Articles tagged with Climate Change Adaptation
Small-scale fisheries, such as soft-shell clams in Maine, are threatened by climate change, invasive species and unsustainable land use. Co-management approaches, based on shared responsibility, can build resilience by strengthening science-based decision making and promoting adaptive capacities like learning and leadership.
A new study found that some corals can adapt to climate change, with the mountainous star coral surviving elevated temperatures and recovering quickly. In contrast, staghorn coral was highly sensitive to heat stress, experiencing 100% mortality after just 25 days.
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.
A study by researchers at the University of Waterloo found that flood losses in the Halifax, Nova Scotia area could increase by up to 300% if steps are not taken to address climate change. The study suggests that governments need to plan for rare but high-impact flood events and warn citizens about growing flood risks.
Marine species in the eastern Bering Sea are trailing behind climate change, potentially increasing their vulnerability to future fluctuations. The study highlights the importance of incorporating species-specific sensitivity to climate variation when predicting rates of range shifts.
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.
A new study forecasts up to 1,000 additional deaths annually in the Eastern US due to elevated air pollution from increased air conditioning use. The study suggests transitioning to clean energy sources like wind and solar power to mitigate these effects.
Research predicts a disease burden of 125.8 million DALYs globally due to climate change-induced crop nutrient deficiencies, primarily affecting South-East Asian and sub-Saharan African countries.
Research by the University of Exeter warns that increased storm frequency and intensity could disrupt fish populations, destroy habitats, and affect the livelihood of fishermen. The study highlights the need for urgent research to predict where storms are likely to hit and support fishing communities' adaptation to climate change.
A team from University of Bristol identified the Carnian event through breakpoint analysis, a statistical method that compared species counts across Triassic samples. The event marked a sudden shift in ecosystems from dinosaur domination to modern groups like turtles and mammals.
The ESA Annual Meeting explores how extreme events challenge populations, communities, and ecosystems, as well as human health and living conditions. The meeting delves into topics such as pastoralism in the 21st century, drought resilience and recovery, and coastal ecological resilience and climate change adaptation.
Corals adjust to ocean acidification by altering gene expression through DNA methylation. This adaptation involves increased cell size and calyx development, allowing corals to thrive in changing environments.
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.
Research found that geckos can survive and even thrive in the hottest years, despite high temperatures and drought. They prefer hiding places with a temperature range of 30-35 degrees Celsius to digest their food properly.
A new study from the University of Waterloo reveals that most insurance companies have not considered a changing climate in their practices. Insurers are failing to adjust premiums and coverage as extreme weather events increase in severity, frequency, and unpredictability.
Chimpanzees in the African savanna show significant physiological difficulty when temperatures are high and water is scarce, leading to dehydration and thermoregulatory stress. Despite these challenges, some chimpanzees have developed strategies to cope with food scarcity, such as relying on non-fruit foods like termites and bark.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that the Bahamian anole lizard's genetic variation is surprisingly low, making it unlikely to adapt quickly to future climate scenarios. The research suggests that strong selection pressure in the past may have eliminated future genetic variation.
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.
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.
Conservation partnerships between protected lands and their non-protected neighbors can significantly improve a region's ability to accommodate species migration in response to shifting climates. The study found that these partnerships could increase the adaptation indicators for each area by up to two orders of magnitude.
As climate change raises summer temperatures, research suggests that wetter summers could produce unexpected impacts such as disease outbreaks and crop failures. Subtropical and temperate regions are expected to experience warmer, wetter extremes, threatening ecosystems and human communities.
A study using climate models found that limiting warming to 1.5C instead of 2C can reduce extreme heat events in East Asia by 35-46%. This means that reducing global warming would have a significant impact on the region, with Mongolia experiencing the greatest benefits.
The study analyzed changes in rodent faunas between 12 and 5 million years ago, revealing their migration northwards in search of more humid conditions. This shift was driven by intense cooling and increased aridity, transforming landscapes in Southwestern Europe.
