50 years after Sputnik
Satellite technology has enabled us to monitor the effects of deforestation and climate change. However, there are concerns about the weaponization of space and the creation of space junk.
Climate Change Effects
Articles tagged with Climate Change Effects
University and state agencies to forecast local health effects of climate change
Researchers are analyzing the likely effects of climate change on the state's health over the next century. They will recommend strategies to mitigate and prevent anticipated public health problems, including heat-related illnesses, air and water quality issues, and disease migration.
Increasing walking and cycling will give health benefits and reduce fossil fuel use
A study suggests that increasing active transport, like walking and cycling, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 while improving public health. Public policies promoting low-carbon transportation systems can bring substantial health benefits to all populations, especially the poor.
Icy calculations on a hot topic
Researchers discovered that brine moving up or down through floating sea ice follows universal transport properties, similar to water flow through sedimentary rocks. This finding can help improve forecasts of global warming's impact on polar icepacks and understand how polar ecosystems respond to climate change.
Climate change goes underground
Simulated climate change scenarios show varying effects on groundwater recharge, with some areas experiencing dramatic increases and others minor changes. The study highlights the importance of considering both surface and underground climate impacts in resource management and government policies.
Irrigation may not cool the globe in the future
A new study suggests that irrigation may not cool the globe in the future, contrary to previous findings. The research team analyzed temperature and irrigation trends in California's Central Valley and found a clear cooling effect in agricultural areas, but one that has recently slowed down.
Climate change and permafrost thaw alter greenhouse gas emissions in northern wetlands
Permafrost thaw accelerates rates of melting in northern ecosystems, leading to complex impacts on greenhouse gas fluxes from peatlands. While initial degradation may result in increased carbon sequestration, high methane emissions will eventually outweigh this reduction, posing a significant challenge for climate change mitigation.
Tipping points
Researchers explore 'tipping points' in agriculture, highlighting the need to understand regime shifts to sustain ecosystem functions. The symposium identifies potential tipping points related to water and agriculture that could have major global consequences.
Rising surface ozone reduces plant growth and adds to global warming
A new study published in Nature finds that increasing surface ozone near the Earth's surface can lead to significant reductions in regional plant production and crop yields. This could undermine the ability of plants and soil to slow down global warming, as they currently store about a quarter of human carbon dioxide emissions.
1,000-year-old Arctic ponds disappearing due to global warming
Researchers from the University of Alberta have recorded alarming evidence that Arctic ponds are drying out rapidly, affecting waterfowl habitats and biodiversity hotspots. The study, published in PNAS, reveals a drastic shift in water levels and chemistry over 24 years, consistent with increased evaporation and warmer temperatures.
The BBVA Foundation commits 2.4 million euros to research in Ecology and Conservation Biology
The BBVA Foundation is funding 12 research projects in Ecology and Conservation Biology, focusing on climate change's impact on shorebird populations and mercury pollution in biodiversity hotspots. The projects also include studies on noise pollution's effect on tropical birds and the conservation status of the monito del monte marsupial.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions required to avoid dangerous increases in heat stress
A Purdue University study projects a 200-500% increase in dangerously hot days in the Mediterranean by the end of the 21st century if current greenhouse gas emissions continue. Reducing emissions could reduce this increase by up to 50%.
Research finds that Earth's climate is approaching 'dangerous' point
Climate models predict the West Antarctic ice sheet and Arctic sea ice will collapse due to continued global warming. The researchers estimate that additional global warming of 1ºC above 2000 levels is likely to be 'dangerous'.
Scientists concerned about effects of global warming on infectious diseases
Rising global temperatures are expected to alter infectious disease patterns, with increased transmission of diseases like malaria and influenza. Climate change is also linked to water-borne diseases, as extreme weather events strain aging infrastructure.
