Do hormone fluctuations increase survival probabilities?
Great tits with higher glucocorticoid levels in cold weather have better heat production capabilities, increasing their survival chances.
Climate Change Effects
Articles tagged with Climate Change Effects
Hot weather associated with increased stroke risk in older people
Researchers found that for every 1°C rise in temperature, there was a 35% greater risk of emergency visits for stroke among older adults. The association between heat exposure and stroke risk was strongest one month after the rainy season.
Clouds less climate-sensitive than assumed
Researchers analyzed observational data from a major field campaign in 2020 and found that trade-wind clouds' contribution to climate warming has been overestimated. The study shows that the clouds are more resilient to global warming than previously thought, which can improve the accuracy of future climate projections.
Heatwaves could reduce the survival of coral larvae and the connectivity of coral populations in the Mediterranean Sea
Researchers find that heat stress drastically reduces red coral larvae survival, while white gorgonian larvae show higher tolerance but limited dispersal. This could compromise coral populations' ability to cope with climate change.
Vitamin D supplementation, development among school-age children in an area with vitamin D deficiency
A randomized clinical trial of 8,800 school-age children with high vitamin D deficiency showed no impact on growth or pubertal development after 3 years of weekly oral vitamin D administration. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with stunting and obesity in children.
Researchers find positive legacy effects after grassland droughts
A four-year experiment combined with a 40-year observation in Inner Mongolia found that previous-year extreme droughts can create strong positive legacies for current-year community productivity. The mechanism driving this effect is the coupled increase of annuals and an early less, middle more precipitation pattern.
When cyclones and fires collide…
Researchers have found that cyclones and fires can interact in devastating ways, causing more damage than either event alone. The study suggests that high-intensity bushfires could be followed by cyclones, encroaching on previously low-risk areas and extending damage zones.
Increased grazing pressure threatens the most arid rangelands
A global study found that grazing can have positive effects on ecosystem services in species-rich rangelands but negative impacts under a warmer climate. The study highlights the importance of managing grazing locally to cope with climate change.
Ocean warming and acidification impact marine food web
A study found that ocean warming and acidification decrease the nutritional quality of coccolithophores, a crucial food source for zooplankton species. The study's experiment showed an increase in lipid availability under ocean warming but reduced nutritional content under acidification.
Earth might be experiencing 7th mass extinction, not 6th
Scientists discovered that the first complex, multicellular life forms on Earth were wiped out 550 million years ago due to oxygen loss in the oceans. The researchers used nearly every known Ediacaran animal's environment and habits to disprove previous explanations for their disappearance.
Sweet corn sweltering in summer heat spells uncertainty for corn lovers
Research reveals that sweet corn yields significantly decrease with extreme heat during flowering, especially in rainfed fields. Irrigation may help mitigate yield loss, but water scarcity could worsen climate-related challenges.
Limiting global warming now can preserve valuable freshwater resource
Researchers warn of impending 35-60 year droughts in western US unless greenhouse gas emissions are curbed to limit warming to 2.5 degrees Celsius. Mountain snowpack is shrinking due to global warming, threatening agriculture, ecosystem support, and urban water supplies.
Sea level rise to dramatically speed up erosion of rock coastlines by 2100
A new study models likely future cliff retreat rates of two rock coasts in the UK, finding that rock coasts are likely to retreat at a rate not seen for 3,000-5,000 years. The researchers predict that rock coast cliffs will retreat by at least 10-22 meters inland due to accelerating sea level rise.
Plants use their epigenetic memories to adapt to climate change, scientists say
Scientists have discovered that plants can rapidly adapt to environmental changes and pass on these adaptations to future generations through epigenetics. Plants use somatic memory to recognize previous environmental conditions and react promptly in the face of similar challenges.
Which weather characteristics affect agricultural and food trade the most?
A new study by the University of Illinois found that temperature in the place of origin has a significant negative impact on export of agricultural goods, while temperature in the destination has little effect. The researchers also identified precipitation as a more nuanced factor in trade.
Review: Are climate change and air pollution making neurologic diseases worse?
