Research on the consequences of a changing climate. Covers food and water disparities, sea-level costs, forest resilience, and shifting ecosystems.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that more than 150,000 people die annually from heatwaves worldwide, with the highest number of deaths in Asia and Europe. The research also reveals regional disparities in heatwave-related mortality, with areas having dry climates and lower-middle incomes experiencing the highest rates.
Daily tracking of ice melt has been made possible with a new method developed by researchers at DTU using 61 national GPS stations in Greenland. The study provides significant advancement in monitoring ice mass loss and understanding the processes behind the ice melting.
A team of researchers found that the current rate of atmospheric carbon dioxide increase is 10 times faster than at any other point in the past 50,000 years. The study provides new insight into abrupt climate change periods and potential impacts of climate change today.
Wildfires in the Amazon's old-growth forests increased by 152% in 2023, primarily caused by drought, with most of them occurring in Roraima state. This surge in forest fires poses significant risks to the environment and public health.
A new study predicts climate change will lead to an overall decrease in areas suitable for malaria transmission from 2025 onwards. The research used several climatic and hydrological models to create a more in-depth picture of malaria-friendly conditions on the African continent.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that saturated soils in upland regions could negatively impact the survival rates of young oak saplings and acorns. The research highlights the importance of considering soil conditions when creating temperate rainforests to combat climate change.
Research by the University of East Anglia reveals that net zero plans show limited ambition in dealing with residual emissions, which are expected to come from hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation and agriculture. The study analyzed national climate strategies for 71 countries, finding that only 26 quantify residual emissions, with m...
A multidisciplinary team of Caribbean authors has developed innovative solutions to safeguard cancer patients from climate-driven disasters. The research highlights the urgent need for climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure in developing regions.
Rising global temperatures are driving up nest temperatures, compromising bumblebees' ability to construct livable nests. Bumblebee colonies may struggle to adapt to these conditions, leading to a decline in population and range.
New research shows climate change will cause more severe combined wind-rain extremes in the UK and Ireland, leading to increased flooding and damage. The study found that stronger winds and heavier rainfall are likely to occur together, posing challenges for coastal areas and emergency response resources.
Researchers propose forming a network of sister cities to track and raise awareness about the spread of climate-related impacts and responses to urban disasters globally. This network aims to foster ideas and best practices for coping with consequences of climate change, including extreme weather events.
A new study reveals that climate change is transforming natural dust storms into a more frequent and widespread threat to the Middle East. The region's increased dust levels are attributed to global warming, oil extraction, military conflicts, and lack of cross-border coordination of water management.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a framework to predict crop yield using satellite images of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence. This approach could help farmers react to changing conditions, improve crop health, and reduce poverty. By leveraging satellite data, the method is cheaper and faster than traditional yiel...
New research demonstrates that incorporating widgeongrass into seagrass restoration efforts can increase the portfolio of species diversity and enhance long-term success. The study found that seeding widgeongrass in the fall with minimal pre-treatment resulted in highest survival and growth rates.
A study by the University of Córdoba finds that climate change is lengthening and intensifying the blooming of holm oak and other Quercus species, resulting in a prolonged and more intense pollen season. This shift has significant implications for allergy sufferers, as they will be more exposed to pollen during longer seasons.
A recent study published in the Journal of Hydrology reveals significant changes in bioclimatic environments across China's dry–wet transition zones due to climate change. The research identifies these zones as hotspots of ecosystem vulnerability, emphasizing the need for targeted impact assessment and adaptation studies.
Researchers found deer density is lower in areas with colder winters, but human land use has a smaller impact on deer populations than climate change. As the climate warms, deer are expected to continue expanding northward, posing an increased risk to caribou populations.
A new study led by the University of Arizona finds that early-life struggles can cut adult lifespan in red squirrels by at least 14%, but a natural food boom may buffer against these effects. The researchers suggest that climate change could disrupt this dynamic, potentially affecting animal resilience.
A study modeling Siberian wildfires' effects found significant impacts on air quality, climate, health, and economies in East Asia. The research suggests a cooling effect globally and worsened air quality in downwind regions.
Climate change exacerbates antimicrobial resistance by increasing global temperatures, sea levels, and disease transmission. This threat multiplier effect poses significant risks to human health, food supply, and ecosystem integrity.
