Articles tagged with Climate Change Mitigation
Three EU-funded projects synthesize research knowledge on high-end climate change impacts and adaptation for key policy sectors. Research highlights potential risks, challenges, and opportunities for transformational change, including innovative solutions for coastal zone adaptation.
Marine reserves can help protect wildlife, support fisheries, and promote carbon storage to slow climate change impacts. The study evaluates existing research on the benefits of large, long-established marine protected areas in reducing the effects of ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and other climate change drivers.
A global assessment reveals that increased leaf abundance in boreal areas warms the environment while in arid regions it cools. The study suggests a buffering effect of greening on warming in about 60% of vegetated areas, but amplifies warming in boreal zones.
A study published in Cognition found that Pope Francis's 2015 encyclical on climate change increased perceptions of his credibility on the issue, particularly among liberals, but did not directly influence people's beliefs about its seriousness or effects on the poor. The study used a panel of 602 U.S. adults who completed surveys befo...
Scientists have created a global map measuring the cooling effect of forests by regulating water and energy exchange between the Earth's surface and atmosphere. This new statistical model allows communities to pinpoint ideal locations for forest protection or reforestation efforts.
A recent study found that cover crops can mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing soil carbon sequestration. The research suggests that cover cropping can be an effective adaptive management tool to maintain yields and minimize nitrogen losses as the climate warms.
A new study identifies the isotopic fingerprint of nitrous oxide produced by Arctic soils, shedding light on climate change mitigation actions. The research opens up new avenues for predicting future trends in atmospheric nitrous oxide and identifying greenhouse gas sources in the Arctic.
Researchers at the Met Office Hadley Centre found that aggressive emission reductions can reduce the risk of extreme seasonal temperatures by half within 20 years. This study challenges previous assumptions that most benefits of mitigation would be delayed until later in the century.
A new study projects a 50% increase in conducive weather conditions similar to those in January 2013, leading to more frequent severe haze events in Beijing. The researchers developed an effective Haze Weather Index (HWI) to represent such conditions, which are influenced by large-scale circulation changes and climate change.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that water temperatures generally remain low despite rising air temperatures, helping to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The research, conducted by Uppsala University, involved nearly 3,500 schoolchildren taking measurements and samples from lakes across Sweden.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that adopting healthier diets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower healthcare costs. The study's results show a significant impact on climate change mitigation through the food system and healthcare systems.
Scientists call for transparent and credible data to track the real mitigation potential of forests. Forests are expected to contribute up to 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions reductions by 2030.
A study by researchers at the University of East Anglia found that fiscal policies can help lower harmful carbon emissions in developing countries. The research used Brazil as a case study and discovered that even early-stage measures could significantly reduce emissions.
A new study reveals that land-use changes such as deforestation and expanded agriculture significantly increase CO2 emissions, but also reveal a higher rate of carbon uptake among terrestrial ecosystems.
A new study investigates how cookstove emissions contribute to both indoor air quality issues and global climate change. The research reveals that reducing cookstove use in certain countries, such as Azerbaijan and Ukraine, could have the largest positive impact on climate change, despite not being major users of residential cookstoves.
The Berkeley Tsinghua Joint Research Center on Energy and Climate Change has received a $5 million donation to support its scientific research and analysis on clean energy solutions for China. The gift also establishes the first endowed chair at Berkeley Lab, the Nat Simons Chair in China Energy Policy.
A recent study suggests that climate engineering cannot be used as a substitute for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, due to significant uncertainties associated with the technique. Climate engineering would allow very little additional emissions during the coming decades.
Researchers assess environmental costs of electric vehicles, identifying material trade-offs to mitigate climate change. A new framework guides developers in choosing sustainable materials for batteries and fuel cells.
A new study by Cornell University researchers reveals that moral values like compassion, fairness, and purity influence individuals' willingness to take climate change action. The findings suggest that both liberals and conservatives value these moral principles, with compassion and fairness being the strongest predictors of action.
The Lancet Countdown is an international research initiative that tracks the impacts of climate change on public health and informs decision-making. It aims to accelerate policy responses to address the growing health risks associated with climate change.
