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Climate benefits of tree planting could be reduced by soil carbon loss, Stirling professor warns

A University of Stirling professor has warned that tree-planting may not be as effective at reducing climate change as previously assumed due to potential soil carbon losses. The study found that deep soils in forests may lose more carbon over time than expected, which could reduce the net climate benefits of tree planting.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 10, 2026

How to “green” operating rooms: new guideline advises reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink

A new guideline published in CMAJ advises hospitals to implement 21 recommendations to increase environmental sustainability in operating rooms. The guidelines include reducing energy use, using reusable devices, developing recycling programs, and rethinking disposal of unused supplies.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 9, 2026

Forest soils increasingly extract methane from atmosphere

Researchers at the University of Göttingen found that forest soils in south-western Germany absorb more methane as climate conditions become drier and warmer. This contradicts current international meta-analyses, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring for assessing the effects of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 4, 2026

Climate change is reshaping how companies do business

New research shows that climate change is driving companies to diversify their customer base to reduce reliance on a few major buyers. This shift is particularly pronounced among firms with strong corporate social responsibility performance and heavy investment in physical assets.

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalBusiness Strategy and the Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 29, 2026

How to motivate collective action on climate

A Stanford University study found that showcasing past collective efforts on climate change can motivate individuals to take action. The most effective interventions combined evidence of impact with social and emotional benefits, increasing willingness to take public awareness actions by 30% and political actions by nearly 14%.

SourceStanford University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 27, 2026

Arctic seas are getting louder as ice melts, posing risks – study shows how to better measure noise

The Arctic is experiencing a rise in human-generated underwater noise due to melting ice and increased activity, disrupting wildlife and local communities. A new study from the University of Bath provides a clear framework for monitoring noise in Arctic waters, urging authorities to revise thresholds used to assess noise levels.

SourceUniversity of Bath·Journalnpj Acoustics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers develop novel dual-chemical looping method for efficient ammonia synthesis

Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new dual-chemical looping process that improves the efficiency of ammonia synthesis by 8.4% and reduces global warming potential by up to 15.85 kg CO2-equivalent per kilogram of ammonia produced.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2026

SEOULTECH researchers reveal strong public support for hydrogen fuel cell trucks

A study by Seoul National University of Science & Technology found that expanding hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 8.74 million tons. Public willingness to pay for this transition amounts to KRW 572.4 billion, far exceeding the prevailing carbon credit price.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalTransport Policy·TypeSurvey·DateJan 20, 2026

University of Toronto Engineering researchers create first-ever tool to generate emissions budgets for 1,000 cities worldwide

The University of Toronto Engineering researchers have created the first-ever tool to provide construction-related greenhouse gas emissions budgets for 1,000 cities globally. The open-source model helps cities navigate between the need for new housing and infrastructure and the need to keep global warming below two degrees. The model c...

Environmental “superbugs” in our rivers and soils: new one health review warns of growing antimicrobial resistance crisis

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.

Optimized biochar use could cut China’s cropland nitrous oxide emissions by up to half

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.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

How to make communities more resilient to climate change

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 6, 2026

Indigenous-led conservation efforts match or surpass similar initiatives when properly funded, new research shows

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...

SourceConcordia University·JournalEarth's Future·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2026

Fair distribution of emissions

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.

SourceUniversity of Graz·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2025

When climate risk hits home, people listen: Study reveals key to engagement with disaster preparedness messaging

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.

SourceStockholm School of Economics·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2025

First comprehensive investigation shows large support for core ideas of ‘degrowth,’ but not the label

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.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 1, 2025

Fossil fuels speed up shifts in Europe’s winter rainfall

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.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2025

Biobased concrete substitute can give coastal restoration a natural boost

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.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2025

Humanity travels an average of 78 minutes per day, regardless of living standards

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.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 13, 2025

AI’s energy usage is less than previously thought

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.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 12, 2025

Conflict, climate change and public health

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalThe Lancet·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 31, 2025

How emission control policies deliver synergetic climate and environmental health benefits in transportation sector

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 30, 2025

Extra iron helps stressed out wheat grow up big and strong

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.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2025

“State of the climate” 2025: Earth’s vital signs worsen, science shows options for livable future

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.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 29, 2025