Articles tagged with Climate Change
Motorboat noise affects clownfish behavior, leading to increased aggression, hiding, and reduced foraging. The study found that noise-exposed fish had elevated cortisol levels and reproductive hormones, which corresponded with observed behavioral changes.
Research suggests settlers arrived in East Polynesia around 200 years before previous estimates, coinciding with a dry period driven by climate change. Human settlement of the region helped answer key questions about why people made hazardous journeys east.
New research reveals that up to 93% of North Atlantic Subtropical Mode Water has been lost in the past decade due to ocean warming, weakening its ability to absorb heat and carbon dioxide.
A new study from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution reveals the ocean's biological carbon pump is more efficient than previously estimated, capturing twice as much carbon as thought. This discovery has significant implications for future climate assessments and policy.
A new study led by Dr. Asta Audzijonyte found that changes in water temperature drive changes in average fish species sizes across time and spatial scales. Tropical species tend to get smaller at warmer end of their distribution ranges, while larger species tend to increase in size.
Researchers have identified a novel temperature sensing mechanism in plants using the phytochrome B protein, which triggers plant growth and controls flowering time. The study reveals that specific photobodies disappear selectively at different temperatures, suggesting individual sensors for specific temperature ranges.
A new study finds that smaller scale, low-cost technologies like solar panels and electric bikes are better suited for accelerating decarbonization. These 'granular' alternatives outperform larger scale technologies in terms of cost, innovation, and accessibility.
Health experts recommend displaying warning labels on petrol pumps, energy bills, and airline tickets to inform consumers about the climate and health risks associated with fossil fuel use. The labels should state that continuing to burn fossil fuels worsens the climate emergency, leading to significant projected health impacts over time.
Glaciers in the Caucasus region are losing mass at a rate twice as fast as the average global mountain regions, with some areas decreasing by over 16% since 1986. The melting of glaciers poses significant risks to water supply and natural disasters such as rockfalls and mud flows.
A study led by University of Leeds found that energy use and fossil fuels do not contribute significantly to increases in life expectancy. Instead, growth in national income and improving healthcare systems play a more crucial role.
A Rutgers University study suggests short-term disruptions of deep ocean circulation occurred during past warm interglacial periods, which may happen again due to climate change. The study found century-long disruptions in the North Atlantic Deep Water formation during four warm interglacial periods within the past 450,000 years.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that communicating uncertainty around key facts and figures can maintain public trust in information and its source, even on contentious issues. The study suggests presenting numerical ranges or verbal cautions can effectively signal uncertainty without reducing trust.
Researchers analyzed climate data from 1951-2018 and found changes in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and North Pacific Gyre Oscillation indices. These changes resulted in reduced relevance of these indices to ecological variability in the Pacific Ocean.
A new Stanford study found that historical observations can lead to significant underestimates of extreme weather events by about half, particularly heat waves and heavy rainfall in Europe, East Asia, and the U.S. Climate models were more accurate in predicting future occurrence of record-setting events.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has received an $8.3 million grant to extend the life of the Overturning in the Sub-polar North Atlantic Program, a key part of Earth's ocean-climate system. The program provides a high-resolution view of processes that regulate global climate and influence weather in Europe.
A recent study found that heatwaves have varying effects on different fish species, with some struggling more than others. The research tracked changes in gene expression in five coral reef fishes before, during, and after a severe marine heatwave, revealing species-specific responses to the heightened temperatures.
A new study finds that soft corals in the US Virgin Islands have recovered from Category 5 storms, but stony coral populations are declining dramatically. The resilience of soft corals is an important development, but they cannot replace the hard physical structure of reefs.
Researchers have found that Giant Clam shells from the western Pacific have clear and continuous daily growth bands, allowing them to record past extreme weather events. These ultra-high resolution records can provide valuable information on Paleoweather occurrences in days or even hours and minutes.
A limited nuclear war could lead to severe losses in agricultural production and disrupt global trade, causing a food system shock unprecedented in documented history. The study found that major breadbasket regions would cut exports, leaving countries worldwide short of supplies.
A team of scientists has discovered a complex communication network in plants that responds to the hormone jasmonic acid, allowing them to defend against insects and fungi. The study reveals two key genes, MYC2 and MYC3, which play a crucial role in regulating plant defense responses.