A new study by University of Miami researchers found that the Agulhas Current, a major Indian Ocean current, has broadened since the early 1990s due to increased turbulence from intensifying winds. This widening of the current has significant implications for global climate change and ocean heat transport.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) should include ocean variability and regional projections in its reports to better understand the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. Experts from the University of Bristol and Tasmania recommend incorporating local stressors and regional projections into policy decisions.
Experts predict that soils will lose a significant amount of their carbon content, leading to increased soil erosion and flood damage. Land use changes and management practices are crucial to mitigate this trend and protect soil functions.
New research reveals EU's transport sector faces significant challenges in achieving emission reduction targets. The study highlights a lack of ambition and internal disagreement over responsibility, as well as scarcity of data and bias towards industry interests.
Researchers warn that economic growth will not be able to counterbalance hurricane losses under unchecked global warming. Historical losses due to tropical cyclones have been found to increase less than linearly with a nation's affected GDP, but per capita income does not protect against hurricane losses.
The study reveals significant productivity losses due to heat stress, with potential GDP losses of up to $2 trillion by 2030. Climate change exacerbates health risks from disasters like floods, cyclones, and landslides, affecting millions in the Asia Pacific region.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced $8.4 million in funding to study and develop new approaches for the US agriculture sector to adapt to climate change. The funding will support research on reducing energy, nitrogen, and water use, as well as training community-based volunteers to become 'climate masters,'
A new study found that major green donors allocate most of their climate mitigation funding to developing countries with large carbon sinks and good governance. This funding often overlooks least-developed countries, diverting public finance from poor nations and exacerbating global inequality.
A new study finds that sustained high or low oil prices could have a significant impact on future carbon dioxide emissions. The magnitude of the impact depends on various uncertainties, including energy supply and demand technologies, alternative resources, and climate policy.
A leading physician argues that family planning is highly cost-effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advocates for voluntary family planning as a crucial strategy. Studies show that having one less child can reduce carbon legacy by up to 9441 tonnes, more than other eco-actions.
A new journal by Princeton University and Brookings Institution highlights the need for children to be central to climate change debates due to their larger stake in the outcome. The issue outlines policies to mitigate harm caused by climate change on children's health and wellbeing.
A recent study published in Nature Climate Change reveals significant greening of a quarter to one-half of the Earth's vegetated lands due to CO2 fertilization. The increase in leaves on plants and trees has the potential to fundamentally change the cycling of water and carbon in the climate system.
A new study suggests that Americans' skepticism towards climate change may be partly due to the perception of milder winters and dryer summers. This cognitive dissonance between self-experienced changes and long-term threats makes it challenging for people to make climate-conscious decisions.
Climate change will have devastating consequences for public and individual health unless aggressive, global action is taken to curb greenhouse gas emissions. ACP recommends that medical schools incorporate climate change-related coursework into curricula.
The report identifies three key paths forward: improve existing systems, conserve fuel through driver habits, and transform the transportation system for longer-term benefits. Recommendations include improving fuel consumption, electrification, and transforming the system to lower carbon energy sources.
A new study finds that climate mitigation efforts in the energy system could lead to increasing pressure on water resources, requiring integrated strategies for sustainable long-term use. The energy sector's increasing demand for water by 2100 poses a risk of water allocation conflicts and local shortages.
A new interactive tool reveals distinct climate opinion patterns across Canada's provinces and ridings, with significant variations in Alberta versus Quebec. Canadians broadly agree that Earth is warming, but regional differences and demographic factors influence opinions on emissions trading systems.
A new study reveals that countries emitting the least amount of greenhouse gases are most vulnerable to climate change effects such as natural disasters and habitat changes. The highest-emitting nations, however, are less vulnerable despite contributing significantly to global emissions.
A North Carolina State University study finds that snowshoe hares experiencing a mismatch in their coat colors due to climate change suffer a 7% drop in weekly survival rate. The researchers suggest that natural selection may enable the adaptation of some individuals, but whether it can save hare populations quickly enough is uncertain.
A new study in HortScience evaluated high-yielding lettuce cultivars for subtropical regions, finding 'Fu San', romaine lettuce 'Jhih Li Wo', and leaf lettuce 'Bai Yeh Wo' as suitable for summer production. The researchers developed a new cultivar called Taoyuan No.3, with improved temperature tolerance and late bolting characteristics.
