Articles tagged with Climate Change Effects
A new study finds that reducing sulphur in the air can lead to increased natural emissions of methane from wetlands, pushing emissions higher. The study suggests that current targets to reduce human-caused methane emissions need to be more stringent.
A new study reveals that Greenland's ice sheet has experienced a significant increase in crevasses over the past five years, equivalent to adding a crack the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza every few days. The findings suggest a potential feedback loop that accelerates ice loss from the glacier, ultimately raising sea levels.
Researchers found significant increases in crevasses at fast-flowing glaciers, with some sectors experiencing a 25% increase. This accelerated crevassing could further speed up the mechanisms behind the loss of ice from Greenland.
A recent study published in One Earth reveals that the climate effects of new particles in urban areas have been significantly underestimated. Particle formation is more pronounced at higher altitudes, where factors such as sulfuric acid and increased relative humidity promote particle growth.
A new study reveals that increased aridity leads to a decrease in plant species diversity in drylands. The research found that the biomass of dominant plant species can obscure this effect, and past extreme droughts strengthen the link between rainfall and species diversity.
A new study of Colorado grasshoppers found that certain species can thrive in a warming world by taking advantage of earlier springs, while others decline in size as vegetation dries up earlier. The research provides insight into how insects respond to climate change and how to predict winners and losers.
Lithuania is undergoing a significant energy transformation to reduce its reliance on imported fuels and increase the share of renewable energy in its mix. The country has made notable progress in increasing its renewable energy share, with 70% of electricity coming from renewable sources in 2023.
A recent study analyzed the devastating flood disaster in the Himalayas in October 2023, which destroyed large areas along and surrounding the Teesta River. The researchers reconstructed the exact time of its onset using high-resolution satellite images and digital elevation models.
A £2 million project, led by Anglia Ruskin University, is working to identify vulnerabilities in the UK's food system and prioritize areas for improvement. The project will analyze potential pathways leading to civil unrest and work with stakeholders to build resilience and address early-stage problems.
Research reveals that Eurasian Steppe grasslands are more susceptible to drought than North American Great Plains due to lower plant diversity. The study found a 43% reduction in annual productivity in Eurasia compared to a 25% reduction in North America under similar extreme drought conditions.
Researchers analyzed over 30 years of data to discover key influences on fast ice thickness in McMurdo Sound. They found that storm events, air temperature, and winter wind speed cause annual fluctuations in thickness.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that warmer temperatures and certain weather conditions are associated with an increase in Salmonella cases. The research, which considered data from England, Wales, and the Netherlands, suggests that climate change is playing a significant role in the spread of this foodborne illness.
The study highlights the potential of novel techniques to collect and analyse plankton data more efficiently, filling knowledge gaps and generating complete pictures of plankton dynamics. However, integrating old and new methods is crucial to ensure accurate assessments of marine biodiversity.
A study by ISGlobal found that exposure to cold temperatures was associated with increased internalizing problems, while heat exposure was linked to attention problems in adolescents. Psychiatric symptoms affect about one in seven adolescents worldwide, and climate change may exacerbate these conditions.
A recent University of Washington study found that a slower increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels has less impact on the Atlantic Ocean's circulation. The research, published in PNAS, suggests that this slowdown allows the ocean system more time to adapt to rising CO2 levels and mitigates its effects.
Researchers found no increase in large iceberg sizes over the last half century, contradicting climate change expectations. Instead, frequent small calving events have dominated ice shelf loss, suggesting 'death by a thousand cuts',
A new study estimates that climate change will lead to a significant increase in heat-related deaths across Europe, surpassing any decrease in cold-related deaths. The study suggests that swift cuts to carbon emissions are necessary to mitigate this trend and prevent millions of additional deaths.
A recent study revealed that 66% of coral colonies on the southern Great Barrier Reef were bleached by February 2024, with 80% by April. The research team tracked the health of 462 coral colonies over 161 days and found that 44% of the bleached colonies had died, including a staggering 95% mortality rate for some species.
A new study by the University of Granada's DaSCI institute uses deep generative vision models to create highly realistic satellite images of future climate-related events. The model outperforms pure deep learning and manual solutions, reducing prediction errors and improving image reliability.
A newly resurveyed mussel bed in Northern California has found 90 species of invertebrates living within it, including warm-adapted species not typically found in the area. The study, published in Scientific Reports, documents a thriving mussel bed community that shows signs of climate change.
