Articles tagged with Climate Change
A study finds that climate change is responsible for 15,000 wildfire particulate matter deaths in the continental US from 2006 to 2020. The economic burden associated with these deaths was $160 billion, mainly affecting western states like California and Oregon.
A new study using satellite data and genetic analyses reveals that increased vegetation growth in European mountains reduces the genetic diversity of medicinal plants, including Greek mountain tea. Genetic diversity dwindles as shrubs and trees spread in previously open grasslands.
Researchers used satellite data to verify that global warming is causing earlier spring leaf flush in Japan. The study found that high temperatures in 2023 and 2024 led to a 3-7 day shift in the start of season, with some regions experiencing an 9-day earlier onset.
Researchers from Bonn University Hospital identify structurally and temporally coherent substructures in networks, known as 'tipping subnetworks', which can lead to extreme events. The method provides new possibilities for early detection of critical transitions with potential applications in medicine, climate research, and beyond.
International experts urge cities to embed nature in infrastructure for better health, climate resilience, and equity. Urban greening benefits include cooler streets, cleaner air, improved mental health, and greater biodiversity.
ITER has completed its pulsed superconducting electromagnet system, the largest and most powerful in the world, with significant contributions from USA, Russia, Europe, and China. The system is expected to produce a tenfold energy gain and demonstrate the viability of fusion as an abundant, safe, carbon-free energy source.
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.
New research reveals oceans are heating at the world's fastest pace in two distinct bands near 40 degrees latitude in both hemispheres. This pattern is linked to poleward shifts in the jet stream and ocean currents, upending marine ecosystems and fueling extreme weather.
Tropical cyclones significantly reduce school enrollment, especially for girls in areas unaccustomed to frequent storms. The study found that exposure to any cyclone at preschool age decreases the likelihood of starting primary school by 2.5%, with a maximum decrease of 8.8% after intense storms.
Researchers developed a new method to predict the effectiveness of mangroves in protecting coastlines against extreme weather events. The HU method uses wave non-linearity and can calculate wave height attenuation with ease, saving billions of dollars worldwide.
The risk of wildfires is increasing due to climate change, leading to overlapping fire weather seasons in the two regions. The number of simultaneous fire weather days has been increasing by one day per year for the past 40 years, with projections suggesting an increase of up to 29 days per year by mid-century.
Research shows fish species like Atlantic cod and hagfish contribute significantly to seabed ecosystem health. Bioturbation impacts on organic carbon storage and greenhouse gas absorption are crucial for understanding ocean's role in climate change.
A new energy model reveals a striking similarity in all scenarios: the inevitable transition to renewable energy. However, achieving rapid cuts necessary to meet 1.5°C targets poses a challenge, with a potential 20-30 year gap between demand and supply.
The Arctic Great Rivers Observatory, a multinational project founded at the Marine Biological Laboratory, has been recognized as a National Champion by the Frontiers Planet Prize for its publication on recent trends in the chemistry of major northern rivers. This recognition highlights the value of sustained international collaboration...
Canadian experts urge protection for children from extreme heat in schools and child care settings, citing health hazards and learning impairments. The call for action highlights the need for climate-resilient infrastructure and warns of amplifying social inequities.
A new study by Simon Fraser University found gaps in BC's extreme heat response plans, with urban greening being the most common mitigation strategy. The research highlights the need for co-operation and co-ordination across jurisdictions to improve neighbourhoods and address socio-economic disparities.
A new study reveals climate change is the leading cause of biodiversity loss among endangered species in the US. Climate change affects 91% of ESA-listed species, with many facing multiple threats simultaneously.
Researchers at UCLA and Princeton discovered that showing people continuous temperature data can lead to a vague impression of gradual change, while presenting binary data like lake freezes causes a striking shift. This approach may overcome climate apathy by creating an emotional connection to local traditions.
A study explores the growing challenges of urban flash floods and waterlogging in coastal cities, highlighting governance failures, inadequate waste management, and climate-induced pressures. Practical solutions proposed include Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, green infrastructure, and inclusive urban governance.
Scientists found that anaerobic microbes in wetlands can remove up to 70% of methane in oxygen-deprived soils, but their ability to do so is threatened by rising temperatures. When scientists simulated a hotter future, methane emissions spiked under hotter temperatures alone.
