Articles tagged with Climate Change
A recent study warns that the Paris Agreement's long-term success depends on well-designed and functioning monitoring systems. Europe's experience with national climate policies offers valuable insights into the challenges of monitoring climate policies, including political concerns over costs and perceived usefulness of information.
Researchers found that large decadal-scale shifts in the Sierra Nevada fire regime were related to changes in human activity, rather than climate change. Human land use patterns heavily influenced the fire regime, with four distinct time periods identified.
A new study found that kelp forests are relatively well-faring, with some regions increasing in size, while others decline or show no change. The researchers suggest that this variability reflects regional differences in drivers of environmental change and the unique capacity of kelp to recover from disturbances.
A global assessment of kelp ecosystems reveals surprising resilience, but also regional variability in long-term responses requiring local management efforts. Kelp forests are critically important habitats that can recover quickly from damage, yet still face overwhelm from global and local pressures.
The €8 million APPLICATE project aims to enhance weather and climate prediction capabilities in the Arctic and beyond. By studying the Arctic's impact on mid-latitude weather and climate, researchers can improve forecast accuracy and mitigate severe weather events.
Research reveals that forest fire activity in California's Sierra Nevada has been driven by human land use rather than climate change. The study found four distinct periods of altered fire regimes corresponding to different types of human occupation and land use.
Global carbon emissions have shown almost no growth for three years, with a projected rise of only 0.2% in 2016. The slowdown is attributed to decreased coal use in China, which saw emissions decrease by 0.7% in 2015. However, the reduction is not enough to limit climate change below 2 degrees Celsius.
A new study reveals that climate change and water resources development contributed significantly to the decline of Iran's Lake Urmia. The annual flow of water into the lake dropped by 48%, with 60% attributed to climate changes and 40% to human water usage.
A new study calculates climate sensitivity using Earth's paleoclimate data, finding that warm climates are more sensitive to CO2 changes. The researchers project a 5.9°C warming by 2100, overlapping with IPCC estimates and emphasizing the need for immediate greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Researchers have found that each tonne of carbon dioxide emitted contributes to the loss of 3 square metres of Arctic summer sea ice. This linear relationship reveals individual contributions to global climate change, surpassing previous estimates made by climate models.
A record hot year globally in 2015 could soon become an average year by 2025 if carbon emissions continue to rise, according to new research. The 'new normal' for global average temperatures is expected to be locked in by 2040, but immediate action on carbon emissions can prevent extreme seasons from becoming the norm at regional levels.
The LSU Center for Coastal Resiliency has received $1.3 million in grants to support research on coastal resiliency and sea level rise risks. The projects aim to develop large-scale computer models that can predict coastal dynamics and assess hydrodynamic and ecological impacts.
A new study reveals that 100 feet below the ocean surface is a critical depth for ecological activity in the Arctic polar night. Bioluminescence from marine organisms becomes the dominant light source at this depth, and changes in zooplankton composition are observed as depth increases.
A consumer tax on fossil fuels could lower its use and encourage cleaner alternatives, a new study suggests. The research proposes a Pigouvian tax as an effective way to balance economic needs with environmental protection.
Scientists use satellites to monitor seasonal changes in evergreen trees, providing a new tool to track the impact of climate change on northern forests. The research reveals subtle colour shifts that indicate changes in photosynthetic activity, which could accelerate or slow down global warming.
Scientists use fossilized pollen to forecast profound changes in plant abundance and composition globally by the middle of this century. One third of North American plants and more than half of European plants may face increased threat status due to climate change.
A new study from the University of Delaware has found that people prefer to invest in conservation, such as protecting key areas of a watershed, over traditional water treatment plants. Participants in the field experiment were more willing to donate to conservation causes than drinking water utilities.
Scientists have found a 'thermometer' molecule in plants that measures night-time heat to stimulate growth and trigger springtime budding. This discovery could help breed tougher crops resistant to climate change.
The University of Montana's Flathead Lake Biological Station has been awarded a $2 million grant to explore the diversity of insects, crustaceans, and other arthropods in river floodplains. The project aims to assess the genetics, populations, and functional trait diversity among floodplain arthropods using novel genomic tools and mode...
A recent Tansley Review found that cassava yields have stagnated since 1961, with potential for 25-100% improvements in yield, water, and fertilizer use efficiency. Researchers highlight the importance of improving photosynthesis to increase sustainable food productivity.
