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Study provides basis to evaluate food subsectors' emissions of three greenhouse gases

A new study provides a comprehensive framework to evaluate the emissions of three major greenhouse gases from food production and consumption. The research found that animal-based foods emit 57% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while plant-based foods account for 29%, with CO2 being the most important emission factor.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2021

Increased frequency of heavy rainstorms and flood disasters in the Three Gorges Region during summer 2020

The Three Gorges Region experienced its second-highest average precipitation on record, with heavy rainstorms and floods dominating the summer of 2020. The region's ecological environment improved, with a significant weakening trend in acid rain over the past decade.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 9, 2021

Rapid Arctic warming likely drives extreme winter weather events in the US

A new study finds that rapid Arctic warming is driving extreme winter weather in the US, particularly intense snowfall events and anomalous cold snaps. The findings reveal a physical link between Arctic amplification and stratospheric polar vortex disruption, which are contributing to increased frequency of winter weather extremes.

Volcanism drove rapid ocean deoxygenation during the time of the dinosaurs

Research from UBC and HKU Earth scientists reveals that massive volcanism played a key role in triggering oceanic anoxia, with CO2-induced environmental warming creating 'dead zones' over short timescales. The findings provide important insights into the sensitivity of the Earth system to global biogeochemical cycles and marine biology.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalGeology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Major Atlantic ocean current system might be approaching critical threshold

A new study suggests that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is losing stability and may be approaching a critical threshold. The AMOC plays a crucial role in regulating Europe's temperatures and weather patterns, and its collapse could have severe global implications.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Heat-related symptoms affected one-quarter of Americans during summer of 2020

A new study found that one-quarter of Americans suffered from heat-related symptoms in 2020, with women, low-income households, and non-white populations most vulnerable. The research also revealed that the pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, making it harder for people to access cooling centers and medical care.

Increase in extreme precipitation in the northeast caused by Atlantic variability and climate change

A recent study found that greenhouse gases from human activity and warmer North Atlantic Ocean temperatures contributed to the Northeast's increased extreme precipitation since 1996. The research used global climate model simulations and statistical methods to isolate the causes of the increase.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2021

New study exposes big differences amongst Amazonian countries in their rates of forest recovery as well as deforestation

A new study reveals significant differences in forest recovery rates across Amazonian countries, with some experiencing little to no recovery even 20 years after deforestation. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to protect and restore remaining forests.

SourceBangor University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2021

Thawing permafrost releases greenhouse gas from depth

A new study suggests that thawing permafrost in Siberia may release large amounts of methane gas from limestone formations, posing a significant threat to global warming. Elevated methane concentrations were detected in two areas with limestone bedrock, indicating that fracture systems in these formations became permeable upon warming.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2021

Bushfires, not pandemic lockdowns, had biggest impact on global climate in 2020

A study found that the Australian bushfires had a more significant impact on global climate than pandemic lockdowns, cooling the planet by about .06 degrees Celsius. The fires injected sulfates and other particles into the atmosphere, disrupting the climate system and influencing storm tracks.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 27, 2021

Mars didn't dry up in one go

A French-US team has discovered that Mars' climate alternated between dry and wetter periods, with lake-deposited clays forming the base of Mount Sharp before drying up completely about 3 billion years ago.

SourceCNRS·JournalGeology·DateApr 8, 2021

Study sheds new light on vein formation in plants

A study published in Nature Communications has found that plant hormones strigolactones reduce the transport of auxin, a key hormone involved in vein formation. This slowdown allows for more focused and efficient vein development, which can lead to improved crop yields and better adaptation to challenging climate conditions.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 2020

North pole soon to be ice free in summer

A new study suggests that the Arctic Ocean will likely be ice-free in summer due to high future CO2 emissions. However, rapid reductions in CO2 emissions could lead to occasional ice-free summers even before 2050. The study's findings highlight humanity's impact on the Arctic ecosystem and climate.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 20, 2020

Invasive species source pools

The study analyzed nearly 46,000 records of alien species from 1500-2005, finding that a substantial proportion of newly recorded species had not been previously reported elsewhere. This suggests that access to new potential alien species has increased over time, contributing to the global rise in emerging alien species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Scientists seen as competent but not trusted by Americans

A new review published in PNAS reveals that Americans view scientists as competent, but not entirely trusted. To gain public trust, scientists should focus on conveying warm intentions and expertise, rather than persuasive agendas. The study's findings highlight the importance of warmth and trustworthiness in scientific communication.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2014