Articles tagged with Climate Change
The Middle East and North Africa are projected to experience up to 9 degrees Celsius of warming by 2100, surpassing the 2-degree threshold. The region's dry deserts make it difficult for cooling through soil moisture evaporation, leading to rapid warming.
Researchers advocate using imagination and 'design-based research' to prepare urban river deltas for climate change. By visualizing possible futures, civic engagement and motivation can be encouraged, leading to more effective climate adaptation.
Research highlights knowledge gaps in plastics' effects on climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. Scientists found only a few studies addressing impacts on climate change and biodiversity, while the majority focus on environmental pollution.
A new study estimates a 1-meter sea level rise by 2100 will affect over 14 million people and $1 trillion worth of property along the Southeast Atlantic coast. The study emphasizes the need for holistic coastal resilience strategies to address multiple climate-related hazards.
The winning team presented an exascale climate emulator that addresses the growing computational and storage requirements of high-resolution Earth System Models. This innovation enables more advanced climate modeling capabilities, holding significant potential for advancing climate research and policy-making.
A new study projects a sharp rise in temperature- and pollution-related mortality, with temperatures expected to surpass pollution for a fifth of the global population. By 2100, temperature-related deaths are predicted to climb from 1.6 million to 10.8 million annually.
Researchers found that a regulatory level change enabled C4 plants to photosynthesize more efficiently. By studying this shift, they believe it could be applied to make C3 crops like rice and wheat more resilient to climate change.
Eighteen microbiologists propose a global science-based task force to develop and implement microbiological solutions grounded in ecological knowledge. Microorganisms can capture carbon, break down pollutants, produce biofuel, and strengthen ecosystems, offering numerous potential solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.
A 20-year experiment found that warmer soils alter the behavior of tree roots in different ways, with oak trees changing their interactions with soil microbes but maple trees maintaining their patterns
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light create a novel laser system that can detect a wide variety of atmospheric compounds with minimal interference. The system's ability to target the short-wave infrared range and generate high-power, stable pulses enables unprecedented detection sensitivity and accuracy.
Researchers from MSU found that paper birch trees maintain similar enzyme capacities across different environmental conditions, indicating a built-in mechanism for survival. This discovery suggests that plants can adapt to changing temperatures and will continue to provide fuel, food, and fiber for humans.
A new study by the University of Oxford's Department of Physics shows that relying on natural carbon sinks to offset CO2 emissions from fossil fuels will not stop global warming. Governments and corporations are increasingly turning to these natural sinks to meet climate goals, but this approach is flawed.
Climate change is responsible for 19% of the current dengue burden, with a potential to spark an additional 40%-60% spike by 2050. A study found that moderating global warming would also moderate climate impacts on dengue infections.
The new system uses AI technology combined with Earth observation data to detect risks of events that might trigger forced displacement, delivering timely alerts ahead of emergencies. It will help humanitarian actors plan and respond more effectively, minimizing response times and avoiding duplication of efforts.
A recent assessment has classified almost 1 in 3 Atlantic reef-building coral species as Critically Endangered due to the combined effects of climate change and other environmental factors. This increased threat level highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these vital ecosystems.
A recent study found that heavy rains after droughts can cause nitrates to seep into groundwater in as little as 10 days. The study highlights the need for affordable, real-time soil nitrate monitoring tools to help farmers manage fertilizer use efficiently.
A modelling study predicts up to 94% of Amazonian land may become inhospitable to the Brazil nut tree by 2100 due to climate change. The study, including four climate scenarios, examines the tree's potential future in the Amazon region.
Researchers created a new electrode design that increases the efficiency of converting CO2 into ethylene, a valuable chemical product. The electrochemical system can now be scaled up for industrial applications without significant energy or cost losses.
A new study warns that climate change could lead to the loss of up to 68% of the world's temperate rainforests by 2100, highlighting the urgent need for action. The UK has a quarter of the world's potential for restoration and is resilient to low and medium amounts of future warming.
A University of California, Davis study reveals that large grazing wildlife like caribou and muskoxen influence the timing and abundance of Arctic plants. The research found that plants where these animals were present emerged earlier and were more abundant later in the season.
