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Climate change and air pollution damaging health and causing millions of premature deaths

A new report by IIASA researchers reveals that climate change is causing millions of premature deaths globally due to air pollution, with older people in Europe and the East Mediterranean being particularly vulnerable to heatwaves. The study also finds that phasing out coal-use can significantly reduce pollution-related deaths.

New study finds unique immunity genes in one widespread coral species

A recent study has identified unique immune genes in the Pocillopora damicornis coral species, which may help explain its ability to survive environmental stressors. The research found that this coral species has a more robust immune system than previously thought, with many diverse immunity genes.

HKBU scholar discovers strong evidence for links between drying climate and human evolution

African lake sedimentary cores revealed a continuous record of climate change extending back one million years, linking aridification to technological and evolutionary changes in early humans. The research suggests that climate variability drove human migration and the development of new tools, providing a selective pressure for survival.

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2018

Thirteen ocean solutions for climate change

The Ocean Solutions Initiative presents a comprehensive review of thirteen ocean-based measures to counter climate change. The measures can be grouped into four categories: reduction of climate change causes, preservation of ecosystems, protection of the ocean from solar radiation, and direct manipulation of species adaptability.

SourceCNRS·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateOct 4, 2018

Transparency may improve US home buyout programs

A Stanford University study found that lack of transparency in US home buyout programs leads to lower participation rates and perpetuates social inequality. The research suggests increasing clarity on decision criteria, community involvement, and emphasis on equitable relocation can improve the program's effectiveness.

SourceStanford University·JournalClimatic Change·DateSep 10, 2018

A climate 'wake-up call'

Research suggests that proactive implementation of fisheries management and climate action can create a more bountiful future for the world's oceans. The study finds that concerted responses to climate change can lead to increased fish populations, food availability, and profit for fishermen.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 29, 2018

What's behind the retreating kelps and expanding corals?

A recent study by Hokkaido University reveals that climate warming, ocean currents, and deforestation by invasive fish are driving the expansion of tropical corals into temperate zones in Japan. This shift is linked to increased grazing by herbivorous fish, leading to a decline in macroalgae populations.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2018

Volcano eruptions at different latitudes impact sea surface temperature differently

Researchers have found that volcanic eruptions cause different impacts on sea surface temperature (SST) gradients over the equatorial Pacific, depending on their latitude. Northern and tropical eruptions lead to El Nino-like warm SST anomalies in the eastern Pacific, while southern eruptions result in weaker warming anomalies with an e...

Heatwave deaths will rise steadily by 2080 as globe warms up

A new study predicts a significant increase in heatwave-related deaths globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries, with Australia, Europe, and the US expected to be among the hardest hit. The study suggests that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, heatwaves will become more frequent, intense, and deadly.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 31, 2018

LandKlif: Changing ecosystems in Bavaria

A new research alliance in Bavaria is investigating the impact of climate change on ecosystems, focusing on four subprojects: measuring biodiversity and ecosystem performance, simulating climate scenarios and drought stress, landscape types and adaptability, and investigating vegetation with satellite data.

Global warming hits poorest hardest, new research shows

New research reveals that global warming hits poorest regions hardest, with temperate nations like the UK being less affected than tropical countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study found that as average temperatures rise to 1.5°C or 2°C, wealthy areas will experience fewer climate changes compared to poor nations.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 30, 2018

Are damselflies in distress?

Researchers found that damselfly genes strongly responded to environmental changes as they moved towards the northern edge of their range. The study suggests that the blue-tailed damselfly has a wealth of evolutionary strategies available to help it adapt to a changing climate.

SourceScience in Public·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 30, 2018

Rapid adaptation

A new study by UC Santa Barbara marine biologists shows that female purple sea urchins can condition their offspring to withstand stress induced by low pH levels, commonly caused by ocean acidification. The researchers found that the females' exposure to stressful conditions resulted in harder and larger offspring.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 26, 2018