Articles tagged with Climate Change
Rising temperatures of just 1°C drastically increase the likelihood of malformation in Neotropical lizards. Thermal stress caused by climate change disrupts normal development, leading to severe consequences.
Researchers at the University of Seville found that vertical gardens can remove up to 96-98% of pollutants from indoor air after 24 hours. This study highlights the potential of active living walls in improving indoor air quality, reducing sick building syndrome and its impact on worker productivity and student learning.
A new study from Lund University reveals that old-growth forests in Sweden store 78-89% more carbon than managed forests, mainly due to large carbon stocks in the soil. The study's findings have significant implications for climate change mitigation and forest management.
Researchers at Binghamton University found a significant shift in moth flight patterns over a century, with some species emerging later in the year. The study also identified missing moth species in the region, highlighting the impact of anthropogenic change on ecosystems.
Research from Stanford University reveals that warmer, wetter weather conditions linked to climate change are making disease epidemics more likely, with a study analyzing a 2023 cyclone and dengue fever outbreak in Peru estimating that 60% of cases were directly caused by extreme rainfall and warm temperatures. Targeted mosquito contro...
Researchers analyzed 11,000-year-old bowhead whale fossils to reveal the devastating impact of commercial whaling on the species' genetics. The study found that genetic diversity will continue to decline, severely impacting the species' resilience to climate change.
Climate mitigation policies may increase hunger risk due to land use competition, but ozone reduction benefits partially offset these effects. Ozone-driven yield gains reduce food prices and increase food availability, particularly in regions with severe hunger.
Researchers found that reforestation in tropical regions, such as the Amazon basin and West and South-East Africa, can have a significant cooling effect due to high evapotranspiration rates. This approach can be more efficient than previously thought, especially when combined with other climate protection strategies.
A global analysis of over 2,300 seawater samples reveals human-made chemicals make up a significant portion of organic matter in coastal oceans. Industrial chemicals, including plastics and consumer products, dominate the anthropogenic chemical signal, persisting even 20 kilometers offshore.
A new study models the impact of climate change on physical activity globally, predicting millions will be driven into inactivity by 2050. The study suggests this could lead to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths and billions of dollars in lost productivity.
Scientists extracted thousands of years' worth of air pollution from a 9.5-meter ice core, recording medieval mining, fires, and volcanoes. However, global warming is destroying this frozen archive, and researchers warn that it's a race against time to capture critical climate information.
A study by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona establishes the principles for modelling post-growth scenarios, pointing to the need for targeted demand-side measures and investments in low-carbon technologies. The research highlights the potential for post-growth to achieve pos...
Researchers investigated the Mississippi River's hydrological trends, ocean carbon storage, and gender dynamics in flood mortality. A study found that precipitation increases, but soil moisture decreases, while high-resolution models reveal stronger Southern Ocean carbon absorption. Additionally, data showed men are overrepresented in ...
A new study finds that the North Atlantic's exceptional warmth played a key role in the Valencia DANA storm's intensity, with precipitation 40% lower without it. The research highlights the importance of oceanic context in extreme weather events, reinforcing the need for global climate simulations.
A new framework, 'just-shoring,' aims to shift focus from competition and security to the rights and interests of local communities whose lands are most at risk. The approach prioritizes accountability and transparency, giving communities a legal right to co-govern throughout the mineral lifecycle.
A free webinar, part of the Sustainable Microbiology Policy Spotlight journal webinar series, explores how microbiologists can effectively influence policy in the UK. The webinar, featuring senior policymakers and parliamentary affairs professionals, will take place on April 1, 2026, and will be recorded for retrospective viewing.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg measured carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in 23 mangrove areas, revealing global patterns in environmental stress. The study found that extreme conditions, including low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels, are becoming more frequent and severe, posing a threat to sensitive fish species.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that climate policies can only be implemented with the support of the 'conditional middle' group, who are flexible and make decisions based on personal cost-benefit calculations. This group's opinions can significantly impact policy feasibility, with a shift towards support potentially leading to...
A recent study on the 2021 North American heat wave reveals that some species, such as sea lettuce, were able to withstand the extreme temperatures, while others, like mussels and blueberry plants, suffered severe declines. The research highlights the importance of understanding these differing effects to prepare for future heat waves.
Research finds extreme cold and rain reduce young bird growth and survival, but earlier breeding can mitigate these effects. In contrast, hot extremes can boost growth by increasing insect activity and visibility.
