Research on the consequences of a changing climate. Covers food and water disparities, sea-level costs, forest resilience, and shifting ecosystems.
A new study found that establishing a wildflower meadow in the historic grounds of King's College, Cambridge increased species richness and abundance by three times compared to adjacent lawn. The meadow also reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1.36 tonnes CO2-e per hectare per year.
Research found that drought can increase tree growth in cold, harsh environments due to its impact on energy-limited systems. The study's results provide insights into how different tree species and ecosystems will respond to climate change, particularly in water-limited regions.
New research shows that the Montreal Protocol is delaying the first ice-free Arctic summer by up to 15 years. The treaty's regulation of ozone-depleting substances has slowed global warming and preserved the ozone layer.
A recent study by Dartmouth researchers finds that global economic losses from El Niño can persist for several years after the event, with a significant impact on the world's poorest nations. The study projects total losses of $84 trillion for the 21st century, highlighting the need for climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
A WVU researcher is creating mathematical models to predict how bioenergy crops enhance and store soil carbon, potentially spurring renewable energy from biological sources. The model considers factors like plant roots, microbes, and feedstocks to determine net carbon benefits or losses.
A new study predicts that climate change will expose species to potentially dangerous temperatures, leading to an abrupt loss of habitat. The research found that up to 30% of species will be at risk of experiencing unfamiliarly hot temperatures across at least 30% of their geographic range in a single decade.
Scientists have discovered weak, fossilised sediments beneath the seafloor of Antarctica's eastern Ross Sea, which led to massive underwater landslides. These layers made the area susceptible to failure due to past climate change.
A new assessment by University of Colorado at Boulder researchers reveals that over 50% of the world's largest lakes are losing water. The study found that climate change and unsustainable human consumption are major contributors to this decline, with many lakes in dry and wet regions experiencing significant losses.
The Purdue-led USDA project, IMPACT2, aims to double the impact of climate-smart agriculture in the Midwest by addressing near-term and long-term issues faced by farmers. The project will offer scenario-based activities, training, and information to diverse stakeholders, with a goal of reaching 2,000 participants via an online portal.
A new study found that climate change is causing the hottest days in North-West Europe to warm at double the rate of average summer days. The difference in trends is most pronounced for England, Wales, and Northern France.
A team of Penn State researchers is using a new field called landscape transcriptomics to study how genes respond to environmental changes. By analyzing RNA molecules from across the landscape, they aim to understand how organisms adapt to climate change and develop strategies for conservation and management.
An international team reconstructed groundwater evolution in the Great Basin, USA, combining calcite deposits and numerical models. The results show the elevation of the water table was three to four times more sensitive to recharge during dry climates.
As rural populations decline, abandoned lands hold promise for rewilding and biodiversity recovery. However, land abandonment can also have negative impacts on local ecosystems and human culture. The authors highlight the need to balance economic needs with restoration and conservation goals.
A study by McGill University and University of British Columbia found that the planet's biomass is concentrated in organisms at either end of the size spectrum. The researchers discovered a universal upper limit for maximum body size across multiple species and environments, with similar sizes reached by trees, fish, and other organisms.
Researchers highlight the need for a coherent international framework for decommissioning offshore structures due to limited evidence on their environmental impact. The study emphasizes the critical need for consensus on future approaches as an estimated 1,800 offshore wind turbines will require decommissioning by 2030.
A long-term study at the University of Eastern Finland reveals a significant reduction in palsa area by over 75% from 1959 to 2021. Climate change has only a limited impact on active layer thickness, contradicting expectations.
A new study found that ocean acidification is causing Dungeness crabs to physically sniff less and have decreased ability to detect food odours. This loss of smell may be partially explaining the thinning of crab populations, as reduced food detection could impact energy availability for reproduction.
A 24-year study of freshwater fish exposed to warm water pollution found changes in growth rates, death rates, and size. Despite expectations, the study revealed that warmer waters led to larger fish, contradicting general predictions of global warming's effects on natural ecosystems.
Scientists have found a clear human fingerprint on climate change, with specific signals from CO2 increases altering Earth's atmosphere temperature structure. This evidence rebuts claims that recent atmospheric and surface temperature changes are natural.
A study examines how viral infections may alter microbial processes and ecosystem functioning in response to climate change. The research reveals potential gaps in understanding the connections between viruses, warming, and ecosystem functioning.