A new computer model explains how gas bubbles form large methane hydrate deposits, advancing understanding of climate change and energy security. The model suggests that gas flowing through subsurface layers can accumulate into concentrated hydrate reservoirs suitable for future energy sources.
Scientists have been collecting soybean aphids in the Midwest for 18 years using an aerial insect trap network, revealing valuable insights into spatial and temporal migration patterns. The traps also capture other insects, including those expanding their range due to climate change or habitat suitability.
A UK study found that cyclists have a 45% higher risk of hospital admission for a first injury compared to car commuters, but lower risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease and death. Cycling also offers health benefits such as improved fitness and lower body fat.
A Rutgers-led study found that climate change could threaten the survival and development of common whelk in the mid-Atlantic region. The species' spawning cycle is closely linked to temperature, which is expected to increase due to rising temperatures.
A Simon Fraser University-led study predicts that climate-driven glacier retreat will challenge some salmon populations, while creating new habitats in others. As glaciers lose up to 80% of their ice volume by 2100, southern watersheds may face low water flows and warmer temperatures, posing challenges for adult and young salmon.
Research at Mount Rainier National Park finds a growing mismatch between the blooming of iconic wildflowers and visitor peak times due to climate change. The study, led by the University of Washington, used crowd-sourced photos and analysis to model the timing of wildflower blooms and visitor visits from 2009-2015.
New research reveals a worrying change in Indian Ocean surface temperatures, putting southeast Australia on course for increasingly hot and dry conditions. The study, led by Australian National University, suggests that historically rare events have become more frequent and intense during the 20th Century.
A new UNSW study found that climate change and urbanization are expected to increase groundwater organic carbon, posing a threat to the quality and availability of drinking water for over half of the world's population. Increased groundwater DOC concentrations can lead to higher water treatment costs and health risks.
A European research network is funding a study to investigate how biological diversity influences chains of infection for mosquito-borne diseases. The project aims to develop reliable risk assessments and identify the impact of biodiversity, landscape diversity, and socio-economic conditions on disease transmission.
Researchers at FAU found that belemnites, ancient squid-like creatures, shrank significantly as water temperatures rose during the Toarcian period. The study suggests climate change played a significant role in shaping the morphology of aquatic organisms and may have contributed to their extinction.
A University at Buffalo researcher found that telling stories when communicating can make the speaker appear more warm and trustworthy, as opposed to speaking statistics. People rely on warmth and competence when forming impressions of someone, and previous research suggests scientists are perceived as smart but distant.
The Red Sea's coral reef, critical to the region's ecosystem, is resilient but vulnerable to climate change. The researchers call for UNESCO recognition and coordinated conservation efforts to protect the reef.
A new climate change model developed by Purdue University researchers projects a 10%-20% increase in electricity and 2%-5% increase in water demand in the Midwest due to global warming. The model considers multiple climate variables, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and large-scale phenomena like El Niño.
Researchers found a significant knowledge gap in how lakes respond to extreme storms, with inconsistent findings across studies. The team calls for a collaborative effort to develop a research framework to better predict phytoplankton responses to storm-induced changes.
A new study published in Science Advances shows that freshwater flowing into the North Pacific Ocean triggered widespread changes throughout the northern hemisphere during the last ice age. The researchers used computer modeling and fossil records to track the movement of floodwaters, which mixed with saltwater and altered ocean circul...
A study found that local nitrogen pollution enhances coral bleaching severity, even at low heat stress levels. High nitrogen levels increased the severity of bleaching up to two-fold, while heat stress primarily drove colony proportions affected.
A recent study suggests that China's coastal provinces can be powered by offshore wind farms, potentially increasing the country's wind power capacity to meet its Paris Agreement goals. The research estimates that offshore wind could provide up to 6,000 terawatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to 200% of total energy demand.
A recent study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that advanced leaf-out timing enhances annual surface warming in the Northern Hemisphere. The study revealed that early sprouting and opening leaves intensify water vapor release, leading to snow and cloud cover anomalies in northern high latitudes.
The Colorado River's flow is declining due to the loss of its reflective snowpack, which increases evaporation and reduces runoff. This trend is expected to outpace precipitation increases under a warmer future, highlighting the need for more accurate projections of water availability.
