Research on the consequences of a changing climate. Covers food and water disparities, sea-level costs, forest resilience, and shifting ecosystems.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The study found that solar irradiance strengthens the Siberian high and low-level East Asian winter circulation, resulting in lower surface air temperatures in East Asia. This mechanism helps explain the variability of the East Asian winter monsoon at decadal and longer time scales.
Lancaster County corn production may face significant declines due to projected climate change impacts. Rising temperatures and extreme heat stress threaten corn yields, forcing farmers to reconsider their growing strategies.
Scientists discover six new goblin spider species in Sri Lanka, shedding light on the country's remarkable biodiversity. The spiders are named after famous fictional characters from Enid Blyton's books and are found to be highly endemic, with some species only present at a single forest patch.
A new study reveals that bedrock in West Antarctica is rising at an unexpectedly fast rate, potentially increasing the stability of the ice sheet against catastrophic collapse. This rapid uplift may be due to a hotter and more fluid mantle beneath the area.
A regional climate model found that deforestation could lead to a slight annual cooling overall, but with big differences locally. Northern and eastern Europe cooled while western and central Europe warmed. Deforestation also increased summer temperature extremes.
A new study predicts that climate change will have a more significant impact on global biodiversity than land use changes by 2070. Vertebrate communities are expected to lose between a tenth and over a quarter of their species locally due to climate change.
A new study led by MIT researchers found that taking modest climate action could prevent extreme water-shortage scenarios in Asia by 2050. The study simulated various economic and climate pathways for the continent, revealing a 50% chance of increased water stress in southern and eastern Asia.
Researchers identified small coral 'oases' thriving against the odds, with some areas rebounding from devastation. These 'escape', 'resist', and 'rebound' oases offer insights into why some ecosystems are more resilient to climate change and local impacts.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that warmer ocean water is destabilizing ice shelves, leading to their breakup and acceleration of sea level rise. This process, driven by dual mechanisms from below and above, poses a significant threat to coastal regions worldwide.
A Stanford study using nectar-dwelling yeast found that relative nonlinearity is crucial for species coexistence, contradicting common assumptions among ecologists. The research used microcosms to gather data on the complex interactions between yeasts and environmental conditions.
The ACRE China project recovers instrumental weather observations for the East Asian region, enhancing global weather and climate knowledge. The collaboration enables the creation of a spatially and temporally-complete data base of historical weather patterns and fluctuations.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki and University of Oulu have developed a new model to forecast Arctic ground temperatures, revealing significant changes in permafrost occurrence. The study predicts that areas favourable to permafrost will shrink by over one-third by 2050 under worst-case climate change scenarios.
The 2017 US wildfire season was exacerbated by a series of extreme events, including a wet winter, hot summer, and dry fall. Climate change likely played a role in fueling the fires, while human activity contributed to ignition, with nearly 90% of wildfires sparked by people.
A new study assesses the economic impact of intensifying river floods on a global scale, finding that China's flood damages could affect EU and US industries. The US economy may be particularly vulnerable due to its unbalanced trade relation with China, while stronger trade relations could mitigate losses.
A study found that rice grown under higher CO2 concentrations has lower nutritional value, particularly in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B content. This decrease may have significant implications for the health of populations relying heavily on rice as a primary food source.
A new study found that streams and rivers could increase carbon dioxide emissions at higher temperatures, potentially compounding the effects of global warming. The research team analyzed data from six major climatic zones across the globe and found a 24% shift toward more respiration and CO2 emissions.
A new study reveals that C4 plants, which dominate Australia's landscape, first expanded around 3.5 million years ago due to a strengthened summer monsoon. The research suggests that human influence on the atmosphere will play a significant role in shaping ecosystems in the future.
Researchers studied the effects of El Niño and Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) on Nazca booby survival. Young birds face low survival rates during El Niño events due to depleted fish stocks, while adults experience higher mortality in warm PDO phases due to increased reproduction difficulties.
