Articles tagged with Climate Change
A research team confirms that 97% of climate scientists agree human-caused climate change, with expertise being the primary factor in this consensus. The study drew from seven independent consensus studies and found a consistent picture with high levels of scientific agreement among climate experts.
Researchers are reconstructing past temperature and hydrology records in southern Greenland using high-resolution quantitative methods. This project sheds light on climate variations during the period of Norse settlement, which had been abandoned by the early 15th century due to various factors.
A study by Tufts University researchers found that longer monsoon seasons and increased daily rainfall contribute to reduced tea yields in China. The new approach yields more accurate data on weather changes, enabling farmers to make informed decisions on harvesting strategies.
Recent research reveals that Easter Island's culture was affected by droughts and wet seasons, which influenced population dynamics and cultural exchange. Complete sedimentary samples show a continuous record of the last 3000 years, shedding light on the island's ecological and cultural development.
Research suggests that soils could store an extra 8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases, helping to combat climate change. Adopting sustainable land use practices and technologies could enhance soil carbon storage, equivalent to four-fifths of annual fossil fuel emissions.
A new study in Nature finds large variations in precipitation over the past millennium, with stronger extremes in earlier centuries than in the twentieth century. This analysis enables improved accuracy of climate models and better prediction of future precipitation changes.
Researchers will model uncertain future meteorology and smoke, dust to gain a comprehensive view of possible air quality implications. The study aims to improve predictions of particulate matter concentrations in the atmosphere.
Researchers found that meltwater streams on Greenland's ice sheet erode channels at a rate of up to 10 centimeters daily, similar to river erosion patterns. This discovery provides a new tool for studying melt rates and glacial response to climate change.
Caribbean coral reefs face mounting pressure from global warming, local pollution, and over-fishing of herbivorous fish. A new study suggests that implementing size limits and catch limits can help maintain reef resilience. The research provides tools for fisheries managers to revise current practices and sustain fishers' livelihoods.
Researchers at WSU analyzed data from 1,000+ archaeological sites and 30,000 tree-ring dates to understand the impact of droughts on Pueblo societies. They found four periods of boom and bust over five centuries, with each period marked by significant cultural changes and social upheaval.
UK wine producers face challenges due to climate variability and extreme weather events, which can impact productivity year-to-year. The study found that June rainfall is the most powerful weather indicator in explaining yield variability.
Researchers from the University of Zurich found that the diversity of megalodon's prey decreased, leading to its extinction. The team analyzed 200 records and reconstructed the species' range over time, concluding that competition with new predators was a key factor in its demise.
Researchers found that wind carved massive mounds of more than a mile high on Mars over billions of years. The study linked the formation of these mounds to climate change on Mars, with sedimentary rocks forming at the base and wind-deposited sediments creating the mound's shape.
A new European study projects a 15% increase in storm surge levels by 2100 under high-emissions scenarios. Coastal areas with high population density face significant threats from rising sea levels and increased storminess.
Researchers predict that Antarctica's ice sheet could contribute up to 15 meters of sea-level rise by 2500 if greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated. An aggressive reduction in emissions could limit the risk of major Antarctic ice sheet retreat and associated sea-level rise.
A new study analyzed ancient bison and mammoth tissues to understand the shift of grassland species. The research found that increasing precipitation during the growing season was the single most important factor in the spread of C4 grasses.
The study reveals that the decline of traditional women's work in the marshes has led to a narrowing of daily life to domestic tasks. The Marsh Arab women's unique cultural relationship with the ecosystem is being lost as natural resources vanish, and their roles are taken over by men.
The University of Maryland School of Public Health will lead a $10 million grant from the USDA to develop innovative, safe and sustainable ways to irrigate food crops in variable climates. The CONSERVE Center of Excellence aims to identify alternative water sources and new treatment technologies for contaminant-free irrigation.
Scientists reveal how Arctic microbes speed up glacier melting through cryoconite formation, altering ice surface albedo and creating a self-sustaining cycle. This microbial process is driving the expansion of biologically productive regions on glaciers, contributing to sea level rise.
A new NASA-Harvard University study finds that climate change has diminished the connection between droughts and wine grape harvest timing in France and Switzerland. Earlier harvests are often associated with higher-quality wines, but recent changes may impact wine production.
