Articles tagged with Climate Change
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
Researchers found that specific algae from the genus Breviolum help Caribbean octocorals withstand heat waves and bleaching events. The study provides clues for the future of coral reefs and highlights the need for further research to better understand the ecosystem.
Researchers from SapienCE Centre of Excellence use dripstones to study past climate in South Africa. They found that the region experienced highly variable rainfall and slightly warmer temperatures during a crucial time period for early human occupations.
Researchers investigating aerosol pollution's impact on climate change will use NOAA's SPEAR model to project how future climate hazards could be affected by different emission scenarios. The study seeks to characterize the uncertainty of aerosol emissions and their influence on climate change.
Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.
Researchers propose a new approach to measure global warming, combining the last ten years of temperature observations with projections for the next decade. The current level of global warming is around 1.26°C, with an uncertainty range of 1.13°C to 1.43°C.
Local sea snails, such as the frilled dog winkle, are vulnerable to warming oceans due to their inability to adapt or migrate. In contrast, species like oysters and northern anchovies, which are tolerant of heat, may survive in warmer waters.
Researchers evaluated global water models using new approach, finding inconsistencies in climate regions and water extremes, with implications for agriculture and groundwater use. The study highlights the need for improved model evaluation methods to inform decision makers and improve model development.
Researchers found that the coastline produces up to five times more giant sea salt aerosols than the open ocean, affecting cloud formation and rainfall around the Hawaiian Islands. The study's findings can improve numerical weather prediction of nearshore cloud formation and rainfall patterns.
A recent study published in the Journal of Climate confirms that global warming is increasing the intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall extremes exponentially. The study's findings suggest that extreme rainfall will be heavier and more frequent, impacting social welfare, economies, and social stability.
The review highlights Brazil's importance in global sustainability efforts, with the country having twice as many articles on sugarcane as the US. Genetic engineering techniques need improvement to increase ethanol production while minimizing crop expansion. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing is a promising approach for precise modifications.
Scientists found that oceanic deoxygenation played a significant role in the Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction, leading to widespread ecosystem disruption and species extinctions. The global extent of deoxygenation was surprisingly similar to today's levels.
Researchers at Collaborative Research Centre Transregio 172 are studying Arctic amplification, a phenomenon where the Arctic warms at twice the rate of the globe. They've found increased storm activity, wetter atmosphere, and reduced sea ice in recent years.
Researchers from Tampere University discovered that marine organisms can form new atmospheric particles in the South Pacific Ocean, which could help explain climate change predictions. The study found that these particles were formed at night and were accompanied by signs of nitrogenous compounds.
Researchers found preserved yew trees from 4,200 years ago that reveal a sudden sea level rise likely killed the vast woodland. The trees contain valuable information about natural variability and potential links between global climate events.
A new study finds that mining companies are staking claims on future salmon habitats as glaciers retreat, threatening the environment. The research reveals that 25 subwatersheds have more than 50% of future salmon habitat near a mining claim, highlighting the need for policy changes.
A major global study found that animals are being pushed to their physical limits as they struggle to adapt to rising temperatures sparked by human-caused climate change. This is leading to widespread displacement, particularly among marine life that will be forced to abandon their habitats in search of cooler pastures.
A new paper from climate economists at the University of Oxford identifies sensitive intervention points that could unlock significant progress towards the Paris Agreement with the least risk and highest impact. These include critical tipping points in renewable energy, networks of powerful political figures, and windows of opportunity...
Plants capture more carbon on weekends when industrial production decreases and fewer people commute, finding similar patterns during COVID-19 lockdowns. This improvement in air quality could enhance natural carbon sequestration and mitigate climate change.
Researchers have developed a fully-enclosed aquaculture system that can be completely controlled, eliminating water quality and food safety concerns. The system produces nutrient-rich protein-rich 'Naked Clams' that are faster-growing than mussels and oysters, with higher Vitamin B12 levels.
A new theoretical framework evaluates the utilization efficiency of mobile power sources in power grids, considering various failure scenarios and structural resilience. The study emphasizes deploying mobile power sources to improve grid survivability and rapid recovery capabilities during disasters.
