Articles tagged with Climate Change Effects
Climate change is expected to alter water flows in major river basins in Africa, posing a new challenge to food production and cross-border water conflicts. The Limpopo Basin, Nile Basin, and Volta Basin are particularly vulnerable to changes in temperature and rainfall patterns.
A new study finds that air pollution increases precipitation in wet regions while decreasing it in dry regions, exacerbating severe storms. The research provides clear evidence of aerosols' impact on weather and climate, with significant implications for water resource management.
A new study led by University of Maryland researchers found that air pollution increases the intensity of severe storms in wet regions while reducing precipitation in dry regions. The study's findings have significant economic and water resource implications for regions across the US and globally.
A study projects an increase of up to 350% in Mediterranean forest formations like holm oak and juniper due to CO2 concentration increases. In contrast, cold-adapted species may shrink by 99%. The prediction could have significant impacts on biodiversity conservation.
Six TUM researchers have received substantial ERC grants to support their groundbreaking research projects. Prof. Annette Menzel's project aims to investigate the impact of extreme weather events on ecosystems, while Prof. Christian Pfleiderer is working on magnetic vortices for information technology.
Research suggests climate change is increasing avian malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases in Hawaiian forests, threatening the survival of endemic bird species. Native birds have adapted to these changes by developing tolerance to malaria, allowing them to expand their ranges into previously inhospitable areas.
The EU project PAGE21 aims to better understand the release of carbon from Arctic soils and its effects on the climate system. By deploying standardized measurement methods and collecting high-quality data records, researchers hope to improve the accuracy of global climate models.
The European Metrology for Earth Observation and Climate (MetEOC) project aims to enhance the accuracy of climate data by developing a coordinated international capacity. The project will focus on optical domain calibration, ocean color measurements, and ground-based prototype development.
A UT study reveals climate change affects ants' ability to disperse seeds and perform vital ecosystem functions, potentially jeopardizing plant biodiversity. Researchers observed dramatic changes in ant behavior in response to temperature increases.
A comprehensive review of emission scenarios suggests that countries' current pledges are insufficient to meet the economically optimal milestone by 2020. To stay below a global warming of 2 degrees, countries must honour the higher end of their pledges and take decisive action this decade.
Researchers warn that forced migration due to climate change will have calamitous results if not planned carefully. The team emphasizes the need for informed decision makers and careful planning to avoid community devastation. Resettlement efforts have left millions impoverished in the past, highlighting the complexities of the task.
Svante Björck's study reveals that global warming events have not occurred simultaneously in the two hemispheres for 20,000 years. Instead, temperature changes are regionally specific, with similar effects only occurring during external processes like meteorite crashes or volcanic eruptions.
A recent study by the National University of Singapore reveals that climate change is causing a significant decrease in body size among various species worldwide. This trend has far-reaching implications for ecosystems and biodiversity, as smaller organisms can lead to reduced resource availability, population declines, and even loss o...
The University of Massachusetts Amherst has been chosen to lead a consortium of seven universities in hosting the Northeast Climate Science Center, a five-year, $7.5 million grant. The center will study climate change effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and resources in the region.
The NIH has launched a new research program to investigate the impact of climate change on human health, with a focus on identifying risk factors and vulnerabilities among various populations. The program aims to develop data and models to support health impact predictions and guide public health interventions.
Climate change threatens global food security, but new studies suggest that genetic traits in seeds and crop wild relatives can help. Developing heat-tolerant potato varieties could reduce climate-related damage by up to 65% of the world's potato crop.
Researchers used long-term data from Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory to examine the feasibility of managing forests for water supply. The analysis revealed significant increases in temperature and extreme wet and dry years, with conversion from hardwoods to pines decreasing streamflow.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a significant increase in ozone-related deaths in several European countries. The largest increases are expected in Belgium, France, Spain and Portugal, with predicted rises of up to 14%.
Researchers discovered that evaporated water from trees and lakes helps cool the entire atmosphere, not just locally, through increased cloud formation and reflection of solar radiation. This process has significant implications for land-use decision-making and mitigating global warming.
Nine LCC science projects have received $1.2 million in WaterSMART funding to support research on climate change impacts, water efficiency, and ecosystem health. These projects will inform federal, state, and local managers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Wyoming, and Northern Mexico.