Mosquito-borne diseases are becoming a global phenomenon due to climate change, increasing the risk of local transmission in Europe and beyond. Researchers are developing early warning systems to combat outbreaks, which could save millions of lives.
A new study reveals that a single hurricane can wipe out 5-10% of New England's total aboveground forest carbon through tree damage. The research team analyzed the impact of 10 powerful hurricanes on the region's forests and found that future storms could pose a significant risk to carbon offset programs.
Research found that babies born to mothers infected with dengue fever during pregnancy had lower birth weights and a higher risk of extremely low birth weight. Additionally, children whose mothers were infected had a increased risk of hospitalization from birth to age three, particularly in their second year of life.
Radiologists are proposing actions to reduce their department's greenhouse gas emissions and become more resilient to the effects of climate change. They suggest implementing a coordinated approach, establishing sustainability teams, and optimizing scanner usage to reduce emissions by up to 33% for MRI and CT scans.
Residents in a Seoul, South Korea neighborhood have developed a 'disaster subculture' due to frequent extreme heat and cold, showing social welfare has a role to play in addressing climate issues. The study highlights the importance of understanding the lived experiences of marginalized communities to address their specific needs.
Climate change is exacerbating inequalities and insecurity among migrant women and girls, who account for 80% of all climate displacement. A new international legal framework is needed to address these issues and promote gender-sensitive policies and legislations.
In Brazil, around 90% of sugarcane area uses natural enemies like microorganisms and biochemicals for pest control. Researchers have registered over 629 biological products, with a steady increase in use year after year.
A study published in Nature found that warming tundras release more carbon due to increased ecosystem respiration. The experiment revealed a 30% boost in respiration during the growing season, leading to significant changes in soil moisture and temperature.
A new study reveals that climate change could lead to a significant global GDP loss of up to 10% if the planet warms by +3ºC, highlighting the substantial costs of inaction.
A recent study by the University of California - Riverside found that carbon dioxide is driving an increase in the severity and frequency of wildfires by fueling the growth of plants that become kindling. This process occurs because plants use the extra CO2 to make carbohydrates, leading to an increase in biomass that burns.
The new centers aim to better understand the interplay between environmental science, climate change, and human health in oceans and Great Lakes. Researchers will study microplastics, algal blooms, and their impact on seafood safety and human health.
Despite rising temperatures in the region, Yellowstone Lake's ice cover has not changed over the past century, according to new research. Increased snowfall has acted as a buffer against warmer weather, delaying ice break-up and protecting the lake's unique ice phenology.
Studies show increasing wildfires accelerate changes in northern forests, replacing slow-growing black spruce forests with faster-growing deciduous shrubs. Additionally, Arctic-boreal ecosystems are experiencing increased growth of bigger deciduous shrubs, decreased organic soil layers, and escalating isoprene emissions, which affect t...
A recent study by University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers highlights the hidden threat of global underground infrastructure vulnerability to sea-level rise. Shallow and saltier groundwater exacerbates corrosion and failure of critical systems such as sewer lines, roadways, and building foundations in cities worldwide.
New research by Bangor University reveals that summer storms help maintain healthy oxygen levels in deep waters around the UK. The study shows that oxygen mixing can slow the development of a summer oxygen deficit, improving ocean health.
Research from the University of Vermont finds that people who experience extreme climate events are more likely to support climate mitigation policy and pay more for it. Even among those who report skepticism about human-caused climate change, personal experience with extreme weather increases willingness-to-pay.
A new report by a team of experts outlines an approach that combines Indigenous knowledge with Western science to develop more resilient forest management practices. The 'braided' approach aims to promote the health and diversity of forests, which are increasingly threatened by climate change.
The Global Ocean Artificial Light at Night Network aims to expand on previous research, providing a central resource for marine light pollution expertise. Light pollution poses significant ecological harm, including disruptions to daily rhythms and reproductive cycles of marine species.
A new analysis method reveals that climate change affects not only survival, metabolism, and skeleton health but also physiology, reproduction, behavior, and physical development in fish and invertebrates. The study suggests up to 100% of biological processes may be affected, with mitigation efforts potentially reducing impacts.
Urban flooding is increasing due to climate change and urbanization, posing a significant threat to pedestrian safety. Researchers found that building configurations can significantly impact flood vulnerability; staggered layouts provide more danger zones, while rounded or circular footprints reduce high-floodwater areas.
