A new study suggests that California's affordable housing crisis is driving increased development in and near wildlands, putting residents at higher-risk for climate-related natural disasters. The research aims to understand the drivers of Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) growth and its impact on environmental dynamics.
Researchers at FAU will investigate how microbes respond to climate conditions and develop strategies to enhance soil health in drylands. The project aims to improve understanding of microbial resistance to climate change and discover solutions to reduce soil degradation.
A recent study reveals that Japanese junior high school students can be divided into four groups: Apathetic, Confused, Concerned, and Advocate. The most important factors influencing engagement in climate change actions are feelings of concern, hope, and attitude towards finding solutions. The research emphasizes the importance of emot...
A new plan proposes three critical imperatives to tackle methane emissions: reduce, coordinate, and incentivize. The plan aims to bring down methane emissions, coordinate efforts with carbon dioxide reduction, and incentivize abatement to stop global heating quickly enough.
Researchers found 16 native species of mammals using timber plantations as corridors and refuges in Central Panama. However, teak monocultures showed the lowest records of species, highlighting the importance of restoring natural habitats for comprehensive wildlife conservation.
The 'Indigenous People of West Africa' project aims to examine the consequences of colonial era resettlements and promote indigenous governance. Climate change exacerbates agricultural problems and land use conflicts with semi-nomadic groups in West Africa.
A recent OSU-led study found that natural regeneration is cost-effective in many regions, while plantations are better suited for others. The authors suggest a mixed approach for optimal carbon sequestration.
Researchers warn of unprecedented arsenic release from wildfires, potentially releasing up to half of the arsenic emitted globally each year. Contaminated mining sites exacerbate wildfire risks, with wetlands being the most concerning due to their tendency to store contaminants.
A joint work programme between the UNFCCC and CBD is crucial to meet international commitments under the Paris Agreement and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This unified approach can address the interconnected nature and climate crises, driving progress towards a sustainable future.
A newly enhanced database is expected to help wildfire managers predict where and when wildfires will occur by incorporating hundreds of additional factors. The revised Fire Program Analysis Fire-Occurrence Database now includes information on 2.3 million fires in the United States from 1992 to 2020, providing a deeper understanding of...
A three-year research study led by the University of Kansas is establishing best 'managed retreat' practices for communities at risk from repeated flooding and wildfires due to climate change. The study aims to understand how different cities and governments have considered managed retreat, including strategies like buyouts and partner...
A new study reveals that global forests have consistently absorbed carbon dioxide for the past three decades, with tropical forests experiencing a decline in their ability to absorb carbon due to deforestation. However, temperate forests have shown an increase in their carbon sink capacity, largely due to extensive reforestation efforts.
A team of scientists from Heriot-Watt University has developed an AI-powered platform called PrISMa to accelerate the discovery of top-performing materials for carbon capture applications. The platform uses advanced simulations and machine learning to identify cost-effective and sustainable material-capture process combinations.
Climate change is predicted to decrease strawberry yields by as much as 40% due to increased temperatures. Sustainable farming practices can help mitigate this effect, ensuring a stable food supply for everyone.
Peatland microorganisms have been found to metabolize polyphenols using alternative enzymes with and without oxygen. This discovery highlights the significance of polyphenols in peatland carbon dynamics and suggests that climate change may release more stored carbon into the atmosphere than previously thought.
Scientists have developed a nanocomposite material with sodium carbonate and nanocarbon to capture carbon dioxide from industrial emissions. The new material shows high CO2 capture capacity and can be regenerated for up to 10 cycles, reducing energy consumption.
The study uses machine learning framework to estimate global rooftop area growth, projecting a 20-52% increase by 2050. Rooftop solar power holds significant potential for emerging economies, driving sustainable development and prosperity.
A team of scientists and engineers designed an electrolyte that maintains high power delivery during charging and discharging cycles. This innovation addresses the key challenge of low power delivery at landing stages in electric aircraft, where batteries are not fully charged.
A new study reveals widespread decline in Western US forest carbon storage, likely caused by drought and fire. The research provides a framework for evaluating future changes and informing management strategies to mitigate carbon loss, highlighting the need for proactive forest management practices.
New research from an international team of scientists found that Mozambican miombo woodlands store 1.5 to 2.2 times more carbon than previously estimated, with potential storage of 13.6 billion tonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide. This suggests a critical role for these ecosystems in climate change mitigation.