To halt sea-level rise and cumulative CO2 releases, global emissions would need to become net-negative and remain so for centuries. This conclusion is based on studies assessing the impact of delayed climate changes, which require long-term carbon removal commitments.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified genes and pathways responsible for plant recovery from environmental stress, including cold snaps and flooding. This discovery could lead to the creation of climate-resilient crops that can recover faster and more efficiently after climate events.
A new study found that high levels of air pollution can amplify the risk of suicide associated with heat stress, especially during the warm season. The researchers analyzed 7,500 suicide cases in Utah and found a strong synergistic effect of heat and nitrogen dioxide.
Subway systems are consistently reporting thermal discomfort due to the rising heat, with complaints increasing by 10-27% for every 1 degree Celsius above 10 degrees Celsius in Boston, New York, and London respectively. The study aims to help transit agencies anticipate extreme heat and implement targeted mitigation strategies.
A new study reveals that deep-sea microbes like Nitrosopumilus maritimus can adapt to warmer, nutrient-poor waters, maintaining their role in nitrogen cycling and primary production. This finding suggests that these microbes may play an important role in reshaping ocean-nutrient distribution in a changing climate.
Researchers developed Zephyrus, an AI agent capable of analyzing and answering questions in natural language about weather and climate data. The agent can handle language-based queries, translating them into code and generating plain language answers.
Researchers have completed the most comprehensive survey of DNA associated with plankton in the Southern Ocean, revealing a vast genetic diversity that affects the carbon cycle. The study sheds light on the role of microbial ecosystems in climate change and highlights the need to understand how these genes control ocean chemistry.
A new study by UCL researchers found that 6 out of 10 older people in England view climate change as a serious risk, with many aware of its consequences and ready to take action. The study also revealed that older adults are more likely to be engaged with climate change, particularly those who are better off financially and more social...
Research shows glacial lakes in Alaska expanding 50% faster than previously recorded, posing significant hazards and altering ecosystems. The study identifies areas where lakes may form and grow, helping with infrastructure planning and predicting changes to ecosystems, hazards, and recreation.
A new study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research finds global warming has accelerated by 0.35°C per decade since 2015, surpassing previous decade averages. The research team analyzed five large global temperature data sets and found an acceleration with a statistical certainty of over 98 percent.
The RESPIN project has launched a new online course to provide a comprehensive understanding of IPBES and IPCC, two critical intergovernmental bodies. The course is designed for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders and offers practical guidance on engaging with these bodies and applying scientific findings in policy and practice.
New research shows that limited overshoot does not alter the timeline for global net zero CO2 emissions, still expected between 2050 and 2060. Overshoot changes how climate impacts and mitigation efforts are felt over time, with greater social and economic consequences.
The interim update to the State of the World's Migratory Species report warns that 49% of migratory species populations are declining, with 24% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and overexploitation. The report highlights the need for coordinated international action to address these threats and protect migratory species.
Forest damage in Europe is projected to increase by up to 20% by 2100 under all climate scenarios. Annually disturbed forest area could rise from 180,000 to 370,000 hectares per year, increasing pressure on other sectors to reduce emissions.
A study predicts that forest damage in Europe will more than double by 2100 due to increased wildfires, storms, and bark beetle activity. The team used AI-based simulation models to estimate the impact of global warming on forest ecosystems.
A new report sets out ten priority areas for improving climate education in UK schools, calling for coordinated support across the whole education system. The experts argue that while the curriculum review is a welcome step, real change requires attention to issues such as teacher training and sustainability actions.
Researchers found interactions between soil moisture patterns and wind in the lowest atmosphere influence where storms develop, providing clues to forecasters about location. The study aims to improve certainty about upcoming storms on hot days and save lives, livestock, and property.
Forest thinning found to improve wildfire risk reduction and hydrological resilience, increasing snowpack depth by 30% on north-facing slopes. The treatment recovered about 12.3 acre-feet of snow-stored water per 100 acres, equivalent to roughly 15 Olympic swimming pools per square kilometer.
Research from the University of Bath's Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations reveals that hairdressers can prompt climate conversations and inspire change. Salon owners reported successful conversations with clients about sustainability, leading to changes in habits such as water and energy usage, and even dietary choices.
Scientists discovered that a single, 2,400-year-old alerce tree protects hundreds to thousands of underground fungal species. These fungi help forests function by funneling water and nutrients to trees and assisting plants in fighting stressors like drought and pathogens.
