Research on the consequences of a changing climate. Covers food and water disparities, sea-level costs, forest resilience, and shifting ecosystems.
Researchers at Rice University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the reproductive habits of dinoflagellate algae, which can help coral reefs adapt to climate change. By studying sex in these tiny creatures, scientists hope to breed strains that are more tolerant of environmental stress.
A new study from the Kalahari Desert finds that teamwork allows birds to cope with brutally unpredictable environments. The research team at the University of Exeter shows that families with more helpers successfully raise more chicks in dry conditions, reducing weather-driven variation in breeding success.
The National Science Foundation awarded a four-year project to study ancient agriculture in south-central Veracruz, Mexico. The researchers aim to understand the factors that contributed to the area's agricultural collapse and its potential implications for modern farming.
Researchers identified climate-resilient root, tuber and banana crop varieties with flexible planting dates to adapt to warmer and wetter conditions. Cassava, banana, and sweet potato are most adaptable, while potato growing areas are vulnerable.
Researchers say the July 2021 flood in western Germany was more destructive than predicted, with mobilization of dead wood and sediment contributing to its impact. The event highlights the need for science to better understand precipitation-induced floods and their associated self-reinforcing effects.
A new study found that coral reefs have lost half their ability to provide food, jobs, and climate protection since the 1950s, with significant declines in reef coverage and biodiversity. This loss threatens the well-being and sustainable development of human communities on coastal areas.
The study found that coral reefs' capacity to provide essential benefits and services, including food and livelihoods, has declined significantly. The decline in coral reef coverage and biodiversity is attributed to climate change, overfishing, pollution, and more.
Coral reefs will experience substantial declines in productivity and survival due to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, with some attributes responding similarly to heat stress with or without acidification
A new study suggests that climate change is displacing cold-water communities of algae with warm-adapted ones, threatening to destabilize the delicate marine food web. The research found a clear boundary between these communities at moderate water temperatures, highlighting the vulnerability of polar ecosystems.
Soil ecologists found that biobased plastics like PBSA degrade efficiently in the soil, even under future climate conditions, but excessive amounts can disrupt microbial communities and agriculture. The degradation process is influenced by fungi and a diverse bacterial community.
A mathematical model developed at Linköping University predicts that many species in polar regions will become extinct due to global warming, with ecosystems already showing signs of strain. The model simulates the impact of climate change on species interactions and diversity, highlighting the importance of considering ecological proc...
Researchers at Binghamton University found that wood frog eggs laid later in the breeding season are less resilient to road salt pollution. The study highlights the complex effects of climate change on amphibian breeding, which may lead to population declines in vulnerable species.
A North Carolina State University study finds that textbooks portraying climate change as uncertain can influence students' certainty, even among those already knowledgeable. The researchers suggest improving students' knowledge and teaching critical evaluation skills can help combat misinformation.
Research suggests that climate-caused disruptions to the jet stream's position and intensity could lead to severe weather-related consequences. The study's findings imply that continued warming could cause significant deviations from the norm, rendering the jet stream drastically different within a matter of decades.
A new study using Argo system ocean temperature data refines climate modeling predictions by identifying models most consistent with observations. The analysis shows that land and air temperatures only tell part of the story, with oceans storing 90% of the planet's heat.
Researchers used isotope mapping to track monarch butterfly migration routes and identify their natal origins. The study, led by a University of Ottawa student, revealed that monarchs from the eastern US likely originated in Texas, providing valuable insights into population decline.
Researchers found a 12,000-year record of marine sediment cores in Antarctica showing fluctuations in sea ice levels affecting algae growth. Algal bloom events occurred nearly every year before 4,500 years ago, but became less frequent after 4.5 thousand years ago, responding to climate cycles like ENSO.
A new study published in Frontiers in Water predicts that Europe will experience more frequent and severe summer droughts due to the climate crisis. The research identifies four hotspots in France, the Alps, the Mediterranean, and the Iberian Peninsula as being at high risk of droughts.
A new study improves climate change cost estimates by considering annual climate variability and persistent economic damages. This advancement highlights the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions.
The North Water Polynya, an Arctic oasis, is susceptible to climate change, with its high rate of primary production maintaining a diverse ecosystem. The polynya's stability has varied over the last millennia, with periods of instability linked to warmer climate periods and low productivity rates.