A UBC study suggests that climate change could disrupt predator-prey relationships, leading to the extinction of some species. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding seasonal animal relationships and their vulnerability to changes in temperature.
Cassava is a crucial crop for 110% growth in global food demand, with potential for yield improvement through boosting sunlight conversion. Researchers are urging more research to address climate change and sustain yields.
Researchers created an atomic-scale map of a foraminifera shell's chemistry, uncovering elevated sodium and magnesium levels in the organic layer. This discovery will improve our understanding of environmental change and climate reconstructions using ancient shells.
A new study identifies urban expansion as the historical cause of low oxygen conditions in European lakes, with increased waste water pollution boosting biological productivity and leading to a rise in oxygen consumption.
Researchers reconstructed ancient atmospheric carbon dioxide record and found fluctuations projected for the 21st century. The study highlights the potential impact of losing tropical forests on climate, with potential thresholds leading to rapid and irreversible biological change.
A University of Exeter study found no evidence that climate change is linked to a fungal disease affecting coffee crops. Researchers tested the hypothesis that climate change increased the probability of favorable weather conditions for CLR, but rejected the hypothesis due to other factors contributing to the disease outbreak.
A new modeling framework allows scientists to study the impact of certainty on individual beliefs, shedding light on why people reject scientific consensus. The research reveals that underlying beliefs can influence interpersonal networks and shape views on controversial topics.
A new genome assembly process allows for rapid access to genetic information in Cabernet Sauvignon, enabling researchers to identify genetic markers for breeding disease-resistant vines. This breakthrough paves the way for developing new wine grape varieties suitable for changing climate conditions.
A new study reveals that Greenland's ice sheet lost nearly 2,700 gigatons of ice from 2003-2013, 7.6% more than previously thought, due to mantle softening caused by the Iceland hotspot. This correction refines understanding of modern ice loss patterns and their evolution.
Researchers develop predictive model to calculate spray pattern produced by wave impacts, helping engineers design better seawalls and coastal defenses. The findings suggest that water is dispersed in a distinct pattern varying depending on wave size.
Coastal Louisiana's unique situation allows scientists to study future global sea level rise effects on wetland-dominated coastlines. The region experiences a relative sea level rise rate of 13 millimeters per year, with extensive coastal wetland loss and rapid erosion of carbon-rich peat soils.
Research from Lund University finds that ENSO leads to increased shortages of food and animal feed in rural areas of eastern and southern Africa. The study calculates the impact of carbon dioxide absorption by vegetation on food production and predicts a worsening situation as weather phenomena become more frequent.
Research predicts an increase in water availability in the Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia due to climate change, potentially allowing for two crops per year. However, increased sediment transport poses a challenge, highlighting the need for conservation practices and efficient irrigation development.
Researchers found that three frog species in the protected Wet Tropics of Queensland UNESCO World Heritage Area might have sufficient time to conserve before extinction due to climate change. The study suggests that conservation managers could intervene successfully with translocation programs.
Two species of fossil carnivores, Gustafsonia and Angelacrtocyon, were reclassified as early members of the beardog family. These tiny creatures lived 38-37 million years ago in Texas and had features that suggest they may have eaten plants in addition to meat
A Cornell-led study finds that the American Southwest is at risk of megadroughts due to climate change, but reducing emissions can significantly lower this risk. The study suggests that even a moderate warming of 2 degrees Celsius could lead to a 20-50% chance of a megadrought.
A study found that certain components of climate change may benefit native oysters in California by allowing them to grow faster at warmer temperatures. However, a predatory snail species introduced from the East Coast and Asia poses a significant threat to oyster populations.
Researchers have discovered chemical traces of sea ice in Greenland ice cores, allowing them to calculate past sea ice levels. The data suggests that the Arctic climate was 2-3 degrees warmer 8000 years ago, with less summertime sea ice than today.
An international study led by KU Leuven found that climate change is increasing the frequency of hazardous thunderstorms over Lake Victoria at night. The lake's unique atmospheric circulation, fueled by warm land breezes and evaporative cooling, creates a hotspot for storm activity.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment have proposed a framework that accounts for the damages caused by reactive nitrogen, estimating the dollars-and-cents cost of nitrogen pollution. The tool will help integrate nitrogen costs into decisions made by agencies and groups.