A new species of land snail has been discovered by citizen scientists working with Taxon Expeditions, a company that organizes scientific field trips. The newly described snail belongs to the caenogastropods group, which is sensitive to drought, temperature extremes, and forest degradation.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a new procedure for recycling concrete with wood, yielding a building material with superior bending strength. This innovative approach may help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and construction costs.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has established a €1 million prize to tackle the climate crisis, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting vulnerable populations. The award will be presented at a ceremony in Lisbon on July 20th, with a jury of international experts selecting the winner.
A new publication in Nature Communications presents a unifying model that explains diverse interactions between decision strategy and the environment, highlighting the similarity of their features. The findings shed light on the tight-knit forces that link changes in strategic action to environmental change, and vice versa.
A survey of institutional investors reveals a growing recognition of climate change among Wall Street executives. The survey found that over 97% believe global temperatures are rising, and more than half consider climate risks in investment decisions. Institutions are starting to take action by asking companies to disclose carbon emiss...
The top ten list reveals Hurricane Harvey as the most extreme event, followed by Hurricane Sandy and deadly Hurricane Maria. The cost of all ten events totalled over $400bn, with devastating consequences including widespread flooding and injuries.
A landmark report warns that every child worldwide faces existential threats from climate change and exploitative marketing practices, stalling progress in child and adolescent health over the past 20 years. The Global Index of 180 countries reveals no single country is adequately protecting children's health, environment, and futures.
A new study from UC Davis warns that extreme weather risk is too often ignored in financial markets, putting investors at risk of severe losses. The research highlights the need for better climate risk assessment and pricing to mitigate potential economic consequences.
New research reveals that Mediterranean-type climates experience rapid decreases in rainfall when greenhouse gases rise, impacting water resources. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions can interrupt these effects, benefiting regions reliant on winter rainfall.
New research suggests that rising sea surface temperatures and acidic waters could eliminate nearly all existing coral reef habitats by 2100. The study found that few to zero suitable coral habitats will remain by 2100, with only small portions of Baja California and the Red Sea being viable locations for coral reefs.
A study reveals that Mediterranean-like climates are experiencing variable responses to climate warming, with some regions drying faster than global-mean warming. The differences result from distinct regional changes in atmospheric circulation driven by separate fast and slow sea-surface temperature responses to greenhouse gases.
Researchers found that reconnecting with nature enhances human health and encourages environmental protection. People who visit natural spaces weekly report better wellbeing, while also being more likely to engage in eco-friendly activities.
A new study models the potential for growing major food crops in newly suitable regions due to climate change. The researchers found that Earth's agricultural landmass could increase by one-third, including vast new farming prospects in Canada and Russia's north.
Research shows polar bears are spending more time on land, thinner and adult females have fewer cubs. Sea ice availability affects their body condition and reproductive success.
A new study by University of Arizona researchers estimates that one in three plant and animal species may face extinction by 2070 due to climate change. The study analyzed data from hundreds of plant and animal species surveyed around the globe, finding that maximum annual temperatures are the key variable driving local extinctions.
Researchers have discovered that coral colonies with similar groups of algae survive better under stress. The study found that the symbiotic community diversity of dinoflagellates in good-performing corals is more constrained and works well together with their host, while poorly performing corals have less coordinated communities.
Climate change could lead to a 30-70% increase in landslide activity in the border region of China and Nepal, causing flash floods and downstream disasters. The study used satellite estimates and modeled precipitation data to project future landslide trends.
A survey of world's leading deep-sea scientists identified priorities for deep-sea monitoring, including large animals and habitats like deep-sea corals. The study highlights the need for a better standardized monitoring framework to prepare for future management.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people, smokers and non-smokers alike, were often inaccurate in their answers to questions about smoking's health effects. However, when participants discussed their ideas with others, especially in a networked setting, they became more accurate in their assessments.
A recent study found that 91% of stream samples contained artificial sweeteners, tracing 13% of septic wastewater to groundwater, underscoring the need for further testing to detect pathogens and pharmaceuticals
Researchers at the University of Ottawa develop a new technique to predict the impact of climate change on species extinction risk, finding that bumble bee populations are disappearing in areas with hotter temperatures. The study's findings suggest a future with fewer bumble bees and reduced diversity, both in the wild and on our plates.