Articles tagged with Climate Change
An international team of researchers has created a comprehensive watermelon genome resource to help plant breeders increase the domestic fruit's quality and ability to thrive during an era of climate change. The resource includes genetic insights into wild watermelon species and their potential for disease resistance, paving the way fo...
Researchers argue that calling climate engineering a public good oversimplifies its technical definition. The paper highlights the potential negative consequences of large-scale climate modification.
Researchers have found that fossil pollen can be preserved in floodplain soils, allowing scientists to reconstruct past climate dynamics and land use patterns. The study used soil properties such as organic matter concentration and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to predict pollen abundance, providing a new tool for climate reconstruction.
The study found that the monsoon system's development was more sensitive to changes in geography than carbon dioxide levels. The monsoon peaked around five million years ago, with 'super-monsoons' stronger than today. Understanding its behavior is crucial for agriculture and industrial development of over 1.5 billion people.
Scientists have discovered a clear link between carbon dioxide levels and temperature in the past 2.8 million years, providing a new baseline for understanding climate science. The study reveals that highest CO2 levels matched recent warm periods, while lowest levels did not reach those found in ice ages of the last 800,000 years.
Land restoration in Ethiopia has boosted crop yields and soil carbon, but increased runoff due to climate change threatens degradation. A combination of land restoration activities can increase crop yields by up to 170 percent.
A new study suggests that unchecked climate change will lead to a decline in arable farming in the east and south east of England by 2100. Crops may still be grown with irrigation, but this would require significant water transport or storage.
The Gill-Oxygen Limitation Theory explains why fish migrate poleward in response to warming waters. As water temperature increases, the amount of dissolved oxygen decreases, making it harder for fish to breathe, while also increasing their oxygen demand.
The 'hidden politics' of climate engineering were exposed at the UNEA-4 meeting, highlighting concerns about governance, transparency, and funding. The discussion revealed a significant split between the US and EU on geoengineering strategies, with the US opposing a preliminary governance framework.
The new integrated modeling framework could help the Indus Basin region address water resource challenges and interconnected sustainable development goals. The framework, developed by IIASA researchers, includes state-of-the-art integrated assessment modeling and participatory approaches to engage stakeholders in decision-making.
A study by Barbara Helm has shown that migratory birds' internal clocks have shifted forward in response to climate change, allowing them to arrive on their breeding grounds before the peak food abundance. This adaptation suggests that the birds' 'annual clock' can evolve quickly in response to changing environmental conditions.
Strong winter dust storms and a prolonged cold winter season likely contributed to the collapse of the Akkadian Empire in Mesopotamia. The empire's settlements were suddenly abandoned around 4,200 years ago due to agricultural failures and social instability caused by frequent shamals and dry spells.
A recent study by Colorado State University researchers highlights the impact of climate change on aging US bridges. The analysis reveals that rising temperatures will disproportionately affect bridges in northern regions, leading to increased thermal stress and potential structural damage.
A comprehensive study by Colonel Divakaran Padma Kumar Pillay highlights the need for improved farmer wages and a greater use of technology to tackle food security issues in India. The current system requires constant improvements to ensure better food security for the country's millions.
The Permafrost Discovery Gateway provides a detailed picture of Arctic change, combining satellite data with air temperature and precipitation maps. The platform helps inform policies and management in the Arctic by offering a user-friendly tool to explore rapid climate changes.
A £4 million EU-funded study is investigating the likelihood of abrupt changes in Antarctica's ice sheets, which could lead to a large and irreversible rise in global sea levels. The researchers aim to assess the chances of Antarctica's ice sheets entering an unstable retreat caused by thinning or disappearance of ice shelves.
A new study reveals that northern peatlands store 1.1 trillion tons of carbon, more than humans have emitted to the atmosphere through fossil fuels. The findings suggest that these boggy areas play a crucial role in the carbon cycle and climate change.
Global REDD+ fund allocation scenarios optimize carbon reduction for a moderate cost increase in biodiversity conservation. Adding ambition to equity targets significantly improves outcomes without reducing the effect of funding on carbon and biodiversity results.
A new special issue of World Development examines the ways forests serve to alleviate poverty around the world. Research highlights the importance of forests in promoting broader prosperity, including through community-based forest enterprises, ecotourism, and ecosystem services.
