Research on the consequences of a changing climate. Covers food and water disparities, sea-level costs, forest resilience, and shifting ecosystems.
A University of Maryland study found that tree species diversity increases spider populations, providing a natural pest regulation service. Spider populations in diverse plots increased by 23-50% compared to single-species plots during late summer months.
Researchers found no directional change in Arctic spring timing over the past 25 years, instead observing extreme year-to-year variation due to climate variability. This shift is attributed to fluctuating temperatures and snow cover, pushing species to their limits.
A study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that institutional investors demand disclosure of climate risk due to its impact on a company's health and performance. The survey of 439 institutional investors showed that mandatory disclosure has an effect on investors' decisions.
A new study suggests that Arctic terns, which fly on the longest migrations of any animal, may be resilient to climate change due to their vast habitats. However, researchers warn that multiple small effects could harm this long-lived species and other species unable to adapt.
The Colorado River Basin has lost approximately 40 trillion liters of water between 2000 and 2021 due to climate change, equivalent to the entire storage capacity of Lake Mead. The rapid reduction in runoff is largely responsible for this water loss, with warming temperatures leading to a 10.3% decrease in flow rates.
A new study published in Scientific Reports has investigated the impact of long-term changes in ocean wave and storm surge conditions on sandy coastlines over the past 30 years. The research found no clear linkages between these changes and shoreline recession, with sediment supply, human management, and other factors likely playing a ...
A new study highlights the diverse impact of climate change on animal welfare across five domains: nutrition, environment, behaviour, physical and mental health. The review examines how animals respond to stress and provides a tool for researchers to evaluate the effects of climatic variability.
Researchers study the impact of climate change on bird populations in fragmented forests, assessing effects of microclimate variation and temperature changes on survival and reproduction. The team analyzes dietary specialization, stress, and behavioral adaptations to understand how these factors affect bird demographic responses.
A soil transplant experiment found that soils with a history of salinity and inundation are more resistant to changes in water properties and movement. The study suggests that disturbance legacies shape coastal forest soil responses to changing salinity and inundation, varying across landscapes.
Scientists have deciphered the Arctic flora's evolution over time, discovering its roots date back to the Early Late Miocene. The study reveals a complex dispersal corridor between the Arctic and western North America, with both immigration and in situ speciation contributing to biodiversity.
A NASA space laser has provided a detailed structure of the world's rainforests for the first time ever. The study reveals that most tropical forests have a simpler, more exposed canopy than previously thought, with a peak in leaves at 15 meters instead of the top.
Researchers tracked eastern wild turkey nesting in five southern U.S. states over eight years, finding slight changes in nest timing linked to temperature and rainfall. However, these shifts were minimal and less than three hours, suggesting turkeys may be inflexible in their reproductive activities.
Butterflies with smaller or lighter-colored wings, such as those in the Lycaenidae family, are likely to face greater threats from climate change. These species have poorer thermal buffering abilities, which could lead to dramatic declines if temperatures rise.
A study found that even no-take MPAs in California and globally are vulnerable to marine heatwaves, leading to mass species mortality and displacement. The research revealed that ecological communities shift dramatically after such events, regardless of protection status.
A study led by the University of Konstanz warns that human-induced salinity changes could have devastating impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems. Salinity is a critical factor in many metabolic processes, and its effects are often underestimated due to its complex interactions with other physical and chemical properties.
A recent study found significant changes in ocean color over the past two decades, affecting 56% of the world's oceans. The shift in color indicates changes in marine ecosystems, with tropical regions becoming greener due to human-induced climate change.
The study found that adding CO2 to temperate terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres intensifies warming in non-irradiated regions, altering global circulation patterns. This effect is seen on both Earth and the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1e, with implications for habitability and climate research.
A Northwestern University study links underground climate change to shifting ground beneath urban areas, causing building foundations and surrounding ground to move excessively and crack. The researchers also found that past building damage may have been caused by rising temperatures, which will continue for years to come.
Researchers found that most US forests have the potential to adapt to hotter, dryer conditions, but are not changing quickly enough. The study suggests that biodiversity can buffer the impact of climate change on forests.
A recent study published in PNAS found that global cooling is the major driving factor behind the diversification of terrestrial orchid species. The research analyzed over 1,500 species and discovered that most new species emerged within the last 10 million years, coinciding with global cooling trends.