Palau's coral reefs show differential habitat recovery following the 1998 bleaching event
Researchers found that recovery rates increased over time, with sheltered bay areas supporting recovery of outer-reef sites. Effective local management practices may aid reef recovery, suggesting a promising sign for other regions.
Mailman School of Public Health researchers analyze air quality and weather changes by 2050
A study by Mailman School of Public Health researchers predicts a significant increase in summer temperatures and ozone levels in NYC by 2050, posing serious health risks. The study uses a unique modeling system to simulate the combined effects of land use, climate change, and air quality on environmental conditions.
Marine reserves could save coral reefs
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that marine reserves can double the number of young corals, leading to a healthier reef ecosystem. The Bahamas' Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park was used as a testing ground for this innovative approach.
Build parks to climate proof our cities
A 10% increase in urban green space could reduce surface temperatures by as much as 4°C, effectively 'climate proofing' cities. However, this may not significantly impact the amount of rainwater captured and retained by urban areas.
Climate change impacts stream life
A Cardiff University study found that climate change is causing a decline in springtime macroinvertebrate abundance by up to 21% for every 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature. The study predicts that species numbers could fall by 12-25% over the next 50 years.
Widespread 'twilight zone' detected around clouds
Scientists discover extensive 'twilight zone' of particles beyond individual clouds, affecting up to 60% of atmosphere previously labeled as cloud-free. The discovery complicates climate change predictions and may require recalculating estimates of solar energy reflection.
Climate change a threat to Indonesian agriculture, study says
A new study finds that Indonesian rice farming is greatly affected by short-term climate variability, with potential for significant harm from long-term climate change. Climate models predict a shortened rainy season and increased dryness in some areas, squeezing farmers on both ends.
Fish growth changes enhanced by climate change
New research by CSIRO Australia suggests that climate change is enhancing the growth of shallow-water fish species, but decreasing their growth rates at greater depths. This finding has implications for the long-term viability of deep-water stocks.
Scientists to track impact of Asian dust and pollution on clouds, weather, climate change
The PACDEX project will study plumes of airborne dust and pollutants from Asia to North America, exploring their effects on clouds, precipitation, and climate. The team aims to determine how particles influence clouds and climate, shedding light on one major environmental issue of this decade.
Trees to offset the carbon footprint?
A new study suggests that tropical rainforests are crucial in slowing down global warming, while planting trees in mid- and high-latitude locations could exacerbate climate change. The research confirms that forests in these regions would not only fail to mitigate the effects of global warming but also potentially increase temperatures.
Want to monitor climate change? P-p-p-pick up a penguin!
Researchers used king penguins as bio-indicators to study the impact of climate change on fish availability and foraging behavior. By analyzing heart rate and energy expenditure data, scientists found correlations between energetic costs and food scarcity, providing insights into the pressure exerted by king penguins on their ecosystem.
University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist to lead sea ice expedition
A team of researchers led by Jennifer Hutchings will spend two weeks studying the relationship between ice movement, stress, and sea ice mass in the Beaufort Sea. The goal is to validate current sea ice models and reduce uncertainty in predicting arctic climate change.
Global warming forecasts creation, loss of climate zones
A new study predicts the disappearance of several existing climates by 2100 due to global warming, with novel climate zones emerging on up to 39% of the world's land surface area. The models also foresee significant impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity, highlighting the importance of understanding and coping with climate change.
AGU Journal highlights -- March 21, 2007
A burst of protons from the Sun in 1859 caused unprecedented ozone destruction, with energy released six times larger than a 1989 solar flare. Simultaneously, research suggests that ancient Farallon plate movement may have triggered massive earthquakes in the central US, shedding light on seismic hazards.
Crops feeling the heat
A study found that warming temperatures since 1981 have caused annual losses of roughly $5 billion for major cereal crops. Global crop yields respond negatively to warmer temperatures, with a 3-5% drop in yield for each 1 degree Fahrenheit increase.
