Articles tagged with Climate Change Effects
A recent analysis suggests that California's CalEnviroScreen 3.0 index may identify only 25% of at-risk communities, while other indices reveal an additional 12.6% vulnerable to heat-related health impacts. This highlights the need for a more holistic approach to quantify vulnerability to extreme heat and other climate hazards.
New research suggests that a 2°C warming would release 230 billion tonnes of carbon from the world's soil, more than four times China's total emissions over 100 years. This 'positive feedback' effect contributes to further climate change.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that thawing permafrost releases volatile organic compounds, including monoterpenes and diterpenes, which can be highly reactive and contribute to cloud formation. The study's findings introduce new uncertainties to climate change modeling.
A new study suggests that restrictive border policies could exacerbate the effects of climate change on vulnerable regions, limiting their ability to emigrate. In contrast, open borders have a positive impact on developing countries, providing an important source of income through remittance and reducing vulnerability to climate change.
Researchers assessed the impact of international border policy on migration flows and climate change exposure from 2015 to 2100. They found that most migrants move to areas experiencing less severe climate change impacts when allowed to migrate.
Researchers exposed blue mussels to current and future levels of ocean acidification and warming, finding that warming alone led to increased shell growth, while both together resulted in decreased growth. Warming also caused increased brittleness, threatening the mussels' survival, but acidification mitigated some effects.
Researchers are using climate projection studies to understand the impact of changing temperatures and precipitation on snail populations, which carry the parasite causing schistosomiasis. The study aims to inform strategies for reducing the spread of this debilitating infection, affecting 220 million people globally.
Researchers developed a new climate model to predict water needs, combining land use projections with future climate data. The model accurately projects hydrological response and identifies dominant pathways for water loss in the Southeast.
A Purdue University team has created a mobile docking system for AUVs, enabling them to perform longer tasks without human intervention. The system uses algorithms to optimize trajectories, allowing robots to autonomously dock mid-mission to recharge and transfer data.
A new study examines the effects of future climate change on over 137,000 nature reserves worldwide, revealing severe local impacts, especially in tropical countries. The research highlights the importance of informed management to mitigate climate change effects and preserve biodiversity.
A new study found that China's success in reducing air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, black carbon, and organic carbon may exacerbate global warming. The reductions, achieved through stringent measures, led to notable public health benefits but also changed the radiative forcing of the earth's temperature.
A study found that tundra vegetation regenerated rapidly after a major landslide event, but took decades to recover. High-resolution satellite data revealed small changes in land cover and permafrost thawing.
A global-scale meta-analysis found that diverse leaf litter increases decomposition rates by 34.7%. This could be crucial for predicting future changes in biogeochemical cycles and climate feedbacks on Earth.
Researchers used tree rings to create a precise yearly record of summer temperatures in North America and Eurasia, revealing colder and warmer periods. The study shows that the effect of volcanoes on global temperature changes is even greater than previously thought.
Butterfly species that rely on finding a shady location to keep cool are at risk of population decline due to climate change. Landscapes with diverse features and microclimates can help conserve butterfly populations.
A new climate modeling study simulates the dramatic impacts of accelerated Antarctic ice melt on future climate conditions. The research reveals that higher greenhouse gas emissions could slow warming around Antarctica, but may not prevent serious warming and sea level rise globally.
A study by Washington University in St. Louis researchers found that consumers across the US and Europe prefer a constant-cost plan to fund climate action, reducing opposition compared to ramp-up approaches. The constant-cost plan also encourages energy reduction over time, even with high average household costs.
Researchers use natural seafloor earthquakes to determine ocean temperature across vast distances and depths, overcoming previous limitations. The technique, called seismic ocean thermometry, reveals a decadal warming trend exceeding previous estimates in the East Indian Ocean.
A new study by the University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science found that limiting warming to 1.5°C rather than 2°C above pre-industrial levels would significantly reduce global aridity, particularly in Mediterranean regions and western Europe. The research highlights the importance of considering regional impacts and suggest...
A new study warns that climate change could drive Komodo dragons to extinction due to habitat loss and sea-level rise. The research suggests that conservation strategies are not enough to protect the species in the face of global warming.
