Articles tagged with Climate Change
A plant ecologist proposes a multi-faceted approach to preventing all future land plant extinctions. Training more plant experts and creating an online 'metaherbarium' with digitized records of species are key components, alongside building microreserves and increasing funding.
A recent study reveals that climate change has led to unpredictable changes in juvenile salmon migration timing, with some populations migrating earlier or later than usual. This variability can impact the survival rates of these fish, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring and conservation efforts.
A study analyzing three years of power outages across the US found that Americans bearing the brunt of climate change and health inequities are most at risk in four regions. Heavy precipitation, tropical cyclones, and storms with high winds make power outages more likely, especially in the South, Northeast, and Appalachia. The research...
A historic study reveals the West Antarctic Ice Sheet was smaller and more dynamic in recent geologic past than previously thought, with implications for global sea level rise. The researchers analyzed sediment and water samples from subglacial lake Mercer Lake to infer the region's geologic history.
A new model predicts that climate change will lead to longer transmission seasons for Zika and dengue diseases in Brazil. The study found that warming temperatures could increase the basic reproduction number (R0) of Zika by up to 2.7, leading to more frequent epidemics.
A new study finds that Arctic shipping is plagued by increasing fog, which reduces visibility and causes costly delays. Ships crossing the Northwest Passage are more likely to encounter fog than those in the Northern Sea Route, leading to increased sailing times and costs.
A new study by UMD criminologist Gary LaFree and former graduate student Bo Jiang found a link between rising sea surface temps and piracy. Rising temps caused an increase in piracy attacks in East Africa, while decreasing temps led to decreases in piracy attacks in the South China Sea due to changes in fish production.
A worldwide decline in insect populations is attributed to land-use intensification, climate change, and the spread of invasive animal species. The consequences of this trend include a loss of biodiversity, reduced pollination services, and increased risk to food sources for animals.
A team of IUPUI researchers has developed an AI-powered approach to classify insect species, tackling the challenge of discovering new species. The method uses deep hierarchical Bayesian learning to distinguish between known and unknown species, providing insight into their taxonomy and ecosystem impacts.
Researchers have developed a method to extract valuable metals from old mining waste using microbes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%. This process also captures carbon dioxide from the air and stores it in the tailings as new minerals.
A new study from Oregon State University found that massive iceberg discharges during the last ice age triggered rapid warming in Antarctica but had no effect on temperatures in Greenland. This discovery challenges current understanding of global climate dynamics and raises more questions than answers.
The study emphasizes the connection between climate crisis and biodiversity loss, highlighting the need to protect and restore at least 30% of land, freshwater, and marine zones. The authors propose a combination of emissions reduction, restoration, and protection measures to address both crises.
New research using social media advertising data provides insights into the adoption of air conditioning units worldwide, particularly in heat-vulnerable regions. The study found that middle-aged, highly educated, married males, and parents with small children are more likely to express online interest in AC units.
The study reveals that the African penguin's geographical range has shrunk significantly over the past 22,000 years due to rising sea levels, leaving only a few small islands as suitable nesting habitats. This decline has been exacerbated by human pressures such as climate change, habitat destruction, and competition for food.
Researchers at POSTECH have successfully developed perovskite solar cells using novel additives, achieving high power conversion efficiency and fill factor. The use of alkylammonium formats enables the elimination of surface defects, leading to more stable and efficient solar cells.
A new study reveals that climate zones in Kenya are shifting towards hotter and drier conditions, leading to declines in ecological diversity and threatening terrestrial ecosystems. The research highlights the urgent need for adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on food security and ecosystem management.
Human activities have caused global mean temperature to rise by 1.1°C, leading to climate and biodiversity crises. The study proposes a combination of emissions reduction, restoration, and protection measures to address both catastrophes.
The seven worst years for polar ice sheet melting and losing ice have occurred during the past decade, with 2019 being the worst year on record. Global heating is driving up sea levels and coastal flooding around the world, with melting ice sheets accounting for a quarter of all sea level rise.
Oceanographers warn of limitations in carbon dioxide removal, emphasizing the need for rapid emission cuts to limit global warming. Clear definitions of marine heatwaves are also crucial for coastal communities to adapt and resource managers to prioritize mitigation strategies.
According to the study, 50 countries' climate plans predict 12 gigatons of CO2 emissions annually by 2050, which must be removed from the atmosphere. The researchers emphasize the need for rapid reductions here and now, as relying solely on technology and nature restoration may not be sufficient to meet this goal.