Regardless of global warming, rising CO2 levels threaten marine life
Ocean acidity is rising due to increasing carbon dioxide levels, posing a threat to marine life such as corals and shellfish. The study suggests that future changes in ocean acidification are largely independent of climate change.
A climate-change amplifying mechanism
A feedback mechanism between North Atlantic and tropical hydrology of Central America amplifies the effects of climate change on oceanic circulation. This mechanism, highlighted by scientists at CEREGE1, shows that changes in oceanic circulation influence global water cycle patterns and climatic equator shifts.
Granthams to fund Institute for Climate Change at Imperial College London
The £12 million Grantham Institute will bring together leading researchers from Imperial College London to develop mitigation techniques and impact public and private policy. Current research areas include heatwave forecasting, airplane condensation trail reduction, and climate change modeling.
Computer program bridges gap between scientists, water policy makers
A new computer program, WaterSim, simulates the effects of environmental and policy factors on future water availability in central Arizona. The program allows users to adjust various factors and see how they impact water supply, helping bridge the gap between scientists and policymakers.
The insides of clouds may be the key to climate change
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that aerosols in clouds significantly impact climate models' ability to predict future temperature changes. The study compared two climate models with varying levels of aerosols and found divergent results, highlighting the need for more research to improve predictive capabilities.
Understanding the Arctic -- NSF-funded expeditions cover new ground in climate science
Scientists study Arctic sea floor composition and ocean characteristics to better understand climate change impact.
Fishbone deforestation pattern affecting environment, research shows
A unique fishbone deforestation pattern in Rondonia, Brazil has been found to increase precipitation over deforested regions, resulting in increased vegetation growth. The study suggests that the pattern creates a localized low-pressure zone, leading to more cumulus clouds and rainfall.
Plant a tree and save the Earth?
A new study reveals that planting trees can help slow down global warming, particularly in tropical rainforests where they absorb carbon dioxide and increase cloudiness. However, afforestation in mid- to high-latitude locations may actually create a net warming effect due to the albedo effect of forest canopies.
NASA research reveals climate warming reduces ocean food supply
A NASA study reveals that climate warming leads to a decline in ocean's primary food supply, phytoplankton, which is responsible for photosynthesis. This reduction affects fishery yields, marine bird populations, and carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere.
Prominent researchers advocate creation of national climate service
A national climate service could help with forecasts of climate fluctuations, providing months of advance warnings for water and power managers, private industries, and those charged with human safety. The service would also project scenarios of climate change for specific regions up to a hundred years out.
Impact of climate change in Africa
Climate change may cause large infrequent disturbances in Africa, leading to devastating environmental and societal impacts. Historical data suggests that such events can have a lasting effect, with examples like the Maasai 'Emutai' period showing catastrophic consequences.
Shrinking ponds signal warmer, dryer Alaska
A study of 50 years of remotely sensed imagery reveals dramatic reductions in arctic ponds in Alaska, linked to recent climate warming. The shrinking ponds may impact waterfowl production and climate regulation, highlighting the need for land managers to address these changes.
Worms under stress
Researchers found nematodes' life cycle affects pollution sensitivity, with sexually-reproducing strains more vulnerable. Temperature changes trigger genome shifts and alter gene regulation, impacting population growth.
Changes in solar brightness too weak to explain global warming
A review of existing results and new calculations by US, Swiss, and German researchers suggest that solar brightness has a negligible effect on Earth's climate. The study implies that human influences must outweigh the effects of solar changes in causing global warming over the past century.
Global changes alter the timing of plant growth, scientists say
Scientists found that global changes may alter the delicate balance of species coexistence by changing the timing of plant activity. Climate change accelerated springtime flowering of all species, but elevated carbon dioxide and nitrogen deposition caused wildflowers to flower earlier while grasses delayed their blooming.
Tiny airborne particles are a major cause of climate change
New research suggests that tiny airborne particles, known as aerosols, have a significant impact on cloud formation and can lead to both cooling and warming effects. The study found that aerosol concentration is linked to cloud cover in all locations and seasons, challenging the idea that meteorological factors are the main influence.