The University of Tennessee is part of a nationwide effort to study the effects of global change on climate, invasive species, and biodiversity. The project, NEON, aims to detect and forecast ecological changes across the continent using cutting-edge technology.
Researchers investigate the cause of the Permian-Triassic extinction, finding that ocean acidification may have played a significant role. Additionally, studies suggest that reforestation on historically productive, snow-free land could contribute to climate change mitigation even in northern latitudes.
Experts warn that climate-related damage to nation's infrastructure is on the rise, with potential costs exceeding $2 trillion. The summit identifies key initiatives for next five years, including assessing vulnerable infrastructure, developing risk assessment tools, and improving stakeholder dialogue.
The Geological Society of America recognizes Paul F. Hoffman, Susan L. Brantley, Jasper A. Vrugt, Naomi E. Levin, A. Wesley Ward, Scott F. Burns, Richard C. Berg, and Brendan Murphy for their exceptional contributions to geology, hydrogeology, paleoclimate, and public service.
Scientists found satellite data inaccurately measures aerosols' effect on climate, leading to underestimated cooling effect. Researchers need to combine models with satellite data to improve climate predictions.
A team of ecologists models climate change effects on fire occurrence and composition of Yellowstone forests, finding a tipping element that may alter the flora, fauna, and ecosystem quality. The researchers predict frequent fires will become the norm in parts of the landscape by 2050.
A new study examining climate change impacts on plant and animal species finds that predictions are generally accurate, with many species already declining. The research covers a wide range of species worldwide and confirms human-induced climate change as a threat to global biodiversity.
A 73-percent decline in fisher density has been documented on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation in northwestern California between 1998 and 2005. The study suggests that changes in prey habitat, disease, and increased predation by bobcats may be responsible for the population decline.
US and Swiss researchers created two high-carbon emission scenarios to test the boundaries of current computer simulation programs. The AllCoal scenario projected a complete loss of summer Arctic sea ice by 2070 and significant warming above the IPCC's entire range of scenarios.
The Mary river turtle faces dual threats from climate change, including reduced swimming ability and a preference for shallower waters. Rising temperatures could lead to population decline due to decreased access to food supply.
The TRY global database provides 3 million traits for 69,000 plant species, enabling more accurate predictions of ecosystem changes under climate change. This will revolutionize biodiversity research by accounting for variation among species in their traits.
A study on gene flow in Sierra Nevada cutleaved monkeyflower found that mixing genes from warmer and cooler elevations improves the plant's ability to thrive in a changing environment. This technique can be used to augment genetic resources for imperiled populations, enabling them to better adapt to climate change.
A new study reveals that prolonged heavy snowfall in the Arctic can trigger rapid growth of killer fungi, devastating plant life and disrupting local food chains. This unexpected finding highlights unforeseen climate change effects on vegetation and ecosystems.
The University of Colorado Boulder has been awarded a six-year, $5.9 million grant to continue its long-term ecological studies in Colorado's high mountains, focusing on climate change and human-caused changes. The research at the Niwot Ridge Long-Term Ecological Research site will investigate the effects of warming temperatures, nitro...
A Spanish investigation reveals that glaciation's impact on dung beetle distribution persists in Europe. The analysis shows two distinct patterns of species presence in the north and south, influenced by past and present climates.
Researchers are working closely with indigenous communities to develop interventions to address the health impacts of climate change. Pilot projects include medicinal herb gardens, online traditional health knowledge banks, and agricultural training programs.
A new study predicts that global warming will limit access in certain Arctic areas but increase it in others, particularly for coastal communities and shipping concerns. Inland mining, timber, and small communities may be negatively affected by reduced road accessibility.
A CSIRO Australia study found that ocean warming is detrimental to the growth of a long-lived south-east Australian and New Zealand inshore species, the banded morwong. The research team analyzed long-term changes in the growth rates of the banded morwong and observed slowed growth at warmer temperatures.
Researchers discovered key bacterial genes influencing sulfur gas flux from seawater, impacting cloud formation. This finding helps evaluate the impacts of climate change on cloud manipulation as a potential method to mitigate global warming.
A new study led by Stanford University researchers found that US farmers have largely avoided the impacts of global warming on wheat and corn production. However, with projected temperature increases, it is likely that North American crop yields will eventually be affected.
