Conservation areas help birdlife adapt to climate change
A Finnish study reveals that protected areas support northern bird species while hindering southern species' movement northwards due to habitat loss and climate change.
Climate Change Effects
Articles tagged with Climate Change Effects
Modelling reveals dynamics of climate change, urbanization and heat-mitigating technologies
Researchers found that urban expansion and climate change interact non-linearly, resulting in complex effects on temperature. Heat-mitigating technologies like cool roofs and street trees provide moderate alleviation of temperatures during nighttime hours.
Research brief: Farmer adjustments can offset climate change impacts in corn production
Researchers found that farmers have adapted to climate change by adjusting planting practices and using longer maturing varieties. This shift has increased maize yield trends by 28% since 1981, but it remains unclear if these benefits will be maintained in a hotter environment.
Amazon forests failing to keep up with climate change
The Amazon forest is failing to keep up with the effects of climate change, with more drought-resistant tree species outcompeting vulnerable ones. As a result, biodiversity is at risk, and existing intact rainforests need to be protected from deforestation.
Researchers generate plants with enhanced drought resistance without penalizing growth
Researchers at CRAG have successfully generated plants with enhanced drought resistance by modifying steroid hormone signaling, a major breakthrough in agriculture. These drought-resistant plants exhibit improved water-stress tolerance without compromising growth.
Racial, ethnic minorities face greater vulnerability to wildfires
A new study reveals that racial and ethnic minorities face greater vulnerability to wildfires, with Native Americans being six times more likely to live in high-risk areas. The research used a 'vulnerability index' to assess wildfire risk in communities across the US, integrating physical risk with social and economic resilience.
A wilderness 'horror story'
Conservation scientists find that only 23% of the world's landmass can be considered wilderness, with the rest lost to human activities. Wilderness areas are crucial buffers against climate change and provide refuges for declining species.
First study on climate change impact in Mediterranean
A new study published in Nature Climate Change synthesizes the effects of climate change and environmental problems in the Mediterranean region. The research highlights interconnected risks to sustainable development, including water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and human security threats.
Fragile seashores were 'cradle of evolution' for early fish
New research reveals that shallow near-shore environments were crucial for the evolution of early fish species around 480 million years ago. The study, published in Science, identifies these fragile seashores as the 'cradle of evolution' where primitive fish first appeared and diversified.
Zambezi Valley may soon be too hot for tsetse flies
A study based on 27 years of data from Mana Pools National Park suggests that temperature increases have caused significant declines in local tsetse fly populations. This could lead to reduced transmission of trypanosome pathogens causing sleeping sickness, but may also make other areas more suitable for the flies.
Two degrees decimated Puerto Rico's insect populations
Climate-driven crash in arthropod populations has significant implications for rainforest ecosystems and biodiversity. The study found that insect biomass declined by up to 60-fold between 1976 and 2013, leading to a major bottom-up trophic cascade.
Alaskan carbon assessment has implications for national climate policy
A recent assessment of Alaska's carbon cycle reveals both alarming signs of rapid warming and potential counteracting effects. The state's forests, permafrost, lakes, and rivers store significant amounts of terrestrial carbon, which could be released into the atmosphere at an increased rate due to climate change. However, warmer temper...
High CO2 levels cause plants to thicken their leaves, could worsen climate change effects
Researchers found that plants with thicker leaves under high CO2 levels may exacerbate climate change by reducing carbon sequestration. This response could lead to an extra 5.8 petagrams of carbon in the atmosphere per year, similar to human-generated emissions.
Global study finds taller plant species taking over as mountains and the Arctic warm
A global study by over 100 researchers links climate change to the emergence of taller plant species in the Arctic and alpine tundra, where low-growing grasses and shrubs typically dominate. The study found that temperatures have risen significantly in these regions, leading to an increase in plant community height.
Taller plants moving into Arctic because of climate change
New research reveals Arctic plant height increased by 20-60% over 30 years, with non-native species like vernal sweetgrass spreading into the region. Soil moisture plays a crucial role in changing plant traits, contrary to previous climate change models.