Researchers warn that climate change will lead to the loss of habitats for invertebrates in the European Alps, with many species forced to seek refuge in colder areas. The study predicts that by the end of the century, most species will have experienced consistent losses of habitat.
Scientists analyzing fossil pollen and geochemical data reveal that Mediterranean forests are susceptible to transformation into steppes under natural conditions. Rising atmospheric CO2 levels may lead to a significant decrease in precipitation, triggering such a shift in the near future if protection measures are not taken.
A new study published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology reveals that non-optimal temperatures have a significant impact on global cardiovascular disease burden, contributing to nearly 1.2 million CVD deaths and 22 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually.
A 50-year global meta-analysis of bird reproductive output found that a warming climate negatively affects larger and migratory bird species. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that smaller, sedentary species are less affected by climate change.
Climate change could cause a 20-40% reduction in twilight zone life by the end of the century. The study predicts that life in the twilight zone could be severely depleted within 150 years, with no recovery for thousands of years.
A University of Alberta study finds that maintaining tree diversity in Canada's forests can significantly increase carbon capture and improve soil fertility. This conservation strategy can help mitigate climate change by storing more carbon and nitrogen in the soil over decadal time scales.
A new study assesses the Amazon's response to drought, identifying the regions most vulnerable to climate change. Trees in the western and southern parts of the forest are at high risk due to rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns.
A new study highlights regions such as Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, and Central America, which are under-prepared for scorching temperatures. The research emphasizes the need for policy makers in hotspot regions to consider action plans to reduce heat-related deaths and harms.
Researchers combine theory and observation to understand damselfly responses to warming temperatures, discovering a more realistic predator-prey simulation model. This work provides groundwork for understanding how other species will adapt to a warmer world, particularly species like mosquitoes.
A new study reveals that Indian farmers have adapted to climate change by changing management practices and using hardier crop varieties. However, the impact of climate change on crop yields varies across crops and regions, with some areas experiencing greater benefits than others.
The study reveals that the African penguin's geographical range has shrunk significantly over the past 22,000 years due to rising sea levels, leaving only a few small islands as suitable nesting habitats. This decline has been exacerbated by human pressures such as climate change, habitat destruction, and competition for food.
Oceanographers warn of limitations in carbon dioxide removal, emphasizing the need for rapid emission cuts to limit global warming. Clear definitions of marine heatwaves are also crucial for coastal communities to adapt and resource managers to prioritize mitigation strategies.
A new study reveals that Indigenous groups in the western US are struggling to turn their legal right to water into actual water use, despite having settled their water-rights claims. The findings show that tribes are likely using only a fraction of their entitled water rights, resulting in significant revenue losses.
A recent study suggests that India's recurrent heatwaves have a significant socioeconomic impact on the country, weakening its progress toward achieving sustainable development goals. The study found that nearly 90% of the country is in danger zone from heatwave impact and around 20% is highly vulnerable to climate change.
The University of Sheffield suggests policymakers offer financial incentives to encourage sustainable gardening practices, promoting greener gardens and boosting community health. Well-planted gardens provide habitats for wildlife, improve air quality, and reduce energy bills.
A new study suggests that large animals are disadvantaged due to their limited traveling speeds, which can be attributed to their inability to effectively dissipate excess heat generated by their muscles. This limitation leads to slower travel speeds compared to medium-sized animals.
A special report highlights radiology's role in combatting climate change, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in healthcare. Radiologists are well-positioned to innovate more sustainable methods of care, such as telemedicine and energy-efficient equipment purchasing.
A global survey of 1000 forest areas reveals how past climate change has impacted tree species diversity and distribution. The study found that temperature changes since the last ice age have had a significant impact on today's biodiversity.
Researchers found that snow algal blooms in Mount Gassan's lower forested areas spread to upper alpine zones as temperatures rise, influenced by plant litter and vegetation. The study highlights the impact of climate change on vulnerable ecosystems like the cryosphere and associated wildlife.
Researchers are studying the impact of climate change on basement pathogens, moisture, and air quality in urban environments, focusing on Black Americans in Pittsburgh. The study aims to document conditions and understand the link between weather events and cumulative health impacts for residents across the adult lifespan.
