Articles tagged with Climate Change
A global review of natural disasters reveals a significant increase in violence against women and girls, with stressors like trauma and financial insecurity emerging as key triggers. The study emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive policies and inclusion of women in disaster management to prevent such violence.
The Bureau of Reclamation is providing $2.5 million to support 12 projects advancing snow measurement technology and improving water supply forecasting. The initiatives will enhance snow monitoring programs and leverage satellite data to better predict snowmelt and reservoir operations.
Researchers found that adding aluminum to seawater increases net carbon fixation of marine diatoms by 10-30%, improving the ocean's ability to absorb CO2. This process can significantly increase the ocean's carbon sink capacity and sequester carbon for long periods, aiding climate change mitigation.
Researchers found that wildfires have killed trees, eroding soil and allowing native herbaceous cover to expand, while white-sand savanna tree species dominate the landscape. This shift threatens biodiversity and carbon storage in the Amazon ecosystem.
Scientists discover microplastic particles in remote Vatnajokull glacier, potentially affecting glaciers' melting and behavior. The finding highlights the need to map and understand microplastics in glaciers globally.
Researchers at the University of Stirling have developed a new algorithm that analyzes data from satellite sensors to estimate trophic state directly, improving monitoring of issues like harmful algal blooms. This method outperforms current approaches with an accuracy rate of over 90% for highly affected waters.
A new study found that the Brazilian Amazon released more carbon than it stored over the last decade due to forest degradation. Degradation accounted for three times more carbon loss than deforestation, highlighting its significant impact on overall biomass and carbon storage in the rainforest.
A recent study published in Science found that human activities have significantly altered biodiversity on 27 islands across different regions over the past 5,000 years. The researchers discovered a marked acceleration of species composition changes after human colonization, particularly on islands settled within the last 1,500 years.
A new study reveals that global glacier retreat has accelerated by 267 gigatonnes of ice per year on average between 2000 and 2019, contributing to rising sea levels. The loss of glacial mass is having a profound impact on mountain glaciers in the Himalayas and other regions.
An international team of researchers led by Xiangming Xiao used satellite data to track changes in the Brazilian Amazon from 2010 to 2019, finding that forest degradation resulted in greater carbon loss than deforestation. This study has significant implications for forest policies and conservation efforts in the region.
The study reveals complex patterns in brain-body scaling, with many large-brained species having low relative brain sizes due to selective pressures. The authors conclude that the evolution of intelligence cannot be solely measured by brain size.
New research suggests that the Arctic's increasing plant biomass is not enough to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, as most of it is released through fires and timber harvests. The study estimates that only 430 million metric tons of biomass have accumulated over 31 years, with much of it being lost due to wildfires.
Researchers have developed hybrid materials that combine hydrogels and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to optimize water harvesting technologies for various environments. These materials have the potential to provide a sustainable source of water in arid conditions, as well as improve energy efficiency in air conditioning systems.
Sonali Shukla McDermid, NYU Environmental Studies Professor, awarded $200k to investigate alternative methods for improving rice production while reducing environmental impact. Her research aims to identify environmentally responsible food production modes and mitigate climate change effects.
A recent study by the University of Cincinnati found that inactive oil wells in Texas can leak significant amounts of methane, with some emitting up to 132 grams per hour. The study suggests that regular inspections using infrared cameras could help address the issue.
Geographers at Heidelberg University created a full inventory of seasonal aufeis fields in the Upper Indus Basin, discovering over 3,700 fields across 300 square kilometers. These natural reservoirs play an essential role in hydrology and climatology, particularly in irrigation and hydropower generation.
A new study by the University of Melbourne found that combining fishing and ocean warming has a devastating impact on fish populations. The research, published in PNAS, discovered that four generations are needed for the effects to manifest, with strongest declines observed where large individuals were fished out.
A study of oak forests in European Russia has provided new insights into the region's climate change. Researchers developed a classification system based on the Braun-Blanquet method, identifying two new associations and demonstrating the uniqueness of steppe oak forests compared to xero-mesophytic European oak forests.
Researchers found that Pueblo farmers persevered through droughts, but when social tensions were increasing, even modest droughts could end an era of development. The study suggests that societies with internal divisions are more susceptible to climate challenges, and warns of the relevance of this finding in today's world.
New research by Richard York found that adding alternative meat sources like poultry and fish increases overall meat consumption, rather than suppressing traditional grazing animal sources.
