Research on a warming planet and its widening effects. Covers climate extremes, biodiversity loss, sea-level rise, food and water security, and mitigation strategies.
Sorghum production is expected to increase in Europe due to climate change, with potential yields of 3.4-3.8 tonnes/ha by 2050-2100. The crop's robustness in high temperatures and low water availability makes it a climate-resilient alternative to maize.
A global review of observed climate change impacts on plant communities in Mediterranean ecosystems reveals major gaps in monitoring and understanding. The study found that evidence of climate change effects is unevenly distributed and lacks modern causal inference approaches, highlighting the need for coordinated research to strengthe...
A new study reveals that North Carolina's coastal forests have lost over 20% of their landmass between 1985 and 2021, with the rate of loss accelerating after 2010. Sea level rise and extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts, have contributed to the widespread conversion of forests to ghost forests, shrubs, and marshes.
The University of Bath has launched a new Centre for Earth System Governance to investigate how societies govern environmental change. Researchers from across disciplines will work with policymakers and practitioners to develop effective responses to global sustainability challenges.
A new review highlights the complex factors influencing mosquito-borne disease transmission, including climate change, mosquito control, and socioeconomic factors. Experts emphasize the need for a coordinated approach to address the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue.
Researchers found that Swiss forests are no longer shielded from the worst effects of summer droughts, despite growing at high altitudes. The study, published in Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, reveals that the number of trees per stand is reduced due to drought, causing a progressive decline of these precious forests.
Soil temperatures in Alaska's permafrost regions are rising at a rate of 0.64 degrees Celsius per decade, lagging behind air temperatures but still exhibiting 'polar amplification.' The study, published in Frontiers in Climate, reveals the relationship between air and soil temperatures in the state.
Exercise performed in hot environments improves aerobic performance, reduces resting and exercise core temperature, and increases sweat rate. Additionally, exercise-induced metabolic heat production promotes a degree of heat resilience even without environmental heat exposure.
Research suggests that global warming may lead to an 80% increase in 'east-dominated' Indian Ocean Dipole events, which can cause extreme rainfall and drought in certain regions. The study used 40 climate models to assess the impact of these events and found a systematic bias in the models' representation of the ocean region.
A new study from Aalto University found that European banks are taking into account energy performance when making loan offers, with high ratings helping borrowers access green lending benefits. However, poor ratings can make properties harder to finance, and climate-related risks are expected to play a greater role in lending decision...
A study of the Lancang River basin found that silicate weathering rates decrease with increasing erosion, while carbonate and sulfide oxidation rates increase. The study suggests that lithology, suspended sediment weathering, and groundwater input control chemical weathering and its carbon effect in large river basins.
Researchers have found high-altitude glacier in Tibet preserved fragments from the last ice age, extending Earth's glacial record by over 100,000 years. The analysis of ice cores from the Guliya Plateau reveals consistent oxygen isotope patterns, suggesting that the environmental signals they contain are reproducible.
Switzerland's glaciers experienced their greatest melt on record in 2026, with average glacier thickness decreasing by 2.5-4m, and several smaller glaciers disappearing completely. The findings, presented in the Swiss Academy of Sciences annual report, highlight the rapid change in Switzerland's glacier landscape.
This special issue investigates biodiversity loss, ecosystem stability, and resilience in the face of climate disruption and global change. It welcomes contributions on ecological restoration, nature-based solutions, and adaptive management to address biodiversity conservation and ecosystem function.
A Concordia study found that media outlets increasingly linked wildfires to climate change, with 40% of stories mentioning the topic and 30% explicitly connecting it to climate change. The shift in coverage may signal a long-term realignment in the discussion around climate change in the media ecosystem.
A new study reveals that climate change is associated with a 42.6% increase in skin disease globally, with significant differences according to income level. Lower-income countries are disproportionately affected, with over half reporting climate-related changes in skin disease.
The study analyzed 450 years of herring catches in the Baltic Sea, finding that climate change, overfishing, and social change contributed to the fishery's collapse. An interdisciplinary approach reveals that considering ecological, economic, and social factors is crucial for sustainable fisheries management.
Researchers developed a new experimental approach using high pressurization in a wind tunnel to simulate the flow physics in the atmosphere, offering new insights into optimizing turbine alignment, blade pitch angles, and tip speed to boost power output. The study also validated a computationally lightweight model for testing different...
