Research on the consequences of a changing climate. Covers food and water disparities, sea-level costs, forest resilience, and shifting ecosystems.
A new study by Matthew Widlansky and Axel Timmermann found that rainfall projections for South Pacific islands are highly uncertain due to two competing effects of greenhouse warming. The 'wet gets wetter' mechanism suggests heavier rainfall, while the 'warmest gets wetter' mechanism predicts drying in some regions.
Researchers predict warmer oceans will cause phytoplankton to thrive near the poles and shrink in equatorial waters due to temperature changes. This shift could lead to a decline in global carbon cycle and climate change.
A new study reveals that climate change will have devastating effects on the Baltic Sea, including a decline in species diversity and a rise in eutrophication. Researchers found that reducing nutrient run-off from land may help mitigate these changes.
A new study by University of Miami researchers found that too many algal symbionts can increase the severity of coral bleaching. Corals with higher ratios of algae to coral tissue bleach more severely, highlighting a real-world risk for reef ecosystems.
Eberli's research on carbonate sediments and rocks has led to a revolutionary new model of platform development, revealing the internal architecture of Great Bahama Bank. The CSL Center for Carbonate Research he directs has made significant breakthroughs in understanding sedimentologic processes, aiding the petroleum industry.
A warmer climate is expected to lead to varying reactions in lakes, with those without fish displaying clear water and avoiding algal blooms, while lakes with fish will see an increase in algae due to the consumption of zooplankton by fish
A recent study found that climate change can exacerbate the negative effects of losing sensitive species, and that high biodiversity may be weaker than expected. This is particularly true for eelgrass meadows in shallow inlets, where a loss of cod and other predators can lead to an overgrowth of filamentous algae.
Researchers have found malaria in birds in Alaska, predicting the disease's spread due to global warming. The northerly spread may devastate arctic bird species with no resistance.
New research suggests that more than 400 terrawatts of power can be extracted from surface winds and over 1,800 terrawatts from high-altitude winds, meeting or exceeding global energy demand.
A new Delft model reveals that coastline erosion due to rising sea levels is greater than previously thought, particularly near inlets. The model accurately predicts coastline development in areas with high rainfall and compensating effects, such as basin infilling.
North Carolina State University is leading a four-year research project to assess freshwater sustainability across the southern United States. The study will analyze historical hydroecological observations and population projections to determine how sustainable water resources will be over the next 10 to 30 years.
A University of Alberta-led research team found that late spring snowfalls are delaying the emergence of Columbian ground squirrels by 10 days, reducing their opportunity to eat and survive. The study shows a 20% decline in adult female survival rates due to this delay.
Climate change expected to affect California's hydropower production, leading to reduced generation and revenue losses. The state may lose up to 20% of its hydropower generation under dry climate change, with high-elevation reservoirs struggling to store water for summer months.
Researchers developed an online mapping tool analyzing how climate and other forces interact to threaten African community security. The tool ranks regions based on four sources of vulnerability, including physical exposure, population size, resilience, and governance effectiveness.
Researchers used GPS to measure short-term changes in Greenland's ice loss, finding a link between ice and atmospheric pressure. The study, published in PNAS, uses the Greenland bedrock as a 'bathroom scale' to weigh ice mass.
Relocating threatened species to save them from extinction is a complex issue due to unforeseen environmental consequences and potential disruptions to ecosystems. Developing effective guidelines and protocols for managed relocation is crucial to minimize social conflict and ensure responsible conservation practices.
Researchers found that a hypothetical nuclear war between India and Pakistan would greatly reduce staple crop yields, even in distant countries, with decreases of 10-40% and 2-20% respectively. The study used global climate models to calculate the climate impacts of such a conflict.
A new study projects significant sea-level rise of up to 3.5 metres even at relatively low levels of global warming, highlighting the need for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. Limiting warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius could halve sea-level rise by 2300.
Research suggests that top predators play a crucial role in extinction risk, as they can amplify the effects of climate change on other species. Studying these biotic multipliers and their interactions with other species is essential to improve predictions of climate change impacts.
Climate change is expected to reduce the extent of Antarctic sea ice, threatening the Emperor penguin population, which may decline by up to 80% by 2100. The study used computer simulations and statistical models to project the impact of sea ice loss on penguin demographics.