An international team of scientists has developed a strategy to help people living in tropical coastal communities adapt to climate change. The key ways to build up adaptive capacity include ensuring assets, providing flexibility, learning about adaptation options, investing in social relationships, and empowering individuals.
Researchers analyzed over 270 million years of data to find that mammals and birds are better equipped to evolve and adapt to a changing climate. They have the ability to regulate their body temperature, allowing them to thrive in colder temperatures.
The research found that Gymnocypris selincuoensis fish reproductive cycle is advancing due to climate change, with growing seasons increasing by 17 days per decade. The study suggests that the plateau's aquatic ecosystems are responding to global warming.
Scientists warn of increased river flood risks worldwide due to global warming, with the need for adaptation greatest in the US, parts of India and Africa. The study finds that without additional measures, millions will be exposed to severe flooding, with devastating impacts on communities.
A new study analyzing yellow warbler genomes finds that genes associated with exploratory and migratory behavior may be important for successful climate adaptation. Precipitation is the climate factor with the strongest association with specific genomic traits.
A new study suggests that climate change could force winemakers to switch from traditional grape varieties to more drought-tolerant and heat-resistant ones. Researchers at Harvard University are exploring the potential of lesser-known grape varieties to adapt to changing weather patterns.
Scientists used genetic variability to map a plant species' ability to adapt to climate change, finding that Scandinavian plants can cope with severe drought. The study suggests that relocating populations with genetic variants supporting drought adaptation could help rescue endangered species and improve crop performance.
The project investigates the camel's ability to conserve water in a desert environment, using a molecular dialogue between the brain and kidney. By analyzing the camel's genome and gene expression, researchers aim to understand how animals adapt to deserts and climate change.
Farmers in the Northeast are adapting to longer growing seasons and warmer climate conditions, but may face financial losses due to delayed planting and increased disease problems. The region has seen a 71% increase in extreme precipitation events, which can lead to crop failures and reduced yields.
A recent study by UBC researchers found that forest vegetation can have a substantial impact on global water resources, with alterations to ground cover changing annual water yield by up to 31%. The study suggests that both climate change and vegetation loss should be considered when assessing and managing future global water resources.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has awarded $2.5 million in new grants through its Climate Adaptation Fund to support innovative conservation projects addressing the impacts of climate change on wildlife and ecosystems. The grants aim to help species, ecosystems, and communities adapt to rapidly shifting environmental conditions.
A new study published in Marine Policy predicts that Pacific Island nations will lose 50 to 80 percent of marine species in their waters by the end of the 21st century. Climate change is expected to make these waters warmer, less oxygenated, and more acidic, leading to widespread extinctions.
The 2017 Climate Science Special Report details past, current and projected changes to the climate, including increased atmospheric and ocean temperatures, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels. Alaska climatologist John Walsh is a contributing author and can provide insights on recent U.S. climate change in the global context.
A new multivariable integrated evaluation (MVIE) method provides a comprehensive and quantitative evaluation of climate model performance. The method includes three levels of statistical metrics, offering an integrated evaluation of model performance in simulating multiple fields.
A recent study by QUT-led researchers found that only 21% of Australia's tourism strategies mention climate change, with most simply acknowledging it as an issue. The study suggests that the industry has significant room to improve and step up action on addressing climate change.
A recent study published in Science Advances suggests that corals can adapt to warmer oceans if global emissions are controlled. The research found genetic variants in some corals that make them more heat tolerant, but may not be enough to keep up with the rapid warming predicted by climate models.
Researchers analyzed archaeological and environmental data from 10,000-15,000 years ago to understand human responses to rapid climate shifts. They found that communities with socio-ecological continuity thrived in a warmer world, while those with disrupted settlements struggled to adapt.
The Institute of Atmospheric Physics published a special issue in AAS to commemorate Duzheng Ye's life's achievements. The collection focuses on Ye's theories and their impact on modern weather forecasting, climate change research, and Tibetan Plateau meteorology.
