Articles tagged with Climate Change
A new study reveals that Amazon trees dying at a faster rate are those with higher growth speeds, which are more vulnerable to climate change. The research found that drought is also driving tree death, particularly in the southern Amazon.
A recent study from the University of California, Berkeley, reveals a dramatic 25% drop in regional carbon dioxide emissions after the San Francisco Bay Area implemented its first shelter-in-place mandate. The network of carbon dioxide sensors monitored by UC Berkeley scientists effectively tracked progress toward reduced emissions.
Agricultural emissions alone could exceed the 1.5°C limit by 2050 if left unchecked, according to Tilman. Reducing food production emissions is crucial to keeping the planet livable in its current state, with strategies including more plant-rich diets and easing fertilizer use.
A study from Oregon State University found that small changes in water temperature can significantly impact the eating habits and growth rate of larval blackfin tuna, leading to slower growth and reduced survival rates. The research highlights the importance of prey availability in supporting fish growth during critical life stages.
A team of conservation scientists and ESA policy experts recommend deeper improvements to the rules governing the US Fish & Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service. The goal is to make the Act more effective in protecting species, particularly in a warmer future.
Brown carbon tarballs have been detected in the Himalayan atmosphere, potentially contributing to glacial melt. The presence of these particles was found to increase on days with elevated pollution levels.
The fossil fuel divestment movement has failed to reverse the trend of capital flowing into carbon-intensive industries due to its binary distinction between fossil and non-fossil companies. A more nuanced campaign focusing on low-carbon (re-)investment, modeled after credit ratings for climate change, is proposed as a solution.
The study reveals increased extinction rates for conifers since the Cretaceous, attributing their decline to competition between flowering plants and conifers. The rise of angiosperms is seen as a major factor in this process, according to the authors.
A new study found that climate change is driving plant extinctions in the German Black Forest, with two species already extinct and many more declining. The researchers predict that 10 more specialist species will disappear by 2045 if conditions progress as expected.
Researchers develop technique to quickly identify source of illicit sand, which can aid in regulating global sand trade and reducing environmental impacts.
Researchers from the University of Bonn and around the world propose a strategy to use soils to bind large quantities of carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a third. By increasing plant growth and crop yields through simple measures like mulching and fertilizing, farmers can effectively sequester carbon in the soil.
A team of international coastal scientists disagrees with a paper predicting half the world's beaches will disappear by 2100 due to sea-level rise. They argue that beaches can migrate landward and retain their shape as long as they have space to move, but those backed by cliffs or seawalls are unlikely to survive.
A new study from Cornell University confirms that most birds synchronize their migrations with seasonal vegetation changes, but carnivores and insect-eaters show weaker ties. Climate change threatens these patterns as vegetation cues become less reliable.
A new analysis reveals that improving healthcare in rural Indonesia reduced incentives for illegal logging, resulting in a 70% decline in deforestation and over $65 million worth of avoided carbon emissions. The innovative clinic model provides a blueprint for preserving biodiversity while reducing poverty and illness.
A new study by Stanford researchers finds that deforestation in an Indonesian national park declined 70% after an affordable health clinic opened, preserving carbon sinks and reversing poverty. The clinic's success demonstrates a holistic approach to addressing human health and environmental conservation.
Researchers at Stanford University found that US corn yields have become significantly more sensitive to drought conditions due to changes in soil moisture retention. This shift is likely driven by increased crop water needs and the adoption of drought-tolerant varieties.
New research reveals that coastal permafrost is largely absent in shallow seafloor areas, contrary to previous beliefs. This finding suggests that carbon can be released from coastline sources more easily, potentially exacerbating climate change.
Researchers developed a platform using aerial images from mobile phones, drones, and satellites to detect banana diseases in Africa. The system uses machine learning and has been downloaded 2,500 times.
A new international study by Monash University reveals that Antarctica's ice loss is expected to continue unabated for a long time, even if climate change is brought under control. The study found that rapid ice loss rates in the recent geological past were similar to those observed in rapidly changing parts of Antarctica today.
Researchers at the University of Houston have located the long-debated Resurrection tectonic plate in northern Canada, shedding light on its existence and significance. The findings could aid in predicting volcanic hazards and mineral deposits.
A University of Colorado Boulder-led research confirms that competition between species slows their expansion into new territories over multiple generations. The study uses tiny flour beetles as a model organism to show how interspecies competition puts certain species at greater risk of extinction.