A new study by Dartmouth researchers lays out a scientific framework for tracing specific climate damages back to emissions from individual fossil fuel companies. The framework combines climate modeling with publicly available emissions data to provide robust emissions-based attributions of climate damages at the corporate scale.
Researchers used fossil data to predict the home range of Protemnodon, an extinct giant kangaroo, finding it had a smaller foraging range than expected. Climate change and habitat disruption led to local extinction when this small range could not find enough food.
A recent FAU survey found that most Floridians are concerned about rising insurance premiums due to climate change, with nearly two-thirds worried about affordability. The survey also reveals strong support for addressing climate change, expanding renewable energy, and teaching climate science in schools.
A new study found that some bird species with large geographic ranges and big brains are actually more susceptible to climate change than previously thought. Researchers analyzed data from citizen scientists and found that birds adapted to narrow climate niches, such as the Arctic, are at higher risk from climate change.
The Frontiers Planet Prize has announced 19 National Champions from science research teams worldwide, offering transformative solutions to climate change, community health, and planetary resilience. The prize aims to fast-track innovation and global consensus on planetary health.
A study found that Arctic snow and ice melting triggers an enhancement in the cloud short-wave cooling effect, partially slowing further melting. This new perspective reveals a co-evolution mechanism between clouds, snow/ice coverage, and surface albedo.
A new study from University of California San Diego suggests that climate trauma can have lasting effects on cognitive function, particularly decision-making. Researchers found that wildfire survivors were less likely to stick with choices that offered greater long-term rewards.
A recent study revealed a record-breaking increase in Antarctic Ice Sheet mass between 2021 and 2023, with significant mass gain observed in four key glaciers. This shift counters decades of mass loss, driven by anomalous precipitation accumulation.
A new study by UNC Greensboro researchers found that masked shrews reduce their body mass and braincase height by up to 13% during the colder months. The phenomenon, known as Dehnel's phenomenon, is a survival strategy used by some mammals to conserve energy in response to changing temperatures.
The article highlights the vulnerability of US Gulf coast archaeological sites to climate change-induced sea level rise and extreme weather. The study calls for an integrated approach combining coastal ecosystem management with archaeological and historical resource preservation using Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge.
A global study found that countries consuming more plant-based proteins have longer adult life expectancies, while high animal-based protein intake is linked to lower infant mortality rates.
Kyushu University's Direct Air Capture and Utilization device captures CO2 from air, allowing it to be reused in daily life. The technology enables small-scale, decentralized carbon capture, making it suitable for densely populated cities like Japan.
The Caspian Sea is projected to decline by 5-21m in water level by 2100, posing significant threats to the region's biodiversity and human infrastructure. The research highlights the need for dynamic biodiversity protection approaches to safeguard ecosystems and human interests.
Researchers found that nutrient hoarding by selfish bacteria influences carbon and nutrient availability in freshwater ecosystems. In two Croatian lakes, mesotrophic Crniševo Lake showed higher rates of selfish activity than oligotrophic Kozjak Lake.
A Stanford study finds that a pivot to clean energy technologies by 2060 would improve energy security and reduce trade risks for most nations. The study analyzed potential new vulnerabilities under decarbonization relative to those associated with continued reliance on fossil fuels.
The UN University's new report emphasizes the need for deep systemic changes to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. It introduces the Theory of Deep Change, which identifies structures and assumptions that perpetuate these challenges, and highlights five areas where urgent transformation is needed.
New research suggests that conservation efforts can better protect bird species at greatest risk from climate change by understanding the specific climatic conditions they need to thrive. The study found that species with narrower climatic niches are more susceptible to population declines.
Rising temperatures and increased trade enable pests to spread globally, intensifying agriculture weakens natural pest control. Crop losses exceed 40% due to pest and disease impacts, necessitating urgent action for climate-smart management strategies.
Recent research highlights increased fire activity in the western US, with wildfires becoming less prone to calming down at night. Meanwhile, extreme turbulence on hurricane flights has led to a new 'bumpiness' metric. Climate extremes are also evident in shifting energy demands for heating and cooling in Chinese megacities.
A new system, Amalur EIS, analyzes European industrial plant emissions and finds the energy sector generates 59.5% of total environmental impacts. Climate change has the greatest weight in Europe's total impact.
Climate and health litigation is on the rise in Australia, driven by increasing exposure to heatwaves. The country has seen a 37% increase in excess heat factor over the past 20 years, with key deficiencies identified in response to climate and health threats.
