Invasive weed threatens Southern California’s deserts
Saharan mustard is overwhelming native plants' seed bank, reducing biodiversity and weakening ecosystems. The invasive species can crowd out native species, altering ecosystem function.
Climate Systems
Articles tagged with Climate Systems
World on course to trigger multiple climate ‘tipping points’ unless action accelerates
New research warns that global policies may lead to triggering of multiple climate tipping points, with a 62% risk on average. However, sustainable future pathways with lower greenhouse gas emissions can significantly reduce this risk.
Insects are disappearing due to agriculture – and many other drivers, new research reveals
A new study analyzing over 175 scientific reviews found that agricultural intensification is a major driver of insect decline, but climate change has multiple individual drivers such as extreme precipitation and temperature. The research highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach to conserve insect biodiversity.
Politecnico di Milano: a study in Earth’s future on agrivoltaics reducing the competition between food and energy
Researchers from Politecnico di Milano developed a study analyzing agrivoltaics' potential to reduce global conflict over land use. The coexistence of photovoltaic panels and agricultural crops can help solve the pressure on arable land due to growing energy demand and food production needs.
Major dust-up for water in the Colorado River
Researchers used satellite data to analyze the impact of dust on snowmelt in the Colorado River Basin. The study found that dust-driven melting tends to peak earliest and be most intense in central-southern Rocky Mountains, accelerating spring melt rates by up to 1 mm water-equivalent per hour.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2025
Unveiling the mechanism underlying the peak observed in the extratropical cyclone activity during spring in East Asia
Research reveals the mechanism behind peak extratropical cyclone activity in spring East Asia, with intensified low-level jet streams facilitating system formation. This understanding can improve climate predictions and adaptation strategies for the region.
Researchers warn of a threat to water safety from wildfires
Researchers warn that wildfires can contaminate drinking water distribution systems, posing substantial public health risks. Over 50 volatile organic compounds have been detected in water distribution systems after wildfires, including carcinogens such as benzene.
Microorganisms employ a secret weapon during metabolism
A study found that microorganisms using the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle dominate in shallow-water hydrothermal systems. This energy-efficient process enables them to transfer carbon into organic molecules, allowing them to survive in harsh conditions.
SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalBiogeosciences·DateApr 16, 2025
Innovative partnerships advancing ocean observations
A unique partnership between researchers and a merchant marine vessel is providing critical data for measuring ocean change, biodiversity, and the interconnectedness of global systems. The project, led by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, is filling gaps in observations of the Middle Atlantic Bight shelf and Slope Sea.
The lush past of the world’s largest desert
A recent study by an international team reveals that the Arabian Peninsula's desert was once home to a vast lake and river system, which fostered grasslands and savannahs, enabling human migration. The findings highlight the impact of climate cycles on landscapes and human societies.
SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeNews article·DateApr 7, 2025
Plant doctor: An AI system that watches over urban trees without touching a leaf
Researchers developed an AI system, Plant Doctor, to monitor urban plant health at the individual leaf level using machine vision techniques. The system can automatically diagnose diseased areas on leaves and provide accurate diagnoses across various urban flora.
The trajectory of wetland change in China between 1980 and 2020: Hidden loss and restoration effects
Researchers mapped China's wetlands from 1980 to 2020, revealing a net loss of ~60.9 × 10^3 km^2 due to climate change and human impacts. Meanwhile, the study highlights the importance of sustainable management and conservation strategies to mitigate these losses.
AI technique boosts climate change defenses
Researchers used reinforcement learning to simulate coastal defense strategies against sea level rise and flooding, finding dynamic seawalls to be more cost-effective than traditional methods. The study aimed to address uncertainty in long-term climate change mitigation efforts and provide a flexible approach for communities to prepare...
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (dupe)·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 19, 2025
Stormy rains in the Sahara offer clues to past and future climate changes
Research reveals Atlantic Ocean storms are primary drivers of Sahara lake filling, contradicting previous theories. Heavy precipitation events triggered by extreme rainstorms reshape water availability in the desert, with implications for ecosystems and human settlements.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2025
No countries on track to meet all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals
A new analysis reveals that no country is on track to meet all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals by the target year of 2030. Machine-learning tools were applied to over 20 years' worth of data from 231 indicators and GDP data, highlighting complex linkages between goals.