A new Stanford University-led study estimates that single-family homes in floodplains are overvalued by nearly $44 billion collectively, with the average home losing around 2% of its value. The study suggests that inadequate disclosure laws and unaware buyers drive up financial risks, which could destabilize the real estate market.
A Johns Hopkins University study reveals that stories about pollution, such as a man's death from contaminated shellfish, increase willingness to buy eco-friendly products among Democrats by 17%, whereas it decreases their spending by 14%. In contrast, Republican participants showed no change or even decreased spending after hearing th...
Researchers have successfully grown cells from stony coral Acropora tenuis, creating eight distinct cell types that can grow indefinitely. The cell lines hold promise for understanding coral interactions with photosynthesizing algae and bleaching processes.
Researchers at UNH discovered that climate change impacts deep-sea corals and sponges variably, with temperature and dissolved oxygen affecting sponge distribution and coral growth. High-resolution video analysis identified specific environmental ranges influencing species sensitivity.
Researchers propose a transdisciplinary approach to education, combining arts and sciences to teach connected themes like climate change. This approach aims to better prepare children for future crises and encourages them to think creatively about problems.
A new Stanford-led study develops a framework to calculate future floodwater volumes under climate change, identifying areas for infrastructure investments in California's aging water infrastructure. The tool aims to maximize groundwater recharge, reducing drought risks and building water reserves, while also mitigating flood risks.
This special issue of the Journal of Marketing explores how marketing can contribute to a better world by examining its impact on outcomes beyond financial performance. It highlights research on topics like sustainability, economic empowerment, health, and prosocial giving.
A team of researchers calls on governments worldwide to support the adoption of biotechnologies to improve crop production and combat climate change. They argue that societal acceptance of technologies like gene editing is a major obstacle, highlighting the need for effective communication and advocacy to gain public confidence.
Common generalist plants and pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and serving as buffers against climate change impacts. A study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that these species can persist over time and across landscapes, supporting robust communities and resilience to local extinctions.
Researchers map global genetic diversity of mammals, highlighting tropical areas' high vulnerability to climate and land-use changes. The study provides a framework for countries to prioritize conservation policies and protect endangered species.
Scientists have found that the Earth's largest mass extinction event took place on land, occurring over a period of millions of years. Researchers analyzed fossil data from four-legged animals in what is now South Africa and discovered that life on land underwent a longer period of extinctions compared to the oceans.
A new guide for communicating plant science aims to bridge the gap between scientists and non-scientists, promoting diversity and inclusion. The document, developed by 30 scientists over two years, provides strategies to effectively communicate plant research to various audiences, including educators and policymakers.
Alpine plants are losing their white protective coat as snow cover melts earlier, extending the growing season and increasing frost risk. By the end of the century, continuous snow cover for 30 days below 1,600 meters is expected to be rare.
Researchers propose a dynamic, long-term carbon price pathway to minimize governance and sustainability concerns. The approach aims to balance emissions reduction with economic viability, reducing the need for excessive CO2 removal technologies.
Researchers found that blow fly larvae fed on carnivores in Indianapolis but herbivores in Yellowstone National Park, indicating competition for food sources. The study suggests that blow flies can serve as sentinels for animal response to climate change and environmental changes.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that using simple language and targeting specific audiences can increase the effectiveness of health campaigns. The study suggests that understanding audience psychology and designing messages with relevance in mind are crucial for changing behavior, especially when conveying risk information.
Researchers have reconstructed ocean temperatures over the past 700,000 years using ice core samples from Antarctica, finding that mean ocean temperatures have fluctuated by up to 3°C between ice ages and warm periods.
The study predicts stronger and more erratic monsoon rainfall in India, with potentially grave consequences for the country's agriculture, economy, and food systems. Climate change is also causing more unpredictable weather extremes, posing a threat to the socio-economic well-being of the Indian subcontinent.
Past Global Changes Horizons is a scientific review that uses comics, pictures, and drawings to support short papers on past sciences and their relevance to the future. The magazine aims to inspire environmental awareness among teenagers and young adults, providing them with a platform to discuss and learn about pressing issues.
Hokkaido University researchers have developed a model that explains the causes of past glacial river floods in northern Greenland and predicts future flooding risks. The study reveals that torrential rainfall was the primary driver of the 2016 flood, while warm temperatures were responsible for the 2015 event.
