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Chocolate’s new climate threat: Too much rain

Cocoa farmers in West Africa face a new climate threat: excessive rainfall. Scientists at Harvard University discovered that predicting extreme rains could help protect harvests. The study found that heavy rain during the wet season and dry season can damage cocoa crops, leading to price volatility and reduced production.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 14, 2026

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 research reveals mass shootings and suicide deaths share summer peaks

A new study found consistent summertime peaks in both mass shootings and suicide deaths in the US, indicating a possible link between the two. The researchers observed seasonal fluctuations in these forms of violence, raising the possibility that mass shootings may share risk pathways with suicidal behavior.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Biological Rhythms·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 24, 2026

Traveling tropical disturbance increases rainfall across the Hawaiian Islands

A new study reveals that the Madden–Julian Oscillation significantly influences climate conditions in Hawaiʻi, increasing rainfall on windward slopes during active phases and producing drier conditions during suppressed phases. Understanding this impact can help scientists and forecasters anticipate periods of heavy rainfall and drought.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2026

Snow? Increasingly ‘no,’ according to new research

A new study published in the Journal of Hydrometeorology reveals significant declines in snow cover across the Northern Hemisphere, with about 24% of regions showing decreases. The research also identifies seasonal shifts, with snow cover declining earlier in March and retreating at the southern edge.

SourceMississippi State University·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2026

‘Energy efficiency’ key to mountain birds adapting to changing environmental conditions

Researchers found that many birds don't strictly follow their supposed temperature adaptations, instead moving to efficiently acquire and use energy. This 'energy efficiency' hypothesis suggests that altitudinal migration is a behavioral mechanism allowing birds to optimize their energy budgets in the face of seasonality and competition.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 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

Hourly weather data reveals climate trends in U.S.

A new study by NC State University researchers found that areas in the northeastern US have lost nearly 1.5 weeks of temperatures below freezing, while regions like Arizona gained almost 1.5 weeks of temperatures above 86F. This data can help inform climate adaptation planning and justify changes to address regional climate change.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 12, 2025

Adapting to a seasonal diet

A year-long study on Japanese macaques found that their gut microbiome composition and fermentative ability adjust seasonally to improve digestive efficiency. The study reveals that mature leaf consumption boosts the fermentative ability of the gut microbiome, helping monkeys handle chemically defended foods during harsh winters.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2025

High Mountain Asia’s shrinking glaciers linked to monsoon changes

Research from the University of Utah and Virginia Tech reveals that seasonal shifts in rainfall and snowfall patterns are exacerbating glacier melting across the region. Glaciers in Central Himalaya, Western Himalaya, and Eastern Himalaya are especially vulnerable to accelerated ice loss and water availability threats.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2025

International “State of the Climate” report confirms record-high greenhouse gases, global temperatures, global sea level, and ocean heat in 2024

The State of the Climate report reveals record-high greenhouse gas concentrations, with CO2 levels reaching 422.8 parts per million, a 52% increase from pre-industrial levels. Global temperatures also reached a new high, with annual growth increasing to 2.4 ppm yr−1.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateAug 14, 2025

Relief from drought in southwest U.S. likely isn’t coming, according to new research

A recent study from the University of Texas at Austin finds that climate change may be disrupting the natural Pacific Decadal Oscillation cycle, which brings needed rain to the region. This could lead to prolonged droughts in the southwest U.S., affecting water resources like the Colorado River.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 15, 2025

Scientists reveal timeline and uneven evolution of endemic flora on Qinghai-Tibet plateau

A team of researchers has revealed how unique native plant life on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau evolved over time, with origins dating back to the Early Eocene. The study highlights the Hengduan Mountains as a crucial center of endemism and emphasizes the need for conservation efforts.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCase study·DateJun 23, 2025

Something's fishy here

A Kyoto University study reveals that seasonal timing of terrestrial invertebrate resource subsidies can mediate life-history variation in wild organisms. The researchers found that early subsidies led to the highest life-history variation, while later or no subsidies resulted in lower variation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Study of ‘spatial synchrony’ using long-term data exposes ecological trends and could boost conservation, farming

A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that studying spatial synchrony over a long enough timescale leads to better testing of ideas, improved statistical results, and new conceptual realms for understanding ecology. Long-term data can expose ecological trends and inform policy and management related to the environment.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEcology Letters·DateApr 24, 2025

Colder temperatures increase gastroenteritis risk in Rohingya refugee camps

A new study by Hokkaido University found that colder temperatures significantly increase the risk of gastroenteritis among Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh's Kutupalong and Nayapara camps. The study reveals a link between temperature changes and gastroenteritis risk, with both extreme cold and heat contributing to higher numbers of cases.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 18, 2025

How is climate change affecting seasonal allergies?

Research suggests climate change is contributing to the increase in allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. Global warming has been linked to longer pollen seasons and higher pollen concentrations, leading to increased symptoms and healthcare usage.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateApr 9, 2025

A study highlights the naturalness of the seasonal time change and questions the basis of modern criticism of the practice

A study published in Royal Society Open Science highlights the naturalness of seasonal time change and challenges modern criticisms. The authors suggest that changing the clocks aligns human activity with sunrise and improves mental health. They propose a new start date for clocks, taking into account physiological and social foundations.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 19, 2025

Study explores effects of climatic changes on Christmas Island’s iconic red crabs

A new study by the University of Plymouth investigated the effect of changing global climate conditions on Christmas Island's red crab embryos. The researchers found that lower salinity levels did not delay embryonic development, but emphasized the need for further research to understand the species' response to environmental stressors.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Eavesdropping on whale songs sparks new discoveries in whale ecology

Researchers tracked changes in baleen whale song detection over six years, finding correlations with shifts in foraging conditions and food availability. The study's findings suggest that whale song data can provide insights into the health of marine ecosystems and inform conservation efforts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2025

Study by Montana State ecologist finds eastern monarch butterflies delaying fall migration

Research by Montana State University ecologist Diane Debinski found that eastern monarch butterflies are delaying their fall migration, staying in the field for nine days longer than they did in 2003. This delay was linked to a similar shift in the timing of milkweed blooming, which could have implications for population dynamics and v...

SourceMontana State University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Models show intensifying wildfires in a warming world due to changes in vegetation and humidity; only a minor role for lightning

A new study reveals that climate change is driving intensifying wildfires by altering vegetation and humidity levels, but not significantly impacting lightning strikes. The simulations predict a 14% increase in global area burned by fires annually with every degree of global warming.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 12, 2025

The megadroughts are upon us

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.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2025