Articles tagged with Climate Change Mitigation
A comparative study by researchers from RIFS finds that both Germany and the UK can do more to mitigate climate change in the heating sector. The authors recommend introducing a commitment to phasing out high-carbon heating and embedding it in planned policy interventions.
A conference of over 400 scientists highlights the need for transformative change in energy systems and lifestyles to combat climate change. They emphasize the importance of framing sustainability as a shared goal that benefits health and the environment, rather than just addressing climate change alone.
New research highlights the importance of legally protecting large indigenous territories in Brazil to preserve biodiversity, traditional livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Almost 90% of indigenous territories retain higher native vegetation cover than their surroundings, safeguarding over 100 million hectares of forests and savannahs.
Scientists propose integrating oceans into climate policies, highlighting four areas of investment: energy, transportation, food security, and habitat restoration. Aquaculture and sustainable fisheries also hold potential for reducing emissions and enhancing the food supply.
A new study predicts that future 'blobs' will exacerbate climate change impacts on fish stocks, causing biomass to decrease and distribution shifts. This could lead to significant declines in fisheries sectors along the west coast of Canada and USA.
A landmark study published in Nature outlines a roadmap for rebuilding marine life to full abundance by 2050. The research identifies nine key components and six complementary interventions that can accelerate recovery within two to three decades, provided climate change is tackled.
A new study reveals that soil has a significant role in mitigating climate change, with up to 25% of global potential for natural climate solutions. The research highlights the importance of agroforestry and improved agricultural practices in enhancing soil health and carbon sequestration.
A study by UCI researchers found that reductions in ground ozone resulted in $600 million in increased production annually, with yields projected to rise by 5-20% for certain crops like wine grapes and table grapes. The study highlights the benefits of air quality standards for California's high-value crops.
Researchers used ensemble simulations to quantify uncertainty caused by internal variability in SASM rainfall projections. They found a linkage between the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) phase and the spread in projected SASM rainfall, identifying IPO as a leading internal mode influencing near-term projection.
A study analyzing Barcelona's 'Superblocks' program reveals how political struggles for municipal power hindered its implementation. The program aimed to reduce car traffic and emissions, but resistance from local forces and public participation issues threatened its success.
A new study reveals that clearing acacia-dominated bushland for farming can raise land surface temperatures by up to 1.8°C, comparable to forest clearing. The findings suggest that preserving these ecosystems could mitigate climate change in the region.
A new study published in Energy and Environment found that despite high awareness of climate change, people are hesitant to take action due to differing worldviews. The study identifies four major worldviews influencing opinions on policy interventions and individual responsibility.
A new study finds that warming temperatures have been substantially mitigated by the migration of rainfed corn, wheat, and rice. However, continued migration may result in significant environmental costs, including biodiversity loss and increased carbon emissions.
A new study reveals that implementing available technology can significantly reduce methane emissions and mitigate climate change. The study estimates that between 30% and 50% of future global methane emissions can be removed at a cost below 50 €/t CO2eq, but acknowledges the need for regional- and sector-specific approaches to mitigat...
A recent study using satellite data reveals that abandoned cropland in Europe can moderate temperatures, with seasonal cooling of up to one degree C. The research found that forested areas increased by about 23 million hectares after agriculture abandonment, contributing to regional climate benefits.
A new study projects significant shifts in fish species distributions due to climate change, with tropical countries losing up to 40% of their species by 2100. The researchers highlight the need for international cooperation and strict greenhouse gas emissions reductions to mitigate the impact on vulnerable nations.
Researchers argue that current disjointed approaches may harm strategies to reduce food emissions and safeguard food from climate impacts. A comprehensive approach is needed to track emissions beyond the farm gate and understand how different components work together.
Scientists are developing new ways to mitigate climate change while enabling people and ecosystems to survive and thrive. Researchers are reengineering crops to increase yield and resist disease, modifying coral DNA to make reefs more resilient, and creating innovative solutions for cities to protect infrastructure from extreme weather.
A large study found daily exposure to ground level ozone in cities worldwide is associated with an increased risk of death. The study suggests that more than 6,000 deaths each year could be avoided if countries implemented stricter air quality standards.