A recent study suggests that India's recurrent heatwaves have a significant socioeconomic impact on the country, weakening its progress toward achieving sustainable development goals. The study found that nearly 90% of the country is in danger zone from heatwave impact and around 20% is highly vulnerable to climate change.
Carreon is developing technology to capture and convert greenhouse gases into clean-burning fuels using reactors powered by renewable energy sources. Her $538,659 NSF award will support this research over five years.
Researchers discovered a hydrogel material that maintains its ability to absorb moisture despite rising temperatures, contradicting intuition. The material, polyethylene glycol (PEG), doubles its water absorption between 25-50 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for passive cooling and water harvesting applications.
A study found that more than 70% of Chinook populations have declined over the last 50 years, but some populations are recovering due to their diverse migration and spawning strategies. Cold water and marine habitats play a key role in their success, particularly for fall and summer stocks.
A new study suggests that large animals are disadvantaged due to their limited traveling speeds, which can be attributed to their inability to effectively dissipate excess heat generated by their muscles. This limitation leads to slower travel speeds compared to medium-sized animals.
A recent study found that temperature and extreme drought drive movement among herds of Plains bison, posing challenges for managing the iconic species. The team analyzed GPS-backed evidence from 33 Plains bison across two sites in Oklahoma, revealing a strong link between air temperature and bison movement.
A new Dartmouth study examines how changes in precipitation and temperature due to global warming affect streamflow and flooding in the Northeast. The research finds that a warmer climate will lead to increased streamflow and higher flood risk, particularly if soils become wetter and more prone to heavy rainfall events.
A new study reveals that Antarctic seals' vocalisations decrease significantly when sea ice disappears, affecting their breeding and behavior. The research used underwater microphones to track the seals' acoustic presence over eight years, finding a notable decline in 2010/2011.
A British woman was infected with dengue while visiting family in the south of France in September 2022. The case report presents an outbreak of over 30 locally transmitted cases in France, highlighting the rapidly changing epidemiology of dengue.
Research finds that flash droughts are becoming more frequent due to human-caused climate change, posing a major challenge for climate adaptation. The transition to flash droughts is predicted to accelerate in a warmer future, with irreversible impacts on ecosystems.
The Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has been awarded a $9.9 million grant by the Bezos Earth Fund to develop low-cost virtual fencing technology that can benefit farmers, animals, and the environment. The project aims to improve existing virtual fencing technology and combine it with animal-monitoring system...
A new study found that snowshoe hares' seasonal color swap is being disrupted by global warming, leaving them vulnerable to predators. Hares that wait too long to turn white may not survive the winter, highlighting the importance of timing in their survival.
Researchers propose using agro-sequestration to capture carbon from the air by growing biomass crops and burying them in engineered dry biolandfills. The addition of salt helps prevent decomposition, allowing for stable sequestration of up to 2 tonnes of carbon dioxide per tonne of biomass.
A study by Carnegie Mellon researchers found that about 10% of US pipeline compressor stations are electric, making them vulnerable to electric outages. Electric outages could force a loss greater than 2 gigawatts of downstream gas generators, causing significant reductions in available gas.
A new study found that migratory birds, such as the American Redstart, can delay their spring migration by up to 10 days and fly faster to reach breeding grounds, partially offsetting climate change impacts. However, this strategy comes with a decline in overall survival rates.
Scientists have mapped the largest known woody deposit in the Mackenzie River Delta, finding it stores about 3.4 million tons of carbon. The deposit, covering 51 square kilometers, is an important part of the carbon cycle and has significant implications for climate change.
Researchers found that 89% of Dominica's trees sustained damage from Hurricane Maria, but only 10% were immediately killed. The study suggests that forests in hurricane-prone regions can resist extreme weather events due to their adapted structure and composition.
Researchers developed a model that predicts which species are at risk of becoming threatened or extinct based on climate change, human population growth, and land use patterns. The study aims to shift conservation efforts from reactive to proactive, enabling the protection of species before they reach threatened status.
An interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Oklahoma advocates for integrating biogeography and behavioral ecology to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how to leverage existing biodiversity knowledge into predictive frameworks for addressing biodiversity loss. The authors argue that combining these two fie...
A Dartmouth College study found that more than 500 home runs since 2010 can be attributed to higher-than-average temperatures due to climate change. Rising temperatures could account for 10% or more of home runs by 2100, with some stadiums experiencing significant spikes in home run totals.
