Articles tagged with Climate Change
The UN Climate Action Summit emphasizes the need to address climate change's global health emergency. IDSA urges leaders to invest in monitoring and preparedness for infectious disease threats, including vector-borne and waterborne diseases.
A Rutgers-led study suggests that the breakdown of Himalayan rocks may not be responsible for long-term climate cooling over the past 15 million years. Algae production and calcium carbonate levels decreased in deep-sea sediments during this period, indicating alternative processes may have driven climate change.
European shags follow social cues by watching fellow birds to determine the best time and place to dive. This behaviour may help them save energy and find fish more efficiently. The study sheds light on the importance of understanding seabird species' adaptability in response to environmental pressures.
Climate change and increased demand for energy may lead to a scarcity of water resources for power plants in developing parts of Asia. The study analyzed existing and planned coal-fired power plants and found that there may not be enough water to cool them, particularly under scenarios with higher global temperatures.
Scientists Zach Lippman and Yuval Eshed review past agricultural revolutions, highlighting key genetic mutations and modifications. They propose using CRISPR gene editing to introduce new variations in core hormonal systems, potentially boosting crop productivity and adaptability.
A study published in the journal Science reveals that US and Canadian bird populations declined by 29% between 1970 and 2020, with losses across diverse groups of birds and habitats. The results show pervasive declines among common birds across all habitats, including backyard birds.
A new study by University of Queensland scientists warns that acting on climate change is more cost-effective than repairing its damage. The research, published in Science, suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can save trillions of dollars in long-term costs.
A new proposal suggests shifting focus from long-term targets to shorter timeframes to limit warming and make climate strategies more fair and equitable for future generations. The research recommends prioritizing net zero carbon emissions by mid-century to stabilize warming and then deciding on additional reductions.
A new study reveals that coastal birds can survive hurricanes due to their ability to absorb impacts and recover quickly from storms. Despite being symbols of vulnerability, many populations can be quite resilient to big disturbances.
A new study measures how much of coral nutrition comes from hunting, suggesting that corals may be eating more than expected. The research provides a more accurate view of coral diets and has big implications for reef survival during climate change.
Researchers found that high temperatures reduce snort-call display behavior in grassland birds, affecting mating success. The study suggests up to 10% decrease in display activity by 2100 due to global warming.
A UCI team developed a new technique for predicting wildfires' final size, focusing on specific ignitions that pose the greatest risk of getting out of control. The model can forecast whether a blaze will be small, medium or large by its end, helping allocate scarce firefighting resources.
Climate change causes grassland communities to lose diverse species, especially those adapted to drought. The loss of native forbs with high specific leaf area indicates water-limited regions are particularly vulnerable.
Scientists at University of California, Irvine predict that Valley fever will double in size this century due to climate change. The fungal infection is expected to become widespread in previously unaffected areas across the western U.S., including Montana, Nebraska, and Wyoming.
Researchers found that over half of deer ticks were infected with Lyme disease and other pathogens, while nearly a quarter carried multiple agents. This study highlights the need to consider all tick-borne diseases, not just Lyme, due to polymicrobial infections.
A new study predicts climate change will cause Valley fever's range to more than double in size this century, reaching previously unaffected areas across the western U.S. The disease is expected to become more widespread in states like Colorado, Idaho and Oklahoma.
Two companion papers reveal that mountain regions are hotspots of biodiversity, with tropical mountains hosting more than 85% of the world's species. The high level of biodiversity is linked to unique climate conditions and geological dynamics.
Researchers found that aphid-infested Scots pine trees emit a distinct mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including sesquiterpenes, which affect secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. The study suggests that increased plant stress in a changing climate could influence SOA production.
A Rutgers-led study suggests climate change could alter how water interacts with soil globally, affecting groundwater supplies, food security, and ecosystems. Soil changes could also influence carbon storage and greenhouse gas levels.
A novel drone-based chemical monitoring system tracks volatile organic compounds emitted by plants, revealing the health of Amazon forests and their response to climate change. The research found significant differences in VOC signals between various forest sub-types, contradicting previous assumptions about their emissions.
A UBC study found that fungi and associated microbes are degrading indoor building materials, compromising structural integrity and occupant health. The research highlights the need for multi-criteria design and optimized building materials to mitigate these effects.