A new study predicts climate change will lead to increased loan defaults in Brazil's largest public sector bank by up to 7% over three decades. The research uses climate and agricultural data to identify regions with distinct physical and financial resilience needs.
Climate change is impacting Common Loons through reduced water clarity, making it difficult for adults to find prey, leading to low chick weight and higher mortality rates. The study's findings suggest that heavy rainfall in July negatively affects water clarity, posing challenges for adult loons feeding their offspring.
Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are damaging our immune systems, increasing the risk of diseases like asthma and cancer. Improving the environment offers effective protection and can have a powerful return on investment, saving $3 in healthcare costs for every $1 spent on mitigation.
Researchers found a correlation between climatological variables and shifting patterns of terrorist activity in India. The study suggests that climate change is not just an environmental issue but also linked to national security.
Researchers found that doom and gloom messaging about climate change is most effective globally, but not in Norway. In contrast, people in Norway are more inclined to take action when messages emphasize moral responsibility and the consensus among climate experts.
A new study found that AI systems produce much less CO2e per page of text generated compared to human writers and illustrators. DALL-E2 emits approximately 2,500 times less CO2e than a human artist for illustration tasks. The authors suggest collaboration between AI and human efforts for the most beneficial outcome.
Scientists have developed a new method to estimate soil organic carbon in the US, providing a more accurate benchmark for policymakers. The study reveals how environmental variables affect soil organic carbon and offers insights into mitigating climate change through sustainable land management practices.
The study emphasizes the urgent need for a just and sustainable future, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental degradation, climate change, and socio-economic inequality. The authors advocate for a global cultural shift that prioritizes kinship with nature and communal well-being to avoid devastating consequences.
Researchers developed a model predicting how changes in anvil cloud area affect global warming, confirming its effectiveness and reducing uncertainty. However, the brightness of clouds remains understudied and is a key obstacle to predicting future global warming.
A recent study suggests that Canada lynx had a broader past range in the US, potentially including parts of Utah, central Idaho, and Yellowstone National Park. The researchers used a validated model to estimate the species' historic distribution, taking into account factors such as climate change and land use.
Researchers will explore health effects of fire exposure in the wildland-urban interface, measuring exposure risk and evaluating effective interventions such as rapid reporting of data and improved personal protective equipment. The study aims to reduce firefighter health risks and improve overall public health responses.
The UK's 2022 drought, the worst since 1976, emphasized the importance of early mitigation measures due to its rapid onset and extensive impacts on water resources, wildlife, and people. Improved monitoring and forecasting systems can help prevent similar extreme weather events in the future.
A study predicts that climate change will lead to a major species turnover in North American cities by the end of the century. Cities with cooler and wetter climates are expected to gain new species, while warmer cities may lose many species.
The MIT-designed 'architected' reef could dissipate more than 95% of incoming wave energy using a fraction of the material needed, reducing erosion and flooding. The cylindrical structure's unique design leverages turbulence to efficiently break waves, making it a potential solution for coastal protection in various water conditions.
A global map tracks changes in climate change impacts on wine production, highlighting regions at risk of excessive drought and heatwaves. Adaptation strategies, such as using drought-resistant grape varieties and management methods, can help preserve economic viability.
Researchers are developing a flexible online tool to navigate information used in the fight against deadly diarrheal diseases. The Plan-EO dashboard will provide real-time data on pathogen dynamics, allowing infectious disease experts and local leaders to make smart decisions and save lives.
Zooplankton biomass and behavioral patterns have been altered by human-driven changes in water temperature and food webs. The study found that warming temperatures and invasive species modify the timing of certain events in their life cycles.
Scientists have found that climate change is altering the timing of plant and soil processes in the Alps, leading to disruptions in nutrient cycling and potentially threatening biodiversity. The high mountains are warming at a faster rate than surrounding areas, resulting in reduced snow cover and changes in vegetation patterns.
A new study finds that extreme tropical cyclone rainfall is increasing across the continental US, while climate warming restricts 'outdoor days' for people living in developing countries. Additionally, air pollution increases mortality risks from heat, especially when combined with other factors like wildfires and reduced aerosols.
A new measure called “outdoor days” describes the number of days per year that outdoor temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold for people to go about normal outdoor activities. This measure reveals significant global disparities, with the North gaining more outdoor days and the South losing them due to rising temperatures.