New research suggests that cleaning up ozone precursors in energy, industrial, and transportation sectors can mitigate climate change by increasing the land's ability to remove carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. This could result in a 15% increase in the size of the current land sink for carbon.
A new IIASA study examines how collective behavior patterns emerge from personal, social, and environmental factors. The research highlights the importance of infrastructure in shaping sustainable behaviors, such as cycling, and demonstrates that even minor changes can have significant effects on adoption rates.
The study identifies six social tipping interventions that can trigger rapid change leading to decarbonization by 2050. These interventions include building carbon-neutral cities, divesting from fossil fuels, and increasing climate change education.
Researchers found that only 0.12% of climate research funding went to social science research, while natural sciences received 770% more funding. Experts recommend increasing funding for social science research, improving transparency, and prioritizing key questions.
Researchers suggest four strategies to change the minds of climate deniers: reframing solutions as social system stabilizers, reducing ideological divide by emphasizing Earth's purity, having conversations with trusted individuals, and discussing values before engaging climate info. Self-affirmation is challenged when facing climate ch...
A new study reveals Amazonian forests regrow much slower than previously believed, taking up to a century to fully recover and potentially overestimating their role in combating human-caused climate change.
Climate scientists continue to face uncertainties in predicting ice sheet melt rates, which directly impact sea-level rise projections. Recent research highlights the need for improved observations and computer models to refine these estimates and inform climate adaptation efforts.
An ice-free Arctic region could lead to increased global warming, but also offer benefits like reduced shipping distances and heating demands. IIASA researchers propose strategies to increase the North Atlantic current, which could lower ocean temperatures and mitigate climate change.
Researchers tested a radical geo-engineering approach using climate models and found that it could potentially delay Arctic sea ice decline by decades. However, the approach would not produce meaningful cooling effects globally or in lower latitudes. The study suggests that while 'ice management' is an interesting concept, it cannot me...
Transboundary protected landscapes near the US-Canada border provide vital habitat for lynx and connections with larger Canadian populations. Climate change and increased border security pose significant threats to species conservation.
Under future climate change, droughts are expected to become more frequent and severe, with a tripling of globally-averaged reductions in plant production by the end of this century. This could have devastating impacts on plant populations and the global carbon cycle.
An international research team has called for a more sober discourse around climate change prospects, highlighting the understatement of potential warming's speed and the scope for practical mitigation. Despite this, global decarbonization has accelerated to trend on course to achieve the Paris 2C target.
Researchers developed a new modeling approach that considers climate and water impacts on electricity infrastructure development, revealing the U.S. power grid may require an additional 5.3% to 12% of capacity to meet demand and reliability requirements. The study suggests viable solutions include tradeoffs in regional technology choic...
A US$250 million dollar agreement between Norway and Guyana reduced deforestation in Guyana by over 30 percent during the project period. However, deforestation increased immediately after the agreement ended, raising concerns about the long-term effectiveness of REDD+ programs.
A CMAJ editorial argues that Canada's government should adopt a holistic approach to address climate change, health, and taxes. The author suggests that framing these issues together can help people understand and support practical policies aimed at stalling climate change.
A group of scientists from the Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) urge policymakers to take action on soil carbon despite ongoing debates. They highlight the importance of rebuilding soil carbon for environmental and agricultural benefits, such as sustainable agriculture systems and water quality.
A new study finds that conservatives who report personal harm from extreme weather events, such as wildfires or floods, are more likely to support climate change mitigation policies. The study surveyed over 1,600 residents in communities affected by extreme weather events and found a significant link between reported harm and support f...
A $1.6 million grant from NSF will study linkages between urban food security and rural agricultural production, focusing on small-sized urban areas in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to translate scientific knowledge into data for policymakers to mitigate food security challenges.
Scientists warn that large-scale afforestation in African savannas will destroy valuable ecological, agricultural, and tourist areas. The plan, aimed at mitigating climate change, is considered irresponsible due to its potential to increase wildfire intensity and exacerbate global warming.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that coastal homeowners' attitudes towards climate change have little to no impact on their actions to protect their homes. Despite high confidence in climate change, many homeowners fail to take steps to mitigate vulnerabilities due to limited communication and awareness.