A new study suggests that using special fertilizers and crushed basalt rocks can reduce agricultural nitrous oxide emissions without harming the ozone layer. The research found a 25% reduction in N2O emissions, aligning with efforts to reach net-zero emissions while supporting increased food production.
A comprehensive analysis of US coal power plants reveals feasibility for conversion to advanced nuclear reactors, providing valuable insights for policymakers and utilities. The study uses a GIS-based tool to evaluate socio-technical and economic factors, suggesting a broad spectrum of suitability levels across different locations.
A study of Japanese listed companies found that those with higher carbon emissions face higher costs for borrowing and raising money. In contrast, companies that follow TCFD guidelines and openly share climate-related information benefit from lower capital costs.
Researchers are developing solutions to reduce nitrogen fertilizer-related emissions and accelerate drought-resistant tea varieties. The trials will inform a new tea typology, enabling accurate carbon footprint calculation across the industry.
A recent study analyzed 333,635 English tweets on man-made climate change, identifying four main narratives and common stances on the topic. The analysis highlights the challenges of addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, as well as the need to counter misinformation and conspiracy theories.
Empa researchers have developed a system to investigate up to ten different reaction conditions for producing synthetic fuels from CO2. The system accelerates the discovery process by generating a large number of high-quality datasets, enabling scientists to make accelerated discoveries.
Researchers at Drexel University model the potential extent of flooding and combined sewer overflows in Camden, New Jersey, as climate change exacerbates the problem. The team's 'all-pipes' model simulates stormwater flows through every surface and pipe in the area, providing a unique solution to mitigate environmental and health risks.
A new study by Annenberg Public Policy Center researchers finds that science-consistent beliefs about climate change's public health effects predict support for climate policies. The study controlled for belief in climate change's existence and cause, highlighting the importance of grounded knowledge in promoting climate action.
A new study reveals that climate models overestimate the storage time of carbon in plants, meaning it is released back into the atmosphere sooner than predicted. This has implications for nature-based carbon removal projects and our understanding of the role of nature in mitigating climate change.
Research finds that women in southern Colombia are more likely to adopt silvopastoral systems, which integrate nature into livestock farming, and are motivated by environmental reasons and a desire for future generations. These systems offer numerous benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased farm income.
A UC Riverside study found that large fires in California create a self-sustaining cycle of heat and dryness, making it easier for new fires to start. The extra heat reduces humidity, allowing conditions to become favorable for more fire.
A study by Dartmouth College finds that regenerative agriculture's impact on farmers extends beyond financial gain, influencing their relationships and quality of life. By adopting practices like reduced tillage and cover cropping, farmers experience reduced dependence on agrochemicals and improved soil fertility.
A recent study by Oregon State University found that US adults are fairly confident in linking wildfires and heat to climate change, but less so for hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes. The survey also revealed significant differences in responses based on politics, personal experience, and demographics.
Nitrous-oxide emissions have increased by 40% over the past four decades, resulting in accelerating atmospheric accumulation of this potent greenhouse gas. Agricultural production is the largest source of emissions, and improving practices can help reduce nitrous-oxide emissions and water pollution.
Texas A&M University has received a $1.5 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a technology capable of separating hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in two ways: designing and testing a separation technology, and incorporating machine learning-based data-driven decision frameworks for reverse logistics.
A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adherence to the Planetary Health Diet was associated with a 30% lower risk of premature death and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The diet emphasizes minimally processed plant foods and modest consumption of meat and dairy foods.
A study from IIASA researchers highlights the potential of demand-side measures to reduce energy and resource consumption without restricting fossil fuel use. These strategies include improving resource efficiency, promoting shared mobility, reusing materials, and thermal refurbishment of buildings.
Researchers at Linköping University assess Stockholm's climate strategy, finding a reliance on carbon capture technology without sufficient discussion of its risks. They recommend setting separate targets for emissions reduction and capturing CO2 to ensure clearer decision-making.
A new UC Riverside study found that boreal forests in the northern hemisphere are particularly vulnerable to negative effects of cleaning up aerosol pollution. Reducing levels of human-made aerosols causes an increase in wildfires, especially in northern hemisphere forests.
Climate change projections suggest that land-locked lakes on the Tibetan Plateau will increase in volume fourfold by 2100, leading to significant land loss and related impacts. This could alter the landscape, affect wildlife migration routes, and exacerbate climate change through increased greenhouse gas emissions.
