Articles tagged with Climate Change Mitigation
New research reveals that land subsidence caused by humans is the main culprit behind delta sinking, posing increased flooding risk to 236 million people. The study identifies groundwater extraction as the dominant cause of subsidence, highlighting the need for urgent local interventions.
The EU-funded Trees4Adapt project aims to strengthen Europe's adaptation and resilience to climate change through tree-based solutions. By combining cutting-edge research with practical applications, the project will help policymakers make informed choices and inform EU policies.
A new review highlights the growing threat of environmental antimicrobial resistance, which can spread through wastewater plants, farms, and oceans. The authors call for integrated surveillance to track resistance genes and prioritize traits that drive health risk, such as mobility, host pathogenicity, and multi-resistance.
A global report highlights fragmented data systems and lack of standardization hindering botanic gardens' contribution to biodiversity conservation and scientific research. Researchers call for a unified, equitable global data system to transform how living collections manage and share information.
A study published in Biochar found that optimized biochar application could reduce China's cropland nitrous oxide emissions by as much as 50 percent. The researchers analyzed data from over a decade of field studies across China and identified optimal biochar strategies to deliver substantial climate benefits.
A new study co-led by the University of Oxford found that global aviation emissions can be reduced by 50-75% through combined strategies to boost efficiency. The study reveals enormous variability in emissions efficiency, with some routes producing nearly 900 grams of CO2 per kilometre for each paying passenger.
Researchers at North Carolina State University propose a 'compounded resilience' strategy to help local governments prepare for and adapt to climate change. By incorporating policies that improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance infrastructure, communities can become more resilient and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
A new study led by Concordia researchers found that federally funded Indigenous-led conservation programs can deliver highly effective climate and biodiversity outcomes. These programs, known as Indigenous-led Nature-based Solutions (NbS), can match or surpass conventional national and provincial parks in terms of carbon storage and bi...
A recent UBC study found that half of the global population needs to change their diets to prevent severe planetary warming. The study suggests that individuals can make simple dietary changes, such as eating only what they need and reducing beef consumption, to reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study suggests that well-designed school meal programmes can simultaneously improve child nutrition, reduce long-term diet-related illness, lessen climate pressures, and stimulate resilient food systems. Providing a healthy, sustainable meal to every child by 2030 could generate substantial health and environmental gains worldwide.
A new model by researchers at Duke University explains how trees grow differently under rising carbon dioxide levels. The study found that an engineer's view of water movement in leaves can help explain tree growth patterns in a carbon-rich atmosphere.
A University at Buffalo researcher has developed a framework to help scientists incorporate community input into Earth system models, providing more accurate and relevant regional climate data. The framework outlines four levels of co-design, allowing modelers to incorporate local knowledge and observations directly into the model.
Recent research reveals that volcanic eruptions can cause unpredictable weather patterns, including volcanic rain, dust storms, and unstable Antarctic air. The study also found that the Antarctic surface atmosphere has become less stable and more prone to gravity waves since the 1950s.
A new AI method has identified 51 old pea varieties with high starch and protein content, potentially suitable for producing plant-based foods. The study shows a close relationship between seed appearance and chemical composition, enabling partial prediction of properties based on images.
A new carbon trading model suggests that the Philippines can reach net-zero emissions in its power sector by 2054 while cutting electricity costs. The model indicates that revenues from carbon trading markets would more than cover the costs of deploying renewable energy and emissions reduction technologies.
A new Danish model reveals that green initiatives in farming can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions from one aspect of the system, while storing more carbon in the soil over time. The CIRKULÆR model shows that policymakers must consider the entire agricultural system to make informed decisions.
A framework has been developed to calculate fair distribution of the remaining greenhouse gas budget among European regions. The 'Equal Transition Opportunity Production-Based Allocation' (ETOPA) mechanism takes into account regional economic structures and risks in the transition to a climate-neutral economy.
Simulations predict a 22-26% and 37-43% increase in extreme floods on the Karnali River between 2020 and 2099, with high emissions expected to see a 73-84% increase. The study highlights the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate flood hazards.
Researchers at Stockholm School of Economics and Harvard University found that localized messaging can boost climate resilience in vulnerable communities. Homeowners who received emails mentioning their suburbs were twice as likely to seek more information on protective measures compared to those who received generic communications.
Cornell University scientists have developed a new approach to manufacturing hydrogen peroxide using engineered materials that absorb visible light, separate charges, and drive the conversion of water and oxygen into hydrogen peroxide. This method has the potential to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, cut energy usage, and improve safet...
