Research on the consequences of a changing climate. Covers food and water disparities, sea-level costs, forest resilience, and shifting ecosystems.
Research shows that Global South cities have limited urban greenery, resulting in higher temperatures and increased heat-related illnesses. The study suggests vast potential for enhancing urban cooling through green spaces, particularly in slums where the risk of climate change-induced deaths is highest.
A nationwide study in Sweden reveals that short-term exposures to lower air temperature and cold spells are associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction hospitalization after two-six days. Researchers found that this delay in hospitalizations suggests a delayed onset of cold-related impacts on MI risk.
A study by Florida Atlantic University and the University of Tübingen found that rainfall cools beach surfaces and enhances moisture for egg development, making it a crucial factor in determining hatchling body size. The research suggests that global warming may shorten incubation periods and disrupt growth, affecting sea turtle survival.
New research finds women make up 50% of post-harvest fisheries and aquaculture workforce, yet often remain invisible, unpaid or underpaid. The study calls for policy changes to address social justice dimensions of technology development.
A new study has reconstructed virus DNA from glacial ice cores, revealing nearly 1,700 viral species with adaptations that influenced their hosts' survival in extreme conditions. The findings suggest a connection between viruses and climate change, shedding light on the impact of global temperature shifts.
A recent study found that emphasizing the scientific consensus on climate change can clear up misperceptions and strengthen beliefs about its existence and causes. Researchers surveyed over 10,500 people across 27 countries and observed a similar response to the consensus message.
An international study found that as environmental stressors increase, terrestrial ecosystems' ability to resist global change decreases significantly. This is especially true when stress is sustained over time, highlighting the need to reduce global drivers of change.
The ocean's twilight zone plays a crucial role in regulating marine phytoplankton productivity, which is essential for the marine food chain. Researchers have found that warming temperatures can strengthen the recycling of nutrients between the ocean layers, with significant implications for climate change projections.
Researchers have developed a bioinspired process to make marine sand more durable and resistant to erosion by applying a mild electric current. This natural cement reduces the need for expensive protection structures and provides a sustainable solution for strengthening global coastlines.
A new study led by Dartmouth researchers questions the rapid polar ice collapse model used in the IPCC's sixth assessment report. The team found that the expected rate of retreat is significantly lower than predicted, making the worst-case scenario less likely, but still dire due to ongoing ice loss from Greenland and Antarctica.
A new AI approach accurately links heat waves to global warming, estimating that record-setting heat waves could occur multiple times per decade under higher warming levels. The method uses actual historical weather data and machine learning to predict the magnitude of extreme events.
A new study suggests that climate change and ageing populations will widen regional disparities in death risk from hot and cold temperatures in Europe. By 2100, heat-related deaths are projected to increase significantly, mostly in southern regions, while cold-related deaths are expected to decline slightly.
Researchers found that a refutational approach can help overcome misinformation, leading to fewer misconceptions and improved emotional responses. The study tested students' knowledge of fluoridation and found that those who read an article with a refutation had more positive emotions toward the subject.
Climate change is projected to increase hydropower generation in the US, with a 5% rise in near-term production and 10% increase in midterm. However, seasonal changes and regional variations may lead to significant decreases in some areas, such as the Southwest.
A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a nature-inspired filtration and conversion system that extracts carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere to create fuels and chemicals. The device mimics the lotus surface, capturing carbon dioxide with a microsurface comprised of a tin oxide film and fluorine layer.
Research reveals that deforestation in Africa's montane forests has induced a higher warming and cloud level rise than climate change alone, leading to decreased water supply. The study found that air temperature increased by 1.4°C and cloud levels rose by 230 meters over the last 20 years.
New research reveals a dangerous combination of warming waters and nutrient overload is degrading freshwater ecosystem functioning. This simplification leads to shorter food chains and vulnerable top predators, emphasizing the urgent global need to reduce pollution levels.
Researchers at USC Dornsife introduce a new method to measure mercury released from permafrost, estimating the total amount awaiting release. The study finds that sediment samples provide a reliable measure of mercury content and offer deeper insight into the permafrost's hidden dangers.
A new study estimates that soil stores substantially more mercury than previously thought, with climate change potentially adding even more. The researchers predict that as temperatures increase, vegetation growth will promote the deposition of mercury in the soil, outweighing current control schemes.
