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Hidden threat: Global underground infrastructure vulnerable to sea-level rise

A recent study by University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers highlights the hidden threat of global underground infrastructure vulnerability to sea-level rise. Shallow and saltier groundwater exacerbates corrosion and failure of critical systems such as sewer lines, roadways, and building foundations in cities worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalAnnual Review of Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 15, 2024

UC Santa Cruz researchers value salt marsh restoration as a crucial tool in flood risk reduction and climate resilience in the San Francisco Bay

Researchers found that salt marsh restoration can reduce flood risk, preserve habitats, and provide recreational opportunities. The study also emphasizes the importance of integrating nature-based solutions into comprehensive climate resilience strategies to mitigate future climate change impacts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 11, 2024

Climate change threatens Antarctic meteorites

Climate change causes melting of ice sheet, resulting in loss of about 5,000 meteorites per year. Researchers call for urgent action to preserve the scientific value of meteorites and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 8, 2024

Scientists call for urgent action to prevent immune-mediated illnesses caused by climate change and biodiversity loss

Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are damaging our immune systems, increasing the risk of diseases like asthma and cancer. Improving the environment offers effective protection and can have a powerful return on investment, saving $3 in healthcare costs for every $1 spent on mitigation.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 4, 2024

Companies ignoring climate risks get punished by markets, new study reveals

A recent study from the University of Florida found that companies ignoring climate risks tend to face market penalties, whereas those proactively managing risks fare better. The research analyzed textual data from nearly 5,000 US public companies and discovered a costly divide between proactive and non-proactive firms.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 2, 2024

A new estimate of U.S. soil organic carbon to improve Earth system models

Scientists have developed a new method to estimate soil organic carbon in the US, providing a more accurate benchmark for policymakers. The study reveals how environmental variables affect soil organic carbon and offers insights into mitigating climate change through sustainable land management practices.

SourceEmory University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 2, 2024

Air quality in Europe shows significant improvements over the last two decades, study finds

A study reveals significant improvements in European air quality over the last two decades, with declining levels of PM10 and NO2. However, 98.10% of the population lives in areas exceeding WHO recommended levels for PM2.5, leading to 86.34% experiencing unclean air days annually.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2024

Advancing climate change research and policy demands knowledge from Indigenous Peoples and local communities, new study reveals

A new study highlights the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples' knowledge in advancing climate change research and policy. The project LICCI, led by Victoria Reyes-García, engaged over 5,000 individuals across 48 diverse cultures and nationalities to document climate change impacts as perceived by local communities.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 27, 2024

Climate change increases the risk of preterm births by 60% and will devastate children’s health without fast global action

A new study links climate change to a 60% increase in preterm births and severe respiratory diseases. Without global action, climate-driven extremes will devastate children's health for generations, with the strongest link found between temperature extremes and increased risk of preterm birth.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2024

Multiple city hubs, dispersed parks keep metro areas cooler

An analysis by Cornell University city planning scholars found that metropolitan areas with multiple city centers and dispersed green spaces are more effective at mitigating extreme heat than those with one dominant city. Polycentric development can moderate the urban heat island effect, especially in larger urban areas.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironment and Planning B Urban Analytics and City Science·DateFeb 12, 2024

Fungal-rich soil may improve green roofs

A Dartmouth-led research team created an experimental green roof to test the effect of native prairie microbes on soil microbial community development. Their findings demonstrate that active management accelerates soil development faster than passive reestablishment, fostering a more diverse and sustainable soil community.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Climate change threatens older elephants most, jeopardizing African elephants’ future

A new study by UMass Amherst and the Wildlife Conservation Society finds that climate change disproportionately affects older African elephants, who will have decreased chances of survival. This can lead to a ripple effect on their ecosystems and cultures, highlighting the need for coordinated management strategies at all levels.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·DateJan 31, 2024

Geoengineering may slow Greenland ice sheet loss

Researchers found that injecting aerosols into the stratosphere can reduce ice sheet loss by up to 37.6 mm sea-level rise, slowing global warming's effects. However, geoengineering addresses only symptoms, not root causes, and may delay necessary changes.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 30, 2024

The heat is on: UMass Amherst scientists discover southern Africa’s temps will rise past the rhinos’ tolerance

Rising temperatures caused by climate change will impact southern Africa's remaining black and white rhinoceros populations, scientists report. The region's diverse national parks will struggle to adapt to increasing heat, with some species facing extinction due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalBiodiversity·DateJan 17, 2024

Scientists outline a bold solution to climate change, biodiversity loss, social injustice

A novel dataset is used to propose a 'restorative' pathway through which humanity can avoid the worst ecological and social outcomes of climate change. The scenario emphasizes social and economic justice as well as environmental sustainability, and offers a contrast to other climate scenarios that may be more aligned with the status quo.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 9, 2024

Emissions and evasions

A new study found that fossil fuel companies rarely respond to online discussions about extreme weather, but instead engage with sustainability initiatives and corporate efforts. Climate misinformation can fuel denialism and delay action, emphasizing the need for understanding how it's designed and spread.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·Journalnpj Climate Action·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2023

People who see climate change as a health threat show more interest in cancer screening

A study found that individuals who perceive climate change as a health threat are more likely to endorse interest in cancer screening. Those with greater awareness of climate change impacts may also be more overall health conscious, driving their interest in preventive healthcare measures.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2023

Technology not growing fast enough to decarbonize steel and cement industries by 2050

A new study by the National Institute for Environmental Studies shows that current infrastructure deployment is insufficient to meet Paris Agreement targets, requiring a shift in how materials are used or consumed. The study estimates that feasible supply of steel and cement within a carbon budget will fall short of expected global dem...

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2023

Coral reefs in peril from record-breaking ocean heat

A recent study by University of Queensland scientist Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg warns that record-breaking marine heatwaves will cause catastrophic mass coral bleaching worldwide. The research suggests that current marine heatwaves will likely lead to a global mass coral bleaching event over the next 12-24 months.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 8, 2023

Riding the whims of the wind

Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEcological Modelling·DateNov 30, 2023

Using public incentives for negative emissions increases economic inequality

A new study finds that public incentives for negative emissions can exacerbate economic inequality, especially in countries with concentrated equity ownership and expensive mitigation options. Researchers propose alternative policy provisions to mitigate the increase in inequality while ensuring decarbonization at reasonable cost.