Research shows that flooding in delta cities like Shanghai can expand by up to 80% and be much deeper by 2100 due to extreme climate events, sea-level rise and land subsidence. A major adaptation effort is required to raise defences and construct mobile flood barriers.
A comprehensive investigation reveals significant public support for degrowth's key ideas across the UK and US. The study challenges the notion that such policies lack popular backing. Majority support was found for the full proposal with or without labels, while the 'degrowth' label alone received lower support due to low awareness.
A new review highlights how climate change intensifies the impact of plastic pollution, affecting ecosystems and potentially disproportionately impacting apex predators. The study urges eliminating non-essential single-use plastics, creating international standards for reusable and recyclable plastics.
Researchers developed Xiriton, a biobased concrete substitute that captures CO2 and provides a natural boost to coastal restoration. The material is made from chopped grass, pozzolan, slaked lime, shells, sand, and seawater, and has been shown to be suitable for restoring tidal areas with high biodiversity.
A new study reveals that the burning of fossil fuels is accelerating winter rainfall changes in Northern and central Europe, including the UK, by more than two decades. This finding significantly upsets climate model projections, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation planning and infrastructure investment.
A modelling study suggests that heat stored in the Southern Ocean could be released, causing a rapid warming of the atmosphere. The ocean acts as a large heat reservoir, mitigating atmospheric warming since the Industrial Revolution.
The statement provides guidance as countries debate closing ambition gap at COP30 and small island states call for honoring 1.5°C goal. Research shows that limiting overshoot and returning below 1.5°C is still possible with quick emissions fall and clean-energy deployment acceleration.
The University of Oxford has launched the Nature's Intelligence Studio, a programme that translates principles from biological systems into technologies supporting sustainable innovation. The studio aims to align conservation and industrial decarbonisation through bio-inspired solutions.
According to a new study, humans travel for approximately 1.3 hours per day, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. This constant travel time is influenced by psychological desires and practical limitations, resulting in a convergent range of travel times across different modes of transport.
A new study has analyzed a rare flooding event in the Maldives in July 2022 and found it could become a far more common occurrence in the future. By 2050, predicted rises in sea levels, coupled with increased extreme weather events, may result in such flooding happening every two to three years.
A recent study finds that artificial intelligence has a negligible effect on global greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers' analysis of US energy consumption and AI use across industries revealed that the energy usage from AI in the US equals the energy consumption for all of Iceland, but not noticeable on a global scale.
A Weill Cornell Medicine investigator outlines measures to ensure children's health is accounted for within climate change goals. The author suggests adopting 17 standardized indicators related to childhood mortality rates, nutrition, and vaccination coverage to support other targets like the Sustainable Development Goals.
The G20 science academies recommend measures to address climate change consequences in health, ecology, and technology. The One Health approach is highlighted as a strategy to mitigate climate change, emphasizing sustainable land, water, and energy resource use.
The ITU delegation will work with governments and private-sector leaders to leverage digital transformation as a catalyst for climate solutions. The Green Digital Action initiative aims to address the sector's environmental impact through practical tools and tangible results.
Scientists at UC Riverside are using advanced technology to understand how corals regain life-giving algae after suffering from heat stress. By studying the cellular and genetic mechanisms of algae reestablishment, researchers aim to develop practical tools to help reefs survive ocean warming.
Researchers evaluate ways to redesign land use and nature conservation using integrated approaches to meet ecological, social, and economic goals. Multifunctional landscapes can promote biodiversity, food production, climate regulation, and human well-being.
The Lancet Countdown report links climate change to violence and community health, emphasizing the need for social and economic changes to prevent conflict. Strengthening food systems and ensuring emergency responses can reduce grievances and protect healthcare workers.
Researchers have discovered that extended periods of high stress in wheat crops can lead to iron deficiency and stunted growth. By reducing iron deficiency with a synthetic organic molecule called PDMA, plants are able to improve photosynthesis and biomass under heat stress conditions.
A policy-specific assessment framework evaluates integrated effects of emission control policies on greenhouse gas mitigation, air quality improvement, and public health protection. China's on-road transportation policies have achieved remarkable progress but face weakening synergies, underscoring the need for deep structural transitions.
Scientists will study moisture-driven mechanisms of ice sheet growth during the Miocene Climatic Optimum, a warmer climate period. The team aims to understand how increased moisture transport affects ice accumulation and mitigate sea level rise.