A study in Greenland found that plant species exhibited earlier green-up when grazed by herbivores, while others showed later growth. Herbivory also led to increased plant abundance in most affected species.
A new study quantifies each country's equal share of the remaining 1.5C carbon budget based on equal per capita historic emissions since 1990 and share of the remaining carbon budget. High-income countries have large carbon debts, while several upper-middle income countries have high future emissions.
A policy brief by the Complexity Science Hub calls on G20 countries to collect granular supply chain data to identify key weaknesses and prioritize resilience-building investments. The move aims to prevent economic collapse in the face of future climate shocks, affecting millions worldwide.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2024 have been named, including the One Health Microbiome Center at Penn State and researchers Dr. François Thomas and Dr. Helen Onyeaka.
Leading scientists issue a unified call to action, emphasizing the importance of deploying microbiome technologies to address climate change. The authors advocate for a global science-driven task force to expedite the implementation of these solutions, warning that inaction will exacerbate the climate crisis.
Scientists are urging global leaders and industries to deploy microbial solutions to combat climate change. The initiative aims to expedite the use of microbiome technologies to capture carbon, reduce greenhouse gases, and restore ecosystems.
Researchers at Brown University identified key growth cycle phases and molecular mechanisms that make some tomato varieties more heat tolerant. The discovery could inform a strategy to protect the food supply in the face of climate instability.
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a combination of green algae and yeast that enhances wastewater treatment efficiency. The mixture boosts the growth environment, uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions, making it an effective solution for wastewater treatment facilities.
Scientists from the University of East Anglia have discovered a 50-metre-thick 'intrusion' of warm water under the Ross Ice Shelf, which has increased heat transport into the cavity by 45% over the last four decades. This finding suggests that climate change will likely lead to further melting and ice loss.
Researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute have developed a new approach called 'storylines' that uses probabilistic attribution studies and 'nudging' techniques to identify the fingerprints of climate change in extreme weather events. By comparing hypothetical scenarios with reality, they can determine how much more probable an event...
A significant increase in carbon dioxide emissions from private aviation has been found, with annual emissions rising by 46% between 2019 and 2023. The study also reveals that some individuals account for almost 500 times more CO2 emissions than the average person.
A new crowdsourcing system, FireLoc, uses a network of low-cost mobile phones to detect wildfires minutes—even seconds—after they ignite. The system prioritizes privacy and accurately maps wilderness fires to within 180 feet of their origin.
Higher temperatures caused by climate change are increasing evaporation enough to cause exceptional droughts in the American West. Evaporative demand now accounts for 61% of drought severity, while reduced precipitation only accounts for 39%. Climate change is expected to lead to more severe and longer-lasting droughts.
A new study reveals that locally optimized urban forms can significantly reduce CO2 emissions, but generalizations cannot be made due to context-dependent relationships. Urban open and green spaces are found to be paramount in mitigating urban CO2 emissions.
A groundbreaking study led by Virginia Tech provides the first direct geochemical evidence of a massive, rapid melting period on Earth after the last global ice age. The researchers analyzed lithium isotopes in carbonate rocks formed during this time and found strong evidence for freshwater meltwater interacting with the ocean.
A new study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and IIASA scientists suggests that there are three promising routes to make significant progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. The study's results show that all three pathways are far more effective than current 'business as usual' scen...
A new study reveals that the Amazon rainforest is threatened by global warming and deforestation, which can trigger a domino effect on the entire system. The analysis of residual pollen and carbon residues suggests that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) plays a crucial role in shaping the Amazon ecosystem.
A new study from North Carolina State University and the USGS uses satellite imagery to identify coastal forests undergoing regime change due to sea-level rise. The research finds that these transitions can occur rapidly or slowly, and remote sensing of vegetation health can help predict EWS for some areas.
A 15-year study of an ancient ecosystem in Bolivia provides a comprehensive view of the Earth's past, revealing warmer temperatures and lower elevation. The team found fossils of diverse animals and plants, reconstructing the site as a dry forest or wooded savanna with palms and bamboos.
A team of MIT engineers developed an algorithm to identify causal links in complex systems, taking data from various sources and analyzing interactions between variables. The method generates a causality map linking variables with likely cause-and-effect relationships, including synergistic and redundant links.