New research report shows dramatic changes in Arctic climate, including thawing permafrost and reduced snow cover. The carbon stored in permafrost is estimated to be double the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today.
A new study by the UNH Carsey Institute finds that most Americans agree climate change is occurring, but disagree on its causes, with opinions defined by political party. Beliefs about climate change are strongly related to political party, and polarization increases among those who believe they have the best understanding.
Scientists found that sugarcane has a double benefit: reducing carbon emissions and cooling the local climate. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, shows that expanding sugarcane crops in areas previously occupied by other Brazilian crops can lower air temperatures by up to 1.67°F (0.93°C).
University of Miami scientists studied fossil records of coral communities from nine Caribbean countries to understand reef ecosystems during the Pliocene epoch. They found that free-living corals, well-suited to warm seas, experienced abrupt extinction as seawater cooled and nutrient levels decreased.
Scientists have discovered ancient mollusk fossils that may indicate how warm the planet will become if carbon dioxide levels are stabilized at current values. The findings suggest summertime Arctic temperatures could increase by 2-5 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to a permanent ice cap melting and further heating the planet.
An 18-year study of 27,000 trees found that climate change is more sensitive to tree growth and fecundity than previously thought. Early spring warming and summer drought were identified as key factors affecting tree reproduction and growth. The study provides valuable insights into how climate change impacts specific tree species.
An epidemiological study on trees reveals earlier spring warming and summer drought as significant risk factors for tree reproduction and survival. The study helps scientists predict which species are vulnerable to climate change by analyzing the effects of climate variability on tree growth and fecundity.
A recent European study found that dormice in certain habitats live longer due to fewer predators and successful avoidance methods. The animals' ability to accumulate fat reserves helps them survive harsh winters.
A new review suggests that conservation efforts should focus on protecting vulnerable species and habitats rather than those with lower extinction risk. The proposed 'vulnerability assessment' would use a wider range of data to provide a more accurate picture of which species are most at risk.
A new study predicts significant changes in arable land globally and regionally due to climate change. Regions like China, Russia, and the US are expected to see an increase in farmland area, while Africa, Europe, India, and South America may lose land.
Reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations could increase global precipitation and prevent droughts, according to Carnegie Global Ecology scientists. The team's novel explanation shows that cutting CO2 can lead to an increase in thunderstorms and rainfall.
Operation IceBridge studies changes in Arctic polar ice, glaciers, and sea ice to understand the effects of climate change. The mission aims to monitor ice sheet trends and track changes in glacier mass loss.
A new study using Africa's historical crop yield data reveals that corn production will decline by at least 20% for 1 degree Celsius of warming under drought conditions. The research also highlights the importance of combining existing knowledge and data from climate and agriculture communities to improve crop forecasting.
Researchers have created a global map suggesting climate change will disproportionately affect the world's poorest regions. The study forecasts potential changes in local populations for 2050, predicting that those living in hot, low-latitude areas such as Africa and South America will be most vulnerable to climate-related challenges.
Researchers at Alfred Wegener Institute expand prevailing theory on climate history by showing local climate changes in southern hemisphere can trigger temperature fluctuations in Antarctica. The study, published in Nature, suggests alternative explanation for historical Earth climate data from Antarctica.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B explores how climate change affects ecosystems through ecological adaptation. The research reveals that species' ability to adapt locally can mitigate some impacts of warming temperatures.
A $20 million grant will study the effects of climate change on southern pine forests, a major economic engine in the US economy. The research aims to improve forest health, productivity, and sustainability while providing tools for landowners to adapt to climate change.
A $2 million DOE grant supports collaboration between researchers and modelers to improve climate change policy analysis. The program aims to bridge the gap between empirical analysts and modelers, leveraging joint research and workshops to foster communication and cross-fertilization of ideas.
A team of USDA scientists used infrared heaters to simulate growing conditions expected by 2050 and found that applying heat to wheat planted in September enabled the crop to survive frosts with minimal yield loss. The results provide valuable guidance for growers on how to adjust planting schedules as the climate warms.
Researchers studying historical collections found that a marine bryozoan's growth doubled between 1990 and the present, indicating an increase in polar carbon sinks. The shift is likely due to ozone losses and increased wind speeds, which boost plankton production.