A 40-year study reveals increasingly common and devastating megadroughts worldwide, with significant impacts on ecosystems and agriculture. The research used global meteorological data to track changes in drought patterns and their effects on vegetation, providing insights into the paradoxical responses of different forest types.
A new study from Holden Forests & Gardens reveals that climate warming can change the order of seed germination, giving more responsive plants an advantage and ultimately altering plant communities. This shift in 'assembly order' could have a lasting impact on ecosystem function and species composition.
Researchers found a thriving mussel bed community in Northern California, similar to one surveyed in 1941, revealing more species than expected. The study highlights the value of non-traditional resources like old manuscripts and Indigenous knowledge.
New research reveals significant transformations in Great Barrier Reef fish communities, with changes in species richness and composition driven by coral diversity rather than coral cover. The study's findings raise questions about the shifting latitudinal diversity gradient and its implications for ecosystem functioning.
A University of Oklahoma researcher is monitoring farm ponds across Oklahoma to understand their response to human- and climate-based changes. Daily satellite data will provide near real-time updates on the effects of climate change and human activities on these sensitive water bodies.
A comprehensive survey predicts that 36% of anurans' habitats worldwide will be threatened by rising temperatures and water scarcity. The Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest, home to the most diverse anuran species, will face devastating effects from drought events.
A groundbreaking study has identified a significant relationship between indoor temperatures and cognitive performance in older adults, with findings suggesting that even current climate conditions are placing older adults at risk. The study found that older adults reported the least difficulty maintaining attention when their home tem...
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that lower access to air conditioning increases the need for emergency care for wildfire smoke exposure. People living in areas with low air conditioning availability are at higher risk, especially children and the Black population.
Climate change advocate Kelley T. Lê argues that schools are crucial in mobilizing a global response to the climate crisis. Her new book provides practical tools to equip teachers with the knowledge to teach climate science and inspire students to take action.
Climate change is associated with poorer HIV prevention outcomes, including reduced testing and increased risk behaviors, leading to higher new infections and poorer treatment adherence. Researchers identified links between extreme weather events and HIV-related challenges, emphasizing the need for innovative interventions and strategies.
The National University of Singapore's HRPC has been designated as the GHHIN Southeast Asia Hub, aiming to mitigate extreme heat risks through research, policy, and partnerships. The hub will focus on addressing unique regional challenges such as high humidity, urbanization, and socioeconomic disparities.
A new study reveals that nutrient enrichment driven by agriculture and fossil fuel combustion poses a significant risk to tropical forest dynamics. This phenomenon can disrupt forest composition and resilience, particularly in the face of global climate change.
A team of researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute analyzed aerial survey data showing a marked decrease in Arctic pressure ridges north of Greenland and in Fram Strait, declining by 12.2% per decade. The study found that the frequency and height of pressure ridges are decreasing due to the dramatic melting of older ice.
Computer models predict that climate change will lead to an increase in spongy moth outbreaks, causing widespread damage to forests. The fungus that normally curbs the moths' spread is expected to decline, allowing the moths to destroy more trees as temperatures rise.
A collaborative study reveals distinct mechanisms of plant and animal response to climate change in their life-cycle phenology. The research team compiled a global phenological dataset, showing that plants' late-season phenophases advance more significantly than animals', potentially due to increased plant productivity.
The 105th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will address key issues in weather, water, and climate. The meeting features a Presidential Forum on physical, social, cultural, and economic impacts of climate change, with experts from the region of the Mississippi River Delta.
Researchers analyzed global gross primary productivity trends over 1982-2016, finding a 68% decrease across 68% of the terrestrial surface. The decline is attributed to a reduction in the CO2 fertilization effect, which has negative effects on plant growth due to nutrient deficiencies.
Scientists have used data from CryoSat-2 and ICESat-2 to track changes in the Greenland Ice Sheet's thickness, revealing an average thinning of 1.2 meters between 2010 and 2023. The study confirms that combining satellite measurements can produce a more reliable estimate of ice loss.
A new study found that climate warming will increase evaporation of ocean waters and alter atmospheric rivers in Southern California, while warmer temperatures in the ocean and atmosphere will affect those in the Pacific Northwest. This could lead to increased flooding risks and more powerful storms.
The study traces the evolutionary history of brown algae through genomic analysis, highlighting their role in sustaining coastal habitats and combating climate change. The research also identifies practical applications in aquaculture, biotechnology, and ecosystem restoration.