The study reveals sulfur trioxide can form acid sulfuric anhydride products with organic and inorganic acids, contributing to atmospheric new particle formation. These findings improve aerosol formation prediction models, aiding in managing air pollution and mitigating climate change impacts.
A new study finds that the US Drought Monitor is not keeping pace with climate change, leading to frequent severe droughts being classified as rare. The consequences are dire, with some regions spending more time in extreme drought conditions than federal guidelines allow, potentially leaving them without adequate aid.
Climate change has led to decreased pollen production from plants, resulting in less diversity among pollinators, which could significantly impact food production. The study, conducted in the Great Basin region, examines how shifts in flowering times and extreme weather events affect pollinator availability.
A recent study found that the sensitivity of freshwater fish to climate change varies depending on spatial extent, with some species appearing more or less sensitive than national indexes suggested. Researchers used open-source data from various sources to create an RCS index for 137 freshwater fish species in the US.
Research detects declines in bees and butterflies in western and southern North America due to environmental change and habitat loss. The study identifies regions of concern and highlights the need for conservation efforts and improved monitoring methods.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 15, 2024
A new study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that more than 150,000 people die annually from heatwaves worldwide, with the highest number of deaths in Asia and Europe. The research also reveals regional disparities in heatwave-related mortality, with areas having dry climates and lower-middle incomes experiencing the highest rates.
A new study finds that government plans for coal phase-out around the world include monetary compensation to affected parties, with a total estimated global cost of USD 200 billion. However, if China and India were to adopt similar plans, the cost would skyrocket to over USD 2 trillion. The researchers argue that international finance ...
Wildfires in the Amazon's old-growth forests increased by 152% in 2023, primarily caused by drought, with most of them occurring in Roraima state. This surge in forest fires poses significant risks to the environment and public health.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that saturated soils in upland regions could negatively impact the survival rates of young oak saplings and acorns. The research highlights the importance of considering soil conditions when creating temperate rainforests to combat climate change.
Planting cover crops on bare soil before maize can significantly mitigate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. According to a new study, this practice can equivalent to 13% of EU's agricultural emissions reduction
Researchers propose forming a network of sister cities to track and raise awareness about the spread of climate-related impacts and responses to urban disasters globally. This network aims to foster ideas and best practices for coping with consequences of climate change, including extreme weather events.
A new study reveals that a single hurricane can wipe out 5-10% of New England's total aboveground forest carbon through tree damage. The research team analyzed the impact of 10 powerful hurricanes on the region's forests and found that future storms could pose a significant risk to carbon offset programs.
Research published in Global Change Biology indicates that a single hurricane can down 4.6–9.4% of New England's aboveground forest carbon. The study also shows that current carbon market policies are insufficiently buffered against the risks posed by hurricanes, which could lead to catastrophic emissions
A recent study by an international group found that forests with higher trait diversity adapt better to climate change and thrive. Higher productivity levels were maintained in diverse trees compared to monoculture forests.
Radiologists are proposing actions to reduce their department's greenhouse gas emissions and become more resilient to the effects of climate change. They suggest implementing a coordinated approach, establishing sustainability teams, and optimizing scanner usage to reduce emissions by up to 33% for MRI and CT scans.
New satellite data shows that 45% of urban areas in China are sinking, with 16% experiencing rapid subsidence. The affected cities could experience catastrophic flooding if left unchecked, with Shanghai's urban area potentially tripling in size by 2120.
According to GIST researchers, extreme cold events (WACC) have intensified until the 2020s but are expected to decline post-2030s. This drastic shift in WACC trajectory has significant implications for global climate systems and weather patterns.
Researchers have developed an active learning strategy to accelerate the synthesis of high-performance engineered biochar with enhanced CO2 uptake. The approach nearly doubled CO2 capture performance, showcasing its transformative impact.
A recent study by the University of California - Riverside found that carbon dioxide is driving an increase in the severity and frequency of wildfires by fueling the growth of plants that become kindling. This process occurs because plants use the extra CO2 to make carbohydrates, leading to an increase in biomass that burns.
A new study found that 19 out of 34 countries failed to fully meet their 2020 climate commitments set in Copenhagen 15 years ago. The study highlights the challenges countries face in reducing emissions while maintaining economic growth, particularly for those unable to meet their targets.