New insight into how plant cells divide
Researchers at Stanford University found that plant cells also use the cytoskeleton, but push it away from specific regions. This finding could help engineer plants more adaptable to changing environments.
Climate Change Adaptation
Articles tagged with Climate Change Adaptation
Empowering vulnerable communities in the face of growing natural threats
A Stanford-led study found ways for frontline communities to gather data and improve outcomes through surveys, air quality monitoring, and interventions. The research highlights the importance of community-led science and structural systems in creating climate hazard exposure.
SourceStanford Woods Institute for the Environment·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 5, 2023
Early birds of the future: earlier, but still too late?
A study by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology found that great tits are struggling to adapt their breeding timing to cope with climate change, leading to a decline in population numbers. The researchers used innovative methods to speed up evolution and predict the impact of climate change on natural selection.
SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2023
The power of Indigenous voices and data supporting the green transition
The new policy paper emphasizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge and data in subnational decision-making for a sustainable green transition. It identifies key strategies to enhance inclusion, such as awareness-raising among policymakers, increasing Indigenous representation, and facilitating knowledge exchange.
Acutely exposed to changing climate, many Greenlanders do not blame humans
A survey of Greenland's Indigenous population reveals they are highly aware of climate change, with 89% believing it's happening. However, only about 50% connect human influence to the changes, with education and cultural factors playing a significant role.
Seasonal specialization in butterflies determine responses to a changing climate
Two closely related butterfly species have evolved distinct adaptations to cope with changing seasons. The small white butterfly is a 'summer specialist,' reproducing well but struggling in winter, while the green-veined white butterfly is a 'winter specialist,' thriving in cold conditions.
New geochemistry research confirms megalodon shark was warm-blooded
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirms that the Megalodon shark was warm-blooded, with a body temperature estimated at around 27°C. This discovery provides empirical evidence for the extinct species' internal heat production, shedding light on its biology and ecological role.
SourceWilliam Paterson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023
Flooding tackled by helping citizens take action – study
Researchers developed a new approach to help citizens prepare for climate change impacts by bringing community groups together to discuss local threats and potential actions.
Climate change could lead to "widespread chaos" for insect communities
Research suggests climate change will impact insect biodiversity by throwing off the delicate balance between species that rely on each other for survival. As temperatures rise, insect life cycles may become out of sync with their host plants, leading to potential extinction.
CSU biologists document genome-level climate adaptation in endangered bird species
A study led by CSU researchers documents genetic variation in the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher associated with tolerance to wetter environmental conditions, allowing them to adapt to changing climates. The research findings suggest that these genetic changes began as long ago as the late 1800s.
SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2023
Adapting to climate change: Researchers find natural gene variant that allows barley to flower earlier
Scientists have identified a natural gene variant in barley that enables plants to flower up to 18 days earlier, allowing for improved adaptation to climate change. This discovery could lead to the development of climate-resilient barley varieties with stable yields.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023
Climate action plans mobilize limited urban change, researchers report
A study of 278 urban climate action plans (CAPs) since 2015 found that most focus on transportation, energy, and buildings, with a growing emphasis on mitigation and adaptation. The plans often lack co-benefits analysis and transparency, hindering effective implementation.
When is migration successful adaptation to climate change?
A new study evaluates the success of migration as adaptation in the face of climate change. The research highlights trade-offs between well-being, equity and sustainability for migrants and their households. It suggests that creating an enabling policy environment is crucial to support successful migration as adaptation.
A newly identified protein confers drought tolerance to plants
Researchers at CRAG have discovered a key role for AtMC3, a metacaspase protein located exclusively in phloem tissue, in drought stress response. Increasing AtMC3 levels improves plant survival and photosynthetic capacity under water scarcity conditions, offering a potential tool to fine-tune early drought responses.
SourceCenter for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG)·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023
Knowledge coproduction: Working together to solve a complex conservation problem
A new study highlights the importance of knowledge coproduction in addressing complex conservation problems, specifically in California's Central Valley wetlands. The research team successfully integrated stakeholder input and climate scenarios to develop resilient wetland management strategies.
SourceConservation Biology Institute·JournalConservation Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2023
International scientific collaboration helps reduce regional disparities in tackling climate change
Experts at the Global Research Council's annual meeting emphasize the need for equal opportunities and local context-specific challenges to address climate change impacts. The assessment highlights the importance of global research collaboration, tailored solutions, and partnerships between countries to mitigate and adapt to climate ch...