Researchers studied species' characteristics to predict their relocation abilities, finding that some animals are unable to adapt to changing habitats. Climate change will impact 30 of the 62 mammal species in Europe, with many being at greater risk than previously thought.
Climate change in Quebec could lead to a greater diversity of species in national and provincial parks. By 2100, up to half of the protected regions may see an increase in species turnover of over 80%. The researchers suggest rethinking conservation strategies to prioritize site resilience and connectivity.
A study finds that doubling the frequency of El Niño events may lead to higher population numbers and a lower chance of extinction for Brandt's cormorants. The birds' ability to cope with environmental changes is improved when El Niños are interspersed with favorable La Niña phases.
Researchers connected microscopic theories to the world's largest granular material, a glacial ice mélange, to understand its dynamics and impact on glaciers. The study provides quantitative tools for glaciologists modeling ice shelves with ice mélanges.
Scientists find nearly 80% of coral reefs on Upolu Island have less than 10% cover, with recent coral death and smaller fish populations. Local human activities and climate change exacerbate the issue, while protected areas show signs of effective management.
A new analysis by George Washington University researchers finds that health concerns are cited in a minority of climate lawsuits but may have critical potential for protecting communities. The study suggests that including health benefits in climate litigation could catalyze effective policy-making.
Drought regions in Europe could expand from 13% to 26% of total area with a 3-degree global warming, affecting up to 400 million people. A 1.5-degree warming limit would reduce expansion to 19%, while drought durations would increase three to four times.
Scientists found that warmer springs cause a mismatch between birds' hatching and caterpillar abundance, making it harder for chicks to feed. This affects three bird species: blue tits, great tits, and pied flycatchers, with the biggest mismatch seen among pied flycatchers.
As the global population is expected to reach 10.5 billion by 2067, dairy farms will need to adopt sustainable technologies and practices to improve cow health and longevity, while also producing more value-added products.
A study found that the number of plant species on European mountain peaks increased by five times more than during the period 1957-66, and is accelerating due to global warming. The researchers believe that some specialized species will be outcompeted as warmer climates spread, but local conditions and microclimates play a role.
Scientists have analyzed 100-year-old samples of cyanobacteria from Captain Scott's Discovery expedition, providing a baseline for levels of cyanotoxins in Antarctic freshwater. The discovery enables researchers to study the effects of climate change on blue-green algae and their toxins in Antarctica.
A group of 12 scholars from developing countries urge global leadership on solar radiation management (SRM) geoengineering to reduce climate change impacts. The proposal involves spraying reflective particles into the upper atmosphere to mimic volcanic cooling effects.
A new study suggests climate change could raise food insecurity risk in many countries due to weather extremes, with the worst impact expected in South and East Asia. At 2°C global warming, most developing countries will face increased vulnerability to food insecurity.
Research suggests that past environmental changes have impacted the geographic range and species diversity of deep-sea yeti crabs. The study reveals that these animals are likely descended from a common ancestor that inhabited mid-ocean ridges in the SE Pacific, but their populations have declined due to climate change.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire used high-resolution LiDAR scans to identify washboard-like De Geer moraines, which provide an annual record of ice retreat. The study suggests that each ridge marks a spot where the edge of the great continental ice sheet paused or pushed forward for long enough to pile up debris.
Climate change is altering eastern US forests, leading to shifts in tree species composition and reduced biomass, which affects carbon storage. Drought-tolerant trees are slower-growing, making forests more responsive to drying or wetting, amplifying the effects of climate change.
A new study reveals that palm trees can thrive in regions as cold as Washington DC, with an average temperature above 2 degrees Celsius. The study's findings suggest that palms are sensitive indicators of changing climates and can provide insights into past temperatures.
The eastern Mediterranean region will experience a significant change in seasonal duration, with summer lasting six months and winter only two, by the end of this century. Climate changes are expected to cut winter by half, posing major challenges for regional ecosystems and human health.
