Articles tagged with Climate Change
Researchers at Princeton and Rice universities developed a low-cost technique to split hydrogen from liquid ammonia using LED light and nanotechnology, paving the way for sustainable and locally produced hydrogen. The technique overcomes a critical hurdle in realizing hydrogen's potential as a clean fuel.
A new study confirms the link between climate change and the extreme 2021 heat wave, which set records in Canada and sparked devastating wildfires. The research reveals that human-induced warming has made such events increasingly feasible, with potential for repeats every 10 years by 2050.
Researchers investigate whether genes increasing heat tolerance also reduce cold tolerance in animals. Ostriches, with their extreme temperature variations in the wild, are an ideal model for studying this phenomenon. The study aims to understand how life stages influence adaptation to temperature fluctuations.
A University of South Australia physicist has solved the long-standing mystery of lightning's zig-zag pattern and dark electric column. The breakthrough explains how singlet-delta metastable oxygen molecules create these steps.
A new study reveals that large parts of Europe are experiencing faster-than-average warming during summer months, leading to worse heatwaves and an increased risk of fires. The climate across the continent has also become drier, particularly in southern Europe.
A KIT study reveals that low-temperature aquifer thermal energy storage is a promising technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from heating and cooling buildings. The study found that over 54% of German territory is suited well or very well for this system, with the potential to increase by 13% by 2100.
Research reveals that sweet corn yields significantly decrease with extreme heat during flowering, especially in rainfed fields. Irrigation may help mitigate yield loss, but water scarcity could worsen climate-related challenges.
Climate change is expanding the geographic range of endemic fungal diseases, such as Valley fever, blastomycosis, and histoplasmosis, which can mimic pneumonia. Physicians are often misdiagnosing these conditions due to a lack of training and limited testing options.
Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a way to use satellite views to understand and predict the formation of dead zones in coastal areas. The study found that satellites can provide near-real-time information on where, when, and how long hypoxic zones persist, enabling better management of these critical problems.
The American College of Physicians recommends policies to improve healthcare access and quality for incarcerated patients, including adequate funding and timely access to necessary services. The organization also supports treating substance use disorders as an alternative to incarceration.
A new study by researchers from the University of Oldenburg found that particles from central South America were the primary source of iron in the South Pacific during the last two glacial periods. The team's theory suggests that jet stream circulation picked up fine mineral particles on the east side of the Andes and transported them ...
A new study models likely future cliff retreat rates of two rock coasts in the UK, finding that rock coasts are likely to retreat at a rate not seen for 3,000-5,000 years. The researchers predict that rock coast cliffs will retreat by at least 10-22 meters inland due to accelerating sea level rise.
A new study finds that transitioning to a low-carbon energy system could lead to significant global emissions, consuming much of the remaining carbon budget. The average emissions associated with decarbonization amount to 195 gigatonnes of CO2, equivalent to 0.1°C of additional global warming.
A transdisciplinary team of QUT researchers has proposed a multi-pronged approach to tackle plastic pollution, combining DNA-like encoding of plastics with international law. The technology aims to trace plastic waste back to its source, enabling the identification of polluters and eventual phasing out of plastics.
A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports reveals that social media engagement with climate policy events can increase the focus of the building sector on environmental justice. The researchers found a strong environmental justice discourse among public concerns, which can foster positive sentiments and inspire innovative emis...
Researchers used weather radar to track bird movements and found peak roosting stages shifting earlier due to warmer temperatures. This shift may lead to a shortened pre-migratory season, impacting birds' survival during migration.
A recent study found that science misinformation about genetically modified crops reached a quarter of a billion people globally. The majority of articles containing GMO-related keywords contained false information, especially on human health concerns, which had the highest readership.
Researchers discovered trapped seawater sealed in North American rock for 390 million years, shedding light on ancient oceans' chemistry and potential for storing carbon-free fuel. The study's findings could inform geologic studies and help identify subsurface locations to safely store hydrogen.
Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have discovered that CO2 in the deep Earth's dissolution in water may be more active than previously thought, influencing global climate over geologic time. Confining CO2 and water in suitable nanoporous minerals enhances underground carbon storage efficiency.