Glacial engineering could limit sea-level rise, if we get our emissions under control
A new study suggests that glacial geoengineering, making changes to glaciers' geometry near the ocean, could limit sea-level rise. The most promising design consists of constructing artificial mounds or columns on the seafloor, which could slow down the rate of sea-level rise giving more time for coastal societies to adapt.
Study links natural climate oscillations in north Atlantic to Greenland ice sheet melt
A new study links Greenland ice sheet melting to natural climate patterns, the North Atlantic Oscillation and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. The findings suggest that these patterns could accelerate or decelerate melting by two decades earlier or later this century.
Eucalyptus 2018: Plantation managers and researchers are working to deal with climate change
Researchers are working to develop strategies for eucalyptus plantations to cope with climate change, including more efficient water use and biological pest control methods. The conference will also discuss the potential for eucalyptus plantations to capture carbon in their wood and soil.
Soil holds the secret to mitigating climate change
Researchers found that soil's health can be improved through agronomic management, such as cover crops and conservation tillage. This approach can help preserve crop yields and mitigate the effects of climate change on global food supply.
UNIST graduate selected for GRA-NRF program in Canada
DoYeon Kim, a UNIST Ph.D. student, has been selected for the GRA-NRF program in Canada to co-research on Arctic climate change with Professor Timothy Merilis at McGill University.
Mann receives 2018 AGU Climate Communication Prize
Dr. Michael Mann receives AGU Climate Communication Prize for his efforts in promoting scientific literacy and fostering understanding of climate change through various media outlets and public engagement initiatives.
Global coastal wetlands need to move inland in fight against climate change
A new study suggests that global coastal wetlands can migrate further inland to secure their future and avoid catastrophic losses. The research finds that with enough space, coastal wetlands could gain up to 60% in elevation, mitigating the impact of sea level rise on global warming and coastal flooding.
Evaluating the contribution of black carbon to climate change
Researchers developed a model that predicts black carbon's direct radiative effect with high accuracy, considering particle size and mixing state. The study finds that accurately describing these factors is crucial to understanding black carbon's contribution to climate change.
Peatlands will store more carbon as planet warms
New research suggests global warming will cause peatlands to absorb more carbon initially, but the effect will weaken as warming increases. The study highlights the importance of protecting intact peatlands and restoring drained peatlands to prevent rapid rates of peat decomposition.
US wildfire smoke deaths could double by 2100
A new study simulates the effects of wildfire smoke on human health, predicting that deaths from chronic inhalation of wildfire smoke could increase to over 40,000 per year by the end of the 21st century. The number of fire-related particulate matter deaths is expected to more than double in the worst-case-scenario prediction model.
Syracuse researchers shine light on ancient global warming
Researchers analyzed ancient marine sediment for effects of Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum on shallow-water communities. The study found that biodiversity loss and ecological restructuring were minor impacts, but some organisms adapted to low-oxygen conditions through microbial symbiosis.
How much insects eat
A new study reveals that climate change is driving an increase in insect herbivory damage on plants, with warmer winters and urbanization having opposing effects. The research used herbarium specimens to track changes in insect damage over more than a century, providing valuable insights into the impact of climate change.
Climate change projected to boost insect activity and crop loss, researchers say
Researchers project that insect activity will increase along with temperatures, boosting worldwide losses of rice, corn and wheat by 10-25 percent. For a 2-degree Celsius rise in surface temperatures, median losses in yield due to insect activity would be 31% for corn, 19% for rice and 46% for wheat.
A climate 'wake-up call'
Research suggests that proactive implementation of fisheries management and climate action can create a more bountiful future for the world's oceans. The study finds that concerted responses to climate change can lead to increased fish populations, food availability, and profit for fishermen.
Want to know what ancient koalas ate? Check modern koalas' teeth
Researchers analyzed ancient and modern koala and kangaroo teeth to understand diet changes across millennia. The study found that tooth wear patterns are indicative of dietary habits, not environmental factors.
What's behind the retreating kelps and expanding corals?
