Articles tagged with Climate Change
A coalition of scientists analyzed satellite imagery and seismic records to understand the cause of the Uttarakhand disaster, finding that climate change is contributing to its frequency. The study suggests that a giant landslide triggered a devastating debris flow, destroying hydropower facilities and killing hundreds.
A recent study found that only 45% of moth and butterfly species can adjust to a changing climate by advancing their flight period or shifting their range further north. The remaining 55% have seen their populations decline due to insufficient habitats, making it essential to preserve biodiversity through high-quality habitats.
A study by the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research found that soot particles from oil and wood heating systems as well as road traffic contribute significantly to air pollution in Europe. The researchers estimated that 48% of local soot emissions and 52% of long-distance soot emissions reached the measurement site.
A new study suggests that deep decarbonization by 2050 is currently not plausible, highlighting the need for more ambitious climate action. The Hamburg Climate Futures Outlook examines social drivers and technological advancements to determine which climate futures are possible.
Five scientists from Israel and Jordan have been awarded research grants by the Red Sea Reef Foundation to study the unique corals in the northern Red Sea. Their innovative projects aim to monitor reef health, develop coral bioindicators, and refine coral farming techniques to support conservation efforts.
Researchers used a new technique to reconstruct the climate of Europe during the Cretaceous period, finding that temperatures fluctuated between 15°C and 27°C. This shows that seasonal differences remained constant despite rising average temperatures, leading to hotter summers and warmer winters.
Researchers have found that summer rainfall on the Tibetan Plateau is highly predictable on multiyear timescales using large ensemble predictions. The study reveals a substantial underestimation of the predictable signal in state-of-the-art decadal prediction models.
A new study revises past temperature estimates in Antarctica, revealing significant differences between West and East Antarctica due to varying altitudes. The research uses two independent methods to measure temperatures, providing reliable data for climate modeling and future projections.
A new study by Silvia Weko reveals that political ideology plays a larger role than party preferences in shaping attitudes towards climate policy among Europeans. Cosmopolitan attitudes are more positive towards climate action, while communitarian minds are more concerned with energy security and economic development.
A new study found that climate warming will increase carbon loss in Canadian peatland by 103 per cent due to changes in soil temperature and photosynthesis. This will lead to a strong positive climate feedback loop, where peatlands release greenhouse gases contributing to further climate warming.
Researchers investigated plant competition under dual stressors of extreme drought and invasive species, finding dynamic interactions that amplify or buffer each other. Cork oak trees surprisingly recover better than expected after extreme drought when the invasive gum rockrose is also affected.
Global clean energy technology adoption is growing at a rapid pace, particularly in niche markets like Norway and California for electric vehicles, Ireland for wind power, and China for electric buses and new nuclear. These pioneers are crucial to addressing climate change by developing and deploying low-carbon technologies.
Researchers used two methods to reconstruct ancient Antarctica temperatures, finding that parts were 10 degrees below current temps, while others were only 4-5 degrees cooler. The study improves climate modeling and sheds light on the planet's sensitivity to greenhouse gases.
A 5-million-year-old sedimentary record at Charyn Canyon provides a rare insight into long-term land-climate feedback mechanisms. The analysis revealed increasing aridity over the past five million years, with short-term fluctuations influenced by westerly winds and the Siberian high-pressure system.
Mason 4C has partnered with medical societies to address climate change through health initiatives. The consortium aims to improve public health and healthcare outcomes in vulnerable populations.
Researchers at the University of Bern found that most plastic waste does not end up in open ocean, but instead remains near coastlines or on beaches. The study suggests that regions with large sources of plastic waste, such as Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean, are disproportionately affected.
A study of over 1,000 Americans found that conservatives were more likely to believe false claims about politics that benefited the right, while liberals were more likely to believe true claims that favored the left. This suggests that the political environment and widely shared news plays a role in shaping conservative misperceptions.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University researchers found that floods in most UK areas no longer follow historical patterns due to climate change and human intervention. This challenges traditional flood frequency analysis methods, which may lead to underestimation of flood peaks and catastrophic consequences.
Researchers found that salp fecal pellets release more bioavailable iron than krill pellets, allowing phytoplankton to take up five times more iron. This could lead to increased CO2 fixation and a shift in the Southern Ocean's food web as climate change affects krill dominance.