A study by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland finds that global emissions will continue to increase until 2030 unless drastic reductions are carried out. The countries with the most room for improvement are China and India, highlighting the need for more ambitious targets.
Alaska permafrost is projected to decline by 16-24% by 2100 under widely accepted climate scenarios, with more losses expected in central Alaska than northern Alaska. Climate change degrades permafrost, affecting ground and surface water pathways, transportation, and releasing stored carbon.
Researchers found that electric mobility could be a crucial factor in reducing CO2 emissions from transportation, which currently accounts for 23% of global emissions. Improved urban infrastructure policies, such as investing in public transport and bike paths, can also lead to significant reductions in emissions.
A new U of T study argues that stakeholders should be rewarded for their valuable input in climate change research. The researchers categorized 27 climate change research networks and listed the roles of stakeholders in producing knowledge on local communities.
A new study found that California's 6th-grade science textbooks give climate change a mixed message, presenting it as a controversial debate and downplaying the role of humans. The textbooks do not accurately reflect the scientific consensus on human-caused global warming.
A major economy leading climate action could limit warming to 2°C, but countries must agree on fairness criteria. Effective emission reductions are possible if a leader doubles domestic targets, enabling other nations to follow and stay on track for the 2°C limit.
High-resolution climate models show parts of the Persian Gulf region may surpass survivability thresholds for temperatures above 35°C, posing severe human health risks. The study suggests that curbing greenhouse gas emissions could prevent these extreme heat events.
Scientists found that allocating greenhouse-gas emissions reductions will be key for the outcome of COP21 in Paris. A major economy acting as a forerunner and other nations following can limit warming below 2°C. This approach would require significant efforts from countries like the EU and US.
An international team proposes a method for countries to choose their own 'fair' emissions cuts, paving the way for a global consensus. The approach requires one major power to set an ambitious target, with others following suit and choosing their own justice model.
A new study led by UC Riverside researchers found that utility-scale solar energy development can drive land-use and land-cover change, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions. The study emphasizes the need for optimized solar energy development to minimize environmental impacts.
Large-scale wind power generation can reduce breeding success of white-tailed eagles by causing collision mortality. Preventive measures are needed to protect vulnerable species and ensure sustainable energy production.
A recent study by University of Colorado Boulder and U.S. Forest Service found that people who believe climate change increases wildfire risk are not more likely to take mitigation actions on their property. However, those who reject climate science are more likely to engage in risk-reducing behaviors.
A new University of Utah study found that climate change negatively impacts birth weight, particularly in African countries. Exposure to reduced precipitation and increased hot days results in lower birth weights, with effects seen as early as the first trimester.
The true cost of coal usage is higher than expected due to government subsidies and environmental side effects, argues Ottmar Edenhofer. These subsidies not only divert funds away from other important uses but also discourage investments in low-carbon alternatives.
A new study reveals countries with higher per-capita CO2 emissions, like the US and Russia, have accumulated large carbon debts. India is the largest creditor, while Brazil and Indonesia switch from being creditors to debtors due to deforestation and agriculture.
Coral reefs are under pressure from climate change, which may reduce their ability to protect tropical islands against wave attack and erosion. The study suggests that coasts fronted by relatively narrow reefs with steep faces and deeper reef flats will experience the highest wave runup and greatest potential for island flooding.
Bioethicists can help reframe climate change discussion to focus on serious health risks, rather than just polar bears or environmental issues. This approach could aid communication efforts and mitigate tensions between skeptics and experts.
The UN Secretary-General's Scientific Advisory Board has identified key scientific challenges for sustainable development, including a Blue Economy, biodiversity, climate change, and access to water. The board recommends investing in research and education to address these issues and ensure a better future for humanity.
Researchers found that Staghorn coral species can increase feeding rates to buffer the effects of climate change and ocean acidification. This breakthrough has implications for reef conservation and resilience strategies.
A new study found that climate change sceptics and believers share integrated expressions of self, forming specific social identities. The researchers suggest building support for mitigation policies requires approaches beyond science education, focusing on changing relationships between groups.