When temperatures spike, coast redwoods slow their photosynthesis, chemical reaction that turns sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into carbon for growth. This reduces their ability to
A new review highlights the need for integrated health systems to monitor biological, ecological, and institutional conditions to prevent global health risks. The review proposes an 'interface-resilience' model that brings together spillover pressure, microbial community stability, and governance connectivity to identify high-risk areas.
Researchers used machine learning to map biomass variations of Chinese milk vetch in southern China, identifying key climate and geography factors that impact its growth. The study found nonlinear climate thresholds, with optimal biomass accumulation between 533-877 mm rainfall and 10.7-13.7°C temperatures.
Patients undergoing major surgery are at a higher risk of suboptimal recovery in urban heat islands, with Black patients and those in socially vulnerable communities hit hardest. Researchers recommend incorporating questions about home cooling and hydration into discharge planning to mitigate this risk.
A Cornell University study found that consumers don't consistently judge wine quality based on color, with hybrid grape wines ranking among the most visually appealing. The research, published in the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, also showed that taste and aroma are more important factors in overall quality perception.
A study found six Alaska rivers' water chemistry changed due to thawing permafrost, releasing iron, sulfuric acid, and other metals. The effects were observed 60 miles downstream, with metal concentrations 70 times higher than in pristine areas.
A new study shows that Hurricane Helene deposited nearly one-fifth of annual microplastics at one North Carolina site, intensifying storm-induced microplastic pollution. Microplastic deposition was three to 22 times higher than before the storm, with significant implications for human health and biodiversity.
A new study by Concordia researchers suggests that temporarily overshooting global warming targets can leave lasting changes in the climate system, including permafrost, sea-level rise, and ocean warming. The study found that the length of time spent above a target is crucial in determining the extent of these changes.
A new study using satellite data found that dryland ecosystems are experiencing escalating instability, with 80% of global drylands showing increased variability. This boom-and-bust dynamic threatens rain-fed agriculture and ecology, with implications for livestock production and rangeland management.
A new study reveals that 69% of the alpine zones in the northern Appalachian region have experienced significant increases in vegetation, representing 88% of the alpine area. The acceleration of growth may be driven by the impact of wind, which causes alpine zones to start lower than they would elsewhere at this latitude.
Global warming is causing heatwaves to occur earlier, lasting longer, and developing faster worldwide, with significant changes observed in drylands. The study found that heatwave risks depend not only on intensity and duration but also on timing and onset speed.
A study led by Göttingen University found that ethephon can delay flowering in sweet cherry varieties, potentially protecting them from frost damage. However, the treatment was not consistent across all varieties and regions, highlighting the need for further trials.
A new University of Washington study shows that past emissions from carbon majors will continue to impact the environment for decades to come. The research, published in PLOS Climate, highlights the long-term effects of fossil fuel emissions on global warming.
Simulations predict that historical carbon emissions from major fossil fuel producers will continue to contribute to global warming for many centuries. The study analyzed various future emissions scenarios, highlighting the long-term impact of past emissions on the environment.
Solidec's autonomous chemical generators produce essential chemicals using air, water, and electricity, giving businesses control over chemical supply chains while reducing waste and carbon emissions. The prize supports solutions with potential impact, and the winner will help deploy the technology with early customers to produce low-c...
This study presents the first complete ant fauna inventory for the Xisha Islands, revealing 21 ant species and 70% native taxa. Exotic species, including globally invasive fire ants, are significantly boosted by human disturbance, while vegetation type has negligible influence. Most Xisha ants are ground-dwelling omnivores, forming mut...
A recent study found that atmospheric particles, including aerosols and clouds, have contributed to the slower warming trend in India over the past three decades. The researchers discovered that aerosol loading and cloud cover have resulted in significant surface cooling, which would have been nearly twice as large without these factors.
The study highlights the fragmented timing of warming increases across the globe, providing a nuanced perspective on global-warming acceleration. Regional accelerations are most prominent in the Northern Hemisphere's mid-latitudes, such as southeast China and the Gulf of Mexico.
The 2026 Planetary Health Check reveals record-breaking levels of transgression across seven Planetary Boundaries, including climate change, ocean acidification, and freshwater change. The report highlights the urgent need for collective action to return to safe operating spaces and protect lives and livelihoods.
A new study from Dartmouth College found that droughts in the Northeastern US have decreased due to increased precipitation, outpacing water loss from the surface. The research team analyzed changes in drought frequency, intensity, and duration from 1901 to 2022, comparing their results to the US Drought Monitor.
New research shows wheat is more sensitive to heat waves before flowering, but later heat waves reduce grain weight after an early heat wave. Sequential heat waves may also provide 'priming' protection against later heat waves.
