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Pathways to changing the minds of climate deniers

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...

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalCurrent Opinion in Environmental Sustainability·DateJan 8, 2020

Living at the edges

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 4, 2019

Conservatives more likely to support climate policy if they report harm due to extreme weather

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...

SourceOregon State University·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateNov 5, 2019

Land restoration in Latin America shows big potential for climate change mitigation

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.

'Charismatic carbon'

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 29, 2019

Leaving microbes out of climate change conversation has major consequences, experts warn

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.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Reviews Microbiology·DateJun 18, 2019

Monkeys face climate change extinction threat

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.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 12, 2019

New global warming model highlights strong impact of social learning

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 6, 2019

Limiting warming to 2 degrees C will require emission cuts across entire food system

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.

Biodiversity and carbon: perfect together

Researchers found positive correlations between biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration in ten of twelve landscapes, indicating a shared benefit. The study suggests that increasing biodiversity can also increase carbon storage, highlighting the interconnectedness of these two goals.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 9, 2019

Vietnam can reduce emissions, save $2.3 billion by 2030 in ag, forestry and land use

A study by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture reveals that Vietnam can achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through affordable agricultural practices, increasing productivity, and reducing inputs. Implementing these measures could eliminate up to 51% of p...

Climate change and electricity consumption in China

Climate change is projected to significantly impact electricity consumption in China's Yangtze River Delta, with daily consumption increasing by 14.5% for every 1°C rise in temperature above 25°C. By the end of the century, annual mean and peak consumption are expected to increase by approximately 9.2% and 36.1%, respectively.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2018

Optimizing restoration can deliver an eightfold increase in cost-effectiveness

A new study by International Institute for Sustainability presents a flexible tool to increase restoration cost-effectiveness by up to eight times, considering multiple criteria such as biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. The study identifies optimal priority areas for restoration, showcasing the potential of spati...

SourceInternational Institute for Sustainability·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 18, 2018