A study published in Nature Medicine estimates that the intense heat waves during the European summer of 2022 led to more than 61,000 deaths. The highest mortality rates were found in Italy and Spain, with women being 63% more likely to die from heat than men.
Research found that seeing bad news about climate change can make people more afraid over time, but also may encourage audiences to think about what society can do to address the problem. Repeated exposure to threatening messages can lead to increased efficacy beliefs and a greater sense of control.
A new study suggests that while winter cover crops can reduce nitrogen pollution by up to 30%, their effectiveness will decrease under future climate scenarios. Illinois' corn yields are expected to suffer more than soybean yields, especially in southern regions, as warmer temperatures and changing rainfall patterns impact crop growth.
A Stanford-led study found ways for frontline communities to gather data and improve outcomes through surveys, air quality monitoring, and interventions. The research highlights the importance of community-led science and structural systems in creating climate hazard exposure.
A new study reveals that human activity can shape global plant distribution, with slow-growing plants vulnerable to land use effects. Human land use is a significant driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem change, particularly in areas with high biodiversity.
Researchers investigated climate change's effect on extreme weather events like wildfires and found a 'worst-case' scenario could lead to significant increases in intensity, frequency, and duration. The study emphasizes the need for proactive measures, including emission reductions and adaptation strategies, to build resilience.
A University of California, Riverside-led team found that anthropogenic aerosol-driven changes in ocean circulation and interbasin heat transport are more effective in altering oceanic heat distribution than those driven by globally increasing greenhouse gases. This advance in understanding will help develop climate mitigation strategies.
A study by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology found that great tits are struggling to adapt their breeding timing to cope with climate change, leading to a decline in population numbers. The researchers used innovative methods to speed up evolution and predict the impact of climate change on natural selection.
A recent study by Saint Louis University researchers found that Kenya's population has more than tripled since 1980, while climate-suitable areas for primary crops have decreased by 28% over the same period. This shift is due to increased dryness and higher temperatures reducing agricultural productivity.
Researchers from McGill University found that stronger winds shift the Labrador Current eastward, leading to sudden warmings or drops in oxygen levels. This has dire consequences for marine ecosystems and fisheries, including smaller species like cod and halibut, which struggle to survive in low-oxygen conditions.
Researchers found that US public pension funds would have seen a 13% higher return on investments if they had divested from fossil fuels a decade ago. Divestment also reduced the carbon footprint of portfolios equivalent to powering 35 million homes per year.
Climate change is expected to increase the likelihood and frequency of volcanic eruptions, making planning and responding to crises more challenging. Volcanologists are warning that governments may need new strategies to predict and mitigate the effects of future eruptions.
A survey of Greenland's Indigenous population reveals they are highly aware of climate change, with 89% believing it's happening. However, only about 50% connect human influence to the changes, with education and cultural factors playing a significant role.
Researchers found that two-thirds of European bird species shifted northeastward by an average of 100km over the past 30 years, with coastal communities facing extinction. Mountain ranges also controlled bird migrations, preventing some species from adapting to changing temperatures.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirms that the Megalodon shark was warm-blooded, with a body temperature estimated at around 27°C. This discovery provides empirical evidence for the extinct species' internal heat production, shedding light on its biology and ecological role.
Researchers found that volcanic eruptions' impact on climate is being underestimated by a factor of two to four in standard climate projections. Small-magnitude eruptions are responsible for as much as half of all sulphur gases emitted, with a significant collective effect.
Research suggests climate change will impact insect biodiversity by throwing off the delicate balance between species that rely on each other for survival. As temperatures rise, insect life cycles may become out of sync with their host plants, leading to potential extinction.
A new Stanford University study models the distribution of seagrass species around the world at two different timepoints in the future, predicting widespread reductions in species diversity and composition under all scenarios. The research highlights the need for more intentional conservation efforts and emphasizes that even the curren...
A recent study analyzed over 200 previous studies to assess the impact of irrigation on regional climates and environments. The researchers found that while irrigation supplies 40% of the world's food, it also has significant effects on regional climates and environments, with some areas being already unsustainable or verging on scarcity.
A virtual reality project, Qikiqtaruk: Arctic at Risk, visualizes the impacts of climate change in the Canadian Arctic. The project, created by National Geographic Explorers and local communities, uses immersive technology to transport users to an island experiencing rapid thawing and environmental changes.
A new machine learning algorithm analyzed high-resolution digital images of herbarium specimens, revealing that factors other than climate have a strong effect on leaf size within a plant species. The study also demonstrates how AI can be used to transform static specimen collections and quickly document climate change effects.