An all-female scientific coalition is advocating for a Marine Protected Area in the Western Antarctic Peninsula to mitigate the impacts of climate change on threatened species. The proposal aims to conserve and protect the unique ecosystem and its wildlife, including penguins, whales, and krill.
Researchers have found a decline in sea turtle sightings off the coasts of the UK and Ireland over the past few decades. The study suggests that factors such as climate change, prey availability, and environmental disasters may be influencing this trend.
A University of Saskatchewan-led team has developed a mathematical model to identify the most resilient lentil varieties against climate change. The model uses factors like temperature and photoperiod to predict which lines will perform well in new regions, supporting global food security.
Researchers argue that current approaches to attributing extreme weather events to global warming focus too much on raising the threshold for false alarms, neglecting the importance of accurate warnings. By prioritizing probability of detection, climate scientists can strike a better balance between caution and timely warning.
Researchers at University College London have used laser technology to measure the volume and biomass of giant Californian redwood trees for the first time. The technique offers new insights into carbon storage and ecosystem structure, with estimates suggesting these large trees are up to 30% heavier than previous indirect methods.
A fraction of global COVID-19 stimulus funds could help achieve Paris Agreement goals for the climate by investing in transformative green energy systems. This would boost employment, attract investors and increase society's resilience while providing clean energy.
Researchers discovered that polyphosphate synthesis is deeply integrated with cellular metabolism, allowing organisms to adapt to nutrient deprivation. This knowledge could enable scientists to engineer the metabolism of organisms to be more resilient in a range of environments.
A new study found that our brains use different approaches to avoid harm to ourselves versus others. When learning to avoid harm to others, decisions are automatic and efficient, but when avoiding harm to oneself, choices become more deliberative and future-focused.
The Keeling Curve, a critical indicator of global warming, will continue to be monitored with $1.45 million in funding from the Schmidts. The measurements have provided key evidence that the world's oceans are becoming increasingly acidic due to human-induced carbon dioxide emissions.
A study published in Science Communication found that watching high-quality, engaging media programs on climate change can reduce political polarization among Democrats and Republicans. Participants who were most engaged with the program showed greater perceptions of climate change risk and efficacy in taking action.
A study suggests that whitebark pine's reliance on Clark's Nutcracker for seed dispersal and germination makes the partnership vulnerable to population declines. The researchers found a dramatic decline in Clark's Nutcracker within Mount Rainier National Park, where healthy whitebark pine populations have also declined.
New research shows that climate change is altering the role of the North American monsoon in regulating wildfire season. Without the monsoon's winter rains, winter rainfall and snowpack are not enough to stop severe fires, leading to more destructive blazes. The US may learn from Mexico's land management strategies to mitigate wildfires.
A large retrospective study suggests that the amount of carbon stored in soils is the biggest predictor of how much carbon will combust during a fire. The study found that soil moisture was also significant in predicting carbon release, and that vegetation patterns were complex and interacted with each other to predict combustion amounts.
Researchers from TROPOS and Leipzig University contribute to the success of the largest Arctic expedition, collecting valuable climate data and conducting key atmospheric measurements. The team's findings suggest significant changes in the Arctic atmosphere, including increased smoke levels and signs of 'Pyrocene' effects.
Researchers found that the Tweed River valley could absorb millions of tonnes of CO2 through olivine rock weathering, but this is a small fraction of global emissions. The study used modelling data to estimate carbon absorption rates and their impact on sea-level rise.
A survey of 4,285 Australians found that only a few percent mentioned climate-related actions to help protect the reef. Instead, respondents emphasized the importance of reducing plastic consumption and suggested public-sphere actions such as banning sunscreens or stopping commercial fishing.
A team of international scientists has proposed eight recommendations for the sustainable use of non-native tree species, aiming to maximize benefits while minimizing negative impacts on biodiversity. The guidelines include using native trees, being aware of invasion risks, and developing global networks for information sharing.
Researchers developed a tree-ring chronology that links Amazon precipitation patterns with those in North and South America, revealing an inverse relationship between the areas' growth and precipitation levels. The study provides valuable insights into large-scale climate extremes and the impact of El Niño phenomenon.
The deep-sea food web is significantly disrupted by deep-seabed mining, especially the microbial part of the carbon cycle. Microbes are found to be more than one-third less active in cycling carbon.