A new study from the University of Technology Sydney reveals that heat is a greater killer in Australia than cold, with up to 9% of deaths linked to heat in warmer regions. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat-related mortality.
The study found that the creation of 503 superblocks would reduce annual air pollution by 24% and prevent 291 premature deaths per year. Additionally, the project would increase life expectancy by almost 200 days on average per inhabitant and generate an annual economic saving of 1.7 billion euros.
A new study published in Geology has determined the ages of Navajo Sandstone deposits, providing a timeline of desertification that occurred during the Early Jurassic. The findings show that parts of eastern Utah's Navajo desert are much older than previously thought, and that the giant sand sea had a wetter climate at times.
The University of Houston Law Center has been awarded a three-year energy research grant to explore ways to facilitate public and private efforts to achieve goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The partnership will focus on key global issues in addressing climate change, with faculty members working together to develop new s...
Researchers found that phosphate levels in the surface ocean are less abundant than previously thought, using high-sensitivity measurements. This new data improves ocean models' ability to predict climate change impacts on oceans and their ecosystems.
A new study by Penn State researchers proposes an updated biochemical pathway explaining how Methanosarcina acetivorans uses iron to produce methane and carbon dioxide. The microorganism can now be manipulated to alter greenhouse gas production, offering potential for climate change mitigation.
A study by Dr. Sebastian Jäckle found that conference attendees emit between 0.5-1.5 tons of CO2 per three-day meeting, with plane travel being the worst option. By choosing central venues and video transmission, emissions can be reduced by up to 85%.
A study published in Nature Sustainability found that people understand sustainability in four distinct ways, but most see environmental and social outcomes as trade-offs. This suggests that effective communication is key to overcoming public scepticism about achieving a sustainable world.
A team of international researchers has developed a financial mechanism to support the protection of the world's natural heritage. The socio-ecological design option proved most efficient in incentivizing additional conservation action, particularly for countries lacking in global conservation goals.
A new study published in Climate of the Past reveals that Burgundy wine grapes have been picked 13 days earlier on average since 1988 than in the previous six centuries. This accelerated warming trend is consistent with a hotter and drier climate in recent years, which has become more common in the past 30 years.
A massive collaborative study reveals that early humans globally altered their environments as far back as 10,000 years ago. The study found widespread land use changes, including deforestation and invasive farming, starting around 3,000 years ago.
Scientists have found 34 species of coral thriving in mangrove lagoons on the Great Barrier Reef, providing novel information on mechanisms supporting coral resilience to climate change and pollution. The corals have adapted to extreme low pH, low oxygen, and variable temperatures, but at a cost: reduced calcification rates.
A new study finds Europe's summers are becoming hotter and winters colder, with extreme heat days tripling since 1950. This accelerates the region's warming, impacting cities unprepared for rising temperatures.
A new study reveals that biological processes in the polar Southern Ocean are the key drivers of carbon dioxide absorption, challenging existing assumptions. This finding has significant implications for understanding past and future climate change.
A UCI-led team has created the first high-resolution map of ocean surface phosphate, showing that marine phytoplankton are more resilient to nutrient stress than previously believed. This finding holds important implications for climate change predictions, as plankton communities can thrive even in nutrient-deficient environments.
Agricultural production is likely to increase in West Virginia due to longer growing seasons, despite traditional crops declining. Climate change brings increased precipitation, but also higher humidity that hampers plant growth.
A Rutgers-led study reveals a nearly five-fold increase in carbon dioxide absorption by surface waters off the West Antarctic Peninsula during summertime. Climate change is altering the Southern Ocean's ability to absorb CO2, which could magnify warming worldwide.
A new study confirms that the gigantic tumbleweed Salsola ryanii is a hybrid with doubled pairs of its parent plants' chromosomes, resulting in exceptional growth vigor. This discovery suggests that polyploidy may have an evolutionary advantage, allowing the plant to thrive and expand its territory.
The article proposes six major transformations to achieve SDGs, focusing on education, gender, energy decarbonization, sustainable food, digital revolution, and others. These transformations require deep, deliberate changes in resource use, infrastructure, institutions, technologies, and social relations.
Researchers review environmental conditions leading to harmful algal blooms in rivers, lakes, and coastal oceans, highlighting the impact of agricultural, urban, and industrial activities on water quality and biological resources.
