP doubling since 2000, billions of people still lack access to essentials like food, housing, and healthcare. The study reveals that wealthy countries drive most of the ecological overshoot while poorer countries bear the brunt of deprivation.
Researchers Prof David Julian McClements and Prof David L. Kaplan propose hybrid foods as a solution to reduce industrial animal use's carbon footprint and boost health. The authors emphasize the need for collaboration to optimize protein combinations balancing nutrition, taste, sustainability, and affordability.
Researchers reveal how hybrid foods combining proteins from different sources could be part of the solution to reduce industrial animal use. By using combinations of different proteins, they found that hybrids can overcome many limitations of individual protein sources and create products that are more than the sum of their parts.
The US Climate Collection aims to publish U.S.-focused climate assessment science and research synthesis papers to inform future national and sub-national assessments. The collection welcomes studies that advance the evidence-based design of future U.S. assessments of climate risks and solutions.
Researchers at UC Riverside discovered a carbon burial process in the ocean that can cause Earth's temperature to overshoot and cool down, potentially triggering an ice age. The study suggests that the planet's thermostat is not functioning as expected due to changes in atmospheric oxygen levels.
A study published in PLOS Climate predicts that unchecked climate change could lead to significant economic losses globally, with lower-income and hotter countries facing substantial drops in GDP per capita. By 2100, these countries may face losses of 30-60% above the global average.
Polar geoengineering proposals, such as aerosol injection and sea walls, may harm fragile ecosystems and divert resources from deep decarbonization efforts. The Frontiers Forum Deep Dive series explores the limitations of these initiatives and their potential to exacerbate climate change.
A new study reveals that global warming is accelerating the risk of multi-year droughts leading to extreme water scarcity. The frequency of Day Zero Droughts will increase sharply over the coming decades, affecting 750 million people globally by the end of this century.
Experts say well-publicized polar geoengineering ideas would harm ecosystems and international relations. Researchers analyze proposals like aerosol injection and ocean fertilization, finding they fail to meet scientific criteria.
Five well-publicized polar geoengineering ideas are highly unlikely to benefit the polar regions and could harm ecosystems, communities, and international relations. Researchers found that these proposals would likely cost billions in setup and maintenance while introducing ecological, environmental, legal, and political challenges.
The Mediterranean Sea is warming at a faster rate than the open ocean, posing significant risks to marine ecosystems. The study highlights the urgent need for action to protect these unique ecosystems, which could collapse or remain functional depending on political decisions made now.
Researchers found that changes in North America can drive atmospheric patterns that intensify rainfall in South and East Asia. The Tibetan Plateau also plays a role, but the North American impact is nearly half as strong as its influence on East Asian summer rainfall.
The expedition aims to assess the storage potential of rocks and lay the foundation for their geophysical monitoring. Globally, basalt deposits beneath the ocean theoretically have a storage capacity of 40,000 gigatons.
A study by UKCEH found that ash dieback results in significant greenhouse gas emissions due to soil carbon losses. The research estimated 5.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over five years, equivalent to half the amount removed by broadleaf woodlands annually.
A new study projects the start of Amazon dieback as early as the 21st century under high-emission scenarios, triggered by extreme conditions and global warming levels above 1.5°C. The Amazon's natural water recycling system is weakened, leading to hotter and drier conditions that can no longer sustain dense vegetation.
A new study found that planting trees in tropical regions can cool the climate by up to 0.8° F and reduce fire risk, offering significant benefits for global temperatures and ecosystems. The research emphasizes the importance of location in determining tree planting's impact on climate effects.
The State of the Climate report reveals record-high greenhouse gas concentrations, with CO2 levels reaching 422.8 parts per million, a 52% increase from pre-industrial levels. Global temperatures also reached a new high, with annual growth increasing to 2.4 ppm yr−1.
A new study suggests that exposure to wildfire-derived PM2.5 is linked to increased mortality and morbidity, with a 93% underestimation of the actual death toll. The research estimated 535 annual deaths from all causes due to short-term exposure to wildfire smoke.
A new Antarctic research project is using citizen science to study environmental changes over the last 70 years by matching modern satellite images with historical air photos. The project aims to create a high-quality dataset for future scientific investigations of Antarctic landscape change.
A study predicts that Barcelona will experience extreme and dry heat periods with temperature increases of up to 4ºC and a general reduction in relative humidity. The research forecasts an increase in average maximum temperatures of 4ºC and average minimum temperatures of 3.5ºC if greenhouse gas emissions are not drastically reduced.
The elimination of federal and state tools to monitor and forecast climate disasters imperils public health efforts. Climate data is crucial for preparing and responding to heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and hurricanes, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
A recent study from the University of Texas at Austin finds that climate change may be disrupting the natural Pacific Decadal Oscillation cycle, which brings needed rain to the region. This could lead to prolonged droughts in the southwest U.S., affecting water resources like the Colorado River.
A new study revisits forecasts made in 2002 about the world's rocky shorelines, finding some threats have materialized while others have not. The researchers highlight the importance of addressing issues like ocean acidification and plastic pollution to protect coastlines.
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.
Researchers discovered that oak trees adjust their root systems to access more soil nutrients under elevated CO2, employing both 'do it yourself' and 'outsourcing' strategies. This adaptation enables the trees to optimize growth and maintain nutrient supplies.
New research predicts a significant rise in heat-related deaths in England and Wales due to climate change, with projections of sixfold to fiftyfold increases by the 2050s and 2070s. The study suggests that careful planning and adaptation strategies can mitigate these impacts.
A new study suggests that sustained US military spending reductions could lead to substantial decreases in energy consumption, with potential annual savings comparable to those of Slovenia or Delaware. The analysis found that decreased spending primarily affects energy consumption from facilities, vehicles, and equipment, and jet fuel.
A new IIASA-led study finds that Earth's carbon-climate system may be more fragile than thought, with quantified 'stress power' reaching between 12.8 and 15.5 pascals per year. The researchers also identified a turning point in the planet's response to stress around 1925-1945.
Researchers found several volatile phases in the polar jet stream over the past 125 years that predate significant climate change effects. The study suggests that natural fluctuations may be driving recent erratic behavior of the jet stream, rather than climate change.
A study by University of California, Riverside researchers finds that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation's slowdown is responsible for the persistent cold water anomaly south of Greenland. This weakening circulation leads to cooler surface waters and fresher salinity, impacting weather patterns across Europe.