A comprehensive list of threats to Australian plants and animals reveals stark news about the future for some iconic species. The study provides precise data to better direct conservation efforts, categorizing and addressing threats like habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change.
A recent study found that warmer temperatures are associated with an increase in COPD exacerbations. The research analyzed data from over 1,100 smokers with COPD and discovered a 2% increased risk of exacerbations for every one-degree Celsius rise in ambient temperature.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Plant Science found that coastal grape growers in California can reduce irrigation levels by up to 50% during droughts without affecting crop yields or flavor profile. This reduction also leads to a decrease in water footprint and improved water use efficiency.
A new study assesses the impact of environmental policies on Amazon biodiversity, finding that 40-73,400 square miles of rainforest have been affected by fires since 2001. The research highlights the need for strong antideforestation policies and recognition of Indigenous lands to protect the region's biodiversity.
Fine root anatomy and function data from the FRED 3.0 database informs Earth system models predicting future climate changes. Meanwhile, 3D printed concrete smart walls demonstrate energy efficiency and potential cost savings in buildings.
A new study predicts extreme sea levels will become 100 times more frequent worldwide, with an annual occurrence by the end of the century. The research, led by Claudia Tebaldi, suggests rising temperatures will have a significant impact on coastal regions, particularly in the tropics and lower latitudes.
A new study using convection-permitting models reveals improved simulations of precipitation and atmospheric circulation over the Tibetan Plateau. The models reduce the wet bias in simulated precipitation by 47% and improve the simulation of large-scale circulation, leading to better moisture transport into and out of the plateau.
Researchers studied Northern California residents' responses to wildfire smoke, finding that social norms and social support significantly influence protective health actions. The study aims to promote safer behavior by understanding how people interact with information and make decisions during smoke events.
Researchers propose new statistical approaches to estimate climate change impacts on US agriculture, focusing on county-level analysis. They suggest that current grouping methods can lead to inaccurate results and recommend using C-Lasso, causal forest algorithm, and geographically weighted regressions.
The Lancet reports that extreme heat is becoming a major health issue, with over 356,000 deaths in 2019 related to heat. Effective cooling strategies are needed to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate climate change.
Long-term simulations show that smart land management, such as organic farming and protected refuge areas, can help stabilize threatened bumblebee species. Climate change is expected to have the strongest total effect on bumblebees, threatening many species.
A team of scientists from Princeton University found that the Arctic Ocean's nitrogen supply is limited by strong stratification, preventing plankton growth and potentially affecting fish populations. The research used fossilized plankton to study the history of nitrogen sources and supply rates in the western and central Arctic Ocean.
A new study finds that urbanization is causing many mammal species to grow bigger, contrary to Bergmann's Rule. The study analyzed over 140,000 measurements of body length and mass from North American mammals collected over 80 years.
Researchers found that a probiotic cocktail of beneficial bacteria increases coral survival after a bleaching event. The approach could be administered in advance to help corals recover from high sea temperatures. Probiotic treatment improved coral response and recovery, boosting survival from 60% to 100%.
Researchers analyzed nearly 500 million measurements of arctic-alpine plant growth, finding that deciduous species such as dwarf birch thrive in warmer winters, while evergreen species like crowberry struggle. The study suggests climate change may lead to an increase in greening of arctic-alpine regions.
Researchers found that climate change will amplify the temporary cooling caused by large eruptions and reduce its effect on small- and medium-sized eruptions. The study used global climate models to simulate how volcanic aerosols might be affected by warming scenarios.
Researchers studied Pacific Gilbert Islands coral reefs, a natural laboratory for climate change-induced heat stress. The study found that coral reefs in the region exhibit resistance and resilience to multiple stressors, but are still recovering after over a decade of environmental pressures.
Researchers have identified different thermal tolerance mechanisms in corals, with some species exhibiting 'resilient' and 'resistant' responses to heat stress. The findings provide a toolbox for protecting coral reefs worldwide and inform conservation prioritization.
Researchers at Lehigh University have developed an energy-saving desalination process using carbon dioxide, which can reduce water pretreatment required and cost savings. The HIX-Desal technology has shown promising results in reducing salinity of treated wastewater by over 60% without the need for reverse osmosis.
A new study on coral reefs in Kiribati found that more polluted and high-traffic waters can handle extreme heat events better than remote reefs. The research raises questions about the effectiveness of marine protected areas in conserving coral reefs.