A new study predicts that climate change will severely impact the Albertine Rift, one of Africa's most biodiverse regions. Nearly 50% of endemic mammals, birds, plants, and other species found nowhere else on earth are expected to become threatened by 2080.
Research from the University of Missouri suggests that even as temperatures rise due to climate change, the jet stream's variability remains the same, allowing for similar forecast ranges in mid-century as today.
Warmer, drier conditions led to a 25-year decline in Northern rock jasmine populations, ultimately causing local extinction. The study highlights the challenge of developing management policies for threatened populations.
Climate projections for the Pacific Northwest reveal a warmer future under high greenhouse gas concentrations, with temperatures expected to rise between 1.5 and 7 degrees Celsius. The regional consensus among climate models indicates that the region will become considerably warmer in the next century.
A report suggests national parks adopt smart technologies, such as real-time environmental monitoring and sensor systems, to improve visitor experiences and conserve resources. The Smart Parks model demonstrates how high connectivity can benefit all stakeholders, from nature conservationists to park authorities and emergency services.
The study analyzed changes in rodent faunas between 12 and 5 million years ago, revealing their migration northwards in search of more humid conditions. This shift was driven by intense cooling and increased aridity, transforming landscapes in Southwestern Europe.
Paleontologists from University of Alberta discover new species of fish in Colombia with the aid of a curious tourist who spotted a fossil shape in flagstones. The fossil, 90 million years old, is the first 'lizard fish' from Cretaceous period found in tropical South America.
A new study finds that climate change can cause political and diplomatic problems at US military bases, including unexpected cleanup costs and conflict between the US and countries hosting the bases. Rising temperatures and sea levels threaten to remobilize toxic waste, putting personnel and local inhabitants at risk.
A study by University of South Florida researchers found that animal species are shifting the timing of their seasonal activities in response to changing temperatures and precipitation patterns. This shift can have adverse effects on ecosystems, human food supplies, and diseases.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience found that modifying the properties of land surface in populated areas and agricultural lands could reduce extreme temperatures by 2-3°C. Changing crops, adopting no-till agriculture, and lightening infrastructure are proposed modifications.
Researchers found a 515% increase in American lobster abundance in the Gulf of Maine from 1985 to 2014, while southern New England saw an 78% decline. Proactive fishery conservation measures may help mitigate climate change effects on commercial fisheries.
Researchers found that climate change destabilizes coral microbiomes, leading to an imbalance of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria. The study suggests that conserving coral populations requires consideration of their associated microbial communities.
New research from the Universities of Southampton and Liverpool projects that global temperatures will exceed 1.5°C and 2.0°C above pre-industrial levels within 17-41 years if carbon emissions continue at current rates. Immediate action is needed to develop a carbon-neutral future or prepare for climate adaptation strategies.
A comprehensive review of literature on coral resilience highlights the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study also identifies novel management techniques and overlooked reef areas to protect against climate change impacts.
A new study reveals the impact of warming Arctic temperatures on muskoxen populations, showing that rain-on-snow events and extreme weather are stressing mothers and young muskoxen. This is causing underdeveloped skeletal growth in juvenile muskoxen, leading to poorer health and fitness.
A new study found that some building blocks of the Pentagon and Empire State Building were made by microbes up to 340 million years ago. The material, oolitic limestone, is composed of concentric layers of mineralized microbes debunking the popular snowball theory.
Ground-based measurements over southeastern China reveal significant aerosol indirect effects, but satellite studies have large uncertainties due to inherent limitations. The study provides a comprehensive investigation into the AIE and highlights the importance of using ground-based measurements for accurate quantification.
A new study by researchers at the University of Arizona found that people with high levels of biospheric concern are more likely to experience stress and depression due to climate change. Those who show concern for the environment, animals, and plants tend to have a planetary outlook and think about bigger picture issues.
Research found that forest density significantly affects near-ground temperatures, with dense forests creating cooler microclimates. The study's maps can aid conservation and land-use planning efforts to protect cold-adapted species.