Research on the consequences of a changing climate. Covers food and water disparities, sea-level costs, forest resilience, and shifting ecosystems.
Daily peak loads in Southern Europe are expected to increase due to rising temperatures, while overall consumption will shift from Northern Europe to the South. The study also found that temperature-driven annual peak demand will shift from winter to summer by the end of this century.
Kodiak bears are abandoning their traditional diet of sockeye salmon due to climate change, shifting to early-arriving red elderberries. This 'prey switch' has significant implications for the island's ecosystem, potentially affecting birds that rely on salmon and altering bear demographics.
A study by Vienna University of Technology reveals that climate change has a real impact on flood events in some regions, causing them to shift in timing. The magnitude of the flood does not provide enough information to detect the impact of climate change, whereas the timing provides valuable insights into its effects.
Researchers found exposure to temperature extremes can negatively impact birth outcomes for pregnant women, including changes in gestation length and birth weight. The study highlights the need for further research on climate change's effects on maternal health and neonatal outcomes.
A new study by scientists at Portland State University and the National Snow and Ice Data Center found that the effects of climate change on glaciers in the western Ross Sea coast of Antarctica have not yet been observed. The research team examined glacier activity along over 700 kilometers of coastline using historic maps and satellit...
A summer 'vortex' of cold air over the Karakoram mountain range is inducing an anomalous cooling that causes glaciers to grow in spite of global warming. This unique temperature control system has significant implications for ice melt rates and river flows in the region.
Researchers found that advanced wood-burning stoves with forced-draft technology produce less particulate matter (PM) than traditional and natural-draft stoves. This is due to the formation of more reflective PM in traditional stoves, which can offset atmospheric warming.
A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science reveals current threats to ocean health, including climate change, marine plastic pollution, and conservation efforts. The research also highlights the importance of integrated coastal zone management and marine protected areas in mitigating these issues.
Climate change may exacerbate epidemics and spread diseases within their natural range, according to a new study on European pathogens. Nearly two-thirds of the top 100 human and animal pathogens are found to be sensitive to climate change.
Chemical weathering, a process breaking down rocks and trapping carbon dioxide, can occur at tens of thousands of years, not millions, potentially alleviating some climate change impacts. This natural response to increased CO2 levels could help balance the effects of human activities.
A new study estimates that climate change will cause 60,000 premature deaths globally by 2030 and 260,000 by 2100 due to increased air pollution. The research uses global climate models to predict changes in air quality and health outcomes.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered a gene that regulates the size of diatom cells, which contribute 20% to global primary production. The discovery could have significant implications for understanding the effects of climate change on future food webs and the potential impact on phytoplankton cell sizes.
Climate change projections indicate that Japan's coastal zones will experience significant beach erosion due to rising sea levels and increased wave heights. The study suggests that beach-loss rates may reach as high as 83% by 2100, posing a significant threat to coastal management.
A new study reveals that heat stress concurrent with drought or water excess can explain about 40% of the changes in wheat yields from one year to another. Water excess affects wheat production more than drought in several countries, contributing to reduced yields due to increased pests and diseases.
A new study by AAAS predicts climate change will have a devastating impact on certain US counties, with losses exceeding 20% of gross county product in some areas. Southern and midwestern populations are projected to suffer the largest economic damage due to increased cyclone intensification and sea level rise.
A recent study found that reduced summer cloud cover over Greenland has led to increased ice melt, with a one percent decrease in cloud cover resulting in 27 gigatons of extra melting. This contributes significantly to global sea level rise.
A Cornell University study reveals that labels matter in accepting climate science, with climate change being viewed as more real than global warming. Despite this, 65% of Republicans acknowledge global warming's existence.
Research finds that sulphate aerosols from the 2014-15 Holuhraun eruption reduced cloud droplet size and caused cloud brightening, providing new insights into their impact on climate. The study suggests that cloud systems are 'well buffered' against aerosol changes.
Researchers found that Scots pine benefits from beech presence in forest with high rainfall, while beeches adapt to dry conditions by increasing water efficiency. These findings highlight the importance of considering species complementarity and climate in managing mixed forests.
A study published in Nature Climate Change warns that 74% of the world's population will face deadly heatwaves by 2100 if current emissions continue. Researchers found a common threshold beyond which temperatures and humidities become lethal, with tropical areas projected to bear the greatest risk.
