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New understanding of plant nutrient response could improve fertilizer management strategies

A new study reveals that balancing iron and phosphorus levels is crucial to prevent chlorosis, a condition associated with yellowing leaves. The research team found that removing phosphorus can help restore photosynthesis, highlighting the need for more environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021

Climate change will destroy familiar environments, create new ones and undermine efforts to protect sea life

New research from Oregon State University found that climate change is altering ocean conditions, creating new environments that could undermine conservation goals in the world's largest marine protected areas. By 2060, most of these changes will occur, including warming and acidification levels.

SourceOregon State University·JournalOne Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 12, 2021

In Science, Harvard scholars lead call for more comprehensive research into solar geoengineering

A group of Harvard scholars, including David Keith and Joseph Aldy, argue that more thorough social science research is needed into solar geoengineering to understand its potential risks and benefits. They suggest pursuing three research themes: assessing costs and benefits, understanding deployment incentives, and evaluating SG in a p...

SourceHarvard Kennedy School·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 11, 2021

Researchers link pollution to cardiovascular disease, develop strategies to reduce exposure and encourage government intervention

Pollution has been linked to nine million deaths worldwide in 2019, with five million due to cardiovascular disease. The researchers emphasize the need for individual physicians to consider pollution as a risk factor when treating patients, and advocate for government-supported interventions to reduce exposure.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 10, 2021

Size matters for bee ‘superorganism’ colonies

Research suggests that larger bee colonies with comfortable food stores are less willing to take risks, while smaller colonies with limited resources are more likely to ignore warning signals. This study provides insights into the complex communication system of bees and its implications for understanding biological collectives.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2021

Restoring coral health

Researchers at KAUST develop adaptive framework to increase coral resilience, combining tools like selective sexual propagation, coral probiotics, and environmental hardening. They also investigate the potential of genetic adaptations and beneficial microorganisms to enhance coral's stress resilience.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 3, 2021

Climate change to stir up global agriculture within next decade, NASA/PIK study finds

A NASA/PIK study found that new climate conditions will push crop yields outside of their normal range in more regions, particularly in breadbasket areas. This could lead to severe losses for farmers unless they adapt quickly by changing planting dates or using different crop varieties.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 1, 2021

After California’s 3rd-largest wildfire, deer returned home while trees were ‘still smoldering’

Researchers tracked black-tailed deer before, during, and after the Mendocino Complex Fire, finding that all 18 deer survived. Despite burned areas with no vegetation, most deer returned home within hours, potentially due to their loyalty to habitat. However, some deer's body condition declined as they expanded their range.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2021

People may prefer climate change policies that give incentives, find energy alternatives

Participants preferred policies that used incentives to encourage eco-friendly choices, particularly when they targeted businesses. In contrast, policies that focused on energy alternatives and used incentives were also supported. The researchers found that policy support was influenced by the type of change targeted, who was targeted,...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021

Climate change caused the devastating floods in part of Brazilian´s Southeast region, study says

A study found that climate change increased the probability of heavy rainfall by 70% in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, leading to severe flooding, deaths, and massive damage. The extreme event caused over 90,000 people to be temporarily homeless and resulted in significant economic losses.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalClimate Resilience and Sustainability·DateOct 19, 2021

Climate change literacy lessons from Africa

Climate change literacy rates in Africa are lower than those in Europe and North America, with women facing a significant gap in awareness. The study found that education is the strongest predictor of climate literacy, but poverty and gender dynamics also play a role.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

New report shows accelerated adaptation can substantially reduce Egypt’s food production losses from climate change

A new report by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) suggests that accelerated adaptation can substantially reduce Egypt’s food production losses from climate change. Climate change-induced biophysical crop stress could lead to a 10% reduction in food crop yields by 2050, but investing in agricultural research and devel...

SourceInternational Food Policy Research Institute·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 30, 2021

Steep but not deep: New research chronicles how Utah ski resorts are adapting to climate change

Researchers chronicle how Utah ski resort managers are adopting adaptive tactics to cope with decreasing snowpack, shorter seasons and worsening weather. Managers are exploring alternative revenue streams through activities like mountain biking and festivals.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalMountain Research and Development·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 2021

Over 120 scientific experts’ global ocean report shows unprecedented climate change impact, as Arctic registers record low ice levels

The Copernicus Ocean State Report reveals record low Arctic ice levels, with a 90% reduction in average sea ice thickness in the Barents Sea. The report also highlights extreme variability in ocean temperatures and oxygen levels, posing significant challenges for marine ecosystems.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Operational Oceanography·DateSep 22, 2021

Species in polar regions hard hit by climate change

A mathematical model developed at Linköping University predicts that many species in polar regions will become extinct due to global warming, with ecosystems already showing signs of strain. The model simulates the impact of climate change on species interactions and diversity, highlighting the importance of considering ecological proc...

