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International “State of the Climate” report confirms record-high greenhouse gases, global sea level, and ocean heat in 2025

The 36th annual State of the Climate report reveals record highs in greenhouse gas concentrations, global sea level, and ocean heat content. Greenhouse gas concentrations reached a 53% increase from preindustrial levels, with fossil fuel emissions reaching a record high in 2025.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateAug 10, 2026

New study provides rule of thumb to estimate land sustainability in river deltas

Researchers found two distinct growth patterns in river deltas, uniform and composite, which can help engineers estimate land build-up based on channel length. This insight will aid coastal restoration and flood protection efforts by directing limited resources to areas where they can make the most impact.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2026

Unexpected feedback in the climate system

Researchers found a surprising correlation between West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreat and marine algae growth over the past 500,000 years. The study suggests that global warming may lead to reduced CO2 uptake if the ice sheet continues to shrink.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2026

Concordia study finds snow droughts in western and southern Canada could affect nearly all Canadians

A new method developed by Concordia researchers shows how small but widespread snowpack declines can ripple across Canada's water supply. The study found that usable snow water has declined sharply in areas of the Canadian Rockies, affecting a quarter of Canada's land mass and 86% of its population.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 29, 2026

What happens in the ocean when two cyclones collide

When two tropical cyclones collide in the Indian Ocean, they can intensify considerably, leading to extreme interactions between the ocean and atmosphere. The study found that effects occurred that have only been observed with much stronger cyclones, including a cooling effect of three degrees Celsius and upwelling of deep water masses.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalTellus A Dynamic Meteorology and Oceanography·TypeCase study·DateDec 10, 2024

Significant citizen participation: Study examines the fate of plastic particles

A multidisciplinary team of scientists conducted a comprehensive study to understand the sources and sinks of plastic debris in the Southern North Sea. Local citizen scientists played a crucial role in tracking the distribution pathways of plastic particles, revealing that two-thirds were washed ashore within 25km of their release site.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

Exploring the ocean's thin skin

Researchers study the sea-surface microlayer, a biogeochemical reactor where organisms adapt to harsh conditions like UV radiation and fluctuating temperatures. The team aims to understand biological, chemical, and physical interactions in this thin layer, influencing global climate.