Michael E. Mann, a leading climate researcher, has received the 2020 World Sustainability Award for his groundbreaking work on climate change and sustainability. He is recognized for his contributions to understanding human impact on climate change and advancing climate modeling and statistical methods.
Researchers found climate change impacts parasitoid wasps and flies, altering ratios between warm- and cold-adapted species. This study provides insights into how global warming affects ecosystems, increasing understanding of ecology and potential solutions.
New research reveals that climate change is exacerbating the decline of sea otters, which in turn are destroying Alaskan kelp forests. The loss of sea otters is allowing sea urchins to overgraze the coralline algae that form the reefs.
A new UC Riverside study finds that climate change will significantly decrease good weather days in the Palm Springs area, impacting tourism and outdoor attractions. The number of suitable snowbird days is projected to increase by up to 150% by the end of the century.
A new study reveals that multinationals' supply chains account for 18.7% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with the majority generated by investments in developing countries. The research highlights the need for companies to take responsibility for their global emissions and encourages greater energy efficiency among suppliers.
Research monitored 30 Chinese lakes between 2008 and 2018, showing increases in total phosphorus and chlorophyll a across 47% and 70% of lakes, respectively. Climate change and internal loading from sediments also pose significant challenges to lake restoration efforts.
A new study models trade growth and port demand until 2050 under different climate policy scenarios, finding that port expansion will be necessary to meet increasing demand. The cost of building new port capacity is projected to exceed sea-level rise adaptation costs, with estimated costs ranging from $750 billion.
New research reveals aviation's significant impact on climate change, with non-carbon dioxide emissions making up two-thirds of its effects. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the sector's contribution to global warming.
Soil loss due to water runoff is projected to increase significantly by 2070, with potential losses of over 28 billion metric tons annually. Sustainable land cultivation practices can mitigate this threat and ensure food security for the world's population.
A recent study found that human-induced climate change is responsible for changes in global average water availability on land during the dry season. The research analyzed data from 1902 to 2014 and showed a reduction in average water availability at a global level, with some regions experiencing increased humidity.
A Concordia student has created detailed range maps for over 400 primate species, showing how warming temperatures are losing their habitats. The study reveals that a 2°C temperature increase could lead to over a quarter of species experiencing temperatures above pre-industrial levels.
A study analyzing 30 years of data predicts significant ice loss and sea-level rise due to climate change. Greenland's ice sheet is expected to warm 4-6 degrees Celsius by 2100, leading to 10-12.5 centimeter increases in global sea level.
A new study estimates that 50% of the world's oceans are already being affected by climate change, with changes in temperature and salt levels detectable since the 1980s. The Southern Hemisphere oceans are being impacted more rapidly, highlighting the importance of this region for global heat storage.
A new study projects significant changes in fish stocks in the UK due to climate change, including increased abundance of warm-adapted species and declining populations of cold-adapted species. The findings highlight the need for flexible management approaches to adapt to these changes and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
Tropical fisheries face significant threats from climate change, with global seafood trade and distant-water fishing linked to extratropical natural systems. This telecoupling effect generates cascades of impacts that affect not only local economies but also distant regions.
Marine heatwaves are displacing habitats for marine life by thousands of kilometers, a phenomenon known as thermal displacement. This metric measures the degree of change species may be responding to, highlighting potential ecosystem changes and management questions.
Researchers explore the conundrum of reducing carbon footprint while increasing sales, proposing three steps: calculate a carbon footprint, decrease footprint and increase price, and be proactive with product design. Measuring climate impact is crucial for organizations to become 'net zero'.
A $2 million NSF award will support research on identifying and functionalizing dozens of different types of RNA modifications in diverse model and crop species. The project aims to develop resources that make it easier for plant scientists to utilize and expand upon the discoveries.
The Econometric Society and Bocconi University Virtual World Congress brought together 2,500 participants, 1,300 presentations, and over 300 sessions to discuss key topics in economics. The event featured two Nobel laureates, Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee, as well as experts from top companies like Amazon and Microsoft.
A global meta-analysis led by UNSW scientists found that biocrusts reduce water erosion by an average of 68% and increase water storage in upper layers, supporting the world's shrinking water supplies. Biocrusts are critical for fixing nitrogen and carbon, stabilizing surface soils, and providing a home for soil organisms.
