Articles tagged with Climate Change
Researchers created a model that projects how much energy can be saved with changes to China's building energy codes, which could reduce fossil fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions. The study found that improvements to codes could reduce building energy consumption by up to 22 percent by the end of this century.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that penguins' ability to respond to changes in sea ice concentrations is disrupted by extreme environmental events. Adélie penguins can cope with reduced summer sea ice, but extreme events like giant icebergs reduce their access to prey and overall efficiency.
Research reveals tropical ecosystems releasing 2 billion extra tonnes of carbon into atmosphere per year with each 1 degree rise in tropical temperature. The study suggests increased vulnerability of tropical ecosystems to climate change, contradicting current land carbon cycle models.
New research reveals that humans have actively managed Southeast Asian rainforests for over 11,000 years by clearing vegetation to plant food-bearing plants. Pollen samples and archaeological findings indicate repeated disturbances to vegetation since the end of the last ice age.
A new study by the Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments Center reveals that Great Lakes evaporation is not as simple as previously thought. Evaporation rates in the fall can nearly offset water-level gains from winter ice cover, complicating efforts to forecast Great Lakes water levels.
Richard B. Alley is awarded the Arthur L. Day Prize and Lectureship for his innovative studies on ice sheet flow and dating techniques, enhancing understanding of past climate variations. He will present a series of lectures summarizing current knowledge in ice dynamics and climate change.
Researchers have mapped nearly 6,000 pipeline leaks in Washington, D.C., with high concentrations found at 19 sites, including some manholes with methane levels up to 500,000 parts per million. The study highlights the need for financial incentives and targeted programs to reduce leaks and replace old cast-iron pipes.
Scientists found that warming soil by 2 degrees Celsius alters microbial DNA to enhance carbon handling. The study reveals complex interactions between plants and microbes, impacting climate change predictions.
Studies examine the role of hydrated fault zones in carrying large amounts of water from Earth's oceans to the mantle. Researchers also investigate vertical structural heterogeneities within cratonic lithosphere, shedding light on continent destruction and evolution.
A team of researchers from Curtin University has developed an approach to identify potential refugia in declining rainfall environments, essential for conservation efforts. They found that areas with great water run-off below granite outcrops and deeper soil may provide safe havens for biodiversity.
A new study found that the public has a strong negative view of climate engineering, with approaches like carbon capture and cloud brightening being better received. The results suggest that even well-regarded techniques still have a net negative perception.
Research predicts increased frequency and intensity of droughts in southern Europe, with potential reductions in river flow levels up to 40% by 2100. Climate change and intensive water consumption will exacerbate drought conditions, worsening their socio-economic impacts.
Kerry Sieh's pioneering work transformed the study of earthquakes, revealing frequent but irregular recurrence. His research led to the development of paleoseismology and improved seismic hazard assessment.
A new study finds that butterflies can expand their ranges in northern England and Scotland as the climate warms. However, this expansion is only possible for species with stable or increasing population trends, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to boost abundances within current ranges.
Researchers found that desert winter annuals outperform each other based on their water use efficiency and growth rate. In wet environments, plants with higher water-use efficiency thrive, while those with faster growth rates dominate in dry years.
A new study predicts significant declines in deep-sea marine life due to climate change, with up to 38% loss in the North Atlantic and over 5% globally by 2100. This will impact ecosystem services such as fishing and food supply, driving changes in seafloor communities.
Climate change is allowing mangroves to thrive in new areas around northern Florida, with the species' range expanding by over 3,000 acres between 1984 and 2011. The growth of mangroves may pose challenges for other coastal ecosystems, such as salt marshes, which could face loss of habitat and biodiversity.
A new scientific study by the University of Edinburgh found that variations in heat from the sun do not strongly influence climate change. Volcanic eruptions were the primary cause of periodic changes in climate until 1800, and greenhouse gases have been the main driver since then.
A new study by Robert J. Brulle exposes the organizational underpinnings of the climate change denial movement, revealing a web of funding from conservative foundations and 'dark money' sources. The study found that donations to denial organizations have shifted towards untraceable pass-through foundations.
A new study by Aarhus University reveals the optimal locations for carbon-stocking projects in Africa, prioritizing regions with high carbon potential, biodiversity conservation, and feasibility. The research identifies areas such as the Upper Guinean rainforests of West Africa and the Lower Guinean rainforests along the coast of Niger...