Researchers have refined the timing and duration of Ocean Anoxic Event 1a, an extreme environmental disruption that caused significant extinction among plankton. The study determined OAE 1a lasted for just over 1.1 million years, providing valuable insights into Earth's climate and ocean system.
A new study projects China's non-CO2 mitigation potentials and costs by 2060, finding that deep CH4 mitigation can enhance climate benefits. Non-CO2 reductions are expected to be less costly than CO2 reductions, with a 2.3-4.3 times greater climate benefit.
New research maps 35 years of river changes on a global scale, revealing 44% of downstream rivers saw decreases in water flow, while 17% of upstream rivers saw increases. This shift has significant implications for flooding, ecosystem disruption, and freshwater supplies.
A new study estimates that 4 million Alaska common murres died following the 'warm blob', a marine heat wave that impacted ocean productivity and food supply. The die-off had devastating effects on seabird populations, with colony sizes dropping by half in some areas.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that Aldabra Atoll's shoreline has maintained its net shoreline and total land area over 51 years, with an average change rate of 25 cm per year. The lagoon shoreline underwent more rapid changes than the ocean shoreline, particularly in areas exposed to wind and waves.
Volcanologists' unique skillset can help urban governments customize lessons learned globally to address specific geographic, demographic, and economic challenges. By applying global knowledge to individual scenarios, cities can prepare for increasingly dangerous climate perils.
A new report assesses water resources in the southern US states, finding that forestry best management practices can mitigate climate and land use effects on water quality. The study projects future scenarios of water stress due to extreme precipitation events, emphasizing the importance of adaptive management.
Scientists reveal that the Antarctic ice sheet is more unstable than previously thought, with periods of sudden melting linked to changes in Earth's orbit. The study provides a glimpse into the potential behavior of Antarctica without the Greenland Ice Sheet, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.
A University of Cambridge-led study found that urban trees can lower pedestrian-level air temperature by up to 12°C. However, the study also revealed that the introduction of trees can have varying cooling effects in different climates and tree species traits.
The UN reports that over 77.6% of the world's land experienced drier conditions in recent decades, with drylands expanding by nearly a third larger than India. This trend is driven by human-caused climate change and has dire implications for agriculture, ecosystems, and people living in affected areas.
Researchers found that zooplankton communities remained stable and tolerated moderate chemical changes associated with Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement. However, nutritional quality of particulate matter may deteriorate, potentially affecting marine food web structure and productivity.
Researchers link global warming spike in 2023 to reduced low-level cloud cover, which limits Earth's ability to reflect solar radiation. This decline in planetary albedo could explain the 'missing' 0.2 degrees Celsius of warming.
The Antarctic Canyon Experiment (ACE) aims to assess the causes and effects of turbidity currents, also known as underwater avalanches, in the Southern Ocean. Researchers hope to develop a better understanding of Antarctica's role in regulating Earth's climate and mitigating carbon emissions.
The USC-led CLIMA Center will investigate the combined impacts of climate-related exposures and adaptation capacity on human health, using a transdisciplinary approach. The center aims to inform policies that protect vulnerable communities and strengthen climate resilience.
The Amazon rainforest is a significant source of condensation nuclei for clouds, according to two studies. The rainforest's plant transpiration and thunderstorms produce aerosol particles that can be transported thousands of kilometers, influencing marine cloud formation.
Research from the University of Kansas found that American and Canadian universities have made progress in addressing climate change in their curriculum, but vary widely in how they approach it. The majority of programs include climate change as an elective course, with a focus on adaptation rather than mitigation.
A new study found that climate warming can increase the severity of bacterial infections in cold-blooded animals like corals, insects, and fish. The researchers analyzed data from 60 experimental studies and found that infected animals were more likely to die when exposed to higher temperatures.
A recent study by King's College London analyzed satellite data and found a link between toxic cyanobacteria blooms in watering holes and the deaths of over 300 African elephants in Botswana. The research suggests climate change may have contributed to the poisoning, with increased algal growth linked to extreme weather events.
A new review highlights temperature's influence on lignin biosynthesis in plants, impacting global warming and sustainable resource management. Lignin's traditional applications are being supplemented by emerging uses in advanced materials and nanomaterials.
A recent study reveals that oceans produce a previously unknown sulfur gas called methanethiol, which cools the climate by increasing aerosol formation and reflecting solar radiation. This new compound is found to have a greater cooling capacity than dimethyl sulphide and its impact on climate models.