A recent survey found that most Americans (65%) think climate change is a problem that needs addressing, with 43% of Republicans and 84% of Democrats agreeing. The survey also revealed that 42% are unwilling to pay even $1 per month for their electric bill to combat climate change, while 20% would be willing to pay up to $50.
A new report by IUCN highlights the impact of rising ocean temperatures on human health, with spreading marine-related tropical diseases and harmful algal blooms. The study found that Vibrio vulnifucus bacteria has been linked to outbreaks in previously unaffected regions, posing a significant threat to public health.
Research finds climate change denial correlates with political orientation, authoritarian attitudes, and a tough-minded personality. Climate change is often framed as a threat to the poor or weak, which may not be convincing for those who prioritize hierarchical power structures.
Researchers have cataloged 15,222 genetically distinct viruses and grouped them into 867 clusters, revealing their role in nature. The study could lead to ways to fine-tune viruses to sink carbon into the deep ocean, a potential strategy for managing climate change.
A recent study reveals that invasive insects cause significant damage to agriculture, health care, and infrastructure, resulting in estimated annual losses of 69 billion euros. The majority of these damages are attributed to North America, with Europe and Asia also experiencing substantial financial losses.
A new study estimates that invasive insects globally incur at least US$70 billion in annual costs to goods and services, while also resulting in significant health expenses. The researchers stress that these figures are likely underestimates due to the lack of research on the topic in many regions.
A new University of Washington study finds a trend toward earlier sea ice melt in the spring and later ice growth in the fall across all 19 polar bear populations. The analysis shows that critical timing of sea ice break-up and freeze-up is changing in a direction harmful for polar bears.
A global mindset is associated with optimistic goals, such as personal growth and advancement, whereas a local mindset focuses on stability and prevention. Researchers found that individuals with a global identity scored higher in signal detection tasks and preferred positive advertisements.
A University of Adelaide study found that warmer waters and higher CO2 levels can lead to a twenty-fold increase in the population of a common marine crustacean. Males become larger and more attractive to females, resulting in a massive population explosion.
A global campaign is proposed to gather essential biological information to improve climate change predictions for biodiversity. Current predictions fail to account for critical factors like species competition and movement, leading to inaccurate outcomes.
Researchers report catastrophic declines in global wilderness areas over the last 20 years, with an estimated 3.3 million km2 of wilderness lost, primarily in South America and Africa. The study emphasizes the urgent need for proactive global interventions to protect remaining wilderness areas.
Catastrophic declines in wilderness areas have occurred globally over the last two decades, with almost 10% of the world's land area lost. The Amazon and Central Africa have been severely impacted, highlighting the need for international policies to protect remaining wilderness.
SPRU marks 50 years by launching a new global consortium to tackle pressing issues like climate change and inequality. The Transformative Innovation Policy Consortium aims to rethink innovation policy and its contribution to sustainable development, economic growth, and social justice.
A group of James Cook University scientists has designed an inexpensive incubator to study the effects of climate change. The incubators, costing under $160 each, allow researchers to replicate realistic experiments with controlled temperature regimes.
A recent study from the University of California, Davis, found that coastal development and precipitation increase the risk of disease-causing organisms flowing to the ocean. The study tracked the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can shed infective egg-like structures in soil, freshwater, and seawater.
Researchers found rapid tree growth in eastern Tibetan forests due to increased soil nutrients and water from thawing permafrost. The study's results suggest that under specific conditions, forests can respond positively to human-induced climate changes.
Experts warn of severe threats to ecosystems due to nitrogen deposition from fertilizer use and sewage. A global network is needed to monitor and address this issue in Latin America and BRICS nations, which are the largest users of nitrogen fertilizer.
A UK-wide study aiming to assess the resilience of the British pig industry will use advanced analytics and machine learning to forecast how major changes affect the sector. The PIGSustain project will gather comprehensive data on animal health, disease, and welfare as well as socio-economic trends.
A new study finds that while elevated CO2 concentrations boost plant growth under ideal conditions, drought will outweigh those benefits and cause yield losses sooner than anticipated. Soybeans grown in a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere used more water under hot and dry conditions, leading to reduced yields.
A new study published in Climate Dynamics suggests that early-onset spring models may indicate a 'nightmare' for agriculture in the affected regions. The analysis of climate model data shows an increased frequency of nearly one in every three years by the end of this century.