A new book proposes that smallholder farmers, who already produce 30% of the world's food, could meet humanity's additional food needs by 2050 while restoring nature. Regenerative agriculture and agroforestry practices can offset CO2 emissions and improve soil health.
A new study proposes a detailed public policy plan to meet Catalonia's needs in a resilient manner while respecting planetary boundaries. The report, part of the REAL post-growth research project, analyzes potential alternatives and quantifies resources required by current modes of living and production.
Research highlights advances in global weather modeling, sea ice convergence, and changes in seasonal drought patterns. Tornado emergencies are also explored, with a focus on Latinx communities and the importance of building trust and partnerships.
A survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that climate change is increasingly affecting Americans' daily lives, from electricity bills to outdoor activities and sleep. The survey also reveals that 76% of respondents report that extreme outdoor heat affected their daily activities at least sometimes in the past year.
New study defines thermodynamic-dynamic synergy metric to capture WPSH's linkage to East Asian weather anomalies. The JPDF metric shows stronger correlations with precipitation and temperature anomalies, projecting robust increases in WPSH area and intensity under future warming.
Researchers identified 33% of rivers and streams rated above-average for resilience, concentrated in Pacific Coast, Northern Rocky Mountains, and Great Lakes areas. Conserving 35% of waterways could sustain biodiversity, but only 6% is currently protected and resilient.
A recent study by Oxford researchers found that food manufacturers can significantly improve the sustainability and healthiness of their products by making small changes to their product portfolios. For example, swapping out the least nutritious and sustainable products with more average-scoring alternatives can lead to substantial imp...
Climate change is increasing the frequency of both droughts and floods, with back-to-back extreme events stressing crops and reducing yield. The area affected by such events is also likely to increase, with low-income populations facing the steepest relative increases in exposure.
A new study highlights the importance of lived experience, local knowledge, and community voices in climate change communication. Researchers found that people experience and respond to climate change differently, even within similar geographic and socio-ecological settings. The study recommends more place-responsive approaches that br...
A new study reveals that collisions between individual pieces of Arctic sea ice provide a simple explanation for its movement, which could help scientists predict its transport as the Arctic warms. The study's framework may also be applied to other systems involving many objects colliding in unpredictable environments.
Research shows that weather information alone won't shield poor livestock farmers from climate change impacts, highlighting the need for paired climate forecasts and risk-smoothing measures
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.
The commission, composed of 30 global experts, aims to assess and strengthen the value of academic institutions to society, build public trust, and support their contributions to society. The group will analyze foundation and implications of academic responsibility and provide actionable recommendations.
A new study by Colorado State University reveals that ag irrigation prevents higher greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding land conversion, saving 363 years' worth of emissions. Irrigation allows the US to grow more food on less land, reducing land-use change and its associated emissions.
The Frontiers Science House roadshow brings together world leaders and climate experts to address unresolved scientific disputes and policy bottlenecks in governance of climate intervention technologies and power, rewired: building the climate-energy future. The event aims to facilitate discussions and find solutions to pressing issues...
A new study finds that extreme heat events have expanded globally, with some regions experiencing more frequent heat events in spring and fall. This shifts the focus from average temperatures to individual extreme heat events, which are harder on the body when arriving at unexpected times.
A study analyzed the largest dataset on CO₂ budgets of northern peatlands, finding that lower water tables increase CO₂ emissions in response to rising temperatures. Higher water tables, on the other hand, reduce this effect. Rewetting drained peatlands is crucial for mitigating temperature-driven CO2 emissions, as the climate changes.
Researchers at Stony Brook University propose a technology to electrochemically enhance ocean alkalinity without seawater pretreatment, reducing costs and increasing carbon offset quality. This approach enables 'negative emission' carbon offsets and has significant implications for ocean carbon capture and net-zero goals.
Glacial lakes in the Alaknanda Basin are multiplying and expanding, posing a significant risk of devastating floods. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring and assessment to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the region.
Researchers from São Paulo State University tracked moisture sources and predicted droughts in the Amazon using water isotopes. The study demonstrated that daily precipitation monitoring can provide an early warning system for droughts, which are caused by El Niño and the warming of the North Atlantic.
The 'Lost Lakes' database provides real-time information on Arctic thermokarst lakes, enabling local communities to monitor changes in permafrost landscapes and respond effectively. Since 2016, around 10,000 lakes have lost significant areas or disappeared, with significant seasonal fluctuations.