Researchers found that pottery was used mainly for cooking marine and freshwater animal species, with little evidence of plant processing or deer cooking. This suggests cultural influences played a bigger role than expected in the widespread adoption of pottery.
Researchers estimate human carbon release rate is about 10 times faster than any event in the past 66 million years, with potentially catastrophic consequences for future climate changes. The study also suggests that the effects of massive fossil fuel burning will have a much longer tail than previously thought.
A comprehensive global study suggests that plant respiration rates slow predictably with increasing temperatures, reducing estimates of carbon release from plants. The research found uniform patterns across various habitats and plant types, shedding light on the complex planetary carbon cycle.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a faster and more accurate flood risk assessment method that relies on an algorithm to extract key causative events driving major floods. This new approach reduces the time taken for modeling while maintaining high accuracy, potentially saving properties and lives.
Researchers find Tanana Arctic butterfly, a possible new species of hybrid butterfly from Alaska's interior. The discovery suggests ancient hybridization between Arctic butterfly species.
Researchers propose transforming Guantánamo Bay into a marine research center and international peace park, uniting the US and Cuba in joint management. The proposal aims to protect coral reefs, marine life, and promote sustainable development.
A recent study published in Ecological Engineering suggests that restoring wetlands in the Midwest can reduce peak river flows during floods by up to 17.5 percent. This approach could provide a natural and ecological option for flood management, serving as an additional tool for mitigating the impact of climate change.
Researchers have developed a new method to track the hydrology of Eastern Washington's wetlands, providing insights into their behavior seasonally. The technique uses satellite images to identify structural elements of wetlands and delineate them from other parts of the landscape.
A new study reveals that adolescent female giant pandas disperse farther from their home ranges during mating season, rivaling males in distances moved. This behavior is uncommon in mammals and has significant implications for conservation efforts.
Researchers have discovered a way to create biodegradable packaging materials by infusing eggshell nanoparticles into a blend of polybutyrate adipate terephthalate and polylactic acid. The addition increases the material's flexibility, making it suitable for retail applications such as grocery bags and food containers.
Researchers developed a new computerized method to reconstruct lizard habitats and track temperature management. The study found lizards deliberately choose habitats with optimal temperatures, adjusting behavior to avoid heat shock.
Scientists in Spain have found a correlation between lower oil prices and increased CO2 emissions. The study suggests that a 1% increase in oil prices leads to a 0.4% rise in CO2 emissions. Researchers recommend designing a cautious tax structure to reduce fossil fuel consumption and promote cleaner energies.
A new study suggests that US antitrust laws may be too restrictive for companies to collaborate on sustainable and socially-responsible business practices. This could limit the development of innovative solutions to address climate change and natural resource limitations, ultimately harming consumers.
Soil is an effective carbon sink, and adopting new farming practices like cover crops and no-till farming can enhance its organic matter, boosting carbon content. This approach has direct benefits to farmers, including reduced soil erosion and increased resilience to drought.
In a climate game experiment, researchers found that 40% of participants chose representatives with extortionate strategies. However, these strategies ultimately led to successful outcomes due to the benefit for all parties involved. The results suggest that such strategies could be beneficial in avoiding dangerous climate change.
New research reveals that ichthyosaurs, highly diverse during their reign, were negatively affected by global changes leading to their extinction. A two-phase event suppressed ecological diversity and wiped out the group at the beginning of the Late Cretaceous period.
Researchers found that the average number of tornadoes per outbreak increased by 50% from 1954 to 2014, while the total number of tornadoes remained largely unchanged. This suggests that tornadoes are increasingly clustered in outbreaks, making extreme events more likely.
New research reveals that global warming will increase rainfall in dry regions, but the additional water may not be available due to increased evaporation. This could lead to more frequent and intense flash flooding events in areas without adequate infrastructure.
A recent study found that epaulette shark embryos can withstand ocean acidification conditions predicted for the year 2100, but may be vulnerable when gills are still developing. This suggests that sharks may be more resilient than previously thought, but their survival depends on maintaining healthy habitats.
A Korean research team has developed metabolically engineered Escherichia coli strains to synthesize non-natural, biomedically important polymers including poly(lactate-co-glycolate) (PLGA). The team successfully produced PLGA and various novel copolymers through microbial fermentation directly from carbohydrates.