A new study from University of Illinois researchers used computer modeling to estimate how land management practices may be affected by climate changes. The study found that redistribution of land uses and certain management practices can help reduce nitrogen loss without changing fertilizer application rates.
A recent study mapping global biodiversity change reveals varying rates of loss and gain in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The research found that some regions are recovering while others are experiencing significant declines, with changes occurring faster in marine than terrestrial assemblages.
Experts from the University of Surrey have found that nature-based solutions (NBS) can effectively combat climate-related natural disasters. NBS were used to combat floods and heatwaves, with hybrid solutions being the most frequently used method in Europe.
A team of scientists mapped global biodiversity change, revealing greater changes in species composition in marine systems than on land. The study highlights the importance of protecting regions with high biodiversity loss rates and improving monitoring for conservation strategies.
Scientists are using ancient DNA from museum specimens to study the evolution and stresses faced by endangered species. Researchers have analyzed DNA samples from animals such as woodrats, crayfish, and songbirds to understand their genetic diversity and relationships.
The Plants-3D program will provide academic and entrepreneurial training to 50 students, equipping them with cutting-edge technologies to increase crop yields and nutritional value. The synthetic biology approach will enable plants to tolerate increased stress levels, reducing the need for fertilizer.
A new study reveals that using average emissions intensities can lead to errors in estimating the benefits of interventions, potentially compromising their implementation. By analyzing electricity from PJM, researchers found that ignoring marginal emissions can underestimate damages avoided by 50%. The study highlights the importance o...
A team of Cornell University researchers will investigate the interrelationships between food, energy and water through a three-year, $2.4 million grant. The study aims to understand how ag-to-energy land-use conversions affect agricultural production, water quality and quantity, as well as electrical grid operational efficiency.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that climate change increases the risk of mercury contamination in Arctic areas. The study reveals that thawing permafrost releases mercury into surrounding waterways, soil, and air, leading to increased levels of methylmercury, a neurotoxin.
A recent study suggests that targeting deeply held values is crucial for inspiring pro-environmental behavior. Researchers found that people with egalitarian values tend to care more about benefiting the environment, while those with hierarchical values prioritize authority and influence. The study's conclusions highlight the importanc...
A four-year study in Colombia's maize-growing region shows that combining farmers' knowledge with data on weather and soils can increase yields substantially. Machine learning algorithms helped develop site-specific guidelines for crop management, reducing fertilizer costs and stabilizing yields.
Experts argue that improving access to effective contraception is crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the environmental crisis. The authors suggest that by slowing population growth through increased use of contraception, we can reduce emissions globally by an estimated 40% or more.
A new UCL-developed model tracks ecosystem changes and human societies to predict Ebola outbreaks, identifying countries at risk in Africa. The model's results show that climate change and slower socioeconomic development increase the likelihood of outbreaks.
A global survey of large freshwater lakes found that summer algal blooms are increasing in intensity, harming aquatic life and human activities like agriculture and tourism. Climate change is likely exacerbating the problem, with warmer temperatures hindering recovery efforts in some areas.
A new study reveals that rural areas in the US are aging faster than cities, leading to greater climate change vulnerability. The research projects a divide in population age structure across the country, with thinly-populated counties in the Midwest and Rocky Mountains facing the most drastic aging.
A new study by Concordia researchers finds that extreme heat days caused by CO2 emissions lead to lost labor productivity, with lower-income countries experiencing stronger economic impacts. The research estimates that every trillion tonnes of CO2 emitted could cause global GDP losses of about half a percent.
Researchers explore energy redistribution between atmosphere and ocean, finding no slowdown in global warming when ocean heat content is considered. Oceanic warming poses a threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
A new interactive global map reveals where people receive the most benefits from nature, with up to 5 billion at higher risk by 2050. The study highlights inequitable distribution of environmental impacts, with developing countries bearing a disproportionate share.
A recent study analyzed FEMA-funded voluntary property buyouts, finding they tend to target poorer neighborhoods in wealthier counties. The researchers emphasize the need for increased transparency in reporting to fully evaluate program efficacy.
A new study recommends that emperor penguin populations be listed as 'vulnerable' due to projected sea ice loss and rising temperatures. The researchers advocate for improved climate change forecasting and enhanced protection measures to safeguard the species.