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 14, 2021

Drought – more than temperature – governs diversity of life on earth

A University of Arizona-led study found that drought and seasonal fluctuations in rainfall are larger drivers of evolutionary diversity than warm temperatures. The research team created maps of evolutionary diversity across North, Central and South America, revealing that deserts have more plant species compared to forests due to drought.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

The warming climate is causing animals to "shapeshift"

Researchers are studying how climate change is forcing animals to evolve and adapt, with changes in beak and ear sizes reported in birds and tail length increases in mice, experts warn that these changes may have unintended ecological consequences

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 7, 2021

How do pathogens evolve novel virulence activities and why does it matter?

Scientists are still unraveling how pathogens adapt to changing conditions, including climate change and global trade. Genome sequencing and big data technologies have revealed that dramatic events like hybridization between pathogen species can lead to rapid evolution of virulence on new host plants.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 7, 2021

Study shows how aspen forests maintain the diversity needed to adapt to changing environments

A decade-long study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers shows how aspen stands change their genetic structure over time, adapting to environmental fluctuations. The findings suggest that exposure to various environmental changes can maintain diverse forests capable of responding to different stresses.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

Sea level rise will harm coastal wetlands in the Chesapeake—A bad sign for people and property

A new study assesses the impacts of sea level rise and wetland change on storm surge flooding in the Chesapeake Bay region. The results show that even relatively weak storms in 2100 could have a greater impact than high-intensity storms today, with significant property damage and effects on people.

SourceResources for the Future (RFF)·JournalNatural Hazards Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2021

Protect habitat ‘stepping stones’ to help species cope with climate change, scientists say

A new study by the University of Liverpool warns that safe passages for species adapting to climate change are often not being protected. The researchers found that important connecting patches were left out of existing networks of protected areas, resulting in a 13.6% shortfall in connectivity.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2021

Survival strategy of starving spruces trees: The critical role of reserves

Trees continue to form reserves even during long periods of starvation, contrary to the assumption that they only form when photosynthetic conditions are favorable. As CO2 starvation progresses, trees stabilize their reserve levels and divert resources to storage, allowing them to survive climate extremes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

New live analysis system for plant stomata, signals exciting progress in climate-change resistant crop development

Scientists have developed a new live analysis system for plant stomata, allowing for rapid and affordable identification of desirable traits. This innovation has the potential to accelerate crop development for climate-resistance, addressing future food shortages.

Scientists reveal how landmark CFC ban gave planet fighting chance against global warming

Researchers measuring the impact of the Montreal Protocol found that banning CFCs preserved plant's ability to absorb CO2, preventing a further acceleration of climate change. The study predicts a 2.5°C rise in global temperatures without the ban, exceeding the 1.5°C limit seen as critical for avoiding climate damage.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2021

Indigenous territories fight climate change

Researchers found that Indigenous Territories are as effective as Protected Areas in preserving forest's carbon stocks, with some areas showing up to 10% more carbon storage. The study suggests that securing land titles and formalizing forest co-governance can bring multiple benefits for both indigenous people and national governments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2021

From coral reef to goat ranch: Uncovering the botanical history of the Guadalupe Mountains

Researchers sequenced DNA from plant specimens collected nearly 50 years ago to analyze genetic diversity and its response to climate change. The study found that several species restricted to the Guadalupe Mountains had surprisingly high amounts of genetic diversity, which could help them adapt to changing conditions.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateAug 16, 2021

Climate change ‘double whammy’ could kill off fish species

Warming oceans are causing fish to struggle with both survival and adaptation, leading to potential extinction. The research found that warmer waters reduce the size of fish, making it harder for them to relocate to more suitable environments, and also limit their ability to evolve and cope with changing temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

New report: State of the science on western wildfires, forests and climate change

A synthesis of scientific literature provides a unified resource for managing western forests and addressing the impacts of climate change on wildfires. The report recommends approaches such as thinning dense forests, prescribed burning, and revitalizing Indigenous fire stewardship practices to make landscapes more resilient.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcological Applications·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2021

Climate adaptation at the department of defense and beyond

New research from the University of Arizona identifies climate-related threats to US Department of Defense facilities in the southwestern United States. The study recommends emphasizing risks to DOD missions, finding champions at individual bases, and integrating climate considerations into existing plans to mitigate these challenges.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalClimate Services·DateJul 27, 2021