A four-year research project aims to deliver safe and reliable carbon dioxide removal by injecting CO2 into ocean basalt, where it will mineralize and remain permanently as rock. The project combines state-of-the-art technologies in a way that has never been conceived before.
A new study suggests that acting on climate change will cost less than the damage inflicted by inaction. The research warns of catastrophic consequences if efforts are not accelerated to reduce global warming. Experts emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change.
A study published in Science found that acting on climate change can have a significant return on investment, avoiding damages to people, infrastructure, and ecosystems. The research suggests that rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
A recent study published in Science finds that investing in climate change mitigation can save more money than the costs of climate change itself. The research highlights the benefits of limiting global warming to 1.5°C and suggests that rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to avoid catastrophic consequences.
A new study proposes a novel scenario framework for climate policy, focusing on capping global warming at a maximum level with either temperature stabilization or reversal. This approach addresses the limitations of current scenarios, which prioritize reaching specific climate goals in 2100 over long-term negative effects.
A new study maps 154 land restoration projects in Latin America, revealing their potential to mitigate climate change through forest restoration. The research highlights the importance of natural regeneration and assisted regeneration methods for increasing vegetation cover and biodiversity.
A study found that seaweed aquaculture has huge potential for carbon sequestration, with suitable area sufficient to render the entire global aquaculture industry carbon neutral. However, farming seaweed alone won't balance emissions from global food production due to cost and growth constraints.
A recent study found that while protected areas are reducing deforestation, their effectiveness varies, and conventional management indicators do not show the whole picture. Approximately half of the studied areas showed no deforestation, and 29 out of 36 had a positive impact in mitigating deforestation.
A new study projects that future summers in Saudi Arabia will reach extreme danger heat-stress threshold, posing a significant threat to pilgrims. Climate change mitigation initiatives can help reduce the frequency of such events, but adaptations are still necessary to ensure safe Hajj.
A study warns that large areas of tropics could vanish within 80 years if global dietary habits don't change, leading to widespread species loss. Replacing animal products with plant-based alternatives can reduce agricultural land use by 11%.
A recent study suggests that restoring forests can stabilize carbon stocks and reduce the risk of severe wildfires. By thinning out dense vegetation and promoting biodiversity, restored forests can store more carbon than damaged ones. This approach has the potential to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers identified social norms and self-efficacy as the primary drivers of population-wide dietary shifts towards sustainable diets. The study found that these factors, particularly in young populations and among females, play a crucial role in shaping behavior influencing diet changes.
Research reveals that agroforestry is a major carbon sink, but its contribution is often overlooked in international climate agreements. Scientists call for improved accounting and visibility of agroforestry practices to support climate change mitigation targets.
A new study finds that climate change will lead to a significant increase in global energy demand by 2050, with the largest changes occurring in electricity needed for cooling and the industry and service sectors.
A genome study has revealed the evolution of ruminants, including deer, antelope, and giraffes. The research provides a foundational genomic roadmap for understanding how evolution has shaped these animals, as well as their unique digestive system and adaptations to environmental changes.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found a significant decline in heat- and cold-related cardiovascular disease mortality in Spain, with temperature-related mortality decreasing by 38.2% over the four-decade period.
Experts warn that leaving microbes out of the climate conversation has major consequences. Microbes are crucial in regulating climate change, supporting animal and human health, agriculture, and the global food web. Climate change impacts microbial populations, exacerbating disease spread and threatening global food supplies.
A new study finds that New World monkeys are highly vulnerable to climate change, with many species facing substantial temperature increases and habitat changes over the next 30 years. The research suggests urgent action is needed to mitigate the effects of climate change on primate populations.
Researchers argue that policymakers should use disturbance ecology to stabilize forest carbon and account for risks in climate change mitigation policies. This approach aims to balance immediate loss with long-term storage, promoting forest carbon sequestration.
A new climate modeling approach suggests that social processes strongly affect global warming predictions, and mitigation efforts should account for this influence. The rate at which people learn about climate mitigation strategies via social interactions can raise warming predictions by over 1 degree Celsius.
A new review finds that agriculture and food systems must undergo significant changes to limit warming to 2 degrees C. Efforts should focus on reducing emissions from agriculture, food loss and waste, and meat and dairy production, while supporting smallholder farmers through climate-smart agriculture and social safety nets.