A new study predicts a 50% rise in coastal flooding globally over the next 80 years due to climate change. This would expose an additional 77 million people to flooding risks, with up to $US14.2 trillion in infrastructure exposed.
A new study uses satellite data to understand global cloud composition during the industrial revolution, finding that early-industrial aerosol concentrations were much higher than estimated by climate models. This could mean human-generated atmospheric aerosols are not having as strong a cooling effect as previously thought.
International trade can compensate for regional food shortages and reduce hunger due to climate change. Eliminating protectionist measures and barriers to trade can relieve these differences.
A doctoral student at Virginia Tech has been awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to research how migratory birds transmit diseases and carry pathogens. She aims to screen birds for various diseases in Trinidad and Virginia, determining which vectors and viruses are introduced during the winter months.
A new study reveals that dehydration increases amphibian vulnerability to climate change, with rising temperatures and dry conditions posing a dual threat. By 2080s, habitats may become too hot or dehydrating for many species, forcing them to adapt by moving between habitats more often.
New research from Lund University suggests that COVID-19 has exposed the tourism industry's lack of resilience to downturns and its vulnerability to the climate crisis. The study advises destinations to prioritize shorter stays, increase local profits, and rethink food services to reduce carbon emissions.
A new study by Cornell University and Washington State University found that climate change will force farmers to choose between lower yields and higher revenue volatility. The research team used a model to explore the impact of drought-tolerant crop varieties, which can improve average yields but also increase revenue fluctuations.
Researchers created a super white paint that reflects up to 98% of incoming solar radiation, potentially reducing indoor temperatures and air conditioner use by radiative cooling. The innovative paint formula replaces titanium oxide with barite and Teflon, offering improved reflectivity and reduced heat absorption.
Researchers advocate for a holistic approach to global resilience by integrating natural, human, social, built and financial capitals. The 'Five Capitals' framework aims to break down silos and anticipate risks more effectively.
Researchers found that climate change positively impacts yellow-bellied marmot survival during short, wet summers and negatively affects it during harsh winters. This study suggests that certain species may benefit in one season while facing unfavorable conditions in another due to climate change.
Fish are highly sensitive to heat during mating and embryonic stages due to temperature-dependent cardiovascular strain. Climate change may force up to 60% of all fish species to abandon traditional spawning areas.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals the South Pole has warmed at a rate three times the global average over the past 30 years. The warming trend was mainly driven by natural tropical climate variability, with greenhouse gas increases likely intensifying the effect.
Researchers used high-resolution data to identify environmental factors shaping redwood distribution, finding habitat suitability varies with moisture availability and fog across different landscape elevations. Redwood habitats are consistently more suitable near streams, with suitability ranging from 22-75% within a single landscape.
Research highlights human activity and climate change as major stressors to river systems, compromising their resilience and vulnerability to extreme events. The study emphasizes the need for urgent governance at local and international levels to address these issues.
Researchers at MIT found that a combination of warmer ocean temperatures and changes in air pressure patterns contribute to the Mediterranean region's projected drought. The study could refine global climate models and provide greater certainty for water resource management and agriculture in the affected areas.
Researchers developed new engineering models that consider different sand grain shapes, leading to more accurate assessments of sand movement and impacts on coastal areas vulnerable to sea-level rise. The models, published in Scientific Reports, correct overestimation of transport rates by 35 percent for carbonate sands.
The ECOTIP project aims to advance understanding of the impacts of climate change on Arctic biodiversity and its cascading effects on marine ecosystems and human societies. The four-year initiative will conduct pioneering assessments of changes to Arctic marine ecosystems and societies, from melting ice to shifting fisheries.
The mesopelagic zone, or Twilight Zone, holds the largest and least exploited fish reserves in the oceans, crucial for global carbon cycle and sustainability. Climate change and growing population demand threaten this ecosystem.
A special issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment synthesizes climate-change refugia science developments, highlighting conservation successes and future directions. The article highlights the importance of 'slow lanes' to protect native species and ecosystems from climate change impacts.
A new study by ISGlobal found that heat is now more lethal than cold for people with respiratory diseases in Spain, particularly women and older adults. The study analyzed data on over 1.3 million deaths between 1980 and 2016 and found a significant decline in temperature-attributable mortality during the colder months.