Study points the way to developing the Amazon bioeconomy
A recent study on the governance of public policy in the Brazilian state of Amazonas recommends an experimentalist governance system that integrates local efforts and values traditional knowledge. The approach prioritizes the conservation of ecosystems while promoting socio-economic development and attracting investment to the region.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalRevista de Administração Contemporânea·DateMar 12, 2025
New study shows how climate change affects rain and floods
A new study shows that climate change affects short-term precipitation events lasting hours by significantly increasing their frequency, while longer-term rainfall events lasting days are influenced by global weather phenomena like El Niéo. This distinction is crucial for assessing the risk of flooding in different regions.
Weathering the storm: Professor’s new book explores how local governments can adapt and recover from natural disasters
A new book by Komla Dzigbede explores the ability of local governments to learn, adapt, and innovate in the face of major crises. The book analyzes disaster preparedness, response, and economic development post-disaster, offering practical lessons for local leaders.
Press program now available for the world's largest physics conference
The Global Physics Summit will feature nearly 1,200 sessions and 14,000 presentations on various topics, including astrophysics, climate science, medicine, and quantum information. Registered journalists and public information officers will receive daily emails with meeting information.
NCSA Director Bill Gropp: U.S. research ecosystem is one of our greatest strengths
The U.S. research ecosystem, fueled by high-performance computing, is facing a critical moment due to slow infrastructure growth and funding cuts. The National Science Foundation's staffing cuts will slow down the process of innovation, potentially harming the country's competitive edge in research.
The war in Ukraine led to the destruction of almost 1,600 square kilometers of forests
The research analyzed satellite images and machine learning to detect forest loss in Ukraine during the war. The study found that Ukraine lost over 800 km² of forests in 2022 and 772 km² in 2023, mainly due to fires in war-torn regions.
The US weather enterprise: A national treasure at risk
The US weather enterprise faces significant risks due to federal science funding cuts, which could lead to reduced weather forecasting accuracy and increased vulnerability to hazardous weather. The value of weather information to the US economy exceeds $100 billion annually.
Solar technology could meet UK’s electricity needs without sacrificing farmland
New University of Sheffield research reveals agrivoltaics can meet UK electricity demand four times over, boosting crop yields and conserving water. Regions identified for effective deployment include Cambridgeshire, Essex, Lincolnshire, and the broader East and South East of England.
Rice University researchers team up with UT, A&M to help rural Texas communities overhaul flood management system
Researchers introduce a performance-based framework that integrates hydroclimate variability, hydrology, machine learning, community knowledge and feedbacks between physical and social systems. This approach enhances understanding of flood risks while emphasizing long-term community resilience.
New £4.25m project to investigate climate ‘tipping points’ in marine ecosystems
A £4.25m project will investigate 'tipping points' in marine ecosystems, which could have devastating consequences for the UK's fishing industry and global biodiversity. The TiMBER project, led by the University of East Anglia, aims to develop tools to assess risks and predict changes in marine biogeochemistry.
Rapid environmental change can threaten even a peaceful Daisyworld
Researchers discovered rate-induced tipping in Daisyworld, a model that regulates temperature through light and dark daisies. This finding mirrors observations in other models and real-life ecosystems, highlighting the danger of rapid environmental changes.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateFeb 18, 2025
What changes will occur in China's land systems if the 1.5°C climate pledges are fulfilled by 2100?
The study projects a significant increase in wetland and forest areas in China, with potential losses of cropland and shifts in land use patterns. Enhanced protection and management are needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food security.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2025
Calls to reform food VAT to encourage healthy and sustainable diets
A new study suggests adjusting VAT rates on food groups based on health and environmental impacts could lead to healthier diets, reducing cases of diet-related diseases. The proposal aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and generate significant revenue for governments.
Human-caused fires growing faster than lightning fires in the Western US
Human-caused fires in the Western US are growing faster than lightning fires due to climate-driven changes in dryness and heat. The study found that anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions account for 81% of the increases in flammable days, highlighting the need for more accurate fire risk models.