Researchers discovered that pikas in Oregon can thrive in hot weather by consuming high amounts of fiber-rich moss. The pikas' unique digestive system allows them to recycle low-quality food into nutritious protein and energy.
A special issue of the journal Climatic Change examines the proposed Oxford Principles for governing geoengineering research, including technical hurdles, ethics, and regulatory issues. The study highlights the need for interdisciplinary discussion on geoengineering, which has gained credibility in the scientific community.
University of Utah researchers found roly-poly pikas can survive extreme heat by consuming 60% moss in their diet, setting a new record for fiber intake. The study also revealed these low-elevation pikas build smaller food caches to survive winter, highlighting an unexpected adaptation to climate change.
New research suggests that global warming of four degrees or more will lead to a saturation point for vegetation's ability to absorb CO2, resulting in a decrease in the 'carbon sink' effect. This shift in focus could change how scientists approach understanding and mitigating climate change.
A team of marine biologists has discovered that previously unrecognized species diversity was hiding some corals' ability to respond to climate change. The researchers found that two separate lineages of coral, which look deceivingly similar, have different genetic makeup and survival strategies.
A new study provides guidance for conserving endangered marine species in a changing climate. The research outlines the most likely future scenarios for aquatic animals, helping decision makers and biologists assess impacts and incorporate that information into conservation decisions. Trends such as increased ocean acidification and wa...
Researchers from PNNL present studies on carbon sequestration in shale reservoirs, water consumption for future energy production, and how climate change affects soil microbes. Early results show clay minerals can absorb emissions under certain conditions.
Scientists predict a 1.5-3.5 foot sea-level rise in New Jersey by 2050 and 2100, exceeding previous flood records, including Superstorm Sandy. This increase is attributed to global average sea-level rise, sediment compaction, and changes in ocean dynamics.
A recent study by Mark Baker and colleagues has identified nine proteins that contribute to the cherished aroma of black Périgord truffles. The researchers also discovered biomarkers of authenticity, freshness, and perfume maturation, shedding light on this culinary delicacy.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences has selected three individuals as winners of its 2013 Faces of Biology: Broader Impacts Photo Contest. The winning photos showcase the broader impacts of biological sciences, including informing natural resources management and addressing climate change.
Researchers say sea-level rise will become the dominant driver of flooding and coastal damage, even if storm activity changes. The study suggests a holistic approach to manage coastal systems to mitigate this threat.
Researchers discovered a surprising abundance of species in Antarctic fjord seafloors, including bristle worms, anemones, and sea spiders. Climate warming is expected to impact these ecosystems as glacial melting accelerates and sediments enter the fjords.
A recent Arctic study reveals that tiny crustaceans, known as copepods, may not survive if ocean acidity rises due to increased CO2. Copepods with a wide natural habitat range are likely to be better equipped to handle the changes.
A new study reveals that marine reserves can build community resilience through mechanisms promoting species stability, while resisting colonization by warm-water vagrants. The research highlights the importance of long-term data on fish species in understanding ecological change.
VTT has developed a new method to accurately assess tropical forest cover using numerical satellite images. This method enables forest mapping with high accuracy and is being used in the EU's ReCover project in several tropical regions.
A study by researchers from the University of British Columbia found that butterflies' flight seasons are responsive to temperature increases, with average timing advancing 2.4 days per degree Celsius. This shift could have significant implications for butterfly populations and ecosystems.
A Dartmouth-led team has developed a more accurate method to date boulders deposited by tropical glaciers, yielding older ages and changing previous research on climate's impact. The new production rate suggests glaciers expanded during cooler and drier times in the tropics.
Researchers have found a dramatic decrease in sea ice cover over the last 150 years, with annual growth increments doubling since the Little Ice Age. This discovery provides new insights into climate reconstruction and extends knowledge back to the mid-1800s.
Global carbon emissions are set to reach a record 36 billion tonnes in 2013, with the US and EU also major contributors. The growth in coal is driving most of the increase, and cumulative CO2 emissions since 1870 are expected to exceed 200 trillion tonnes.
Researchers discovered that Methanosaeta, a prominent methane-producing microorganism, produces methane by making electrical connections with other microorganisms. This finding challenges previous understanding of methane production and has significant implications for optimizing bioenergy strategies.