VIMS study reveals widgeongrass has replaced eelgrass as the dominant seagrass species in Chesapeake Bay
The study found that widgeongrass has expanded over 150% in the past few decades, outcompeting eelgrass in Chesapeake Bay. This shift has implications for conservation and management of seagrass ecosystems.
SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2023
Strategic city planning can help reduce urban heat island effect
Researchers found that tree coverage and high-albedo pavement significantly reduced mean radiant temperatures, improving thermal comfort levels in urban areas. The study suggests incorporating trees and pavement design elements into city planning to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Microorganisms' climate adaptation can slow down global warming
A new study reveals that microorganisms can adapt to temperature changes and even benefit from them. The organisms differ in their sensitivity to temperature changes, with bacteria being more sensitive than fungi. This adaptation allows them to store carbon in soil, slowing down global warming.
Ancient climate change solves mystery of vanished South African lakes
A University of Leicester-led study suggests that ancient lakes existed in South Africa's interior during the last Ice Age, supporting hunter-gatherer communities. The research provides new insights into human migration patterns and ecosystem sensitivity to global climate change.
SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2023
In years after El Niño, global economy loses trillions
A recent study by Dartmouth researchers finds that global economic losses from El Niño can persist for several years after the event, with a significant impact on the world's poorest nations. The study projects total losses of $84 trillion for the 21st century, highlighting the need for climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Extremely hot days are warming twice as fast as average summer days in North-West Europe
A new study found that climate change is causing the hottest days in North-West Europe to warm at double the rate of average summer days. The difference in trends is most pronounced for England, Wales, and Northern France.
Purdue-led USDA project aims to double impact of climate-smart Corn Belt agriculture
The Purdue-led USDA project, IMPACT2, aims to double the impact of climate-smart agriculture in the Midwest by addressing near-term and long-term issues faced by farmers. The project will offer scenario-based activities, training, and information to diverse stakeholders, with a goal of reaching 2,000 participants via an online portal.
Human ancestors preferred mosaic landscapes and high ecosystem diversity
A new study found that early human ancestors adapted to diverse food resources and mosaic landscapes, which increased their resilience to climate changes. The researchers analyzed over 3,000 fossil specimens and archeological sites, revealing a preference for biomes with high plant and animal diversity.
Data-informed care can help offset climate change-related health risks
Physicians are urging primary care teams to use data-driven approaches to prevent and mitigate climate-related health issues, dubbed "precision ecologic medicine". This approach combines patient-specific data with climate-related information to predict and support vulnerable patients.
SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Primary Care & Community Health·TypeNews article·DateMay 10, 2023
Crops evolved by swapping genetic modules between cells
A new study reveals that crops such as corn, sorghum, and millet have evolved by swapping genetic modules between cells to adapt to environmental changes. Researchers identified trends of gene module trading among the species, which may help scientists pinpoint genes controlling drought tolerance.
Social media data sheds light on air conditioning interest
A new study uses social media data to understand global air conditioning adoption patterns. It finds that middle-aged, educated males and parents of small children tend to express higher online interest in AC. This research aims to improve climate change adaptation measures by identifying sociodemographic groups at risk.
Using solar farms to generate fresh desert soil crust
ASU researchers have developed a method to regenerate biocrusts on arid lands by harnessing the power of solar farms. The approach, dubbed 'crustivoltaics,' has shown promising results in doubling biocrust biomass and tripling biocrust cover under photovoltaic panels.
Mapping floods of the future reveals communities at risk due to climate change
A study reveals that climate change will lead to increased flood risks globally, with 1.86 billion people living in areas prone to extreme flooding. The research team developed a new approach to create high-resolution future flood hazard maps using climate change simulations and compared the results with historical maps.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateApr 20, 2023
Immediate carbon cuts, common marine heatwave terminology urged
Oceanographers warn of limitations in carbon dioxide removal, emphasizing the need for rapid emission cuts to limit global warming. Clear definitions of marine heatwaves are also crucial for coastal communities to adapt and resource managers to prioritize mitigation strategies.
Cities will need more resilient electricity networks to cope with extreme weather
A new study by Lund University highlights the need for cities to develop more resilient electricity networks to cope with extreme weather events. The research models show that urban heat islands can increase cooling demand by up to 68% in some cities, leading to power shortages and blackouts if not accounted for.