A scoping review found that climate change and air pollution are linked to worsening symptoms of neurologic diseases. Exposure to pollutants like nitrates and fine particulate matter is associated with increased risk of stroke, headaches, dementia, and multiple sclerosis.
Climate change creates complications for concrete
New research by University of Pittsburgh scientists finds that concrete pavements are sensitive to sharp air temperature variations during the day, even in mild climates. This can lead to devastating consequences for infrastructure, such as potholes and cracks, with thicker pavements being more vulnerable.
Desert dust collected from glacier ice helps document climate change
A new study documents past changes in Earth's climate system by analyzing dust composition in samples collected from different areas and depths of the same glacier. The findings suggest that a complete dust record could offer more secrets than scientists realize, hinting at potential long-term perspectives on the Central Asian dust cycle.
Subtropical clouds key to southern ocean teleconnections to the tropical pacific
A research team at UNIST has identified subtropical low cloud feedback as a key mechanism driving teleconnections between the Southern Ocean and tropical precipitation. Their findings suggest that this impact is stronger than previously thought, with implications for mid-latitude climate predictions.
‘Insects need our help in a warming world, now’
A recent study by 70 scientists highlights the devastating effects of climate change on insects, which play critical roles in ecosystems. Gradual warming and extreme events harm insects, affecting their physiology, behavior, and interactions with other species.
Rethinking mountain water security
A new study reveals huge gaps in data on how communities use mountain water sources, complicating efforts to model future scenarios. The researchers emphasize the need for improved data and process understanding to guide effective climate change adaptation.
Working with mountain communities could help water systems adapt to climate
Two billion people globally rely on mountain water for drinking and irrigation, which is under threat due to global heating. Researchers propose integrated water strategies that include scientists working directly with communities to drive climate adaptation and boost water security.
Intensified meat production in response to climate change would bring short-term rewards, long-term risks
A new analysis finds that intensified meat production can bring short-term rewards, such as decreased deforestation, but long-term risks, including the spread of zoonotic diseases like avian influenza. The study suggests that shifting to plant-rich options and supporting forest protections may be necessary to mitigate these risks.
Researcher raises awareness on the health of rivers and lakes — by swimming in them
A researcher swam 1,600 miles along the Danube River to raise awareness about water pollution and its effects on wildlife and human health. He highlighted microplastics, toxic algal blooms, and changes in river chemistry due to climate change.
Waikīkī Beach studies reveal complex drivers of changing shoreline
Researchers used drones to monitor Waikīkī Beach, finding that wave energy from south swells and trade-wind generated waves drive erosion and accretion. The studies provide insights into beach behavior and help inform management of the coastline for ecological, societal, and economic sustainability.
Extreme weather events do not lead to policy change, according to new Concordia study
A new Concordia University study reveals that extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and heatwaves, have failed to drive government climate action. Despite the devastating economic and human costs of these disasters, governments have remained slow to enact meaningful reforms.
A better way to tell which species are vulnerable
A new study developed two approaches to assess species vulnerability, considering natural fluctuations and predictability in ecosystems. These methods outperform traditional ranking systems, which often focus on population size or body size.
Vegetation regulates energy exchange in the arctic
A study led by the University of Zurich found that diverse Arctic vegetation affects the land surface energy budget. The researchers linked vegetation types to energy exchange data from 64 measuring stations, revealing a significant difference in heat flux between various vegetation types and glaciers/grasslands.
Climate change to produce more rainbows
A new study predicts that climate change will increase rainbow viewing opportunities in northern latitudes and high elevations, while decreasing them in tropical regions. The research used photographs from Flickr to map rainbow occurrences under current and future climates.
High-res maps of entire polar regions provide new clues for climate researchers
The University of Minnesota has released four years of high-resolution imagery data to create the most detailed polar region terrain maps ever created. These maps will provide new insights into the effects of climate change over time, revealing glacier change, erosion, landslides, and flooding in incredible detail.
River longer than the Thames beneath Antarctic ice sheet could affect ice loss
A 460km-long river under the Antarctic ice sheet affects the flow and melting of ice, potentially accelerating ice loss. The discovery reveals more active water flow than previously thought, which could make it more susceptible to changes in climate.
