Articles tagged with Climate Change
Professor Matthew England has been awarded the Tinker-Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica for his outstanding research on the influence of the Southern Ocean on global climate. He is recognized for his leadership roles in international programs and commitment to translating global issues to local impacts.
Eco-physiologist Alexander Gerson is studying how birds metabolize muscle and organ tissues to fuel long migration flights. He hopes to better understand the influence of climate on flight metabolism and its potential impact on migrating birds.
A nearly 2,240 square-mile iceberg broke off from Antarctica's Larsen C ice shelf between July 10 and 12. The event has reduced the ice shelf area by approximately 10 percent, sparking concerns about potential destabilization of the remaining ice shelf.
New research reveals Arctic winter warming events are occurring more frequently and lasting longer, with an average duration of 12 hours longer than three decades ago. The study attributes this increase to major storms in the Arctic, which bring warm air from the Atlantic Ocean, leading to peak temperatures above minus 10 degrees Celsius.
A European opinion poll found that most citizens are relatively well informed about marine climate change issues, but a significant number are poorly or misinformed. Many believe human activities do not play a role in climate change and think scenarios may have already occurred by 2100.
The PAGES 2k Consortium has upgraded its global temperature database, adding nearly 200 new records and improving accuracy to track global warming. The updated database confirms that the Earth is warming at an unprecedented rate in recent geological history.
Researchers at Stockholm University found a link between the West African Monsoon and ENSO variability, revealing reduced variability by 30-60% compared to pre-industrial times. Accounting for a vegetated and less dusty Sahara improved model simulations and provided insights into future climate change predictions.
Researchers found that temporal mismatches between bees and plant species lead to negative consequences, including reduced plant pollination. Bees develop species-specific strategies to mitigate the impact, but these are not sufficient to prevent severe fitness loss.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to reconcile temperature estimates from global climate models and paleoclimate records. They found that higher temperature ranges, up to 6 degrees Celsius, may be possible when long-term warming patterns are considered.
The lab's integrated computational model reduces uncertainty in climate predictions by coupling Earth systems with energy models. A secure platform developed for the Department of Veterans Affairs promises to improve health outcomes for millions of veterans.
Scientists developed a method to compare climate model sensitivities with historical data, showing good agreement. Accounting for slow mode feedback, the temperature range of climate sensitivity from historical data is consistent with climate models, implying a higher sensitivity to carbon dioxide emissions.
New research suggests ancient, dormant fungi could aid trees in migrating due to rapid climate warming in Canada's boreal and tundra ecosystems.
A new study urges the UNESCO World Heritage Convention to better conserve wilderness areas by designating Natural World Heritage Sites (NWHS). Only 1.8% of the world's wilderness is currently protected, highlighting broad gaps in conservation coverage across the globe.
A new dataset provides improved representation of solar variability, enabling more accurate climate model simulations and distinguishing natural from anthropogenic processes. The dataset includes enhanced estimates of solar forcing and particle effects, which may counteract rising Earth temperatures.
A University of Queensland-led study highlights the urgent need for increased wilderness conservation in World Heritage Sites, which currently protect only 1.8% of global wilderness areas. The World Heritage Convention can play a crucial role in addressing this gap by recognizing and protecting these critical ecosystems.
Scientists discovered silver fir and Douglas fir are more tolerant to extreme droughts than Norway spruce in the Black Forest. Replacing spruce forests with mixed-species forests of these conifers could have a greater positive effect on biodiversity.
A new Rutgers University study projects that climate change will make the US poorer and more unequal, with severe costs for poor regions. The poorest counties could lose up to 20% of their income if warming proceeds unabated.
The expansion of agriculture has led to a decline in burned areas globally, particularly in tropical savannas and grasslands. Long-term declines were more associated with transitions from natural to managed landscapes.
A new study found that ice-free areas in Antarctica could increase by up to 25% by the end of this century, potentially creating new habitat for biodiversity. However, the warming climate may also facilitate invasive species to establish themselves.
Researchers calculate that compound climate extremes, such as heatwaves and droughts, are more frequent than expected. This can lead to increased health risks, agricultural losses, and economic threats due to the interconnectedness of modern societies.