A global study suggests that highly protected marine reserves can slow down the rate of climate change and protect marine ecosystems. These areas can provide critical resilience benefits to rapid climate change, including reducing ocean acidification and supporting productive fisheries.
A new international study reveals that man-made pollution in China's vital ecosystems is devastating its ability to absorb carbon from the atmosphere. The research found that surface ozone causes more harm than aerosol particles, which could lead to a 70% reduction in damage if pollution levels are reduced.
A recent study found that changes in temperature variability have a threefold effect on albatross population growth rate compared to changes in mean ocean temperature. The researchers' findings suggest that increased variation in ocean temperatures leads to population decline, while an increase in the mean ocean temperature favors the ...
A new study by an international team of economists found that urban heat islands could increase the economic costs of climate change in cities by up to 2.6 times, with the worst-off city facing losses of 10.9% of GDP by the end of the century
A new study from the University of Helsinki suggests that climate change may increase the damage caused by a naturally circulating fungal disease in Norway spruce trees. The researchers found that future climate changes can alter the impact of forest pathogens, highlighting the need for further research on this topic.
A study published in Cognition found that Pope Francis's 2015 encyclical on climate change increased perceptions of his credibility on the issue, particularly among liberals, but did not directly influence people's beliefs about its seriousness or effects on the poor. The study used a panel of 602 U.S. adults who completed surveys befo...
A recent study deployed green clay caterpillars across six continents to reveal that insects are responsible for the majority of predation observed. The findings suggest that predation pressure is stronger in the tropics due to the need for insects to innovate defense mechanisms against predators.
A new study published in Phytobiomes found conflicting effects of climate change on the spread of Pierce's disease, an economically important grapevine disease. Rising temperatures can bring both positive and negative effects on disease development, depending on vector behavior.
A growing shift in spring's onset is leaving nine songbird species unable to reach their breeding grounds, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Climate change is triggering plants to grow earlier or later than normal, disrupting biological cycles and putting the survival of many bird species at risk.
Research by University of Plymouth and Auckland aims to demonstrate coral reef islands' adaptability to rising sea levels, providing hope for vulnerable nations. The study uses a 1:50 scale replica of an island in Tuvalu to test the theory that shifting sand and gravel can form a natural barrier against sea water.
Climate change is shown to impact gut bacteria diversity in common lizards, with a 34% loss of microorganism diversity found at warmed temperatures. This finding highlights the importance of research into how climate change affects bacteria associated with plants and animals.
Researchers from Oxford's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit found that less affluent countries are more committed to protecting large animals than richer ones. The Mega-Fauna Conservation Index reveals that African nations, including Botswana and Tanzania, contribute significantly to conservation efforts.
Researchers argue that current measurements like global warming potential mask the effects of greenhouse gases over different timescales. A new approach recognizing both 20- and 100-year time scales could provide clarity to climate change policy analyses and avoid misleading debates.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that climate change will increase the annual impact of tornadoes on mobile homes, with a predicted threefold rise over the next few decades. The study highlights the vulnerability of mobile home residents to tornado-related fatalities and recommends policy changes to reduce risk.
A recent study reveals that cold-water corals can thrive in warmer temperatures, but are harmed by ocean acidification. The research, conducted at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, found that elevated temperatures can compensate for the negative effects of acidification on coral growth and fitness.
New study finds that current IUCN range maps for birds endemic to India's Western Ghats are inaccurate and overestimate suitable habitat. By incorporating citizen scientist data and environmental factors, researchers have created more accurate models that flag 10 species in need of uplisting.
Research finds that large-scale irrigation in the Yellow River basin leads to a decrease in surface air temperature and an increase in latent heat flux, resulting in greater cloud formation. This has a significant impact on regional climate and precipitation patterns.
Climate change is causing Arctic river ice deposits to melt nearly a month earlier than they did 15 years ago, with most icings disappearing 26 days earlier in 2015 than in 2000. This rapid decline could have significant impacts on Arctic river ecosystems.
A glacier in northern Canada has retreated, triggering a geologic event that captured one river's flow and redirected it towards another. The study documents the first known case of 'river piracy' in modern times, highlighting the impact of climate change on glaciers.