A prolonged drought in southeastern Connecticut disrupted the balance of key nitrogen-cycling microbes in a coastal salt marsh. The study found that ammonia-oxidizing archaea and bacteria showed significant fluctuations during dry periods, leading to decreased temporal stability.
The study found that carbonation occurred during shallow crustal extension, challenging earlier interpretations of deep subduction environments. Naturally carbonated ultramafic rocks provide a valuable natural analogue for long-term carbon storage in solid minerals.
Researchers at University of Michigan found that improved EV battery technology will outlast expected heat-related degradation from climate change, even in warming scenarios. The study's results suggest a boost to consumer confidence in EV batteries.
A new study by Lund University reveals that large forest fire emissions occur below the ground surface, in peat and organic soils, rather than above-ground. This affects climate impact assessments, as traditional methods risk missing significant carbon releases.
The GRACE project co-develops, tests, and scales climate adaptation solutions with local communities in 10 European regions. It addresses diverse climate challenges through community-led adaptation, digital tools, and capacity-building, ensuring locally relevant and transferable solutions.
The journal argues that AI can process vast datasets to detect patterns and predict climate impacts, improving pollution tracking, climate modeling, and agricultural planning. AI-driven modeling can also help policymakers evaluate tradeoffs and anticipate unintended consequences, supporting more informed decision-making.
Short-eared owls travel long distances to find prey in 'boom and bust' cycles, requiring nuanced perception. Climate change affects these cycles, making conservation efforts crucial for the species' survival.
A recent study found that strong El Niño events cause deeper, longer-lasting harm to human health than previously understood, shortening life expectancy and generating major economic costs. The study reveals that vulnerable populations face heightened risks, with El Niño events contributing to excess mortality.
Researchers developed a new method to predict extreme rainfall in Japan, using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation - Stochastic Partial Differential Equation (INLA-SPDE), which outperformed traditional kriging methods. The study used hourly precipitation data from 752 meteorological stations across four main islands of Japan and fo...
A new study found that countries with more partisan hostility emit significantly more CO2 from power plants, hindering climate regulation. In contrast, countries like Great Britain, which framed the shift towards renewable energy as a national endeavor, have been able to rein in their worst-polluting facilities.
A new study reveals major blind spots in global sustainable research, overlooking key strategies and sectors needed to address the environmental crisis. The study finds that sustainability researchers are neglecting potentially powerful actors, including civil society, and failing to assign clear responsibilities across sectors.
A study by UCL researchers found large variations in nitrous oxide use across UK dental services, with some sites emitting up to 1,849 kg CO₂e per week. The team recommends reducing wastage, standardizing practice, and considering alternatives to minimize environmental impact.
The CEBE program aims to develop new knowledge and solutions to reduce the climate impact of construction. The program will focus on seven research fields, including assessing and measuring sustainability, and collaborate with international partners.
Researchers from Rutgers University found that melting glaciers in Antarctica supply far less iron to surrounding waters than previously thought. The study challenges the long-held theory of iron fertilization, which suggested that glacial melting would feed blooms of microscopic algae and remove heat-trapping carbon dioxide from the a...
Research from Princeton University reveals that nations globally underreport greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater facilities by up to 27%. Accurate estimates are crucial for sound public reporting and practical decision-making in the wastewater sector. The study finds that wastewater systems offer strong options for emissions reduc...
The FAU project will integrate high-resolution modeling, observational data, and advanced machine learning to improve understanding of regional sea-level variability in the Gulf of America. The team aims to produce decision-relevant scenario outputs and empower stakeholders with actionable information for future-oriented decisions.
A recent study found that tropical algae were largely unaffected by periods of global warming up to 1.5 degrees Celsius in the distant past. This resilience provides valuable insights into the potential consequences of climate change and supports the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
A new study by Manchester researchers argues that directional terms like 'upcycling' and 'downcycling' can skew perceptions of plastic sustainability. The study suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed to evaluate the environmental impact of recycling technologies.
A new study reveals that air-conditioning use will more than double by 2050, causing up to 8.5 GtCO₂‑eq per year in the worst-case scenario. This is equivalent to around 74–183 billion transatlantic return flights and adds 0.03°C to 0.07°C of global warming.
The Spanish initiative Spongy Slopes has successfully restored key sponge functions in a steep slope landscape through nature-based measures. The project, which involved around 250 volunteers and local associations, has improved landscape-level hydrological resilience, retained rainwater, reduced erosion and increased biodiversity.