A new study analyzing sediment cores from Swamp Lake reveals that climate has been the main driver of fire activity in the Sierras over the past 1,400 years. The researchers found that warmer and drier conditions promote fire, suggesting future fires may be more extensive than observed in the last century.
Scientists at Carnegie Institution improve thermoelectric performance by applying pressure and mixing in charged particles of chromium, enabling efficient room-temperature electricity generation
A new study from Iowa State University highlights the need to update agricultural drainage infrastructure, which can benefit crop production and the environment. The research recommends installing higher capacity pipes and implementing long-term conservation practices, such as denitrification wetlands, bioreactors, and saturated buffers.
Researchers develop machine-learning tools to analyze 3D plant shapes, improving high-throughput phenotyping. The software achieves 97.8% accuracy in identifying stems and leaves, helping scientists better understand plant growth and responses to climate change.
A recent study published in Nature warns that nearly 20% of global catchments areas are already experiencing low stream and river flows due to groundwater pumping. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 50%, posing a significant threat to global freshwater ecosystems.
Researchers have developed a new quantitative measure of phenological status called the 'phenological index' to improve scoring of developmental stage in herbarium specimens. This approach allows for more accurate predictions of ecosystem responses to climate change.
Researchers used fine-grain analyses and new technologies to study past extinctions, gaining insights into animal populations' responses to climate change and other external drivers. The findings inform present approaches to ecosystem management and may even aid in species rewilding efforts.
Researchers argue that Germany's reforestation plan won't protect forests from future climate change. Instead, preserving dead wood and promoting diverse tree structures could increase resistance to extreme weather events and pests.
A new review highlights the role of advanced methods in understanding megafaunal extinctions, which occurred during dramatic climatic change and human dispersal. The study emphasizes the importance of combining different approaches to gain detailed insights into climate change, extinction chronologies, and species responses.
A recent study found that coral bleaching in the Indo-Pacific is driven by a variety of stressors, with each region responding differently to excess heat. The research suggests that coral responses to global climate change are changing, requiring management and policies to be aligned with location and type of stresses.
A new study found that genetically diverse corn plants have varying responses to high ozone levels, with some experiencing yield losses of up to 10%. The research could lead to the development of ozone-resistant corn varieties, helping plant scientists address the hidden threat to corn agriculture.
The 'EZ Climate' model presents a new approach to carbon pricing, incorporating climate uncertainty into its framework. This approach suggests starting with high prices and adjusting them as uncertainty resolves, rather than the traditional low-and-increasing method.
The Reinhart Koselleck Project aims to study the growth of atmospheric nanoparticles using high-resolution mass spectrometry. The team hopes to understand the mechanisms of particle formation and differentiate between natural and human-induced causes.
A national team of researchers, led by Xu Liang from the University of Pittsburgh, has received a $1.3 million grant to create CyberWater, an open framework that integrates diverse data sets and models for investigating water resources and climate-related environmental issues.
Researchers studied 2016 El Nino event to evaluate the role of excess heat in coral bleaching. They discovered that bleaching is driven by a variety of stressors, with each region responding differently.
A study found that climate-driven extinctions in Mojave Desert birds may be linked to increased water requirements, particularly for insectivorous and carnivorous species. Climate forecasts predict a 50-78% increase in water needs for Mojave birds, making species declines more likely.
Researchers used multifactor models to examine the impact of climate change on marine species in the US Northeast Shelf. The study found that more than 50% of species would experience a decline in habitat space, posing serious trouble for certain species like the Atlantic cod.
Acting on ocean-focused emissions activities can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The implementation of changes in research, technology, and policy development could lead to a substantial reduction in global emissions by nearly 11 billion tons in 2050.
Marsh plants produce more stems that are noticeably smaller under high carbon dioxide, but adding nitrogen reverses this effect. This adaptation may help marshes absorb energy from storms and build soil, providing a defensive power against sea level rise.
The UN-appointed panel emphasizes the need for collective understanding of systems and their interactions to achieve global goals. While individual goals may counteract others, cross-disciplinary research can help address these challenges.
Researchers have discovered nine new species of bees in Fiji, including one that is nearing extinction due to climate-related changes. The study highlights the vulnerability of highland-restricted species to a warming climate.