A recent study by Hokkaido University reveals that climate warming, ocean currents, and deforestation by invasive fish are driving the expansion of tropical corals into temperate zones in Japan. This shift is linked to increased grazing by herbivorous fish, leading to a decline in macroalgae populations.
OU study shows effects of climate warming in tallgrass prairie ecosystem
A new OU study shows that climate warming accelerates temporal turnover rates of soil bacterial and fungal communities, affecting ecosystem predictability. The research finds divergent succession of microbial communities under climate warming, with reduced stochasticity and dynamic drivers.
Renewables could drastically cut tailpipe emissions
Researchers at KAUST have combined computer analysis with laser-based measurements to understand NOx production pathways in different fuel types, finding that alcohol fuels produce up to 50% less nonthermal NOx than conventional fossil fuels.
Fresh insight into invasive plant that blights UK rivers
A new study reveals that Himalayan balsam thrives in drier riverbanks and prefers steeper slopes to native plants, shedding light on its spread. Understanding these conditions can help mitigate the invasive plant's impact on UK rivers.
Lichen is losing to wildfire, years after flames are gone
Researchers found that lichen communities in severely burned areas showed significantly lower abundance and diversity, even 16 years after the fire. The loss of tree canopy and hot, dry microclimate left in the forest post-fire hindered lichen growth, suggesting that recolonization may not occur until mature trees regrow.
Blocking sunlight to cool Earth won't reduce crop damage from global warming
A new analysis by University of California, Berkeley researchers concludes that injecting particles into the atmosphere to cool the planet would have no effect on reducing crop damage from rising temperatures. The study found that lower productivity due to reduced sunlight would negate any benefits of cooler temperatures.
Study finds managed waterways are not isolated from effects of climate change
A new study by Indiana University researchers found that climate change impacts managed waterways in the US and Canada, similar to unmanaged streams and rivers. The analysis revealed diminishing flow in southern and western US regions, while northeastern US rivers showed increased flow.
Pacific Ocean's effect on Arctic warming
Changes in heat flow from the Pacific Ocean may have a larger effect on Arctic climate than previously recognized. The study found that ocean-to-atmosphere heat flow scenarios in the North Pacific and North Atlantic resulted in greater global and Arctic surface air temperature anomalies.
Climate change and decline of Mojave Desert birds
A study reveals evidence of community collapse in Mojave birds, with 43% loss of previously documented bird species over the past century. Climate change, particularly decreased precipitation, is associated with the decline in Mojave birds, while surface water presence is linked to increased species richness.
Study finds possible connection between US tornado activity, Arctic sea ice
Researchers found significant correlations between tornado activity and Arctic sea ice extent, particularly in July. The study suggests that Arctic sea ice loss controls the jet stream's path, leading to reduced tornado formation.
UB researchers discover a disease threatening the most plentiful starfish in Antarctica
A new study identifies a disease affecting the starfish Odontaster validus, one of the most common species on the Antarctic sea floor. The disease has afflicted up to 10% of the population, causing tissue damage and altering the natural balance in marine ecosystems.
China could face deadly heat waves due to climate change
A new study shows that China's North China Plain, a region with intensive irrigation, is expected to experience deadly heat waves repeatedly, with the risk being significantly increased due to higher humidity. The region faces the greatest risks to human life from rising temperatures, surpassing other global hotspots.
Tropical treetops are warming, putting sensitive species at risk
Researchers found tropical forests' gross primary productivity increases with warming temperatures but slows down at optimal range of 28-29 degrees Celsius, before declining at high temperatures.
Coldwater streams may provide refuge against changing climate
Research presents coldwater stream habitats as potential refugia against climate change, enabling persistence of ecosystems and species. Conservation strategies can be effective with understanding of these habitats' persistence, helping management practices such as dam removal and trout stocking.
A warmer Midwest could lead to a common bird being less common over the next century
Researchers predict Acadian flycatcher populations will decline substantially due to reduced breeding productivity and increased nest predation under severe warming projections. Climate change poses a significant risk of quasi-extinction to this common Midwestern songbird species by the twenty-first century.