Healthy coral reefs of Madagascar resisting damage from climate change
The survey found a diverse range of life, including new fish species, in Malagasy waters. The region's coral diversity is one of the richest in the Indian Ocean, making it a high conservation priority.
Lessening the impact of climate change on health
Climate change is likely to affect health through vector-borne and diarrheal diseases, malnutrition, flood-related conditions, heat and cold deaths. Increasing renewable energy use can improve health by reducing air pollution and addressing climate change.
Climate change may affect East Asia differently to North Atlantic nations, study suggests
Researchers analyzed fossilized pollen samples to determine temperature and precipitation changes in East Asia from 16,000 to 10,000 years ago. The results indicate that East Asia reacted differently to global warming during the last cold surge event.
Global warming may warrant new approaches to ecosystem restoration
The study suggests that traditional restoration projects may face less support due to climate change, and that new approaches are needed. The authors recommend considering the implications of climate change on restoration practice.
New satellite set to collect most-detailed data yet about atmospheric particles
The CALIPSO satellite will provide detailed information on atmospheric particles, including aerosols and subvisible cloudiness. The mission aims to establish the impact of these factors on climate change, with scientists expecting up to 10% coverage of the Earth's atmosphere to be a concern.
Recent, rapid climate change is driving evolution of animal species
Research by University of Oregon scientists reveals that rapid climate change is leading to heritable genetic changes in animal populations. This includes changes in timing of seasonal events, such as earlier reproduction and migration, rather than adaptations to temperature increases.
Same species responds differently to same warming, depending on location
Researchers found that mussel body temperatures vary with local climate conditions, even when air and water temperatures are the same. This means that protected areas for conservation may need to be tailored to specific locations.
Greenhouse gas/temperature feedback mechanism may raise warming beyond previous estimates
A new study using ancient climate data reveals a two-way feedback loop where greenhouse gases increase with temperature, accelerating global warming. The research suggests that ignoring this effect could lead to revised estimates of future warming by up to 50%.
Global warming capable of sparking mass species extinctions
A joint study largely confirms earlier predictions that global warming will lead to mass species extinctions, particularly in biodiversity hotspots. The research assesses the potential effects of climate change on terrestrial biodiversity on a global scale, revealing catastrophic species loss across the planet.
Pacific Islands paradise protected
The Republic of Kiribati establishes the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, a 184,700 sq km marine reserve with abundant marine and bird life. The move aims to protect coral reefs, fish populations, and other species from overfishing and climate change.
Changes in agricultural practices in existing crops show cooling temperatures
Recent changes in agricultural practices, such as more irrigation and higher yielding crops, can cool local temperatures by up to 4 degrees Fahrenheit. The study suggests that climate mitigation policies focusing only on carbon sequestration may be too simplistic.
Woods Hole Research Center scientist furthering discussion of soil carbon decomposition
A study by Dr. Davidson examines the factors influencing soil carbon decomposition, particularly in arctic and boreal regions, where warming can release massive amounts of stored carbon. The research aims to establish a common framework for understanding these processes and inform climate change mitigation strategies.
People want to be seen helping the climate
Researchers found that well-informed players contributed the most to a public good, climate preservation. Players who received public recognition also donated more than those who made anonymous contributions.
Extinctions linked to climate change
A study published in Nature finds that climate change created favorable conditions for a pathogenic fungus, leading to widespread extinctions of harlequin frogs. The research highlights the complex relationship between global warming and disease transmission, underscoring the urgent need to understand the impacts on biodiversity.
Researchers confirm role of massive flood in climate change
Researchers used GISS Model E-R to simulate a massive freshwater flood into the North Atlantic around 8,200 years ago and found it had moderate effects on global temperatures. The study suggests that similar events may have occurred in the past and can inform our understanding of future climate scenarios.