A recent study found that cover crops can mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing soil carbon sequestration. The research suggests that cover cropping can be an effective adaptive management tool to maintain yields and minimize nitrogen losses as the climate warms.
Researchers at University of Queensland and University of Sussex have developed a way to recycle atoms, improving the performance of atom interferometers. This technique enables ultra-precise measurements of accelerations, rotations, and gravitational fields, with applications in mineral exploration, hydrology, and navigation.
The Laboratory of Medical Zoology at UMass Amherst is conducting pathogen tests on thousands of ticks collected from 47 sites across the country as part of the National Ecological Observatory Network project. The tests will help track changes in tick-borne disease surveillance and research over 30 years.
Researchers found Arctic soils are sensitive to climate change, with warming temperatures increasing microbial growth and respiration rates. This may lead to enhanced CO2 emissions and increased nutrient availability, potentially altering the delicate ecosystem.
A new study reveals that tropical forest fragmentation leads to increased carbon emissions by a third, with edges releasing more CO2 due to unfavourable micro-climates. Researchers used satellite images and developed software to map forest fragments worldwide.
A new study led by University of Wyoming researchers reveals that dust is a crucial factor in mountainous forest ecosystems, dominating nutrient budgets despite continuous erosion. The study found that dust contains plant-essential nutrients like phosphorus, which is more abundant than nutrients from bedrock.
Research highlights the potential of older adults as a resource for climate action, with individual steps such as reducing energy consumption and family leadership. The publication aims to engage this demographic in addressing climate change, leveraging their time, talent, and desire for purpose.
Declining plant diversity shifts flowering phenology at the same magnitude as global warming, according to a new study. This finding highlights the critical role of biotic interactions in understanding ecosystem changes and the impact on plant reproduction.
A University of Guelph study suggests that conditions in wintering grounds are key factors affecting songbird population numbers during spring and summer breeding seasons. Warmer wintering grounds improve overall survival, but predictions of climate change may lead to new threats.
Grasses have evolved modified stomata that allow them to conserve water and thrive in dry environments. Researchers confirmed the increased efficiency of grass stomata and gained insight into their development, which could help cultivate crops for a changing climate.
Researchers found that reducing the number of species in a grassland ecosystem can cause remaining species to flower earlier, similar to the effects of climate change. The study suggests that future changes in biological timing could be much bigger than expected, with potential cascading effects on ecosystem dynamics.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that adopting healthier diets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower healthcare costs. The study's results show a significant impact on climate change mitigation through the food system and healthcare systems.
A new epoch name could raise awareness about humanity's planetary-scale impact and encourage action on climate change. However, it may also perpetuate technological hubris and ecomyopia, a phenomenon where societies ignore or fail to act on ecological information.
Historical ecologists identify key questions about past human-environmental relationships to inform modern sustainability efforts. The research aims to bridge the gap between natural and social sciences, incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.
A University of Washington project explores the effects of climate change and subsistence hunting on polar bears, while also shedding light on the cultural value of the species to indigenous peoples. The research aims to set polar bears in context as resources for others, clarifying misinformation about hunting.
A new study found that warming ponds can release almost twice as much methane and absorb half as much carbon dioxide over a seven-year period. This amplifies the effects of global warming on these small ecosystems, contributing significantly to climate change.
A new study predicts that climate change will convert much of temperate grasslands and deserts to subtropical vegetation, leading to changes in precipitation and soil moisture. This shift could have significant impacts on ecological services and human populations, particularly for agriculture and ecosystems.
A study of 22 plant species found that warmer temperatures cause them to bloom earlier, with some struggling to adapt. The research suggests that plants like silver birch and beech will thrive in a changing climate, while others, such as bluebell and garlic mustard, may struggle.
A new study highlights critical components missing from current climate models, including resource use, land-use change, and demographics. The authors argue that these omissions lead to unreliable predictions and costly consequences.
The International Potato Center launched an online mobile-accessible Pest Risk Atlas for Africa to assess potential pest risks under current and future climate conditions. The atlas provides detailed information for pest risk analysis, including detection and identification, means of movement and dispersal, and phytosanitary measures.
Researchers at Washington State University are utilizing a fully automated 'plant hotel' to analyze the effects of global warming on plant growth. The machine can mimic various climate conditions, allowing scientists to study the genetic underpinnings of stress tolerance in plants and how they respond to environmental changes.