A new study by University of Montana scientists found that slow-growing ponderosa pines have a greater chance of survival during mountain pine beetle outbreaks, contradicting previous findings. The research suggests that fast growth may be costly and is often detrimental to tree survival in such scenarios.
Researchers found that tweets containing moral and emotional language increase retweets by 20% per word, but only among networks aligned with the sender's ideology.
A new study by Lund University researchers shows that Amazon basin deforestation can disrupt the entire rainforest's resilience and ability to absorb carbon dioxide. Deforestation creates a vicious circle of local warming and changed air circulation patterns, affecting even the untouched inner parts of the rainforest.
A recent Michigan State University study reveals that panda conservation in China has far-reaching benefits for the environment, including increased biodiversity and carbon sequestration. The research found that nature reserves created to protect pandas are also benefiting other plant and animal species.
By 2100, climate change could lead to the displacement of 2 billion people worldwide due to rising ocean levels. The study's author, Charles Geisler, warns that coastal climate refugees will face significant barriers to entry when migrating to higher ground.
A study of historic whaling records reveals early warning signs of global population collapse up to 40 years before the event for four whale species. The research provides a potential tool for predicting which species are at risk due to environmental pressures such as overfishing and climate change.
Scientists discover that birds form family groups before helping at the nest, resolving long-standing puzzle of cooperative breeding's evolution. The two-step framework suggests that stable environments favor family living, while environmental variability promotes helping at the nest.
Temperatures in the Central Pyrenees have risen by 2.5 °C over the past three decades, with a significant increase since 1970. Spring and summer temperatures have been particularly affected, with hot years doubling and cold years decreasing by half.
A significant warming trend is observed globally since the mid-1990s, with Europe-West Asia and northeast Asia experiencing the most pronounced warming. This warming has led to increased casualties from hot events, with a 23-fold increase in deaths between 2001-2010 and 1991-2000.
A 55-year series of Tibetan Plateau tree-ring data shows that the start of growing season advanced by 0.28 days/year, while end of growing season delayed by 0.33 days/year between 1960-2014. April-June and August-September minimum temperatures drive these changes.
A new study reveals that rising CO2 levels reached a tipping point, triggering sudden temperature shifts of up to 15°C in the Northern Hemisphere during ice age periods. The findings add to evidence suggesting that gradual climate changes can lead to abrupt surprises.
Experts conclude that a near-zero-emissions energy system will require a diverse portfolio of energy technologies, including bioenergy, nuclear energy, and carbon capture technology. The study corrects previous research suggesting the US can be powered solely by solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy.
A recent study reveals that many plant species are resorting to 'last-stand' strategies, such as shrinking in size and suspending growth effort, to survive in deteriorating environmental conditions. The research found that these species are more vulnerable to further changes and disturbances due to climate change.
A recent study by Seth Werfel at Stanford University found that people who report taking personal energy-saving actions are less likely to support government efforts to address environmental issues. This effect occurs regardless of political ideology and may have implications for other issues as well.
A new study reveals that multiple ocean surface temperature changes are the primary driver of multi-decadal global warming accelerations and slowdowns. This finding supports a more accurate estimate of future global warming rates to meet the Paris Conference's 1.5°C target.
A Dartmouth study reveals that Big Food companies have little control over the farmers who supply their raw materials, despite ambitious goals to reduce emissions and environmental degradation. The companies' reliance on commodity trading companies for staple ingredients further limits their knowledge and influence.
Scientists at Michigan State University found that examining daily climate minutia provides a better understanding of variable land climates, crucial for policy-making. The study reveals dramatic swings in northern China's climate, affecting agriculture and economic development.
Climate change and increased demand will outstrip freshwater supply in Iqaluit, even with stagnant population growth. Researchers predict the city may run out of fresh water by 2024 unless alternative sources are found to extend the water supply.
A new study from Ohio State University suggests that capable governments are crucial in preventing food-related violence induced by climate change. The researchers found that weak political institutions, poverty, and dependence on agriculture make countries more vulnerable to such uprisings.
A new study found that many US secondary school science teachers possess several climate change misconceptions, similar to the general public. The survey of 220 teachers in Florida and Puerto Rico revealed notable errors regarding greenhouse gas emissions and scientific experiments.