Researchers found that secondary effects from sea-level rise can lead to an equal or even higher loss of habitat than primary displacement effects in populated regions. The study projects dramatic impacts on mammal distribution due to human relocation into hinterland areas.
The Marine Technology and Life Sciences Seawater Complex will study coastal structures, weather phenomena, and marine life impacting human health. The facility features a wind-wave-storm surge simulator capable of generating Category 5 hurricane force winds.
Melting Arctic sea ice can trigger domino effects leading to severe winter weather outbreaks in the Northern Hemisphere. This phenomenon is associated with a weakening of the polar vortex and jet stream, allowing cold Arctic air masses to invade lower latitudes.
The Okavango Delta, Botswana's largest tourist draw, is vulnerable to climate change impacts on wildlife and wetlands. Climate change could jeopardize the country's $2 billion tourism sector, with over 50,000 visitors annually.
International experts emphasize the need for concerted global efforts to address climate change and its substantial health impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations. Encouraging individual actions like walking, cycling, and healthier eating can bring co-benefits for both public health and reduced climate impact.
A survey by MIT reveals that 95% of major Latin American cities are planning for climate change, compared to only 59% in the US. Cities worldwide are taking proactive steps to adapt to global warming, often due to natural disasters and changing climate conditions.
International expert Jerome Singh argues that climate change deliberations must consider the human health implications of climate change, highlighting the need for ethically sound principles to guide policy-making. The author proposes a multi-disciplinary synergized framework incorporating bioethics, public health ethics, and global he...
A University of Florida study examines the social, environmental, and economic impacts of a South American highway project. The research found that highway paving facilitates migration, population growth, and forest clearing, while also providing access to markets and improving economic security.
Researchers analyzed 80-year-old photo plates and found that glaciers were melting faster today than in the 1930s, with most glaciers retreating at an average of 20 meters per year. A brief cooling period in the mid-20th century allowed new ice to form before accelerating again.
Researchers found a direct solar-climate linkage on centennial timescales using sediment analysis from Lake Meerfelder Maar. The study suggests a mechanism explaining the relation between weak sun and climate change, with positive feedback effects.
A new study shows Greenland's contribution to rising sea levels may be less than expected due to a 30% speedup in outlet glaciers. This means the ice sheet could contribute up to nearly 19 inches of sea level rise by 2100, but long-term behavior is still uncertain.
A new analysis of streams in the western US found that stream temperatures are not necessarily warming at the same rate as air temperatures despite general climate trends. Long-term monitoring sites with minimal human impact show cooler-than-expected maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures.
A new study finds that biodiversity loss can reduce plant growth by 5-10% in ecosystems, comparable to climate warming and pollution effects. Stronger efforts are needed to protect biodiversity and its benefits.
A collaborative study found that earthquakes and tsunamis can revive habitats and bring back species thought extinct, while also exacerbating coastal erosion. The research highlights the importance of preserving sandy beaches as barriers against sea level rise and conservation.
A new study finds that plant responses to climate change are advancing at a rate four to eight times faster than predicted by experiments, according to natural observations. This could lead to major changes in ecosystems, pollination of crops, and water supplies, emphasizing the need for accurate predictions.
Long-term historical observations reveal plants leafing and flowering sooner due to rising temperatures, contrary to results from controlled environmental warming experiments. This discrepancy suggests that estimated ecosystem changes may be far greater than current estimates based on experimental data.
A new study has found that experiments underestimate plant responses to climate change, with shifts in flowering and leafing timing being much greater than estimated. Long-term historical records show that many plant species have shifted their leafing and flowering earlier, in step with warming temperatures over recent decades.
A comprehensive study reveals that biodiversity loss has comparable effects on ecosystems to climate change and pollution. This analysis highlights the urgent need for strengthened local, national, and international efforts to protect biodiversity and its benefits.
A study of 50 plant studies across four continents found that experimentally induced shifts in plant timing are underestimated by at least fourfold compared to long-term records. Long-term historical records consistently show a 5-6 day advance per degree Celsius, with potential consequences for species diversity and ecosystem services.
Researchers found a significant warming effect over wind farms, up to 0.72 degrees Celsius per decade, attributed to turbine wake interactions. The study uses satellite data to quantify the potential impact of wind farms on weather and climate.