Scientists have discovered that bacteria found in brackish sediments can 'eat' electricity and absorb climate-warming carbon dioxide. This unusual skill was previously thought to be exclusive to freshwater bacteria, but may be common in marine bacteria.
A new model predicts that rising temperatures in the UK will increase the risk of West Nile virus outbreaks, which are spread by mosquitoes with no vaccine available. The risk is currently low but expected to rise as temperatures increase.
Researchers found that some foraminifera species can survive and even thrive in hypoxic and anoxic sediments, suggesting a new direction for studying past environmental conditions. The study also revealed diverse metabolic strategies used by these organisms to adapt to low oxygen conditions.
Researchers found that Northern Hemisphere seabirds suffer greater breeding productivity stresses than their Southern Hemisphere counterparts. This suggests the need for hemispheric-scale ocean management and long-term monitoring programs.
A University of Otago study found the kea is not an alpine specialist but rather adapted to open habitats due to human disturbance. The research also reconstructed demographic histories of kākā and kea species, suggesting the kea may struggle in a warming climate.
Researchers found significant amounts of mercury in meltwater rivers from Greenland's glaciers, with concentrations comparable to industrial China. The discovery highlights the need for rethinking conservation measures and management strategies to address mercury pollution.
Researchers found that coral species Pocillopora maintain close relationships with specific algae genera Cladocopium despite intense climate fluctuations over the last 1.5 million years. This resilience may enable them to adapt to modern ocean warming, at least in the coming decades.
Newly discovered fish fossils from an eastern Egyptian desert site show that marine fishes thrived in at least some tropical areas during the PETM. The study provides a snapshot of an ecosystem during an extreme warming event and may provide insights for the future.
The Mason4C Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health will expand its partnership with NMA fellows and community-based environmental justice groups. With funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this collaboration aims to amplify the voices of doctors and other health professionals in addressing climate and health injustices.
Researchers analyzed magnetic fossil particles to decode environmental changes during the ancient warming event. The study found that oxygen levels declined rapidly in the New Jersey coast and fluctuated thereafter.
The conference focused on resilience, relocation, and climate justice in areas affected by climate change. Key findings highlighted the importance of environmental justice in managed retreat strategies.
Global plant disease outbreaks are increasing, threatening global food supply, due to climate change and increased trade. Researchers call for improved detection systems, surveillance, and modeling to prevent disease outbreaks.
A new study found that global ecosystem changes began to accelerate around 11,000 years ago, with a second period of rapid change starting between 4.6 and 2.8 thousand years ago. The researchers used fossil pollen records to compare rates of change across different continents and regions.
Researchers analyzed global pollen data to study the global rate of change in vegetation, finding a worldwide acceleration in compositional change between 4.6 and 2.9 thousand years ago. Human influence on terrestrial ecosystems exceeds climate-driven transformation during this period.
A University of Michigan climate scientist and his colleague argue that planting trees won't curb climate change due to its inevitable effects on vegetation. Keeping existing forests healthy is key, while proactive forest management can help mitigate the crisis.
A global survey of fossil pollen reveals Earth's plant communities are changing at least as quickly today as they did when the last ice sheets retreated around 10,000 years ago. Human influence on ecosystems began with early civilizations and agriculture, deforestation, and urbanization.
Researchers use geological records to recreate the history of Larsen C Ice Shelf, finding that it has remained stable for the past 10,000 years. Despite this, the team warns that warmer ocean currents and atmospheric temperatures could lead to future collapse.
Carbon farming is gaining traction as a method to sequester carbon emissions and replenish soil nutrients, benefiting farmers and the environment. Companies are providing incentives for sustainable practices like low-till farming and planting cover crops.
Scientists monitor two Ethiopian bird species, White-tailed Swallow and Ethiopian Bush-crow, to understand their response to climate change. The study found that both species are at severe risk of extinction in the next 50 years as their ranges become unsuitable for survival.
Despite its commitment to tackling carbon emissions, Wellcome's £28 billion endowment holds significant stakes in fossil fuels. The charity has refused divestment despite criticism and the success of other institutions that have made similar moves.