Researchers found that ocean acidification impairs digestion in larvae of the green sea urchin, leading to reduced growth and fertility. The study used novel pH micro-electrode techniques to investigate digestion and digestive enzymes in the larvae.
NASA presents cutting-edge computational achievements, including insights into galaxy formation and climate modeling, as well as advancements in quantum computing and space launch system design. The agency's expertise is key to mission success, enabling research on oceanic climate change and space weather.
Researchers have reconstructed 'missing' global temperatures using a combination of satellite and surface data, revealing that the Arctic is warming rapidly. The new study suggests that the rate of warming since 1997 has been two and a half times greater than previously estimated.
Research predicts that climate change will lead to the immersion of large proportions of islands, wiping out self-contained ecosystems and their inhabitants. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing island conservation in light of sea level rise.
Research at UEA found that individual birds arrive at the same time each year, but overall arrival dates are advancing due to climate-driven changes in bird hatching and nesting. This advance is linked to the aging of the bird population, with younger birds migrating earlier as a result.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that drilling sumps associated with hydrocarbon extraction can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. The degradation of these sumps can lead to changes in the community composition of zooplankton, highlighting the need for better climate change mitigation strategies.
Researchers have created a new world map of land use systems, identifying 12 global archetypes that reveal the complexity of land use. The study provides new insights into the environmental impact of land use and suggests opportunities for improving agricultural yields without harming the environment.
Prime Minister Najib Razak emphasizes the need to address poverty and environmental concerns in a unified, people-centered agenda. Malaysia has achieved significant development milestones, but faces challenges like climate change and inequality.
A new study reveals that the Pacific Ocean is absorbing heat at a rate 15 times faster than in the past 10,000 years. This surge in heat absorption may provide scientists with more time to address climate change but is not a solution, according to researchers.
A new study reconstructs Pacific Ocean temperatures over the last 10,000 years and finds that middle-depth waters have warmed 15 times faster than natural fluctuations. This suggests that oceans may be storing heat from human emissions, potentially buying time before climate change accelerates.
A team of bat biologists shed new light on the Mortlock Islands flying fox, revealing its first detailed observations of wild populations and a wider geographic distribution than previously thought. The species is facing threats from rising ocean waters brought on by climate change, posing a serious risk to its habitat and food resources.
A team of bat biologists has reclassified the Mortlock Islands flying fox as Pteropus pelagicus, correcting a naming error made in 1882. The study also found that the species is part of a wider geographic distribution than previously thought, and its conservation status is uncertain due to rising sea levels and climate change.
Researchers have found that El Nino events have been more active and intense over the past 30 years than at any time in the past 600 years. As global average temperatures increase, these extreme events are expected to become even more frequent and severe.
A new approach to analyzing paleo-climate reconstructions reveals that El Niño activity during the 20th century was unusually high compared to past 600 years. The study found ENSO activity to be more active between 1979-2009 than any 30-year period in the past 600 years.
A new study mapping gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon reveals a 400% increase in mining extent from 1999 to 2012 and tripled average annual rate of forest loss. The research used satellite monitoring and field surveys to detect small-scale mining operations, confirming up to 94% accuracy.
A study by ICRAF and European institutions finds that local communities using simple tools can produce accurate forest carbon data on par with results by professional foresters. Community-gathered data is also found to be more legitimate, cost-effective, and improve trust among local communities.
The new Next Generation Science Standards prioritize hands-on experiences and climate literacy, shifting focus from memorization to question-driven learning. Geoscientists stress the need for high-quality resources and professional development to improve educators' ability to teach students about global change and climate change.
Researchers have discovered that plankton shells contain growth bands that record daily variations in magnesium chemistry, providing a proxy for past ocean temperature. This breakthrough allows scientists to study short timescale changes in ocean temperatures hundreds of millions of years ago.
A growing concern is rising algal bloom toxicity due to eutrophication and climate change, impacting aquatic organisms and ecosystem health. Toxic cyanobacteria like Microcystis sp. are becoming more prevalent in nutrient-rich waters, posing a risk to human drinking water safety.
Research shows that people tend to value immediate material rewards over investing in future quality of life, making cooperative behavior in climate protection less likely without strong incentives. Experimental results demonstrate a stark contrast between individual self-interest and collective benefits.