Particulate pollution in the late 20th century created a 'warming hole' over the eastern United States, delaying the warming expected from increasing greenhouse gases. The effects of this pollution were amplified by interactions between clouds and particles, leading to greater cooling at the surface.
A study published in Nature Climate Change finds that climate change's impact on corn price volatility could far outweigh other influences. Even moderate global warming could lead to damaging heat waves and more price fluctuations.
A recent study found that mild winters can be detrimental to certain butterfly species due to their higher metabolic rates and limited ability to conserve energy. However, some caterpillars adapted to warmer winters showed improved resilience by lowering their metabolic sensitivity.
Researchers evaluated drought response of various radiata pine ecotypes, finding that some are more tolerant than others. The study suggests introducing new varieties with improved drought resistance will be essential to mitigate climate change impacts on forests.
Healthcare providers face a moral responsibility to address climate change's devastating effects on human health. They can help by reducing energy usage, caring for climate victims, and advocating for policy changes. This is particularly crucial for vulnerable populations like the poor, elderly, and young.
Research led by Prof. Annette Menzel found that airborne pollen concentrations have risen sharply in cities across Europe, particularly in urban areas, where the increase is three percent per year. Climate change and warmer temperatures are seen as key factors driving this trend, with rural areas also expected to be affected.
Research reveals that corals can adapt to changing ocean conditions by shifting species composition, which could help reefs survive climate change. However, this shift may lead to loss of habitat for fish and other marine life.
A study found that large day-to-day variations in summer temperature may shorten life expectancy for elderly people with chronic medical conditions. The researchers estimate that greater summer temperature variability could result in over 10,000 additional deaths per year.
Researchers attribute decline of Caribbean coral reefs to historical land clearing and overfishing, not climate change. The study used novel excavation techniques to reconstruct the timeline of historical change in coral reefs, finding damage from these activities occurred decades before climate-related damage.
Research by Norwich BioScience Institutes and John Innes Centre identifies PIF4 as a control gene that activates flowering pathway in response to temperature. This discovery sheds light on why plants are flowering earlier due to climate change, with potential implications for developing temperature-resilient crops.
Early snowmelt in the Colorado Rocky Mountains decreases flower numbers and nectar availability, leading to a decline in the Mormon Fritillary butterfly population. The study found that early snowmelt in consecutive years explained most of the variation in population growth rate.
A study published in Ecology Letters found that early snow melt in the Colorado Rocky Mountains leads to lower flower availability, negatively affecting the growth rate of the Mormon Fritillary butterfly. Reduced flower availability per butterfly explained most of the observed variation in population growth rate.
A new study identifies nearly 130 bird species at risk due to climate change, with 72% of threatened and endangered species projected to be further impacted. The research provides a comprehensive list of vulnerable species for conservation action, prioritizing wetland birds and those dependent on sea or near-shore habitats.
An international team of researchers recommends regulating the most potent fluorinated greenhouse gases to avoid negating the positive effects of the Montreal Protocol. Long-lived HFCs, such as R-134a, pose a significant threat to the climate due to their high global warming potential.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that climate change is affecting bird migration timing in North America, with species shifting their arrival times by as much as 3-6 days per degree Celsius. The study used citizen science data from amateur birdwatchers to analyze the effects of spring temperature warming on migration patterns.
The International Polar Year created a new model for northern research, where communities define research questions and use traditional knowledge. Community members, including elders and youth, are now taking up the mantle to sustain research efforts.
Forest fire smoke exposure poses significant respiratory health risks, particularly for those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions. Effective strategies to mitigate these impacts include establishing clean air shelters and using HEPA-filter air cleaners or air conditioners in homes.
Researcher Vicki Grassian emphasizes the importance of atmospheric aerosols in understanding climate change. Her laboratory studies explore heterogeneous chemical interactions with trace gases, cloud nucleation, and dust's optical properties to improve modeling and field research.
A recent study published in PNAS found that droughts and heat waves affect grass growth differently across the months. Researchers analyzed over 25 years of data from Kansas prairie long-term ecological research site to identify variation in timing and magnitude of droughts and heat waves. The results highlight the importance of consid...
A recent review of 200 scientific studies warns that climate change and habitat loss will drive tropical bird extinctions, with 87% of bird species spending time in the tropics. The study predicts 600-900 land bird species may go extinct by 2100, highlighting birds as 'canaries in the coal mine' for ecosystem changes.