Research on the consequences of a changing climate. Covers food and water disparities, sea-level costs, forest resilience, and shifting ecosystems.
Researchers from UCL and EPA discover that brown water color change is indicative of reduced acid rain, leading to more organic matter in rivers. The study's findings suggest that waters are returning to a pre-industrial state, but further research is needed on the implications for freshwaters.
A new study challenges current projections by finding that historic climate variability is a better predictor of reptilian and amphibian diversity in Europe than contemporary climate. This contradicts previous studies and has profound implications for predicting biodiversity impacts of climate change.
Fedorov's work focuses on understanding abrupt climate changes, including simulations of sudden climate change and investigation into permanent El Niño-like conditions. His research has significant social importance, with potential consequences for global ecosystems and economies.
Climate change models predict catastrophic fires in Southern California due to growing vegetation and prolonged drought periods. The region may experience longer-term precipitation patterns with less year-to-year variability, leading to heavier vegetation loads and increased fuel loads.
A global analysis of climate change's impact on rivers indicates that many will require significant management interventions to protect ecosystems and people. The study projects changes in river discharge under different climate and water withdrawal scenarios, highlighting basins at risk of water stress or increased flood flows.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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%.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scientists study Arctic sea floor composition and ocean characteristics to better understand climate change impact.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.