The State of Wildfires report found that carbon emissions from wildfires globally were 16% above average, with Canada and Amazonia experiencing unusually high numbers of fires. Climate change increased the likelihood of extreme wildfires in these regions by at least three times and up to six times.
Researchers found that adopting plant-based diets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food supply chains by 17%, saving 32.4% of global dietary emissions. This would balance the increase in emissions from under-consumed populations moving towards healthier diets.
The study finds that agricultural expansion could lead to a 26% decline in biodiversity and emit almost half of current annual global CO2 emissions. Conservation policies can also have economic benefits, with minimal impact on GDP and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
The UFZ forest condition monitor tracks dynamic changes in Germany's forests due to climate change extreme events. The index displays seasonal and annual maps of forest condition, highlighting areas with severe damage, such as the Harz region.
Researchers found that mature trees increased wood production by an average of 9.8% under elevated CO2 levels, supporting their role as medium-term carbon stores and natural climate solutions. This increase was not accompanied by a corresponding rise in leaf or fine-root production.
A new study finds that reduced sulfur emissions from shipping industry likely contributed to nearly 20% of record-breaking 2023 warmth, while regulations also accelerated warming. Further research is needed to understand the magnitude of climate response.
Edith Brown Weiss advocates for a Planetary Trust to ensure a just and robust Earth system for present and future generations. She proposes six critical commitments for the UN Summit of the Future, including integrating the future into decision-making and practices.
Long-term coral reef monitoring is essential for tracking changes in reef health, composition, and resilience. Ongoing monitoring provides valuable insights into the impact of acute versus chronic disturbances on reefs.
A recent study has confirmed the efficacy and safety of the dengue vaccine TAK-003, which reduces the risk of contracting the disease by over 50%. The vaccine has shown a high safety profile, with more than 90% of adults and children developing antibodies after administration.
Researchers developed a new metric, R_AOD, to detect climate change using aerosols as tracers. They analyzed long-term satellite data and found significant temporal variations in aerosol transport, highlighting shifts in transboundary pollution pathways due to global warming.
A study by ETH Zurich scientists found that global warming's effects on plant recovery can last for thousands to millions of years. The research team discovered that the severity of climate shifts and the speed at which carbon is sequestered affect the duration of climate warming.
A recent survey-based study found that physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital who completed climate change-focused educational modules showed significant improvements in their knowledge and attitudes towards the topic. The majority of participants believed that education on climate change's health effects was important and welcom...
A WVU team investigates how different management practices affect Appalachian forest life and carbon sequestration capabilities. Preliminary data reveals changes in species distribution and ecosystem resilience to climate change.
A KAUST-led study reveals that plant trait diversity increases above an aridity threshold of 0.7, challenging the view that harsh environments reduce biodiversity. The research found that chemical and morphological traits respond similarly to changes in aridity and grazing pressure.
A recent study by Stockholm University reveals that warming temperatures can speed up carbon dioxide emissions from ecosystems, but only if the environment is sufficiently moist. This finding highlights the critical role of water in the feedback loop between temperature and ecosystem metabolism.
The study found that Tipuana tipu grows faster at higher temperatures and can contribute to urban climate resilience. The tree can thrive in restrictive weather conditions, providing ecosystem services such as carbon capture and temperature regulation.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that repetition of climate-skeptical statements increased their perceived truth among climate science endorsers, including those who self-identified as 'Alarmed' by climate change. This effect holds true even for the strongest believers in climate science.
The impacts of natural disasters on plant health can be devastating, with the potential for direct effects from disasters like pathogen or vector dispersal. Human-driven disasters also create conditions favorable to the spread of plant pathogens, leading to crop loss and disease spread.
Research found that 68% of wells in southwestern Europe have stable groundwater levels, while 20% show rising levels and 12% decline. Effective management approaches in semi-arid regions led to recovery of groundwater levels in areas such as La Mancha Oriental in Spain.
Researchers at Brown University found that temperature increases enterovirus transmission, with a similar effect seen in polio historically and more recent enteroviruses causing hand, foot and mouth disease. Climate change may lead to increased intensity of outbreaks, particularly in regions with larger seasonal temperature ranges.
A McGill-led study finds that swift action to lower emissions could prevent some of the most destructive impacts of climate change, particularly for coastal communities. The research suggests that reducing carbon emissions could reduce Antarctica's contribution to sea-level rise by up to 40%.