The USDA is working to incentivize the development of biomass feedstocks and strengthen supply chains to promote the use of renewable energy sources. The agency's efforts aim to address climate change by supporting the production of biobased products and materials.
A new study reveals that local populations of threatened species may adapt to specific conditions, necessitating different conservation strategies. The research suggests using ecological models to predict suitable areas for each population, improving conservation efforts for the Karner blue butterfly and Siberian primrose.
A team of scientists at Argonne National Laboratory has created a new method for predicting extreme weather events, which could improve the accuracy of climate models. The technique uses high-resolution climate forecasting to analyze specific regions and provide more detailed predictions.
New research describes how enzymes 'tune' to work at specific temperatures, with a fundamental physical property - heat capacity - being the key. This discovery could lead to designing better biocatalysts for industrial processes.
A new study found that extreme tornado outbreaks have increased in frequency since 1954, with the average number of tornadoes per outbreak rising from 10 to 15. The variance around this mean has also risen four times faster, a phenomenon known as Taylor's power law of scaling.
Researchers estimate that the world can emit even less greenhouse gases than previously estimated if global warming is to be kept under control. The study suggests a carbon budget of 590-1240 billion tons of CO2 from 2015 onwards to limit warming to below 2°C.
Research shows carbon footprint labels influence consumer choice, with usage-related emissions being most important factor. Consumers value recycling and prefer manufacturers to offset emissions, rather than taking direct action.
Heavy rainfall causes gullies to expand rapidly, with predicted climate change increasing rates up to three times faster. Researchers have developed a model to predict gully expansion and warn of devastating consequences for agriculture, water quality, and infrastructure.
Research uncovers Amazon forest seasonality, revealing a dynamic pattern of leaf growth and death that explains variations in photosynthesis. The findings improve climate models and provide insights into the forest's ability to adapt to dry periods.
A new heat wave formula developed by a University of Missouri researcher provides a uniform definition for extreme temperatures, enabling public health agencies to prepare for heat waves. The formula accounts for missing weather data and regional climates, improving the accuracy of heat wave warnings.
Researchers from the University of Exeter are leading a European Commission-funded project to develop strategies for meeting climate change challenges on water, food and energy provision. The SIM4NEXUS project will investigate how policy makers can create sustainable integrated management systems.
A new study suggests that the available budget for carbon dioxide emissions is on the low end of previous estimates, lending urgency to addressing climate change. The researchers propose a limit of 590-1240 billion tons CO2 from 2015 onwards to keep global warming below 2°C.
Climate change is forcing species of migrating fish to shift their range towards the poles, affecting people who depend on them. Wealthier communities with stronger resource management tend to benefit more from these changes, exacerbating global inequality.
A comprehensive field study reveals rapid microbial response to warming in tundra ecosystems, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient cycling processes.
A Rutgers University-led study published today reveals that the Earth's sea level rose by about 14 centimeters between 1900 and 2000, a substantial increase for vulnerable coastal areas. Without global warming, sea levels might have declined or risen less than half of this amount.
Reducing U.S. climate emissions could prevent up to 175,000 premature deaths nationwide by 2030, generating $250 billion annual health benefits. Cleaner energy policies and transportation reductions could yield significant long-term health benefits worth 5-10 times the costs.
Researchers are studying the socio-ecology and climate responses of dengue and Zika virus transmission in coastal Ecuador to understand risk landscape and develop effective interventions. They are developing mathematical models to predict future changes in virus transmission under climate change.
A Dartmouth College-led team has developed a new method to project future climate scenarios at the local level, addressing the limitations of global climate models in predicting climate changes at regional scales. The method generates high-resolution climate datasets for assessing impacts on small watersheds like Lake Champlain.
Scientists analyzed stalagmites from a Madagascar cave and found a sudden shift in carbon isotope ratios, indicating a drastic transformation of plant species from trees to grasslands within just 100 years. The study suggests human involvement in forest loss, contradicting climate change theories.
Research found a significant correlation between air quality and stroke cases, with higher PM2.5 levels in the South linked to a higher prevalence of stroke. Temperature also played a role in air quality and stroke risk.