Climate change linked to health crises and food insecurity
Climate change is exacerbating health crises among migrant workers in the US agriculture sector, with extreme heat and chemical exposure posing significant risks. The Lancet report highlights the unequal burdens of climate change, particularly on vulnerable populations.
Scientists warn in report that climate change has pushed Earth to “code red”
Scientists warn that climate change is at the door and pounding hard due to rising global temperatures, natural disasters, and infectious diseases. The report highlights urgent need to protect nature, eliminate fossil fuel emissions and support socially just climate adaptations.
Climate change is closing daily temperature gap, clouds could be the cause
Researchers found that climate change is closing the daily temperature range, with increased cloud cover being a key factor. The study used high-resolution modeling to simulate clouds and their impact on diurnal temperature variation, shedding light on how this will affect society and the environment.
THE LANCET: Persistent fossil fuel over-dependence puts health of current and future generations in jeopardy
The Lancet Countdown report highlights the compounding effects of fossil fuel dependence on climate change, leading to severe health impacts worldwide. The report emphasizes the need for immediate action to shift to clean energy and energy efficiency to mitigate these harms.
Marine protected areas combat the effects of climate change
Marine protected areas (MPAs) show significant benefits in improving carbon sequestration and biodiversity. MPAs also enhance coastal protection, reproductive capacity of marine organisms, and fisher catches.
Researchers call for action to stop exploitation of Antarctic waters
The Southern Ocean's ecosystem is facing major stressors from climate change, including melting sea ice and ocean acidification. Overfishing of species such as toothfish and krill is predicted to exacerbate environmental impacts on the entire ecosystem.
Food quality might be key for juvenile sockeye salmon growth and survival
Researchers found that short-term changes in health of juvenile sockeye salmon are related to the quality of zooplankton, not biomass or composition. This highlights concerns about climate change affecting ocean conditions and salmon populations.
Looking to move to a galaxy far, far away? Innovative system evaluates habitability of distant planets
A new system classifies atmospheres of distant planets to identify those suitable for future human habitation, without physically visiting them. The research study found that planet TRAPPIST-1e has a significantly more sensitive atmosphere than Earth, which could lead to extreme climate changes.
Climate change could make High Arctic fertile ground for emerging pandemics: uOttawa study
A novel genetic analysis by University of Ottawa researchers reveals that climate change could lead to an increased risk of viral spillover in the High Arctic. This increased risk may result in new viruses infecting previously uninfected hosts, potentially leading to emerging pandemics.
Warmer climate causing acidification of the Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean's pH is decreasing at a rate 3–4 times faster than in other oceans, with acidification impacting marine life. Sea butterflies, a key food source for whales, may face reduced availability due to increased carbon dioxide uptake.
Warming oceans likely to shrink the viable habitat of many marine animals – but not all
A new study reveals that vertical migrators, including krill and jumbo squid, are unlikely to leave their native tropical zones due to climate change. Instead, they may expand their habitat northward in response to temperature changes and altered metabolic requirements.
Over 250 health journals urge world leaders to deliver climate justice for Africa
The editorial urges wealthy nations to step up support for Africa and vulnerable countries in addressing past, present, and future impacts of climate change. The climate crisis has destroyed a fifth of the GDP of the most vulnerable countries.
THE LANCET JOURNALS: Over 250 health journals urge world leaders to deliver climate justice for Africa
Over 250 health journals globally publish an editorial urging wealthy nations to provide climate justice for Africa, citing severe flooding, increased infectious diseases, and economic devastation. The authors argue that achieving the $100bn climate finance target is now 'globally critical' to forestall systemic risks.
Grazing animals key to long-term soil carbon stability, study finds
A 16-year-long study by Indian Institute of Science researchers found that large mammalian herbivores like yak and ibex stabilize soil carbon levels, which is crucial for offsetting climate change effects. The study showed that grazing animals reduce fluctuations in soil carbon, ensuring its persistence.
Economic losses from hurricanes become too big to be offset by the US if warming continues
A new study suggests that the US economy's supply chains cannot compensate for local production losses from hurricanes if climate change continues. The researchers found that even under moderate warming scenarios, hurricane damages will exceed the economy's coping capacities, leading to indirect economic effects and price increases for...