A recent study finds that melting Arctic sea-ice is causing severe cold and snowy mid-latitude winters in Europe. The loss of Arctic sea-ice has been implicated with increased open-water and winter evaporation, fueling more extreme snowfall further south across Europe.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered that certain aerosol particles can exhibit three distinct liquid phases, changing our understanding of air pollutants in the atmosphere. This finding has significant implications for improving atmospheric models and climate predictions.
The Planetary Wellbeing initiative defines concept of wellbeing for human and non-human beings, emphasizing close collaboration between science, humanities, and culture. UPF is launching a strategic agenda to tackle planetary challenges, including climate change, through research, teaching, and knowledge transfer.
A new study suggests that dengue outbreaks in Brazil are more likely after extreme droughts due to improvised water containers housing mosquitoes. The research recommends timing interventions accordingly and investing in local infrastructure for permanent water supply.
Climate change will drive droughts, heat waves, floods, and low river flows in the Colorado River basin. The study found an average temperature rise of 5.5 degrees Celsius and a significant increase in concurrent extreme hydroclimate events.
The consortium, which includes 32 national medical societies representing over half of America's doctors, will advance climate, health, and equity solutions. The funding supports partnerships with the National Medical Association and empowers doctors to convey the impact of climate change on public health.
Research suggests that biodiversity loss increases exposure to zoonotic pathogens. Restoring nature can prevent future pandemics by reducing the abundance of risky animal species. Biodiversity has a protective effect, and managing this risk requires understanding how human development and habitat conversion affect zoonotic hosts.
A study published in Nature Climate Change predicts a significant increase in Arctic lightning strikes by the end of the century. This rise in lightning will drive both wildfires and further warming above the Arctic Circle.
A new analysis of 40 years of data found that winter snowmelt is increasing in all cold season months, affecting water resource planning and management. This shift in water delivery timing could also impact wildfire seasons and agricultural irrigation needs.
A new study by the CMCC Foundation explores the potential of ERA5 reanalysis data to improve landslide early warning systems. By incorporating antecedent slope wetness conditions, these systems can minimize false alarms and improve disaster prevention.
A study analyzing pollen data from 1990 to 2020 found that the pollen season has shifted substantially over the past 30 years, with some species starting as early as January. This increase in duration and intensity can lead to more severe health issues, including inflammation in the lungs and negative impacts on the cardiovascular system.
Researchers reconstructed chemical weathering history in the western Himalaya using sediment records since 17 million years ago. In California, a study analyzed late Pleistocene rock uplift and faulting rates along the boundary between the southern Coast Ranges and western Transverse Ranges.
Adolescents aged 10-19 worldwide face numerous challenges to their wellbeing, including social injustice, inadequate mental health, and climate change. Governments and health leaders are calling for concrete policies and sustained investments to address these issues and empower today's adolescents to solve the problems they will inherit.
A study by University of Washington researchers suggests that thicker-leaved tropical plants could flourish in a CO2-rich environment, outcompeting species with thinner leaves. This shift in vegetation could help preserve carbon-absorbing ecosystems and reduce the severity of climate change.
A comprehensive study published in Earth-Science Reviews journal found that remote monitoring techniques can accurately measure the effectiveness of nature-based solutions (NBS). This advancement offers hope for routine, continual, and accurate assessment of NBS, helping to quell skepticism around their use.
Researchers have discovered that plants influence how their bacterial and fungal neighbors react to climate change. The study found that simulated drought affected both bacteria and fungi in grassland and scrubland, while nitrogen addition had a lesser impact on bacteria, but more significant effects on the overall microbial diversity.
A national research team is calling for a more comprehensive understanding of freshwater cyanobacteria blooms by studying the organisms that live at the bottom of lakes. This could help predict how climate change affects bloom frequency, intensity, and duration.
A new study reveals that rich countries' consumer demands for products like soybeans, cocoa, and timber lead to increased deforestation in poorer nations. The research found that different tree types have varying environmental impacts, and that policies aimed at preserving forests must also alleviate poverty.
Climate change and pollution threaten narwhals, with mercury levels increasing significantly since the 1990s. The narwhal's tusk provides a window into changing conditions, revealing shifts in diet and exposure to pollutants over the past half century.
The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Europe hosts its 31st annual meeting, discussing pressing environmental topics such as climate change, microplastics, and biodiversity. The four-day conference will showcase over 1,200 presentations across 72 topics, including keynote addresses from prominent scientists.