A new study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology reveals that soil moisture levels can increase rainfall area and amount in megastorm hotspots globally by up to 30%. This contrast results from atmospheric changes, enabling communities to better adapt to climate change.
Researchers found that burning heavy fuel oil with scrubbers has a comparable environmental impact to low-sulfur fuels when considering various factors. The study suggests that scrubbers are a mature technology that can effectively reduce sulfur emissions, making them a viable option for shipping companies.
A new approach is needed to monitor species and protect them from climate change, land use, pollution, and invasive non-native species. The study proposes a framework that integrates all available methods for studying insects, including comparing diversity and abundance over time and across different habitats.
Researchers develop sustainable passive cooling solution using mycelium-bound composites, outperforming conventional insulation materials in tropical climates. The 'fungi tiles' mimic an elephant's ability to regulate heat from its skin, improving cooling rates and thermal conductivity.
The study found that almost 600 of the over 125,000 known fly species are likely to be migratory, highlighting their importance as pollinators, decomposers, and pest controllers. The review emphasizes the need for connected habitats to support flies along their epic journeys, as climate change and human impacts threaten many species.
A new UNSW study projects a 4°C rise in global temperatures would result in a 40% loss of world GDP by 2100, significantly higher than previous estimates of around 11%. The analysis refines economic models to account for interconnected global supply chains and their impact on climate policy.
Researchers warn that thinner Arctic sea ice may lead to a tipping point in the AMOC, weakening global ocean circulation and impacting climate in Scandinavia. The Beaufort Gyre, an important feature of the Arctic Ocean, is currently losing large amounts of sea ice due to warmer temperatures.
Fossil fuels are driving interlinked crises that threaten people, wildlife, and a livable future. The review highlights the importance of transitioning to clean, renewable energy and materials across the economy.
Research finds that strengthened westerly winds enhance clockwise oceanic circulations, transporting warm seawater and causing accelerated ice sheet melting in East Antarctica. This study's findings improve future sea level rise projections.
Scientists have identified a new reason for UK winter storm clusters, pointing to stronger winds in the Arctic stratosphere. This research reveals that an intense swirling vortex of winds miles above the Arctic can make severe winter storms more likely, and may offer early warnings for forecasters up to a month before they happen.
The SpongeBoost project visualizes sponge functions in wetlands using a comic book, simplifying complex concepts for experts and non-experts. The first edition of the comic book is available online, promoting nature-based solutions to enhance landscape resilience.
Surface waters in the Southern Ocean have cooled by 60% since 1990, contrary to climate models. Freshwater inputs from melting ice sheets drive this phenomenon, limiting the exchange of cool surface waters with warmer waters below.
Researchers explore 'net-zero carbon debt' to track responsibility for climate overshoot, with implications for emission reduction targets and international cooperation. The study suggests that regions bearing greater debt should strengthen mitigation plans and establish support mechanisms.
Scientists develop a method to create high-quality activated carbon from gasification char, which can be used in wastewater treatment. The process involves physical activation and achieves a surface area of 800 m²/g, making it comparable to fossil-based activated carbons.
Researchers say the amount of carbon released by seabed fishing worldwide is uncertain and must be urgently investigated. The Convex Seascape Survey found that vessel and gear sizes vary greatly from country to country, leading to large inaccuracies in global estimates.
A recent study refines Siberia's land cover data using machine learning techniques, revealing a high-precision map that enhances climatic predictions. The new dataset improves assessments of carbon flux and ecosystem changes, providing essential insights for climate scientists.
Researchers have reconstructed Meltwater Pulse 1a, a catastrophic sea level rise that occurred around 14,500 years ago. The study suggests that an initial melting of the Laurentide ice sheet over North America triggered a global cascade of ice loss, with surprising linkages between ice sheets across hemispheres.
A 30-meter sediment core from the Great Blue Hole in Belize provides the longest recorded storm frequency data for the Atlantic, with 574 storm events over 5,700 years. The research reveals a steady increase in tropical storms and hurricanes in the southwestern Caribbean due to climate change.
A new study finds that global heating could exceed previous estimates, with even low emission scenarios leading to higher temperatures. The Paris Agreement's goal of limiting warming to 2°C may only be achievable under very low emissions and lower-than-estimated climate sensitivity.