Tropical-extratropical interactions induce the end of the rainy (Baiu) season in Japan
Researchers found that tropical-extratropical interactions induce the end of the rainy (Baiu) season in northern Japan and the Kanto region by enhancing convective activity over the northeast Philippines. The high-potential-vorticity airmass intrusion from mid-latitudes plays a crucial role in this process.
Trimetallic synergy and defects: a catalyst for climate action
Researchers introduce a trimetallic catalyst supported on defective ceria, achieving extraordinary efficiency in CO2 reduction. The unique metal-support interaction fine-tunes the electronic structure, enabling optimal performance and setting new benchmarks in catalysis.
SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025
Transforming China’s food system: Healthy diets lead the way
The study found that transitioning to healthy diets can minimize trade-offs and improve nutrition, health, the environment, and livelihoods in China. By adopting a holistic approach to food system transformation, policymakers can address social and environmental challenges while steering towards SDG targets.
Researcher studies the power of native plants to combat road salt pollution
A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that stormwater detention basins in Northern Virginia face significant salt stress due to road salts. Native plant species, such as cattails, showed promise in tolerating high salt concentrations, but their impact on overall salt removal was limited.
“The biggest challenge is lacking public acceptance of wind turbines”
The study identifies 14 key impacts of wind energy on various systems, including environmental, socio-economic, and political-legal aspects. Researchers found that public acceptance is a major challenge for wind turbines, but also discovered benefits such as the phasing out of fossil-based energy and job creation opportunities.
Lower access to air conditioning may increase need for emergency care for wildfire smoke exposure
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.
AMS 2025 meeting promotes atmospheric science for a “thriving planet”
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.
University of Houston scientists solving meteorological mysteries on Mars
Researchers have created the first-ever meridional profile of Mars' radiant energy budget, showing a polar energy surplus and a tropical energy deficit. This discovery provides critical insights into Martian weather patterns and climate evolution.
Human civilization at a critical junction between authoritarian collapse and superabundance
A new study warns that human civilization is poised for a significant transformation as industrial civilization declines, giving rise to a postmaterialist, clean energy-based system. Rising authoritarianism poses a threat to this transition.
Towards smart cities: Integrating ground source heat pump systems with energy piles
The integration of ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems with energy piles offers a promising solution to address the growing urban heat island effect and reduce electricity consumption in smart cities. This technology provides efficient heating and cooling, reduces carbon emissions, and promotes sustainable urban development.
Climate- and land use change threaten traditional food sources in Russia’s Far East
A study found that climate- and land use change will alter the availability of wild traditional foods in the Russian Far East, affecting Indigenous Peoples' health and livelihoods. Rural households heavily rely on these foods for income, with losses predicted in central and southern areas.
Researchers reveal key factors behind Japan’s plastic waste removal rates in rivers
A nationwide analysis of Japan's plastic litter removal from rivers found that natural disasters and extreme weather events contribute to spikes in collected plastic waste. The study, led by Tokyo University of Science, also identified positive correlations between basin population, plastic litter recovery, and cleanup activities.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2024
UCF researcher receives $3.8 million grant to develop a solar energy storage system
A UCF researcher is developing a thermochemical energy storage system to reserve solar energy for future use and contribute to the global transition to clean energy. The system uses chemical reactions to absorb or release heat, making it an advantageous way to store energy at high temperatures.
Leap in modelling human impact on climate may lead to early warning of climate disasters
Mathematicians at University of Leicester applied statistical mechanics to detect human-made and natural causes of climate change, enabling early warnings of potential disasters. The theory provides a more advanced understanding of climate mechanisms driving change.
So you want to build a solar or wind farm? Here’s how to decide where
A new study shows that coordinating the siting of solar farms, wind farms, and storage systems can improve efficiency and reduce costs by aligning renewable power generation with demand. The approach uses fine-grained weather data and energy system modeling to maximize utilization of renewable resources.