Researchers measure increased vertical translation of dune toe along Holland coast, finding it outpaces sea level rise. The study's findings suggest other locations may experience similar changes due to global warming, highlighting the need for climate change adaptation measures.
Decades of fire suppression have eliminated valuable wildlife habitat, but allowing lightning fires to burn has restored a resilient ecosystem with increased plant and pollinator biodiversity. This approach also limits the severity of wildfires and increases water availability during droughts.
A long-term study in Elkhorn Slough found that superabundant crabs weaken tidal creek banks, reducing marsh plant growth and increasing erosion. Reducing crab abundance led to increased salt marsh vegetation growth and enhanced sediment density.
A long-running survey of ants at Stanford's Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve found that the distribution of Argentine ants has receded by 30% since 1994. Climate change was identified as a significant factor in this decrease, particularly during an extreme drought from 2012 to 2015.
Researchers from University of Tsukuba and Osaka University developed a polymer-coated metal catalyst that accelerates CO2 conversion into formate, a useful carbon-based fuel. The PEG-coated Sn catalyst showed a 24 times higher formate production rate than conventional Sn plate electrodes.
A new study led by Adam Pearson and Jonathon Schuldt found that family values are a stronger predictor of climate opinions and policy support among US Latinos than political views. Familism, or cultural values representing commitment to the family, was the most important predictor, even more so than politics.
Research by University of Washington and US Forest Service scientists reveals a dramatic shift in nighttime air's drying power over the Western US, increasing wildfire activity. This shift is not captured in climate models, with some areas experiencing water loss doubling up on warmer nights.
A recent study found that greenhouse gases from human activity and warmer North Atlantic Ocean temperatures contributed to the Northeast's increased extreme precipitation since 1996. The research used global climate model simulations and statistical methods to isolate the causes of the increase.
Eelgrass bed losses result in significant emissions of carbon and nutrients, including 60 tonnes of carbon and 6.6 tonnes of nitrogen per hectare. Restoration efforts are crucial to mitigate these effects and protect the environment.
A synthesis of scientific literature provides a unified resource for managing western forests and addressing the impacts of climate change on wildfires. The report recommends approaches such as thinning dense forests, prescribed burning, and revitalizing Indigenous fire stewardship practices to make landscapes more resilient.
A new study suggests that growing stinkweed as a crop could produce cleaner jet fuel with fewer environmental impacts than other biofuels. The study found that stinkweed requires less fertilizer and pesticides, resulting in lower carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution.
A new study from Oregon State University found that climate conditions significantly affect the reproductive success of mature female Antarctic krill. The researchers discovered a relationship between the condition of these females during spawning season and the proportion of juvenile krill in the population the following year.
A study by Portland State researchers found that liberals see climate science as certain and simple, while conservatives view it as uncertain and complex. Conservatives prefer to share their own experiences with the effects of climate change rather than receiving more information from experts. This shift in perspective may help people ...
A new review paper assesses heat and freshwater changes in the Indian Ocean, finding some consistent responses to anthropogenic global warming. However, observational records are still too short to distinguish natural variability from man-made changes.
The coming decade will determine whether coral reefs survive, with up to 30% predicted to persist if global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Policymakers are called upon to address climate change, improve local conditions, and restore coral reefs through coordinated actions and innovative approaches.
A group of researchers studied how animals modify their habitats in response to climate change and found that understanding these modifications can improve predictions of climate change's effects on species. The study highlights the importance of understanding how animals adapt to changing environments, which can inform strategies for ...
Researchers found that increased warming and ozone levels stress soybean plants' symbiotic microorganisms, reducing their ability to hold carbon in the ground. The study also discovered a shift in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities, favoring Paraglomus species with high nutrient-absorbing capabilities.
Researchers found a protein called FLOE1 that allows seeds to directly perceive their hydration state and act upon it. This discovery has major implications for understanding plant ecology and designing drought-resistant crops to combat climate change.
A global network of over 2,500 scientists is exploring climate change's impact on forests and biodiversity. ForestPlots.net provides a unique platform for long-term monitoring and analysis, discovering how tropical forests help control carbon emissions.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that summer sea ice in the Last Ice Area, a region north of Greenland and Canadian Arctic Archipelago, is declining due to global warming. The study suggests that this area may not be as resilient as previously thought, raising concerns for polar bears and walruses that rely on the ice.