Warming alters predator-prey interactions in the Arctic
New research from Washington University in St. Louis found that warming conditions can alter the way wolf spiders interact with their prey, including springtails and fungi, leading to changes in ecosystem processes like decomposition. This shift could potentially alleviate some impacts of global warming on carbon losses from the tundra.
Warming temperatures could increase suicide rates across the US and Mexico
Researchers found that hotter weather increases both suicide rates and depressive language on social media, with effects differing little by population wealth. Temperature increases by 2050 could lead to a 1.4% increase in US suicide rates and a 2.3% increase in Mexico.
Artificial intelligence saves water for water users associations
A researcher at the University of Córdoba has developed a model that uses artificial intelligence to predict water needs for farmers, helping to reduce waste and conserve resources. The model uses fuzzy logic and neural networks to analyze data from remote control systems and establish optimal irrigation depths.
If only trees could speak -- What trees, society and water have to say about the climate
A new project uses talking trees to investigate how forest ecosystems react to climate dynamics. Researchers track the trees' growth patterns and water transport, linking this data to social sciences research on education and climate modeling.
A 'fingerprint' for anthropogenic climate change in a new place
Researchers have identified a human 'fingerprint' in the troposphere, indicating significant effects of anthropogenic climate change on seasonal temperature cycles. The study used satellite data for nearly 40 years to isolate the signals of human activity from natural variability.
Great Barrier Reef not bouncing back as before, but there is hope
A six-fold decline in coral recovery rates has been identified across the Great Barrier Reef over an 18-year period. Effective local management and strong global action to limit climate change are crucial to prevent further decline.
Cities as study proxies for climate change
Research reviewed by North Carolina State University suggests that cities display predicted effects of climate change, including urban heat islands and drought rates. Urban areas can show how plants and animals respond to changes in climate over long stretches of time, providing insights into potential future effects.
Scientists lack vital knowledge on rapid Arctic climate change
A comprehensive review study found that only two research stations account for 30% of cited studies in the Arctic region. The researchers highlight under-sampling of rapidly warming sites, particularly in the Canadian high-Arctic archipelago and Russia's Arctic coastline.
What psychological science can offer to reducing climate change
Researchers propose tailoring information to local circumstances, emphasizing the importance of children's vulnerability in raising awareness. They also suggest using competitive mindset among leaders to develop global policies, such as a sustainable city award.
New research calculates capacity of North American forests to sequester carbon
Researchers have calculated the capacity of North American forests to sequester carbon, finding that they have reached 78% of their potential and will only gain 22% more in the next 60 years. This is a critical finding with implications for forest management, climate scientists, and policymakers.
Success of conservation efforts for important Caribbean Reef fish hinges on climate change
Climate change is projected to severely hinder conservation efforts for the Nassau grouper and other Caribbean Reef fish. Breeding habitats are expected to decline by 82% by 2100 if no action is taken to mitigate climate change.
LandKlif: Changing ecosystems in Bavaria
A new research alliance in Bavaria is investigating the impact of climate change on ecosystems, focusing on four subprojects: measuring biodiversity and ecosystem performance, simulating climate scenarios and drought stress, landscape types and adaptability, and investigating vegetation with satellite data.
Climate predictions should include impacts of CO2 on life
Researchers at the University of Exeter and the Met Office warn that climate models are underestimating the effects of rising CO2 levels. They found that CO2 concentrations could reach up to 765ppm before a 1.5°C warming threshold is reached, affecting ecosystems, crop yields, and ocean acidification.
Global surface area of rivers and streams is 45 percent higher than previously thought
Researchers have recalculated global river and stream surface area, finding it's about 45 percent greater than previous estimates. This increase has significant implications for understanding greenhouse gas emissions from rivers and streams.
Path to zero emissions starts out easy, but gets steep
To achieve zero emissions, air travel, freight shipping, cement, and steel manufacturing must be decarbonized. New technologies, such as hydrogen fuels and carbon capture, can help overcome these challenges.