A study led by UCI found that a 0.5 degree Celsius rise in mean temperature doubles the probability of a heat wave killing over 100 people in India, with projections suggesting a 2.2-5.5 degree Celsius increase by the end century.
A team of scientists found that male and female plovers shift incubation more frequently in response to rising temperatures, increasing cooperation between the sexes. This flexibility in parental care helps birds adapt to changing climates and extreme conditions.
The 2016 hurricane season was the second-longest on record, with a series of extremes that included Hurricane Matthew, which claimed over 600 lives and caused $15 billion in damage. The season's conditions were characterized by a dramatic change in relative humidity, leading to an increase in Accumulated Cyclone Energy.
A University of Washington study found that people who believe in climate change and see economic or environmental benefits to tidal energy are more likely to support projects. Residents support tidal energy more when it's connected to the grid and benefiting their community.
Scientists predict radical shifts in coral reef configurations as they struggle to cope with climate change, pollution, and human impacts. The window of opportunity to save reefs remains open, but urgent action is needed to secure a future for these ecosystems.
A healthy ocean can contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, alleviating poverty, providing livelihoods, and improving global health. The report highlights the critical need for ocean sustainability to address climate change, social inequity, and other challenges.
A Rutgers study reveals that springs played a critical role in early human survival and migration in East Africa. The research suggests that climate change may not have been the primary factor driving human evolution.
A new study reveals that groundwater springs in Africa played a crucial role in the survival and migration of our ancient ancestors. By mapping persistent springs, researchers found that these water sources acted as service stations, allowing people to access vital water supplies during times of drought.
Researchers found that soil microbes respond differently to shifts in moisture, with those from wetter areas respiring twice as much carbon to the atmosphere. This discovery suggests historical rainfall levels can impact climate modeling, improving predictions of local or regional differences in soil respiration and climate history.
A new study reveals that vegetation can alter climate and weather patterns by up to 30 percent. The researchers found substantial feedback loops in semi-arid regions, where vegetation growth enhances heat transfer and increases cloudiness, affecting surface radiation.
Scientists are developing chickpea varieties that can thrive in arid conditions, aiming to improve yields from 1.5 tonnes to 5 tonnes per hectare. The research uses low-cost imaging and computing techniques to identify resilient traits and develop algorithms for breeding high-performance varieties.
A new study found that warmer nights due to climate change can lead to increased instances of insufficient sleep, with the poor and elderly being most affected. The research shows that a single month of nightly temperatures averaging 1 degree Celsius higher than normal could result in 9 million more nights of insufficient sleep.
A new study co-authored by WCS explores the impact of reduced Arctic snow cover on tundra-dwelling wolverines. The research found that wolverines rely heavily on snow for denning, caching food, and other needs, making them more vulnerable to climate change.
Researchers found that people are more interested in learning about the work of physically attractive and competent-looking scientists. However, attractiveness did not affect perceived competence or quality of research, with competent individuals often being considered less skilled.
Research confirms unprecedented ecological change across Antarctic Peninsula, with increased biological activity and rapid growth rates in moss banks. The findings suggest that terrestrial ecosystems of the Peninsula will experience rapid change with future warming.
A recent study challenges GIS credibility in assessing shoreline erosion to archaeological sites, highlighting the need for more current imagery sources and semi-regular updates. The research suggests that while GIS can be useful in identifying areas at risk, its limitations due to volatile weather conditions must be acknowledged.
A nationwide analysis reveals rural areas are falling behind in water efficiency, while urban centers show significant improvements. The study attributes this to lack of resources and political will in rural counties.
Foraminifera, single-celled plankton, build microscopic calcite shells that reflect environmental conditions. Recent experiments reveal magnesium levels vary in shells due to daily light/dark cycles, increasing confidence in plankton as climate records.
Researchers warn that rising ocean temperatures and human impacts will lead to the decline of Yellow-eyed penguin populations on New Zealand's Otago Peninsula. Urgent coordinated conservation action is needed to build penguins' resilience against climate change.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers reveals that regional variability plays a key role in extreme precipitation, with increasing atmospheric moisture and weaker vertical wind velocities contributing to differences. The decomposition of projections highlights weaknesses in existing climate models and provides insights into where to focus ...