A new study published in Nature found that up to 215 million hectares of land in tropical regions around the world has the potential to naturally regrow, storing 23.4 gigatons of carbon over 30 years. The study identified areas with high regrowth potential based on factors such as soil quality and proximity to existing forest.
Geneticists deciphered aurochs prehistory by analysing 38 ancient genomes from Siberia to Britain. The study highlights diverse wild forms and the impact of climate change and domestication on their evolution.
The University of Chicago has launched a groundbreaking new institute to address climate change. The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth will combine frontier research in economics, climate policy, and energy technologies to produce practical solutions.
A new NASA-led study finds that the Earth's far northern permafrost region has become a net contributor to global warming due to methane emissions. The thawing permafrost is releasing stored carbon as greenhouse gases, shifting the region from being a sink to a source of warming.
A Dartmouth study has quantified the global economic fallout of El Niño, finding it costs the economy $4.1 trillion and $5.7 trillion in the half-decade after each event. The study's findings are included in the 10 New Insights in Climate Science report ahead of COP29.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that public participation is key to enhancing urban living conditions and environmental decision-making in China. The research suggests that smaller local projects tend to have higher levels of public engagement, while larger initiatives often experience minimal involvement.
A recent study suggests that enhanced Arctic sea-ice melting during the Last Interglacial period led to significant cooling in northern Europe. The researchers used sediment cores and geochemical tracers to reconstruct past ocean conditions, highlighting the importance of feedback mechanisms in the climate system.
Scientists have confirmed that temperature differences at the ocean surface aid in carbon absorption, with the ocean absorbing about 7% more CO₂ each year than previously thought. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding these subtle mechanisms for refining climate models and predictions.
A recent study in Chicago reveals a significant increase in sensitization to pollens and molds among patients with nasal allergies. The researchers found that tree pollen, weed pollen, grass pollen, and mold sensitizations all increased post-COVID compared to pre-COVID.
Researchers discovered that Titan's icy surface is warmed by an insulating layer of methane clathrate ice, which relaxes the impact craters' shape. This finding helps explain Titan's unique hydrological cycle and climate.
Researchers found that restoring coastal marshes can significantly help protect coastlines at a reasonable cost. A study by MIT graduate student Ernie I. H. Lee and professor Heidi Nepf shows that enhancing salt marshes in front of protective seawalls can reduce construction costs while still providing adequate protection from storms.
A new covalent organic framework (COF) material developed by UC Berkeley researchers can capture CO2 from ambient air without degradation, making it a promising solution for reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases. The material's high carbon dioxide capacity and selectivity make it an attractive alternative to existing carbon capture tec...
Under climate change scenarios, Ethiopia's Arabica coffee production suitability is expected to rise by 30-44%, while some cultivated areas will become less suitable. The study models indicate that this shift will occur by 2080.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to deal with the complexity of multiple crises, integrating various scales and disciplines. The 'translator' model uses well-known analytical methods to connect different perspectives and allows for a more nuanced description of health and climate crises.
A new study from the University of Michigan reveals that triple exposure areas, where flood risk, social vulnerability, and climate change denial converge, hinder preparedness and resilience. These regions often have underestimated flooding risks, low income, mobility limitations, and skepticism towards climate change.
Researchers found lacerations, hair loss, and skin ulcerations affecting polar bears' feet, as well as other parts of their body. The study suggests climate warming is causing ice buildup and injuries due to freeze-thaw cycles, wet snow, and thin sea ice.
Researchers are combining large datasets to understand the impact of environmental factors on mental health and develop new ways to reduce the burden. A 4-step approach is being used to integrate complex data across many studies, resulting in a detailed perspective of individuals within their environment.
A new framework for responsible decision-making and inclusive dialogue has been launched by the American Geophysical Union to address the risks of geoengineering research. The framework proposes five key principles to guide research, funding and policy proposals, including consideration of physical, environmental and social consequences.
A new study by MIT researchers shows that climate change will significantly impact outdoor activities in the US, with Florida and other Southeastern states experiencing major drops in
A comprehensive assessment of human activity in the Arctic reveals that over 5% of the region is affected by light pollution, with an annual increase of 4.8%. The study highlights the critical need for monitoring and planning to support sustainable development and conservation in the Arctic.