A new study reveals that America's power supply might be more adaptable to climate change due to maintenance and efficient energy technology. However, further research is needed to understand the collective strengths and vulnerabilities of the US power grid under climate conditions.
A new study suggests that climate change will negatively impact the reliability of US electricity generation, but today's infrastructure can be adapted to future conditions. Improvements in resiliency are driven by policy and economic opportunities making US power supply cleaner and more efficient.
The Lancet Countdown report reveals that climate change is having a significant impact on health, with 125 million adults over 65 exposed to heatwaves, and an estimated 5.3% loss in labour productivity. The report also highlights the increase in mosquito-borne diseases, air pollution, and economic losses linked to extreme weather events.
Researchers found that indirect effects of coevolution have a greater impact on complex biological communities than direct interactions. This is particularly concerning for species-rich networks, which are slow to adapt to rapid environmental changes and may face higher extinction risks.
A new study by University of Kansas researchers found that cities starting with a narrower focus on connections to natural hazards appear to lay a stronger foundation for a more comprehensive approach. This approach includes addressing climate-related impacts beyond just hazards like flooding and severe storms.
A UBC study identified 294 marine species that will be highly vulnerable to climate change by 2050. These species have limited temperature ranges, restricted geographic ranges, and specific habitat requirements making them more susceptible to climate change.
A new study clarifies different perspectives on loss and damage from climate change, highlighting four key viewpoints: adaptation and mitigation, risk management, limits to adaptation, and existential. These perspectives will help inform research and policy work on loss and damage.
A team of researchers at NTNU successfully conducted artificial selection on wild birds, altering their size and genetic composition. The study found that the birds' size changed as expected, with those on Vega becoming smaller and those on Leka becoming larger, before reverting back to original sizes once natural selection resumed.
A global synthesis study led by Rutgers University professor Ying Fan Reinfelder shows strong links between root depth and local soil and water conditions. Plants adapt to droughts by shifting to wetter environments through seed dispersal.
A recent study found that extreme weather events do not significantly increase support for climate policies, even among those who experienced severe weather. The study suggests that other factors, such as political beliefs and party affiliation, play a much larger role in shaping attitudes towards climate change.
Expert John Deutch argues that the US can't lower carbon emissions while growing the economy due to the Kaya Identity model. He suggests planned reductions won't be enough to avoid climate change's impact.
A team of marine biology researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) identified key mechanisms that enable corals to adapt to environmental changes. The study suggests that microbes play a vital role in coral physiology, allowing them to adjust quickly under changing conditions.
International scientists issue recommendations for future research on coral acclimatization and adaptation to climate change. Key findings suggest that while there is a 'nugget of hope' for corals to adapt, major knowledge gaps remain regarding their ability to cope with rapid warming,
Daily peak loads in Southern Europe are expected to increase due to rising temperatures, while overall consumption will shift from Northern Europe to the South. The study also found that temperature-driven annual peak demand will shift from winter to summer by the end of this century.
A study by CSIC and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that higher temperatures increase health risks, but sensitivity varies by region. The study suggests adapting to excessive heat and developing migration strategies as climate change projections increase temperatures.
Researchers found that Pennsylvania snowshoe hares have shorter, less-dense winter coats than their northern counterparts, producing lower coat temperatures. They also exhibit altered movement rates and resting-spot selection in response to variable winter temperatures. These adaptations may enable the hares to survive warming winters.
The American pika's behavioral adaptations to climate change include shifting mating seasons, migrations, and adjustments in feeding and foraging strategies. However, these adaptations are limited by physiology and may incur costly trade-offs with other essential activities.
Asia and the Pacific face severe impacts from unmitigated climate change, including increased temperatures, extreme weather events, and declining agricultural productivity. The region is projected to experience a 6-degree Celsius temperature increase by 2100, leading to significant economic losses and human suffering.
Researchers used a model to project future weight-restrictions on flights due to climate change, finding that five to twenty-five percent of flights may require weight restrictions. The impact will be felt by both mid-sized and large aircraft, with airports in high temperatures or elevations seeing the largest effects.