The report highlights 22 vital signs at record levels, including surface temperature and ocean heat content. It proposes high-impact strategies to mitigate the climate crisis, such as transitioning to renewable energy and protecting ecosystems, which can remove up to 10 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
A new report warns that the planet is on a dangerous path and that rapid action can avert the worst outcomes of climate change. The report highlights the need for effective climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, including reducing fossil fuel consumption and promoting renewable energy sources.
A new report published in BioScience reveals Earth's climate crisis is accelerating at an alarming rate, with 22 of 34 planetary vital signs now at record levels. The study emphasizes that climate change mitigation strategies are available and urgently needed to limit warming.
Researchers warn that global warming breaching 1.5°C could create a vicious cycle where dealing with climate impacts hinders action to tackle the underlying problem, leading to 'derailment'. The report highlights the need for a strategy to navigate this 'climate storm' and avoid derailment.
New research shows that near-term mitigation could spare future generations around 0.6 meters of sea-level rise caused by emissions between 2020 and 2090 following current policies. The study provides a direct link between today's policy choices and sea levels hundreds of years from now.
The COAST-SCAPES project aims to co-design systemic resilience solutions for coastal landscapes by developing integrated indicators, proactive climate warning systems, and knowledge-based strategies. The project promotes the use of nature-based solutions to reduce environmental footprint and restore vulnerable coastal areas.
Researchers used industry models to value mangrove benefits at $725 million and $4.1 billion during Hurricanes Irma and Ian. Mangroves reduce flood losses for coastal homes built inland, but may increase damages in front of the trees.
A new study finds that glaciers will likely reach their peak of self-cooling power in the 2020s-2040s before near-surface temperatures spike up and melting accelerates. The research, led by Thomas Shaw, used an unprecedented dataset of on-glacier observations worldwide to demonstrate this trend.
A study found that UK MPs and the public overestimated the time needed for global greenhouse emissions to peak. Labour MPs were more likely to know the correct answer than Conservative MPs. The researchers suggest that institutions like the IPCC need to improve communication about climate change to policymakers and the public.
Researchers Prof David Julian McClements and Prof David L. Kaplan propose hybrid foods as a solution to reduce industrial animal use's carbon footprint and boost health. The authors emphasize the need for collaboration to optimize protein combinations balancing nutrition, taste, sustainability, and affordability.
The IPBES report highlights five strategies to achieve transformative change: incorporating culture and ecology into conservation efforts, integrating biodiversity concerns into economic sectors, reforming governments, shifting societal values, and promoting incremental changes. The authors emphasize the urgent need for concerted effor...
Researchers reveal how hybrid foods combining proteins from different sources could be part of the solution to reduce industrial animal use. By using combinations of different proteins, they found that hybrids can overcome many limitations of individual protein sources and create products that are more than the sum of their parts.
A Stanford University study reveals a roadmap for California to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, requiring significant advancements in renewable energy generation, energy storage, and low-carbon transportation. The model forecasts the need for 170 gigawatts of new generation and 54 gigawatts of storage by 2045.
Build up Nepal's eco-brick technology reduces CO2 emissions and makes homes safer while cutting construction costs. The company will use the prize to scale up its innovative solution.
A model study explores how carbon pricing paired with redistribution can help the energy transition and climate globally, increasing welfare and reducing economic inequality. The research team developed an integrated assessment model to map relationships between economy, income distribution, and climate policy in 179 countries.
Despite a US federal government retreat from its net zero target, global climate commitments continue to grow. Corporate net zero targets have matured, with 70% of the largest listed companies having set goals, while US states remain committed to reducing emissions, sustaining domestic and global momentum.
A new study reveals that global warming is accelerating the risk of multi-year droughts leading to extreme water scarcity. The frequency of Day Zero Droughts will increase sharply over the coming decades, affecting 750 million people globally by the end of this century.
Polar geoengineering proposals, such as aerosol injection and sea walls, may harm fragile ecosystems and divert resources from deep decarbonization efforts. The Frontiers Forum Deep Dive series explores the limitations of these initiatives and their potential to exacerbate climate change.
A team of researchers at Rice University has developed a faster and cleaner method for recovering aluminum from bauxite residue, or red mud, by using a brief electrical pulse and chlorine gas. The process, called flash Joule heating, selectively vaporizes toxic metals while retaining almost all the aluminum.
The authors argue that energy availability has driven architectural design throughout history, with fossil fuels transforming buildings in the 17th century. They challenge conventional wisdom on sustainability, highlighting the high energy costs of modern minimalist designs like the Seagram Building.