Climate change threatens global food supply: Scientists call for urgent action
An international team of researchers warns that climate change could lead to widespread food shortages and famine if rapid changes are not made to develop climate-resilient crops. The group emphasizes the need for unprecedented collaboration between scientists, farmers, policymakers, and the public to address this crisis.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 5, 2024
Will the Ross Ice Shelf melt? International team launches second attempt to drill for Antarctic climate clues
A team of scientists, including Binghamton University's Molly Patterson, is drilling into the Ross Ice Shelf to retrieve geological records and gain insights into the ice sheet's response to global warming. The project aims to provide crucial data for adapting to sea-level rise and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists embark on first study of Antarctica’s underwater avalanches
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.
Digital Twins of the Earth is a misleading term as computer models are always a simplified representation of reality
Researchers criticize the Digital Twin of Earth concept, highlighting the discrepancy between scientific models and reality. New computer models require new methods for appropriate data analysis and interpretation to ensure accurate knowledge and results.
Delay and pay: Tipping point costs quadruple after waiting
A new study finds that reversing climate change effects quickly climbs nearly fourfold soon after a tipping point is crossed. The cost of intervention also increases steeply if waiting occurs, with the degree of needed action rising over time. Researchers have quantified these costs for the first time.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 26, 2024
Quantum mechanism identified as a key to accelerating ocean temperatures
Researchers identify a quantum mechanism as key to accelerating ocean temperatures, which current climate models fail to predict. The study proposes a new paradigm that factors in non-thermal energy, suggesting a revised approach to understanding ocean thermal stability and climate change.
SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Physics Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024
DFG to fund seven new collaborative research centres
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft is establishing seven new Collaborative Research Centres (CRC) with a total funding of €92 million. The CRCs focus on innovative research projects in sustainable construction, electronic systems, and ecosystem services. Seven new Transregios are also being funded to tackle long-term challenges.
Building climate resilient cocoa farming in West Africa
A study published by researchers from Göttingen University sheds light on the critical role of leaf phenology in trees providing shade and improving climate resilience in cocoa agroforestry systems. The research found that certain shade tree species can significantly influence productivity and environmental stability.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2024
When trees 'talk:' Researchers probe ancient wood for clues about massive solar storms
Researchers at University of Arizona discovered a spike in carbon-14 dating to 664 B.C., pinpointing the last known extreme solar storm event. The study provides crucial data for scientists studying sun's activity and offers insights into massive storms' effects on Earth's atmosphere.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2024
Thermochemical tech shows promising path for building heat
Thermochemical materials show potential for load flexibility in building heating systems, enabling reduced electrical requirements and load shifting. The technology's performance is significantly impacted by humidity levels, making indoor air a key factor in its integration.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalApplied Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2024
Redefining net zero will not stop global warming – scientists say
A new study by the University of Oxford's Department of Physics shows that relying on natural carbon sinks to offset CO2 emissions from fossil fuels will not stop global warming. Governments and corporations are increasingly turning to these natural sinks to meet climate goals, but this approach is flawed.
Resilience index needed to keep us within planet’s ‘safe operating space’
A resilience index is proposed as a more suitable indicator of policy success than GDP, incorporating social and environmental components. This approach aims to steer decision-makers within the planet's 'safe operating space', balancing competing interests and trade-offs.
Colorado River basins could face tipping point, drought study warns
A new study warns that Colorado's West Slope basins, supporting a $5 billion agriculture economy, face a potential tipping point due to drought vulnerability. The research suggests that even moderate climate change and streamflow declines can threaten water storage, agriculture, and municipal supplies.
LIST and UNHCR to launch early warning system for emergencies
The new system uses AI technology combined with Earth observation data to detect risks of events that might trigger forced displacement, delivering timely alerts ahead of emergencies. It will help humanitarian actors plan and respond more effectively, minimizing response times and avoiding duplication of efforts.
Winners of Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2024 announced
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2024 have been named, including the One Health Microbiome Center at Penn State and researchers Dr. François Thomas and Dr. Helen Onyeaka.
Tree growth conditions on the tundra in Finnmark and Svalbard
Record-high temperatures in Svalbard and East Finnmark create conducive conditions for tree growth, exceeding the classic 10°C threshold. The growing season and average temperature criteria were met at multiple weather stations, indicating a suitable climate for forest establishment.