The article discusses the growing challenge of food security in Africa, particularly with regards to rice production and consumption. The research reveals that socioeconomic developments have a more substantial influence on rice availability than gradual climate change, but climatic anomalies pose a significant threat to stability. Div...
A study by climate experts reveals that while some aspects of sea level rise risk assessment have improved, others remain imperfect, particularly in conveying 'unquantifiable' uncertainties. Improvements in language and graphics are being incorporated into climate reports, informing civic leaders to counter rising seas effects.
A new study by University of Delaware researchers assesses the effects of climate variability on crop production in the US. The study reveals that fluctuations in planted and harvested areas contribute significantly to crop production shocks, which can have severe impacts on food stability.
Researchers develop new approach to quantify respiration and its temperature sensitivity in terrestrial ecosystems. Their findings suggest lower temperature sensitivities than previously thought, but caution that natural components alone cannot mitigate climate change.
Researchers at UC Davis found a pattern of increased violence during climatic change in the south central Andes between A.D. 470 and 1500. Decreased precipitation predicts increased rates of cranial trauma, suggesting climate change exerted a significant effect on interpersonal violence.
The article discusses the challenges of reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions to zero, but found that technology can help farmers lower pollution by up to 45 percent. The study proposes using carbon-free energy sources, sustainably produced bioenergy, and techniques to capture emissions from these energy sources.
Researchers have identified a phenomenon that could help coral reef managers plan and act for the future. Ocean processes during El Niño strengthened the North Equatorial Counter Current, driving cooler plankton-rich waters to Palmyra's coral reefs and enabling them to better manage heat stress.
Climate change affects giraffe populations differently than expected, with higher temperatures positively affecting adult survival but rainier wet seasons negatively impacting both adults and calves. Heavy rains increase parasites and reduce nutritional value of vegetation, further threatening giraffe survival.
Researchers emphasize the need for global governance that considers distant and local impacts of human decisions on ecosystems. The metacoupling framework helps understand these interactions and fosters sustainability science for a truly sustainable future.
Research suggests that seaweed farming could be a game-changer for addressing food insecurity globally. By reducing the need for land, freshwater, and chemical fertilizers, seaweed cultivation can lead to higher incomes for farmers in coastal regions of Africa and Southeast Asia. As demand for nutrient-rich seaweed products grows world...
Human-induced warming has increased at an 'unprecedented rate' since the last major assessment, with greenhouse gas emissions reaching a record level. The remaining carbon budget has halved over three years, highlighting the urgent need for policymakers and climate experts to access up-to-date scientific evidence.
A new study examines the impact of marine heatwaves on fisheries and ecosystems, providing insights for managing these disruptions. The research highlights both winners and losers in the face of warming waters, emphasizing the need for adaptable management strategies to mitigate losses and capitalize on unexpected gains.
A new working group of the Global Research Council aims to map existing funding mechanisms for global research collaboration. The group will assess opportunities for multilateral engagement and figure out how to implement them, despite legal barriers that prevent public resources from crossing national borders.
A new Stanford-led study quantifies the value of Belize's coastal mangrove forests in terms of carbon storage, tourism, and fisheries benefits. The findings suggest that relatively small amounts of mangrove restoration can have big economic benefits, while also providing protection against coastal storms and other risks.
A UC Riverside-led study reveals the Salton Sea environment is toxic, causing sulfuric smells, dust storms, chemicals, and fires that contribute to chronic health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses. The study's findings have important public health implications for vulnerable child populations.
A team of researchers at Lancaster University developed accessible ways to communicate sustainability research using fairy tale characters. The 'Telling Tales' project aims to make complicated arguments more engaging and understandable for policymakers and the public.
A new study from the University of Waterloo highlights four strategies to enhance equity and justice in climate action planning: modifying strategies, designing collaborative spaces, addressing gaps between words and actions, and considering underlying social processes. By prioritizing vulnerable populations and local actors, urban gov...
A study published in PLOS Biology found that polar fish reproduce later and produce more eggs than tropical fish, confirming model predictions. As a result, polar fishes tend to produce more eggs than tropical fishes.
Researchers found that female arctic ground squirrels are emerging from hibernation earlier every year due to warmer temperatures, potentially leading to healthier litters and higher survival rates. This change is accompanied by differences in male hibernation patterns, which may have negative consequences for the food web.