Articles tagged with Anthropogenic Climate Change
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers at the University of Graz have developed a new benchmark timeseries that tracks global surface air temperature change from 1850 to 2034. This enables reliable monitoring of the Paris climate goals, which are set to be exceeded by 2028. The study proposes a four-classes assessment scale to gauge compliance with the agreement.
A new study suggests that reforestation efforts can lower global average temperatures by 0.34 degrees Celsius, roughly one-quarter of the warming already experienced. This is due to the chemical interactions between trees and the atmosphere, which amplify their cooling effect.
A new study from Caltech finds that the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, commonly referred to as the AMOC, will weaken by around 18 to 43 percent at the end of the 21st century. This represents a limited decline, rather than substantial weakening as previously predicted, addressing a long-standing uncertainty in climate sci...
The University of Maryland-led study found that the bay experiences 25 days of heat waves annually, with a 10% uptick in recent years. Satellite data shows varying duration and frequency of heat waves across different regions of the bay, highlighting the need for a marine heat wave warning system.
A new study found that state-led climate action can reduce carbon emissions by up to 46% by 2050, with different technologies adopted in each state. State-led efforts would focus on industrial decarbonization, while federally coordinated efforts rely more on clean energy production.
A new study suggests that limiting global temperature increase to 1.5°C may not be enough to save the world's ice sheets, which could lead to significant losses and extensive displacement of coastal populations. The researchers argue that a target of around 1°C would be more effective in preventing rapid sea level rise.
A new study reveals a strong correlation between sediment changes and global cooling in the Northern Hemisphere 3.6 million years ago. The findings suggest profound changes in deep water currents occurred at this time, impacting Atlantic Ocean heat and salt distribution and ice-sheet expansion.
Researchers have discovered that urban areas experience a greater difference in wet bulb globe temperature between 0.5 m and 1.5 m above ground due to surface heat radiation, posing health risks to children and pets during extreme heat events. Total solar eclipses also alter atmospheric conditions and insect behavior, with some species...
Scientists from the University of Groningen have developed a method to predict the Time of Emergence (ToE) for Arctic climate change, based on warming, wetting, and sea ice melting. ToE is defined as the time when climate variable values exceed 97.5% of historical values for ten consecutive years.
Researchers warn that artificial oxygen input cannot replace comprehensive water protection strategies. Technical approaches have shown promise, but risks include intensifying greenhouse gases and disrupting marine habitats. Climate protection and reducing nutrient inputs remain crucial for mitigating ocean oxygen loss.
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS) are collaborating on a special collection to maintain momentum in climate change research supporting the US National Climate Assessment. This effort aims to sustain the work of authors who were dismissed earlier this week by the Trump Administration.
Scientists found that anaerobic microbes in wetlands can remove up to 70% of methane in oxygen-deprived soils, but their ability to do so is threatened by rising temperatures. When scientists simulated a hotter future, methane emissions spiked under hotter temperatures alone.
A new study by Boston College researchers found that nearly 90% of Christian leaders in the US believe in anthropogenic climate change, but most do not discuss it with their congregation. Informing Christians about this consensus can lead to increased willingness to address climate change and align with church values.
The American Geophysical Union has opened a new application portal for U.S. researchers to self-nominate as experts, authors, and review editors for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Seventh Assessment Report. The nomination period is open until mid-April.
Climate change drives large increases in electricity demand and costs in Texas due to extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, atmospheric rivers become more frequent, larger, and moister globally. Diagnostic studies also predict malaria outbreaks with five-month lead time using sea-surface temperature anomalies.
A new study by UNSW researchers predicts the heat tolerance of 60% of the world's amphibian species, revealing that 2% are already exposed to overheating in shaded terrestrial conditions. A 4°C global temperature increase could push 7.5% of species beyond their physiological limits.
A new study investigates record-breaking cold spells in a warming world and finds that human-induced climate change is weakening extreme cold events. The study projects that such events will become even rarer and milder by the end of the century.
Research highlights the impact of wind on wildfire growth, with areas in the US Southeast vulnerable to extreme heat and precipitation events. Meanwhile, a study suggests the 'drought' of EF5 tornadoes may be due to stricter ratings rather than changes in tornadoes.
A new study reveals that Greenland's ice sheet has experienced a significant increase in crevasses over the past five years, equivalent to adding a crack the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza every few days. The findings suggest a potential feedback loop that accelerates ice loss from the glacier, ultimately raising sea levels.
A £2 million project, led by Anglia Ruskin University, is working to identify vulnerabilities in the UK's food system and prioritize areas for improvement. The project will analyze potential pathways leading to civil unrest and work with stakeholders to build resilience and address early-stage problems.
The study highlights the potential of novel techniques to collect and analyse plankton data more efficiently, filling knowledge gaps and generating complete pictures of plankton dynamics. However, integrating old and new methods is crucial to ensure accurate assessments of marine biodiversity.
A recent University of Washington study found that a slower increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels has less impact on the Atlantic Ocean's circulation. The research, published in PNAS, suggests that this slowdown allows the ocean system more time to adapt to rising CO2 levels and mitigates its effects.
Early online research reveals associations between snowmelt timing, wildfires in Alaska, and rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones. The impact of climate patterns on extreme weather events is a growing concern.
A new study suggests that increased wildfire activity was a feature of past periods of abrupt climate change, which also saw significant shifts in tropical rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations. The research analyzed ancient methane trapped in Antarctic ice and found that the spikes were likely caused by global wildfires.