A recent study found that water availability in soil determines the direction of carbon-climate feedback, with land carbon uptake increasing below optimal moisture levels and decreasing above them. This discovery provides new insights into the complex relationships between climate change, ecosystem dynamics, and water availability.
Research finds that a warming planet will alter ocean waves along more than 50% of the world's coastlines, leading to significant implications for coastal flooding and erosion. The study projects changes in wave patterns under different climate scenarios, with some areas experiencing increases in mean wave heights and others decreases.
Chronic kidney disease, linked to heat exposure and dehydration, is expected to surge globally as temperatures rise. Climate change also threatens to increase cardiovascular disease, Lyme disease, and other illnesses in vulnerable communities.
The project aims to develop a cutting-edge, DNA-based toolset to monitor aquatic life in coastal waters and support sustainable fisheries, protect vulnerable species, and manage climate change impacts. eDNA techniques will provide a comprehensive view of marine life and validate the approach as an important tool for ecosystem management.
April tornadoes influenced by global climate patterns, while May events more strongly linked to internal atmospheric processes. Shifting weather patterns within seasons affect tornado frequencies, suggesting a key factor in climate change impact studies.
Researchers mapped out how much waves are likely to change around the globe under climate change, finding that limiting warming to 2 degrees would keep signals of wave climate change within natural variability. However, 48% of the world's coast is at risk if we don't limit warming, with changes in wave height, period, or direction.
Researchers mapped the potential of plants to store extra carbon by the end of the century, finding they can increase their biomass by 12% when exposed to high CO2 concentrations. This growth would draw enough CO2 from the atmosphere to cancel out six years of current emissions.
A new study found that global change is triggering a significant shift in grassland plant species, with many plots experiencing drastic changes despite minimal changes in total species count. This shift could impact the critical services provided by grasslands, including carbon storage and food production.
A new study using miniaturized satellite-based tags revealed that desert bats must fly further and longer during dry periods to meet their nightly needs. This suggests their struggle in coping with harsher conditions, highlighting the importance of understanding animal responses to climate change.
Researchers from the University of Würzburg captured rare footage of Abbott's duiker antelopes on Mt. Kilimanjaro, a species classified as endangered. The study found that protected areas are crucial for maintaining biodiversity in large mammal species.
A new Cornell University study suggests that shale oil and gas production, particularly fracking, is contributing to the increase in atmospheric methane levels. The research found that methane from fracking has a distinct carbon-13 signature, indicating its origin, which was previously misattributed to biological sources.
Heat waves in the US are becoming larger and more severe due to climate change, according to UA research. The study aims to develop predictive models for heat waves, which could inform improved planning and response to these events.
Scientists have discovered the architecture of proteins known as Photosystem II that diatoms use to absorb sunlight and power their photosynthesis. This discovery could lead to more efficient and affordable algal biofuels and combat climate change from fossil fuel burning.
Recent studies suggest a link between Arctic sea ice decline and mid-latitude cold winters, but a new study finds no causal relationship. Analysis of climate models reveals that both changes are caused by unusual atmospheric circulation patterns, not the Arctic sea ice itself.
German experimental economists conducted the largest laboratory experiment in economic research to date, refuting the theory that individuals lack motivation to participate in public goods due to negligible impact. The study found that visibility of mutual benefits is crucial for collective action in large groups. Cooperative decision-...
Climate change is expected to exacerbate China's air pollution issues, leading to increased mortality rates. The study predicts that nearly 40% of the additional deaths could be attributed to atmospheric stagnation events and heat waves.
A new study reveals that functioning coral reefs still exist and can be saved through three management strategies: protect, recover, and transform. These strategies aim to safeguard reef ecologies and ecosystem services into the future, prioritizing 'cool spots' with functioning coral communities.
New research reveals that reduced Arctic sea ice does not cause extreme cold winters, but rather is linked to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns. The correlation between reduced sea ice and cold winters occurs because both are driven by the same large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns.
Researchers introduce RadialPheno, a new tool to visualize phenocam-collected phenology data, providing meaningful insights into plant developmental events. The tool uses radial representation to identify recurrent events and integrates with common statistical methods, making it a valuable resource for phenology experts.