The Blob, an extreme marine heatwave that hit the Santa Barbara Channel from 2014–2016, has had a lasting impact on kelp forest communities. Six years later, researchers found that while some species have recovered, others have declined or been replaced by invasive bryozoans.
Scientists have confirmed the existence of a 'stabilizing feedback' mechanism that regulates Earth's temperature over hundreds of thousands of years. Silicate weathering is believed to be the likely cause, drawing carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and into ocean sediments.
Fungal lung infections are a growing problem nationwide, with 48 states affected by soil fungi causing serious lung infections. Outdated maps may lead to delayed or incorrect diagnoses.
A new study documents the central role of Arctic vegetation in warming for the first time. The researchers found that different types of vegetation have varying effects on surface energy conversion, with dry areas producing greater warming than wet areas.
Researchers have discovered a new critical period for sex determination in sea turtle embryos, influenced by temperature fluctuations. The study reveals two peaks in temperature's impact on sex ratio during the thermosensitive period of development.
Researchers at George Mason University have received significant funding from NOAA to establish the Virginia Climate Center. The center will provide products and services to help communities in northern Virginia adopt risk prevention and mitigation strategies, improving livelihoods and saving tax dollars.
A distinct population of oceanic manta rays was identified off the coast of Ecuador, with an estimated total population of over 22,000 individuals, making it more than 10 times larger than any other known subpopulation. The population is large and potentially healthy due to favorable conditions in the region.
New research finds climate change could lead to more frequent lightning strikes over mountains and Northern Europe, triggering increased wildfire risks. However, relatively fewer lightning hazards are expected over populated areas of Central Europe.
Global carbon emissions have reached a record high, with no indication of a decline to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The Global Carbon Project projects total global CO2 emissions of 40.6 billion tonnes in 2022, fueled by fossil CO2 emissions that are projected to rise 1.0% compared to 2021.
New research suggests that the world will probably warm beyond the 1.5-degree limit set by the 2015 Paris Agreement, but peak warming can be minimized by adopting more ambitious climate pledges and decarbonizing faster. The study models scenarios to explore what degree of warming would likely follow different courses of action, highlig...
A new study found that racial resentment significantly motivates Americans to express confidence in misinformed beliefs about policy issues associated with race, such as human-caused climate change and COVID-19 origins. In contrast, this effect was not observed for less racially charged topics like childhood vaccine safety.
Almost one quarter of Sweden's last unprotected old-growth forest was logged between 2003 and 2019. Rare ecosystems with rich biodiversity are being lost at a rate of 1.4% per year, posing significant threats to biodiversity and planetary stability.
A new study combining GPS, satellite data, and numerical modelling indicates that existing models have underestimated ice loss from northeast Greenland, which could contribute up to 15.5mm to global sea levels by 2100. The Northeast Greenland Ice Stream's contribution will be six times greater than previously thought.
Researchers will develop a new model to describe complex soot particles in the atmosphere, improving accuracy in predicting climate warming caused by soot. The project aims to reduce uncertainty over soot's impact on climate change and air quality.
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
A new study proposes a scalable, bottom-up approach to developing energy-saving initiatives at the individual level by analyzing real-time energy usage data. The research team developed an energy calculator that can be scaled up to the building- and community-level, enabling more accurate occupant-level measurements.
The study found that the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream could add a half-inch or more of water to sea levels by the end of this century. The researchers used satellite data and numerical modeling with GPS data collected from the harsh interior of Greenland over the past decade.
Climate change poses a significant threat to southwestern US reptile and amphibian populations, with limited-dispersal species facing the greatest vulnerability. The study suggests that prioritizing conservation efforts for these species may be crucial to mitigating habitat loss.
A new study by the University of Arizona found that tropical cyclones often follow extreme heat, which can be a major hazard after a storm. The research team analyzed 53 tropical cyclones and found that cities' heat index values were always warmer than average after the storm.
The research team found that extreme heat events have become a significant public concern, with more research focused on the topic. The findings also highlight the importance of understanding heat waves and their impacts on human health and terrestrial ecosystems.
A new study by Stanford University scientists reveals that beaver dams can have a significant positive impact on river water quality in the US West. The dams raise water levels, diverting nutrients and contaminants into surrounding soils, which act as filters, improving water quality.