A new study by University of Utah researchers finds that US forests may lose carbon through fire, stress, and insect damage, compromising their role as a climate solution. The study suggests urgent need to update carbon offset protocols with best available science on climate risks.
A study by Chalmers University of Technology and Lund University shows that phasing out coal is necessary to limit global warming to 2 degrees. However, current commitments from countries are not sufficient, and China and India need to take rapid action within five years.
A new study predicts US forests may lose significant carbon storage due to climate change, compromising their role as a climate solution. The researchers used multi-perspective modeling approaches to forecast changes in aboveground carbon storage in different regions.
A study of California's high-elevation Sierra Nevada squirrels reveals that climate is just one factor influencing their niche. Squirrel species use different spaces due to variations in climate, topography, and land cover, such as meadows or forests.
Researchers developed a stable and active catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation at room temperature, achieving high conversion efficiency comparable to state-of-the-art heterogeneous catalysts. The PdMo intermetallic catalyst was synthesized via a simple ammonolysis process and demonstrated robustness and durability in various conditions.
Researchers found that coral skeletons provide protection to algae, allowing them to outcompete slow-growing coral. This protection does not benefit young coral, which struggles to recover from bleaching due to limited predation pressure and rapid algae growth.
Recent research by Norwegian University of Science and Technology revealed that East Antarctica's ice sheet melted rapidly along its margins between 9,000 to 5,000 years ago. The study suggests that the less stable, rapidly flowing parts of the ice sheet were broken up more easily, leading to the ice sheet becoming much thinner within ...
Researchers found that low-impact development practices, such as permeable pavement and bioretention cells, are effective in reducing flood risk in residential areas. Detention basins are also a viable option for areas with high impervious surfaces.
A new study reveals a protein in the nervous system regulates collagen expression, potentially extending human lifespan as temperatures rise. Mutant worms with increased collagen production lived longer and looked younger than wild-type worms under warm temperatures.
Researchers found a 40% reduction in ammonia emissions and a two-thirds decrease in methane emissions by acidifying slurry with sulfuric acid. The method also improves fertilization and could be optimized to achieve even higher reductions.
A new study models current and future trends in heat-related mortality in the MENA region, predicting a significant increase in deaths under high-emissions scenarios. Limiting warming to 2°C may prevent over 80% of these predicted deaths, highlighting the urgent need for better adaptation policies and renewable technologies.
A novel copper-containing polymeric filter can effectively capture carbon dioxide from the air, converting it into sodium bicarbonate that can be released harmlessly into the ocean. The technology has garnered international attention and could be powered by renewable energy in the future.
A recent study reveals that uneven future warming in the Indian Ocean can cause shifts in monsoon precipitation, with potential impacts on societies and ecosystems. The research identifies key mechanisms driving these changes, including winds and ocean currents.
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology has been awarded a €2.5 million grant from the European Research Council to investigate how species can survive in a changing environment. The project aims to develop rules for preventing species extinction and studying adaptation to environmental changes.
Researchers at KAIST have developed a hybrid system that combines electrochemical CO2 conversion with microbial bioconversion to produce bioplastics. The system resulted in the world's highest productivity, producing up to 83% of cell dry weight as bioplastic from CO2.
A new study predicts that Antarctic deep ocean currents will slow by over 40% in the next 30 years and may collapse, with significant impacts on climate and marine ecosystems. The decline of this circulation could stagnate the bottom of the oceans and trap nutrients, affecting marine life for centuries to come.
A 50-year study on Great Sippewissett Marsh found that more than 90% of the world's salt marshes will be underwater by 2100 due to sea-level rise. Despite attempts to adapt, low-lying wetlands are unlikely to migrate landward, and human development may exacerbate the problem.
A recent study led by BioFunLab found that urban parks store an equivalent amount of carbon in their soils as natural areas near cities, highlighting the importance of these green spaces in mitigating climate change. The research also revealed that soil microbes play a key role in regulating carbon sequestration in urban parks.
A new study of tree rings from the region shows that the event was almost certainly the worst in at least the past millennium. The research established a year-by-year record of summer average temperatures going back to 950, revealing scores of abnormally hot summers.
New research reveals methane traps heat in the atmosphere but also creates cooling clouds that offset 30% of the heat. Methane absorbs both longwave and shortwave energy, leading to a slight cooling effect.