Research on the consequences of a changing climate. Covers food and water disparities, sea-level costs, forest resilience, and shifting ecosystems.
Researchers found that big fish in coral reefs prefer sheltering under large, flat table corals due to their importance as a source of cover. The team's study suggests that maintaining these structures could be crucial for the reef's resilience to climate change.
A new study published in Climatic Change identifies political mobilization by elites and advocacy groups as the driving factor behind public opinion on climate change. The research found that information-based science advocacy has a minimal effect on public concern, while elite cues and economic factors play a crucial role.
A study found that national political leaders play a key role in shaping public opinion on climate change, with a peak in agreement between Democrats and Republicans in 2006-2007. However, public concern has since dropped as partisanship increased.
The Arctic is already experiencing the effects of dangerous climate change, with ecosystems and populations at risk. Experts demand rapid alarm signs to prevent abrupt changes and advocate for adaptive strategies.
A study on marine turtle mating patterns reveals that a population of endangered green turtles in Northern Cyprus is protected from the disproportionate number of females being born due to global warming. The researchers found a large number of males siring offspring with multiple females, reducing the risk of inbreeding.
A comprehensive review examines how climate change affects invasive alien species in Canada, highlighting the urgent need for policy development and further investigation. The study predicts profound consequences for environments, economies, and societies worldwide, including the spread of infectious diseases in the Arctic.
A new landmark study confirms that diverse ecosystems perform more ecological functions and are vital for carbon sequestration and soil health. Dryland ecosystems covering 40% of the Earth's land surface support 40% of its people, making them particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.
A USGS study found that climate-driven changes in elk behavior are causing cascading effects on plant and bird communities in mountainous Arizona. Elk's increased ability to browse on plants during winter is leading to decreased tree populations and habitat quality for songbirds.
A new study in Nature Climate Change presents a more complete picture of the climate costs of land use changes by incorporating biophysical effects beyond greenhouse gases. The researchers found that tropical rainforests are highly valuable for protecting against climate warming, while boreal forests have lower climate regulation values.
Researchers from 13 countries report a continent-wide warming effect on mountain plant communities in Europe, with species shifting towards those that prefer warmer temperatures. The findings suggest that this shift could lead to declines or even local disappearance of alpine plant species due to increased competition.
A European study found that alpine meadows could disappear within decades due to climate change, with cold-loving species running out of mountains and being replaced by warm-loving ones.
A new study reveals that harp seal populations are experiencing sharply higher death rates among pup mortality, with entire year-classes disappearing from the population in low ice years. The study suggests that seasonal sea ice cover has declined by as much as 6% per decade since 1979, leaving the population on thin ice.
Scientists found that rain and wind contributed significantly to reducing pollution levels in Beijing during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Emission controls implemented by Chinese officials were complemented by natural factors, highlighting the importance of regional-scale controls to achieve long-term reductions.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have collected new data that may lead to better climate models. Plant emissions are influenced by climate change, increasing the rate of biological processes and particle formation, which in turn affects cloud formation and precipitation.
The University of Nevada, Reno is using a new fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing system to monitor sea and ice temperatures in Antarctica. The system will provide continuous data on the effects of climate change on glacial ice and sea levels.
New research emphasizes the importance of considering human-environment interactions in climate change models, as growing populations contribute to extreme weather conditions. The study suggests a complex-systems approach to modeling climate change, taking into account human behavior components.
Research in Global Change Biology reveals Antarctic mosses' slow growth rates (0.2-3.5mm/year) and their age, dating back to the heroic era of exploration. Climate change affects plant life, making Antarctica's driest continent an even harsher environment.
Researchers at Purdue University found that walnut trees are highly sensitive to certain climates and may struggle to survive in a changing environment. The trees' defense mechanisms against cold and extreme weather events could be compromised by climate change, leading to potential declines in the species.
A new UBC study reveals how climate change can impact the economic viability of current fisheries practices, with many regions expecting losses in revenues. The study highlights the need for governments and policymakers to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change on fisheries.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks' Toolik Field Station will receive a $16.3 million award from the National Science Foundation to improve its infrastructure and services. The funding will support upgrades to housing, utilities, meals, communications, and lab space for hundreds of scientists and students working at the station.
A new study reveals that air pollution can exacerbate severe storms while suppressing gentle rains, according to the researchers. The findings have significant implications for water resource management in regions across the US and globally.
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.
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.
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.
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.