A new Dartmouth study examines how changes in precipitation and temperature due to global warming affect streamflow and flooding in the Northeast. The research finds that a warmer climate will lead to increased streamflow and higher flood risk, particularly if soils become wetter and more prone to heavy rainfall events.
Scientists warn that tropical forests' capacity to act as a carbon sink is declining due to persistent drought. The study found that soil nutrients play a significant role in carbon storage and release, contradicting previous models. Researchers are urging action to address emissions and increase carbon sequestration initiatives.
A study found that savanna species in Cerrado biome produce significantly more bark than forest species to protect against frequent fires. This adaptation enables them to survive and regenerate after burning, highlighting the importance of controlled fire management in these ecosystems.
Alaskan rivers are experiencing increased streamflow during spring and fall seasons, driven by rising temperatures. This shift affects the formation and safety of river ice in winter, posing dangers for transportation and fishing, while also impacting traditional hunting routes.
Researchers found record-breaking rates of sea-level rise of about a half an inch per year since 2010, three times higher than the global average over the same period. The acceleration is attributed to man-made climate change and natural climate variability.
A Dartmouth College study found that more than 500 home runs since 2010 can be attributed to higher-than-average temperatures due to climate change. Rising temperatures could account for 10% or more of home runs by 2100, with some stadiums experiencing significant spikes in home run totals.
A new study found that the 2021 heat wave in Washington state contributed to an additional 159 injury deaths due to indirect causes such as drownings and violence. The researchers recommended increasing funding for cooling centers and mental health services to prevent injuries caused by heat waves.
Residual carbon emissions are a major obstacle to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. According to University at Buffalo researcher Holly Jean Buck, the world must reach net-zero this century to limit temperature increase, but residual emissions pose significant challenges.
A study found that ponderosa pine forests in California's Sierra Nevada will not recover to pre-drought densities, reducing atmospheric carbon storage. The forests' ability to store carbon is threatened by western pine beetle infestations driven by climate change.
A recent study found that ocean warming triggers dinoRNAV infections in coral colonies, intensified in unhealthy colonies. This is the first empirical evidence of reef-wide dynamics of viruses infecting coral symbionts during heat waves.
Recent climate change has led to an expansion of marine predator ranges into Arctic waters, resulting in increased species richness and altered community compositions. The study found that apex predators such as whales and sharks have migrated northwards, while mesopredators like fish and crabs showed more limited range shifts.
A Penn State-led research team developed a statistical method to predict the effects of climate change on cold-blooded animals. The Physiologically Guided Abundance Model (PGA Model) combines field and laboratory data to forecast species geographical distributions and abundance in response to warming temperatures.
Climate change is expected to impact northern peatlands, a key carbon storage ecosystem. A recent study found that rising temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels can disrupt the delicate balance between nitrogen fixation and methane oxidation, leading to unpredictable outcomes.
Researchers at University of Illinois have recalibrated climate change effects on salamanders, showing a somewhat more hopeful future. The study found that incorporating microclimate data at fine spatial scales reduced predicted habitat loss by 55-80% compared to using free-air temperature data.
A recent VIMS study uses a new computer model to simulate the impact of sea-level rise on coastal carbon storage. The research found that moderate rates of sea-level rise enhance plant productivity and carbon preservation, while rapid rise rates can lead to marsh collapse and decreased carbon storage.
A recent UBC study reveals that the planet's biomass is disproportionately distributed among tiny and massive organisms, with no clear explanation for this pattern. The findings have significant implications for understanding climate change impacts and ecosystems.
The new dataset provides a 'ranking' of countries contributing most to global warming, with CO2 emissions driving the most warming. Countries like Brazil and Indonesia are rising in their contribution, while industrialised nations see slight declines.
The Tibetan Plateau's land surface darkening due to global warming affects regional and remote climates in Asia. The study predicts a 6.9% loss in glacier volume and increased monsoon precipitation over South Asia by the end of the century.
Researchers suggest that biochar produced from straw pyrolysis can significantly reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions from Chinese staple crops. The addition of an integrated energy system also produces biogas and bio-oil, which can replace fossil fuels and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
New research reveals methane traps heat in the atmosphere but also creates cooling clouds that offset 30% of the heat. Methane absorbs both longwave and shortwave energy, leading to a slight cooling effect.