A new study found that microplastics impact plant reproduction, while seawater flooding causes greater tissue death in coastal plants. Combining both stressors amplifies threats to ecosystem wellbeing.
Scientists analyzed rock samples from four Andes Mountains glaciers, finding they are smaller now than any time in the past 11,000 years. This suggests the tropics have already warmed beyond predicted limits, crossing a critical benchmark for glacier classification.
A new plan proposes three critical imperatives to tackle methane emissions: reduce, coordinate, and incentivize. The plan aims to bring down methane emissions, coordinate efforts with carbon dioxide reduction, and incentivize abatement to stop global heating quickly enough.
Research highlights the need for further study on the impact of sustained heat exposure on hormone release and action. Heat exposure is associated with decreased fertility, increased risks of pregnancy complications and menopause symptoms, as well as worsened conditions like thyroid disorders and diabetes mellitus.
Research from Edith Cowan University finds that carbon assurance will likely become mandatory due to growing stakeholder demand and IFRS climate change disclosures. Companies with existing systems in place for tracking carbon emissions are expected to reap benefits, including increased shareholder investment.
A new study published by Texas A&M University researchers found that the Hunga Tonga volcano eruption did not contribute to global warming as initially thought. Instead, the eruption resulted in more energy leaving the climate system than entering it, leading to a slight cooling effect.
Researchers found that nitrogen emissions from human activities cool the climate by minus 0.34 watts per square metre, but also cause harm to health, biodiversity, and the ozone layer. The study warns against increasing atmospheric nitrogen as a means of combating global warming.
Researchers warn that increasing human activity and climate change could lead to the accidental introduction of non-native plant species to Svalbard, posing a threat to native plants. The study identifies three high-potential species that could spread rapidly if given suitable conditions.
Researchers predict a rise in clear air turbulence over most northern mid-latitude regions due to climate change, particularly in North Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East. The study found that the probability of clear air turbulence will increase with each degree of warming, posing a significant threat to aviation safety.
The 'Indigenous People of West Africa' project aims to examine the consequences of colonial era resettlements and promote indigenous governance. Climate change exacerbates agricultural problems and land use conflicts with semi-nomadic groups in West Africa.
A study by Stanford University researchers reveals a previously unknown relationship between Sahara dust plumes and hurricane rainfall. Thicker dust plumes can lead to heavier rainfall, while thinner ones may suppress hurricane formation over the ocean.
A study published in Global Change Biology found severe biodiversity decline in the Atacama Trench from 1970 to 1985, coinciding with an El Niño event and extensive fishing efforts. The researchers also discovered a direct impact of sea surface temperature on marine life composition over time.
High levels of formaldehyde and aldehydes are emitted from new cars on hot summer days, exceeding national safety limits. A machine learning model has been developed to predict in-cabin concentrations of volatile organic compounds, potentially informing exposure assessments and intelligent car systems.
Researchers found that low-intensity grasslands can withstand extreme weather conditions better than intensively used high-performance meadows. This is due to the diversity of native species, which thrive in less managed environments.
A recent study by Brown University biologists reveals that even small variations in temperature and moisture can have massive impacts on tropical epiphyte species, threatening ecosystems they support. The research found that most species struggled to survive outside their native ranges in climate conditions differing from what they typ...
A new study by Salk scientists reveals a key gene that enhances plants' zinc tolerance, allowing them to thrive in toxic conditions. The discovery enables the development of crops more resilient to soil contamination, a major goal of Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative.
Dr. Pamela Rendi-Wagner, new ECDC Director, stresses the need to restore and reinforce public trust in science after the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlights challenges such as war, climate change, and social inequalities, which can lead to misinformation and reversed medical advances. ECDC is taking steps to implement its expanded mandat...
A team of scientists from Heriot-Watt University has developed an AI-powered platform called PrISMa to accelerate the discovery of top-performing materials for carbon capture applications. The platform uses advanced simulations and machine learning to identify cost-effective and sustainable material-capture process combinations.
Peatland microorganisms have been found to metabolize polyphenols using alternative enzymes with and without oxygen. This discovery highlights the significance of polyphenols in peatland carbon dynamics and suggests that climate change may release more stored carbon into the atmosphere than previously thought.
Research finds climate change is slowing down Earth's rotation by a few milliseconds, with implications for navigation in space. The study also reveals polar motion changes caused by melting ice sheets and internal movements of the Earth's core.