Climate change to increase lifetime of space pollution
New research from British Antarctic Survey predicts climate change will extend the lifetime of space debris and elevate the risk of collisions between satellites, due to reduced atmospheric density. The study's findings highlight the need for action to control space pollution and ensure the upper atmosphere remains usable in the future.
Small sulfate aerosol may have masked effects of climate change in the 1970s
A team of scientists has found that small sulfate aerosols in the 1970s may have counteracted the effects of global warming by forming clouds that reflect radiation. The study reconstructed particle sizes from Greenland ice cores, showing a higher concentration of small sulfates during this period.
Study reveals new insights into how fast-moving glaciers may contribute to sea level rise
Researchers investigated how supraglacial lake drainage affects tidewater glacier flow speed. They found that Helheim Glacier showed a small 'pulse' of movement after lake drainage, likely due to an efficient drainage system. However, for glaciers without such systems, lake drainages may produce a net increase in glacier movement.
Land in a cyclone’s wake becomes more vulnerable to forest fires
Researchers study links between cyclones and forest fires, finding that cyclones can create conditions ripe for fires by damaging trees and altering microclimates. As climate change increases cyclone intensity, the risk of wildfires in previously fire-resistant ecosystems like rainforests grows.
Climate change is testing resilience of UK wheat yields
Researchers warn that UK wheat yields are vulnerable to increasingly frequent extreme weather events due to climate change. The study found that while warmer temperatures can benefit yields, multiple extreme weather events can lead to significant negative impacts on production.
Health of coral reefs written in the sand - and visible via satellite
Geoscientists at the University of Sydney have created a method to assess the health of coral reefs from space by analyzing sand aprons. The research reveals that sand aprons can be used to predict carbonate sediment productivity, with significant declines detected in recent years, indicating potential effects of climate change.
Climate change and deforestation may drive tree-dwelling primates to the ground, large-scale study shows
A large-scale study of 47 primate species across three continents found that climate change and deforestation are driving these animals to spend more time on the ground. The study suggests that primates with certain traits, such as a generalized diet or living in larger groups, may be more likely to adapt to this new lifestyle.
Professors call for more research into climate-change related threats to civilization
Climate change threatens societal capacity, leading to governance failures and basic necessities shortages. The authors propose three collapse scenarios: direct effects, indirect impacts on trade and international cooperation, and decreased adaptability.
Climate risks for Gulf of Mexico coral reefs spelled out in study
New research simulates climate warming and ocean acidification in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, finding that high emissions could lead to critically warm temperatures as early as 2050. Reducing emissions may delay this onset, giving coral conservation programs more time to adapt.
Key breakthrough links changes in length-of-day with climate prediction
A team of scientists from the University of Exeter has made a key breakthrough in predicting fluctuations in the rotation of the Earth and the length of the day. They used mathematical modeling to show that changes in the atmosphere can be predicted more than a year in advance, linking geodesy with climate prediction.
Hot summer nights bad for health
Researchers found that warmer nighttime temperatures increase sleep disturbance, comparable to the impact of heatstroke, in Japan's residents. The study suggests that measures like air conditioner use or reducing outdoor temperatures may help mitigate this issue.
The majority of reindeer grazing land is under cumulative pressures
A new study reveals that 60% of northern Fennoscandia's grazing land is exposed to multiple pressures, including forestry, tourism, and climate change. This reduces the size and quality of summer grazing areas, with only 4% remaining undisturbed.
Changes in marine ecosystems going undetected
Research finds that biodiversity metrics may show no change despite reorganisation of ecological communities in oceans, and new species replace lost ones. The study suggests a need for alternative methods to detect species replacements and abundance changes rather than just habitat loss or biodiversity loss.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study identifies hundreds of hospitals on Atlantic and Gulf coasts at risk of flooding from hurricanes
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that hundreds of hospitals on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts are at risk of flooding from Category 1-4 storms, with sea level rise expected to increase this risk by 22% this century. The study highlights the need for coastal hospitals to prepare for greater risks in the future.