A study published in Science presents records from North Atlantic sediments that agree with recent surface and deep ocean warming and freshening. The research shows a connection between the surface and deep ocean throughout the last 1,200 years.
A new hotspot map reveals where women working in agri-food systems face the highest climate risk, with central, east, and southern Africa, as well as west and south Asia, being among the most vulnerable regions. Women's exposure to climate hazards and systemic gender inequalities converge to increase their vulnerability.
Researchers found a tradeoff between fast growth and heat tolerance in corals, with thermally sensitive algae dominating faster growth but only in cooler water. This study helps predict reef futures and inform conservation strategies, highlighting the complexity of coral growth on a reef.
Researchers have identified BMAA, a chronic neurotoxin linked to ALS and Alzheimer's, in dust particles from the Great Salt Lake. This dust poses an environmental health risk due to its inhalation potential.
A new study maps uncertainty in current climate modeling and proposes a framework to better predict future global warming risk. International experts identify 26 distinct processes that could drive significant warming after net zero.
A study analyzing Twitter posts and news articles found that people in states affected by hurricanes discussed climate change up to 200% more frequently after the storm. However, these discussions were often related to unreliable news sources that promoted conspiracy theories about global warming.
The Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) was published today, with AGU congratulating its contributors. The assessment reports on record global temperatures, wildfires, droughts, and flooding disasters aggravated by human-driven climate change.
The Lancet's 2023 report highlights the catastrophic threat to human health and survival due to climate change inaction, with severe heat-related deaths increasing by 85% among people over 65. Climate inaction is estimated to result in $264 billion in economic losses annually.
A new study by the University of Washington challenges previous findings of declining phytoplankton in the North Atlantic. The researchers analyzed an ice core from central Greenland and found that human-generated pollutants changed the atmosphere's chemistry, offsetting a decrease in marine productivity.
A new modelling study led by UCL researchers finds that faster Arctic warming will breach the global 1.5C and 2C temperature thresholds five and eight years earlier than expected. This accelerated warming adds substantial uncertainty to climate forecasts, highlighting the need for more extensive monitoring of temperatures in the region.
A new solar-powered device can turn polluted water into clean drinking water and hydrogen fuel, addressing global energy and water crises. The device uses solar power to split water molecules, producing clean water and hydrogen with minimal energy loss.
A new study found that wildfires and drought have led to a 10% reduction in the value of private timberland in three Pacific states over the past two decades. Climate change is attributed as the primary cause of this damage, with large wildfires causing an additional 8.7% loss.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a passive radiative cooling material that achieves high-performance optical properties. The cooling ceramic reduces thermal load, provides stable cooling performance, and can be used in various building applications.
A new research project uses data from over 8,000 gauging stations across Europe to predict mega-floods, reducing the surprise factor of their occurrence. By considering hydrologically similar areas, flood disasters can be anticipated and mitigated, saving lives.
Research confirms Greenland's glaciers are melting rapidly due to climate change, with a 5-fold increase in melting over the past 20 years. The study reveals that 25 meters of ice are lost annually, contributing significantly to sea level rise and posing significant challenges for renewable energy and ecosystems.
A systematic review found that climate change-related concerns are linked to less positive attitudes towards reproduction and a desire for fewer children or none at all. The study identified four key factors: uncertainty about the future of an unborn child, environmentalist views on overpopulation and overconsumption, meeting family su...
A study by Peking University researchers reveals that climate change affects cryospheric rivers, leading to changes in sediment transport and regime shifts. This can threaten downstream communities and ecosystems, highlighting the need for adaptation strategies.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in studying species evolution by using robotic video microscopes and computer vision to measure embryo characteristics. The study found huge changes in an embryo's observable traits before and after developmental events, suggesting that measuring timings of development is just the tip of the iceberg.
A new type of algal threat is displacing corals globally due to blocking sunlight and producing harmful chemicals. Peyssonnelioid alga crusts are expanding quickly across reefs, killing off corals and transforming entire ecosystems.
Ruixin Yang has received $8,000 from the International Food Policy Research Institute to conduct hazard maps and review existing methods for climate change research. He is developing a Python program to identify and assess climate hazards in Africa.