The ASU-led SW-IFL aims to understand complex relationships between extreme heat, atmospheric pollutants, and limited water supply on vulnerable urban subpopulations. The integrated field laboratory will combine high-resolution data, advanced computer modeling, and community engagement to create regionally specific predictive tools.
A review article breaks down dryland dynamics and discusses key drivers of shifts in vegetation, highlighting the importance of hydrological processes. The study suggests prioritizing holistic approaches to dryland management under increasing climate and anthropogenic pressures.
A new study by Virginia Tech geobiologists reveals that a major loss of diversity occurred during the Ediacaran Period, resulting in an 80% extinction of animals. The researchers attribute this event to decreased global oxygen availability, suggesting that environmental controls played a role in shaping animal life on Earth.
A team of 70 scientists warns that climate change will drastically reduce the ability to build a sustainable future based on healthy ecosystems. Insects face extinction and ecosystem disruption due to global warming and extreme weather events.
A study by Linköping University finds that current measurement methods are insufficient for reducing emissions and meeting the Paris Agreement's 2°C target. The researchers highlight the need for cheap and easy-to-use methods to track all types of greenhouse gas emissions at a local level.
The discussion focused on the impact of ocean acidification, compound events, sea-level rise, and climate injustice, with experts highlighting the need for youth involvement in decision-making. The panel agreed on the urgent need for climate action ahead of COP27, emphasizing cooperation between nations to mitigate the crisis.
The Congo peatlands, the world's largest tropical peatland complex, are fragile and vulnerable to drought. If modern-day global heating produces droughts in the region, they could release up to 30 billion tonnes of carbon, accelerating climate change.
Researchers used drones to monitor Waikīkī Beach, finding that wave energy from south swells and trade-wind generated waves drive erosion and accretion. The studies provide insights into beach behavior and help inform management of the coastline for ecological, societal, and economic sustainability.
The Congo Basin's largest tropical peatland is a critical carbon sink, but it's near a tipping point due to climate change. Scientists have discovered that the peat formed under drier conditions than other tropical swamps, making it vulnerable to transformation into a carbon source.
A new study from UMass Amherst identifies over 3,000 invasive plant species, but estimates suggest there could be up to 4,721 more, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive global list. The research highlights the importance of floristic surveys in understudied regions to fill knowledge gaps.
Researchers found coastal embayments experience episodic hypoxic events and increased hypoxic conditions compared to open coastline. These areas are likely to be impacted by climate change and ecosystem changes.
A new study reveals that global warming can lead to an exponential increase in heat injury accumulation for ectothermic organisms, with temperatures exceeding their tolerance level resulting in severe injuries. The rate of heat injury doubles for each degree the temperature rises.
A study led by the University of Zurich found that diverse Arctic vegetation affects the land surface energy budget. The researchers linked vegetation types to energy exchange data from 64 measuring stations, revealing a significant difference in heat flux between various vegetation types and glaciers/grasslands.
A new study developed two approaches to assess species vulnerability, considering natural fluctuations and predictability in ecosystems. These methods outperform traditional ranking systems, which often focus on population size or body size.
Scientists discovered that ancient fish favored cold, dark waters of the deep sea, challenging the assumption that shallow habitats have always been diverse. The study revealed three major events that drove speciation rates in the deep sea, including the breakup of Pangea and the Cretaceous Hot Greenhouse period.
A new study predicts that climate change will increase rainbow viewing opportunities in northern latitudes and high elevations, while decreasing them in tropical regions. The research used photographs from Flickr to map rainbow occurrences under current and future climates.
A Dartmouth study found that severe heat waves resulting from climate change have already caused massive economic losses worldwide. The research estimates $16 trillion was lost to the effects of high temperatures on human health, productivity, and agricultural output.
A long-term study in Southeast Asian seasonally dry tropical forests found that El Niño-induced drought increased seedling mortality. Despite being more drought-tolerant than rainforests, SDTFs experienced higher mortality rates under severe and prolonged drought conditions.
Research suggests that climate change can increase trust among Vietnamese rural households, particularly during periods of poor rice yields. As temperatures rise, communities come together to help each other, leading to increased social cohesion and trust.
The Annenberg Science and Public Health Knowledge Monitor assesses public knowledge on climate, maternal health, vaccination, and more. The quarterly survey reports aim to highlight strengths and weaknesses in public knowledge and inform public health strategies.