Researchers analyzed global gross primary productivity trends over 1982-2016, finding a 68% decrease across 68% of the terrestrial surface. The decline is attributed to a reduction in the CO2 fertilization effect, which has negative effects on plant growth due to nutrient deficiencies.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that Aldabra Atoll's shoreline has maintained its net shoreline and total land area over 51 years, with an average change rate of 25 cm per year. The lagoon shoreline underwent more rapid changes than the ocean shoreline, particularly in areas exposed to wind and waves.
A Dartmouth-led study suggests using clay to convert CO2 into food for zooplankton, which expel it as carbon-filled feces in the deep sea. This method accelerates the ocean's natural cycle for removing carbon from the atmosphere.
The Amazon rainforest is a significant source of condensation nuclei for clouds, according to two studies. The rainforest's plant transpiration and thunderstorms produce aerosol particles that can be transported thousands of kilometers, influencing marine cloud formation.
Historical records show manatee populations increased alongside human populations in the 1800s and 1900s. The study suggests that Florida manatees are more abundant today than any previous time in North American human history.
A new study by the University of Oxford's Department of Physics shows that relying on natural carbon sinks to offset CO2 emissions from fossil fuels will not stop global warming. Governments and corporations are increasingly turning to these natural sinks to meet climate goals, but this approach is flawed.
Young people face significant obstacles in participating in UN climate conferences due to economic barriers and red tape. The majority of participants are older than 26, and those who do participate often have limited influence on decisions affecting their future.
A new study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that more than half of European heat-related deaths in summer 2022 were related to human-induced climate change. The research showed a higher number of heat-related deaths attributed to climate change among women and people aged 80 and over.
A comprehensive assessment of human activity in the Arctic reveals that over 5% of the region is affected by light pollution, with an annual increase of 4.8%. The study highlights the critical need for monitoring and planning to support sustainable development and conservation in the Arctic.
Research from multiple ice cores in Greenland provides new understanding of Dansgaard-Oeschger events, which represent 'tipping points' in Earth's climate. The findings suggest interactions between the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and wintertime sea ice play a key role in these events.
The world's freshwater lakes are freezing over for shorter periods due to climate change, affecting more than a billion people worldwide. Changes in ice duration have major implications for human safety, water quality, biodiversity, and global nutrient cycles.
Researchers found that rising temperatures accelerate weathering of rocks in the Canadian Arctic, leading to increased CO2 release and a positive feedback loop. This process could contribute significantly to climate change, with predicted emissions doubling by 2100 under moderate emission scenarios.
A new report warns of an unprecedented climate emergency, with key findings including widespread forest dieback and major ice sheet collapse. The authors emphasize the need for decisive action to safeguard the natural world and ensure a livable future.
The 2024 State of the Climate Report reveals a 'critical and unpredictable new phase of the climate crisis,' with many planetary vital signs at record extremes. The report highlights urgent policy changes needed in energy, pollutants, nature, food, and economy to mitigate catastrophic climate change.
The Antarctic Peninsula has experienced a dramatic increase in vegetation cover over the last four decades, with satellite data showing an acceleration of 30% in recent years. This 'greening' trend is attributed to climate change and has significant implications for the region's ecosystem and environmental future.
A University of Maryland-led study found that burying wood in the right environmental conditions can stop its decomposition and help curb carbon dioxide emissions. The researchers analyzed a 3,775-year-old log and surrounding soil, revealing that it had lost less than 5% carbon dioxide thanks to the low-permeability clay soil.
Northern elephant seals nearly went extinct due to overhunting but have since recovered to around 225,000 individuals. The recent study found the species' genetic diversity was reduced during this period, which may impair their ability to cope with future environmental changes.
A Dartmouth-led study found that air pollution from fossil fuels reaches the remote Arctic, altering its fundamental atmospheric chemistry. The researchers detected declines in methanesulfonic acid, a biomarker linked to phytoplankton productivity, which plummeted in environments high in emissions.
A new study finds that future climate change may reduce the Amazon's ability to act as a carbon sink by making it drier and hotter. The Amazon rainforest's carbon storage capacity is threatened by increased frequency and severity of droughts and heat extremes.
A new study reveals that Earth's surface temperature has varied more greatly over the past 485 million years than previously thought. The study, co-led by the Smithsonian and University of Arizona, confirms that carbon dioxide is strongly correlated with global temperatures across geological time.
A Dartmouth-led study projects that Antarctica's glaciers will rapidly retreat and potentially collapse by 2200, increasing global sea levels by up to 5.5 feet by 2300. The researchers used 16 ice-sheet models to refine the projection of ice loss over the next 300 years.
A new study shows that urban forests within walkable distance from residential areas are crucial in reducing heat-related health risks. Researchers found that nearby forests have a pronounced impact on reducing mortality risks, particularly those within 1 kilometre of residential areas.
The report highlights the need for urgent action to reduce pressure on the planet and ensure a basic standard of living for everyone. It recommends a coordinated effort between policymakers, businesses, and civil society to address inequality and transform the economy.
A new study led by Dartmouth researchers questions the rapid polar ice collapse model used in the IPCC's sixth assessment report. The team found that the expected rate of retreat is significantly lower than predicted, making the worst-case scenario less likely, but still dire due to ongoing ice loss from Greenland and Antarctica.
A new study finds that reduced sulfur emissions from shipping industry likely contributed to nearly 20% of record-breaking 2023 warmth, while regulations also accelerated warming. Further research is needed to understand the magnitude of climate response.
Researchers developed a new metric, R_AOD, to detect climate change using aerosols as tracers. They analyzed long-term satellite data and found significant temporal variations in aerosol transport, highlighting shifts in transboundary pollution pathways due to global warming.