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Setting up an alarm system in the Atlantic Ocean

Scientists are working on establishing an early warning system for sudden changes in the Atlantic Ocean's sea currents. These changes can impact global temperatures and climate patterns. By monitoring temperature and density metrics, researchers aim to detect subtle shifts before they become catastrophic.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJul 15, 2020

Towards a worldwide inventory of all plants

A global database of regional plant life has been developed to document and understand global plant diversity. The Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT) collates information about the plant species composition in nearly 2,900 regions, covering about 79% of the global land surface.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJun 26, 2019

Global warming and systems thinking

A survey of US adults found a positive correlation between systems thinking and climate change beliefs, suggesting that a systemic mindset promotes environmentally conscious attitudes. The study suggests that systems thinking can help both conservatives and liberals address climate change, regardless of their political views.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2019

Natural climate processes overshadow recent human-induced Walker circulation trends

A new study reveals that recent intensification of the equatorial Pacific wind system known as Walker Circulation is unrelated to human influences and can be explained by natural processes. The observed strengthening of the Walker circulation from about 1990-2013 was a naturally occurring phenomenon, contrary to projections of anthropo...

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 1, 2019

Predicting climate change

The Crowther Lab's research uses global datasets to understand the global forest system and identify regions of high priority for biodiversity conservation. They find that warming soil will lead to increased carbon emissions, particularly in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, threatening climate change mitigation efforts.

Rising temperatures and human activity are increasing storm runoff and flash floods

A global analysis by Columbia Engineers reveals a significant increase in storm runoff extremes driven by both climate change and human-induced changes. The study suggests that projected responses of storm runoff extremes will dramatically increase, threatening ecosystem resilience and infrastructure systems.

Think pink for a better view of climate change

Researchers found pink noise energy signatures in historical climate proxy data before and after the Industrial Revolution, suggesting a possible link between pink noise and Earth's climate dynamics. The study's findings could have implications for understanding 'resonances' that couple and amplify warming processes.

SourceYale University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 4, 2018

Narwhals' acoustic behavior described using audio tagging

Researchers recorded narwhals in East Greenland, capturing six hours of audio that revealed three types of sounds: clicks, buzzes, and calls. The study found that narwhals produce buzzes at greater depths than clicks, and that a particular fjord had high buzzing rates, suggesting a preferred feeding area.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 13, 2018

The human race has peaked

A recent review suggests humans have biological limitations that cannot be exceeded, despite advances in nutrition, medicine and science. Environmental changes, including climate change, could lead to decreased physical abilities and life expectancy.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateDec 6, 2017

Understanding the dance to save the dance

Researchers investigate the effects of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions, exploring new techniques for measuring floral cues, rewards, and pollinator behavior. Studies reveal diverse tactics being used to deepen understanding of these complex relationships in a changing environment.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateSep 21, 2017

Bahamian songbirds disappeared during last glacial-interglacial transition

A study by University of California, Riverside researchers found that two Bahamian songbird species likely became extinct due to habitat loss caused by rising sea levels and a warmer climate. The birds' habitats were pine grasslands found in cooler regions, which were lost when the islands became more tropical.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2017