Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Still on the right track? Researchers at the University of Graz enable reliable monitoring of the Paris climate goals

Researchers at the University of Graz have developed a new benchmark timeseries that tracks global surface air temperature change from 1850 to 2034. This enables reliable monitoring of the Paris climate goals, which are set to be exceeded by 2028. The study proposes a four-classes assessment scale to gauge compliance with the agreement.

SourceUniversity of Graz·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 2, 2025

Save twice the ice by limiting global warming

A new study finds that limiting global warming to 1.5°C could save twice as much glacier ice as current policies, which project an average of +2.7°C. This would mitigate 10cm of sea-level rise and preserve up to 39% of global glacier mass.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2025

1.5°C Paris Climate Agreement target too high for polar ice sheets and sea level rise

A new study suggests that limiting global temperature increase to 1.5°C may not be enough to save the world's ice sheets, which could lead to significant losses and extensive displacement of coastal populations. The researchers argue that a target of around 1°C would be more effective in preventing rapid sea level rise.

SourceDurham University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 20, 2025

With evolutionary AI, scientists find hidden keys for better land use

The AI system uses evolutionary computing to find optimal policy solutions that balance trade-offs between carbon storage, economic disruptions, and environmental benefits. It recommends nuanced approaches to land-use strategies, such as replacing crop land with forest, rather than simply converting all land into forests.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Data Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 19, 2025

Processing and reporting greenfeed emissions data just got easier with a new open-source, flexible data analysis tool

A new open-source tool, greenfeedr, is introduced to simplify the process of analyzing GreenFeed data from livestock. The R package offers functions for downloading, processing, and generating reports, allowing researchers and producers to automate routine tasks and gain insights into methane and carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceElsevier·JournalJDS Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2025

What behavioral strategies motivate environmental action?

Researchers tested 17 behavioral strategies to overcome barriers to climate action, finding that emphasizing relevance and future thinking are most effective. Interventions like letter-writing and brainstorming short-term benefits increased intentions to act on both individual and collective levels.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Green nickel for sustainable electrification

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials have developed a carbon-free method to extract nickel from low-grade ores in a single step, reducing CO2 emissions by 84% and increasing energy efficiency. The approach enables the use of low-grade nickel ores, which account for 60% of total nickel reserves.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2025

Restoring oil wells back to nature with moss

Researchers from the University of Waterloo have developed a method to restore tens of thousands of oil and gas exploration sites in western Canada using native moss. The technique involves transplanting moss onto decommissioned well pads, effectively recreating peatlands and supporting ecosystem development.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEcological Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2025

Nearly half of Americans would consider eating a plant-based diet to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, finds new survey

A new survey reveals that 46% of Americans would consider eating a plant-based diet to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Shifting diets from meat and other animal products to plant-based diets has a high potential for reducing carbon footprints and mitigating climate change, as well as improving human health.

Colombia’s peatlands could be a crucial tool to fight climate change. But first we have to find them

Researchers have mapped Colombia's eastern lowlands to identify areas of peatlands, a crucial carbon storage system that can help reduce the country's emissions. The study found an estimated 7,370-36,200 square kilometers of peatlands, with potential to store more carbon than all the world's trees.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 15, 2025

How to get rid of carbon dioxide for good

Computer simulations show that captured CO2 can be permanently stored underground by mixing with groundwater, creating a denser liquid that sinks and remains there. Suitable geological conditions, such as impermeable rock layers and porous aquifers, are necessary for effective CO2 storage.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 9, 2025

Classifying floodplains: an innovative approach to flood mitigation

The study introduces an innovative method to detect and classify floodplains based on their ability to attenuate floods. The Hydraulic Floodplain Classification emphasizes the variable capacity of the landscape to influence flood routing, enabling better water resource assessments and floodplain management applications.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 9, 2025

New study finds that 90 percent of U.S. Christian leaders believe climate change is real

A new study by Boston College researchers found that nearly 90% of Christian leaders in the US believe in anthropogenic climate change, but most do not discuss it with their congregation. Informing Christians about this consensus can lead to increased willingness to address climate change and align with church values.

SourceBoston College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateApr 7, 2025

By 2100, more than 80% of amphibian species in and around the Pantanal will lose suitable habitat

A study predicts that over 80% of amphibian species in the Upper Paraguay River Basin will lose suitable habitats by 2100. The region, which includes the Pantanal and its surroundings, is expected to experience local extinctions under both optimistic and pessimistic greenhouse gas emissions scenarios.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 27, 2025

Losing forest carbon stocks could put climate goals out of reach

A new study from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research finds that failing to account for declining forest carbon storage capacity could make reaching Paris agreement targets impossible and costly. Immediate action is recommended to safeguard carbon stocks, prevent escalating costs, and promote sustainable land use practices.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 27, 2025

2025 Hong Kong Climate Forum Day Two

The forum highlights AI's vast potential in optimizing energy production, accelerating new material inventions, improving climate modeling, and supporting green finance applications. It also emphasizes the need for a whole-of-community approach to harnessing AI's transformative power in combating climate change.

Delaying the net zero transition could impose significant economic costs, new research reveals

A new study from the University of Surrey warns that delayed and disorderly energy transitions could lead to increased inflation, higher interest rates, economic stagnation, and financial instability. However, an orderly transition with targeted investments in green technologies and a robust financial framework can mitigate these risks.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEcological Economics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2025

Solutions are a big part of alternative media’s environmental reporting but need consistent support, Concordia study shows

A recent study by Concordia researchers found that solutions journalism in Canadian alternative media outlets is often constrained by institutional lack of support and daily pressures. Despite its benefits, the practice requires strong nurturing environments to flourish.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEnvironmental Communication·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 25, 2025

Oxygen for Mars

A Chinese research team has developed an electrochemical process that can directly split CO2 into elemental carbon and oxygen. This innovative method uses lithium as a mediator to produce oxygen with a high yield of over 98.6%, significantly exceeding the efficiency of natural photosynthesis.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025