US natural gas pipelines vulnerable to electric outages
A study by Carnegie Mellon researchers found that about 10% of US pipeline compressor stations are electric, making them vulnerable to electric outages. Electric outages could force a loss greater than 2 gigawatts of downstream gas generators, causing significant reductions in available gas.
Study finds record-breaking rates of sea-level rise along the U.S. Southeast and Gulf coasts
Researchers found record-breaking rates of sea-level rise of about a half an inch per year since 2010, three times higher than the global average over the same period. The acceleration is attributed to man-made climate change and natural climate variability.
Spike in major league home runs tied to climate change
A Dartmouth College study found that more than 500 home runs since 2010 can be attributed to higher-than-average temperatures due to climate change. Rising temperatures could account for 10% or more of home runs by 2100, with some stadiums experiencing significant spikes in home run totals.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2023
New ways to protect food crops from climate change and other disruptions
Researchers found that seed systems are often disrupted by conflict, social inequality, and poor policies. Emerging initiatives like participatory plant breeding help farmers secure food supplies by developing crop varieties tailored to their needs.
SourceNorwegian University of Life Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 29, 2023
Climate change threatens lemurs on Madagascar
A study published in PNAS found that climate change is destabilizing mouse lemur populations on Madagascar, increasing their risk of extinction despite high reproductive output. The data analysis revealed opposing trends of rising mortality and reproductive rates, which have prevented population collapse but accelerated the life cycle.
SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2023
Biochar and energy from pyrolysis can pave the way for carbon-neutral agriculture in China
Researchers suggest that biochar produced from straw pyrolysis can significantly reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions from Chinese staple crops. The addition of an integrated energy system also produces biogas and bio-oil, which can replace fossil fuels and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Framework helps local planners prepare for climate pressures on food, energy & water systems
A new framework developed by a multidisciplinary team provides guidance to local and regional planners to anticipate and prepare for the impacts of climate change on critical civic resources. The C-FEWS framework evaluates options and makes decisions related to specific local conditions, focusing on the nexus of food, energy, and water.
SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 23, 2023
Housing plays key role in disaster preparedness
A new national study found that households facing housing insecurity score lower on disaster preparedness scales, highlighting the importance of secure housing for disaster resilience. Housing security is vital for people to be better prepared for disasters, according to researchers.
SourceOhio State University·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2023
Short-distance migration critical for climate change adaptation
A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that most people migrate short distances within their own country to adapt to climate change. The research reveals that everyday mobility is a crucial aspect of managing different shocks and stresses, including increasing climate variability.
New research: Hotter and drier conditions limit forest recovery from wildfires
Warmer and drier climate conditions are making it less likely for trees to regenerate after wildfires, according to new research published in PNAS. Ecological forest management can partially offset climate-driven declines in tree regeneration by limiting fire-caused tree death, but only if action is taken quickly.
SourceThe Nature Conservancy, Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023
BU researchers receive $1.3m EPA grant to advance climate resilience among Mystic River communities
A team of BU School of Public Health researchers will study the cumulative impacts of chemical hazards and climate change on 21 communities surrounding the Mystic River Watershed. They aim to identify solutions that protect vulnerable populations from both chemical and climate stressors.
EPA awards $1.35 million grant to multi-institutional team for septic adaptation research
Researchers will collect data on flood risk and septic health to identify areas most at risk of failure due to climate change. The team aims to provide data-driven solutions for equitable climate adaptation measures.
Human-wildlife conflicts rising worldwide with climate change
A new study reveals climate-driven conflicts between humans and wildlife are on the rise globally, with six continents experiencing exacerbation of these conflicts. The research identifies trends in human-wildlife conflicts linked to climate change, including altered animal habitats, resource availability, and changes in wildlife behav...
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 27, 2023
A labyrinth lake provides surprising benefits for an endangered seal
The study reveals that genetic variation is preserved in a highly fragmented population of the Saimaa ringed seal. The unique shape of Lake Saimaa compensates for the detrimental effects of small population size, allowing the species to maintain its adaptive potential.
MU researcher discovers threshold that triggers drought response in forests
A recent study at Baskett Forest found that forests reach an ecosystem wilting point between 2-4 weeks of extreme drought, requiring soaking rainfall to rejuvenate. This concept explains how whole forests respond to drought and is essential for understanding their dynamics under climate change.