Researchers at the HSE Institute of Ecology suggest that Russia can revise its territorial waters' baselines to ensure sovereignty, rights, and national security. Granting 'historic waters' status could also reinforce Russia's position in the Arctic by utilizing long-term use and permanent occupation of these areas.
Environmental psychologists are urging individuals and employers to capitalize on the shifts observed during the pandemic to adopt new, greener habits. Recent surveys suggest that UK lockdowns significantly reduced carbon footprints and individuals' willingness to take climate action remains strong.
Researchers recommend increasing milkweed stems in the Midwest and southern U.S. to support the eastern monarch butterfly population, which has dwindled to 2.3 overwintering hectares due to habitat loss and climate change.
The global temperature rise will increase cooling degree days, leading to a higher energy demand for cooling buildings. In Switzerland, the energy demand for cooling is expected to increase significantly, with potential peaks on hot days.
Researchers at Iowa State University are developing new models to predict soil erosion and topography changes in Iowa. The models use big-data technology and validate soil measurements from real-world LiDAR data, enabling more accurate predictions of environmental conditions.
A new study assesses the complex role of peatlands in wildfires and finds that their smouldering potential is often underestimated. The researchers warn that peat fires can be devastating and have significant feedback with climate change.
Researchers from KIT and Wageningen University created new high-resolution maps called HILDA+ that reveal global land-use changes have affected nearly one-third of the land area in just six decades. The study found land-use changes are about four times as extensive as previously known.
Plant diseases can spread rapidly across borders and oceans, threatening global food security. Researchers call for integrated surveillance, detection systems, and predictive modeling to prevent future outbreaks.
A new study evaluates the performance of CMIP6 models in simulating the global warming slowdown observed in the early 2000s. Most models fail to reproduce this phenomenon, despite presenting some improvements over CMIP5 models.
Research highlights model biases in simulating large-scale and convective precipitation, leading to inaccurate rainfall projections. The study suggests that accurate convective/large-scale rainfall partitions are necessary for reliable climate projections.
The LTER Network's 40 years of careful science reveals the connections between ecosystems, allowing researchers to anticipate and adapt to changes. The network's team-oriented approach and collaborative research facilitate solving complex environmental problems.
The central-western Greenland Ice Sheet is losing mass at an accelerating rate, with early warning signals suggesting a critical transition. The melt-elevation feedback mechanism drives this destabilization, indicating significantly enhanced melting in the near future.
The conference brings together diverse voices, experts in environmental science, engineers, and policy influencers to discuss key aspects of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The event features live-streamed presentations, panel discussions, poster sessions, and interactive networking opportunities.
Scientists found that wild orangutans on Borneo have lower muscle mass when fruit is scarce, a surprising finding given their ability to survive food shortages. Conservation plans must consider fruit availability to protect these critically endangered primates.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge suggest integrating novel food production systems into traditional approaches to improve food security. The most promising systems include microalgae photo-bioreactors and insect breeding greenhouses, which can provide healthy and risk-resilient diets.
Researchers discovered a new efficient pathway for creating natural aerosols and clouds that contribute significantly to temperature increases in the Antarctic region. The study shows that increased concentrations of sulphuric acid and alkylamines are essential for particle formation around the northern Antarctic Peninsula.
UK's COVID-19 travel plan will allow new variants to enter the country, says virologists. Researchers warn that resuming international air travel poses a risk to controlling virus transmission and tackling climate change.
A three-year study in Tanzania found that farmers who learned about sustainable crop-growing methods, gender equity, and nutrition improved the diversity of their children's diets and increased food security. The approach combined agroecology with peer mentoring and attention to nutrition and gender equity.
A new paper found that cleaning local lakes and waterbodies can slow climate change and save trillions of dollars by reducing methane emissions. The study estimated the costs of global climate change due to eutrophication from 2015 to 2050 to be as much as $81 trillion.
New research on coral reef growth rates reveals a window of opportunity to save the world's coral reefs, but time is running out. The study shows that unless carbon dioxide emissions are drastically reduced, the growth of coral reefs will be stunted due to climate change.
Research at the University of York shows that Gene Conservation Units can help protect biodiversity, particularly for cold-adapted butterflies and plant species. A survey of conservationists and land managers found that GCUs could appeal to land managers as a way to conserve species and genetic diversity.