An international team of researchers confirms human-sourced nitrous oxide emissions are responsible for the 20% increase since the Industrial Revolution. The study finds that agriculture is a significant contributor to these emissions, making it challenging to mitigate their impacts and meet international climate goals.
The National Academy of Medicine's 50th Annual Meeting will address pressing health concerns including COVID-19 pandemic emergence, climate change impacts on human health, and global crisis responses. The meeting features keynote addresses from prominent leaders in the field.
Mercury concentrations in ringed seals from the Canadian Arctic have remained stable since 1977, with limited declines detected. Climate parameters may be influencing mercury accumulation in seals, according to a 45-year study.
A Rutgers-led team created a model that enables improved sea-level rise projections and could help address climate change threats. The 'emulator' uses artificial intelligence to mimic ice-sheet behavior, providing valuable insights into ice sheet vulnerability through 2150.
The study found that nitrous oxide has risen 20% from pre-industrial levels, with the largest contributors coming from East Asia, South Asia, Africa, and South America. This increase is incompatible with pathways to achieve the Paris Agreement's climate goals.
A new report by the University of Cincinnati suggests that large majorities of American news audiences care about climate change and want more information on the topic. The study found that fewer than 20% of Americans in these news audiences feel 'very well informed' about climate change.
A study analyzing nearly 80 years of lake ice data found ice-free years have become more than three times more frequent since 1978, with 11% of lakes experiencing at least one completely ice-free year. Warmer winter temperatures are driving this trend, and the researchers project it will continue due to climate change.
A new map provides detailed greenhouse gas emissions data across the US, enabling policymakers to identify problem areas and develop targeted policies. The Vulcan Project, developed by Northern Arizona University, offers a standardized system for quantifying and visualizing emissions down to individual power plants and neighborhoods.
A recent report by the Journal of Operational Oceanography reveals an unprecedented rise in sea temperatures worldwide, with the Arctic Ocean experiencing the largest increase. The report highlights the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems and calls for improved monitoring to ensure sustainable use of seas and oceans.
Project EARTH aims to separate and recycle hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, reducing their global-warming potential. The US market for recycling refrigerants is valued at over $1 billion, with eliminating high-GWP refrigerants equivalent to eliminating 175 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.
A new Amazon study suggests that by redesigning conservation projects to consider both freshwater and land species, big positive gains can be made for critical freshwater ecosystems. Conservation efforts could deliver up to 600% more protection for these ecosystems without negatively affecting land species.
A global decrease in emissions led to a sudden increase in data collection opportunities for atmospheric researchers, allowing them to study pollution in real-time. This data could help address climate change and air quality problems by informing policymakers on the impact of climate-friendly legislation.
Marine biologists warn of Humboldt squid's vulnerability to overfishing by fleets on its migration path, as its genetic stocks are found to be homogeneously co-distributed across the northern and southern hemispheres. The study emphasizes the need for an international marine policy to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
Key findings from TropMed20 include new research on climate-related health impacts, such as increased tick bites and fetal health risks. The conference also addresses racism in tropical medicine and explores the potential of monoclonal antibodies to combat diseases like COVID-19 and malaria.
Research by Hokkaido University scientists finds that warming waters and sea ice-free conditions in the Pacific Arctic will lead to significant changes in marine community compositions. Larger fish and invertebrates are expected to expand their ranges towards the pole, altering ecosystem structure and functions.
New research from University of Illinois scientists suggests that crop-relevant drought should be measured by atmospheric dryness (VPD) rather than just rainfall and soil moisture. Studies found that VPD accounts for nearly 90% of changes in crop stomatal conductance and productivity.
Researchers found evidence of widespread forest fires during the Cretaceous period, burning up to 40% of global forests, even in wet regions. This discovery sheds light on how Earth's history might behave under future global climate change.
Researchers from Università di Bologna found evidence of genetic isolation between two morphotypes of Parazoanthus axinellae, suggesting they may belong to different species. The study's findings have significant implications for biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean Sea.
A new study by McGill University researchers finds that combined dry and hot events are increasing in frequency and size, causing widespread damage. The study suggests that climate change is driving these extremes, which can be particularly devastating for agriculture and ecosystems.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change estimates that meeting UN climate targets would require up to 90% of US passenger vehicles to be electric by 2050. The researchers found that a fleet of 350 million EVs would increase electricity demand by 41%, posing significant technological and infrastructure challenges.