Researcher receives grant to study effects of climate change in Iceland and Greenland
Kennesaw State University professor Thomas Rotnem has received a National Science Foundation grant to study the impact of climate change on farming and communities in Iceland and Greenland. Over two decades, farmers have experienced longer growing seasons with less precipitation, affecting their livelihoods.
Before global warming, was the Earth cooling down or heating up?
A review article in Nature suggests that the Earth was likely warmer 6,500 years ago and followed a cooling trend until human-caused warming began. The study's findings highlight uncertainties in climate models and underscore the need for further research on natural climate variability.
Canada’s first zero-carbon, net-positive energy building is on track to propel Ontario’s energy transition
Researchers at the University of Waterloo analyzed a zero-carbon building in Canada and found that data-driven improvements helped reduce energy consumption by 15% without compromising comfort. The building is now on track to achieve its target, producing five percent more clean energy than it consumes and adding it to the Ontario grid.
North American mountain vegetation is rapidly shifting higher as the climate warms
Vegetation in North America's mountains is shifting to higher elevations at an unprecedented rate, driven by climate change. This shift is occurring faster than many animal species can adapt, with widespread changes observed across diverse ecosystems.
Late Cenozoic climate cooling biogeographically shifted marine plankton communities
A recent study using planktonic foraminifera fossils found a global clade-wide shift in marine latitudinal zones towards the Equator. The researchers discovered that this shift was not tied to species diversity or functional traits, but rather ecological and morphological characteristics of the organisms.
SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalNature·DateFeb 15, 2023
Climate change portends wider malaria risk as mosquitos spread south and to higher elevations in Africa
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that Anopheles mosquito populations are gaining an average of 6.5 meters per year in elevation and moving south by 4.7 kilometers annually. Climate change is helping these species reach colder parts of the continent, potentially explaining recent changes in malaria transmission.
SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalBiology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2023
New evolutionary insights from stepping outside the lab
Researchers used unconventional methods to study fruit fly phenotypes, finding that loss of epigenetic mark led to changes in behavior, gene expression, metabolism, and offspring production. This knowledge can aid in predicting ecological patterns of change in wild animal populations.
SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023
Forest management will have a stronger effect than climate change on the supply of ecosystem services
Researchers from University of Jyväskylä found that forest management has a stronger effect on the supply of ecosystem services than climate change. The study suggests that forest management planning should account for biogeographic diversity, and climate change mitigation measures are particularly suited for northern Finland.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 7, 2023
Devastating cost of future coastal flooding for many developing nations predicted in new study
A new study predicts devastating socioeconomic impacts of future extreme coastal flooding on developing nations caused by climate change. Without adaptation measures, the number of people affected could increase from 34 million in 2015 to 246 million by 2100, with expected annual damage costing over five percent of national GDP.
SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 6, 2023
Study links adoption of electric vehicles with less air pollution and improved health
Researchers found that electric car adoption in California was associated with real-world reductions in air pollution and asthma-related emergency room visits. The study also highlighted an 'adoption gap' between low-resource zip codes, pointing to opportunities for environmental justice.
SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2023
Genes decide the willow warbler’s migration routes
Researchers at Lund University identified two areas in the genome that decide whether a willow warbler migrates across the Iberian Peninsula or the Balkans. This discovery sheds light on the genetics behind songbirds' migratory behaviour and has implications for understanding how species adapt to climate change.
1.5-degree goal not plausible: social change more important than physical tipping points
Researchers conclude that social changes, such as consumption patterns and climate protests, are crucial in meeting the 1.5-degree goal, but current efforts are insufficient. A new approach to adaptation is necessary to address the impacts of global warming.
THE LANCET: Planting more trees could decrease deaths from higher summer temperatures in cities by a third, modelling study suggests
A modelling study suggests that increasing urban tree cover to 30% could decrease deaths from higher summer temperatures by a third. The study found that tree cover reduced urban temperatures by an average of 0.4 degrees during the summer, resulting in 6,700 premature deaths attributable to hotter urban temperatures.
With rapidly increasing heat and drought, can plants adapt?
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers suggests that iconic desert plants came preadapted to stresses of arid living. The rock daisy study found these pioneers developed adaptations on dry, exposed rock outcrops within older areas, making it easier for them to thrive in expanding deserts.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateJan 31, 2023