A large study of used cars and SUVs found battery electric vehicles driven almost 4,500 fewer miles than gas cars annually. This challenges current assumptions about emissions savings from EVs, highlighting the need for better understanding of driver behavior to accurately predict emissions reductions.
Researchers have discovered a potential bottleneck in Adélie penguins' annual cycle, which could be exacerbated as the climate continues to change. The study found that seasonal Antarctic sea ice plays a crucial role in the penguins' molting periods, with low sea ice concentration signaling extended gaps in post-breeding diving activity.
A UC Irvine-led team has developed a method to produce farm-free food by synthesizing dietary fats through chemical and biological processes. This approach could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve natural ecosystems.
Researchers found that green spaces alleviate extreme heat's negative impacts on human health, while densely packed buildings increase mortality risk. Urban design strategies incorporating different types of greenery are recommended to mitigate heatwave-associated mortality.
A new analysis suggests that the US low-carbon transition is likely to create consistent job growth, particularly in the utilities and construction sectors. However, major fossil fuel-producing states may need to prepare for fewer mining jobs and plan carefully to ensure a 'just' transition for all workers.
A new study suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is not enough to combat climate change, with a potential for global warming to reach as high as 4.8°C. Aerosol reduction has offset some warming in the past century, but its decline may now reveal hidden greenhouse gas warming.
A new AI model trained by Cambridge researchers can classify 'hard-to-decarbonize' houses with high accuracy, enabling policymakers to prioritize improvement efforts. The model uses open-source data and can be adapted for use in countries with patchy datasets.
New research by the National Center for Atmospheric Research shows a fivefold increase in damaging thunderstorm straight line winds in the central U.S. over the past 40 years, resulting from warmer temperatures and increasing wind speeds. The study used high-resolution computer modeling to estimate changes in winds and found that clima...
Researchers have reconstructed a global history of water over the past 2,000 years, showing that the global water cycle has changed during periods of higher and lower temperatures. The study found that when global temperature is higher, rain and other environmental waters become more isotopically heavy.
A new research project will explore the potential for low-lying coral atoll islands to survive the impact of rising sea levels, contradicting previous forecasts. The five-year £2.8m ARISE project will conduct extensive field tests and laboratory experiments in the Maldives and Pacific.
A team of researchers at MIT has discovered a process where light can directly cause evaporation without heat, exceeding the thermal limit. This phenomenon could explain natural phenomena like fog and clouds, and enable new approaches to desalination.
Researchers find that halting deforestation and restoring native vegetation are critical for Brazil to achieve its 2050 net zero goal. The study suggests that nature-based solutions can mitigate nearly 80% of Brazil's net zero pledge and reduce carbon emissions by 781 million tons per year.
Researchers analyze waste samples from 55 lined pit latrines in Malawi to understand the complex microbial communities. The findings reveal that aerobic microbes are more abundant near the surface and anaerobic microbes deeper in the pit, helping break down human waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new method estimates the benefit of carbon stored because of forest conservation, enabling direct comparison of projects. The technique generates incentives for safeguarding forests long after credits have been issued.
Researchers found that using natural hazards instead of disasters increases intentions to prepare and actual behavior, suggesting a potential solution to improve public response. The study suggests that the terms 'natural hazard' and 'natural disaster' have little impact on key perceptions.
The Human Right to Environment affirms the right to life itself, securing human health and wellbeing when humans protect nature. The recognition of this right drives governmental enforcement of environmental protection norms, requiring systemic change to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
A new study finds that consumers are willing to pay more for pork with improved animal welfare, but not necessarily a lower carbon footprint. The majority of respondents prioritize animal welfare over climate considerations.
The authors argue that tackling climate change and biodiversity loss requires a unified approach, as both crises have devastating impacts on human health. The World Health Organization should declare the indivisible climate and nature crisis as a global health emergency.
A new study has discovered microfossils resembling modern-day algae that lived in the oceans during the Cambrian Period, around half a billion years ago. The findings suggest that early animals were evolving to feed on plankton, starting a predator-prey relationship that continues to this day.