Research on measuring and modeling the climate. Covers climate extremes, carbon sequestration, monitoring methods, and urban heat exposure.
Researchers analyzed California wildfire data from 2000-2019, finding the annual burn season has lengthened and the yearly peak shifted from August to July, fueled by climate change and human-caused ignitions. Small fires account for most incidents, but large fires have deadly consequences.
The Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) is a national biodiversity database that provides reliable data for scientists, policy-makers, and environmental planners. It contains nearly 95 million occurrence records of over 111,000 species, showcasing its potential to support the development of science and decision-making.
Researchers warn that AI-manipulated satellite images can be a severe national security threat. A study by the University of Washington identified new ways to detect fake satellite photos and called for geographic fact-checking.
A new study reveals that proximity to existing solar panels is the most significant factor influencing an individual's likelihood of installing solar panels on their own roof. The findings suggest that seeding solar panels in areas with few or no panels can create a tipping point, potentially leading to widespread adoption and replacin...
Researchers at Stanford University used a new approach to analyze radar data to show that extreme melt events can create persistent structural changes in the ice sheet, reducing its ability to store meltwater. This change can lead to slippery conditions on the ice bed and speed up the ice sheet's melting.
A survey of Canadian academics found that most agree data sharing is beneficial, but many fear personal costs and lack of support. Researchers suggest better guidelines, training, and incentives to encourage open data sharing.
Researchers develop a new land-use classification system to improve climate models by incorporating archaeological data, revealing the diversity and intensity of human activities that affected past land cover. The project aims to fill gaps in climate modeling predictions and provide insights into global climate patterns.
A new study reveals inconsistencies between satellite and ground-based radar data on cloud top height, highlighting the importance of surface temperature in these discrepancies. The Tibet Plateau proved an ideal location for this research, providing high elevation and sparse weather reporting stations.,
Sandia National Laboratories has successfully analyzed the first seafloor dataset from under Arctic sea ice using a new underwater technique. The team detected natural and human-caused activities, including ice quakes and transportation activities, while also monitoring for climate signals and marine life.
A new scientific review has found significant gaps in knowledge about how mammal populations respond to climate change, particularly in sensitive regions. The study highlights the need for more holistic approaches to understanding climate change impacts on animal populations.
Researchers found that the Kuroshio Current's large meander is responsible for increased humidity and temperature in Tokyo, leading to 160% more discomfort days. The study uses satellite data to examine the impact of ocean currents on regional climate.
A new study by the University of Sydney suggests that climate change and environmental pressure are key factors in predicting the emergence of pandemics. The researchers found a link between higher human population density, forest coverage, and disease diversity, particularly in countries with larger land areas and more dense populations.
Researchers found that climate change poses a significant extinction threat to Tidestrom's lupine, a plant with only seven known populations. A 1°C temperature increase is projected to reduce individual plants by 90%, with local extinction likely for one population.
A new study suggests that clearing the invasive Prosopis julifora and restoring grasslands in Baringo County, Kenya, may provide significant financial benefits for local communities. The research found that a one-off budget could suffice to manage a considerable area of Prosopis, with conversion into grassland providing substantial fin...
A new study published in Nature Climate Change found that warm river habitats provide pulses of growth potential during the spring and fall shoulder seasons, fueling fish energy to travel to cooler parts. This challenges conventional conservation strategies that prioritize cold-water habitats alone.
A research consortium led by Professor Wolfgang Maaß of Saarland University is using artificial intelligence to create a data marketplace for food producers. This platform enables producers to retrieve fact-based information on market prices, weather forecasts, and production volumes, allowing them to make informed decisions and reduce...
A mobile app developed by Graz University of Technology aims to optimize energy consumption through user participation and data collection. The app uses game-like elements to encourage users to share their energy usage data, which is then used to predict household energy consumption and inform smart grid management.
The new resource aims to equip development practitioners with skills to develop grants that foster access to agricultural data, leading to greater food security. The toolkit includes seven eLearning modules, guides, and case studies on FAIR principles and data sharing best practices.
Researchers found that plant characteristics like generation time can predict how sensitive species are to changing climates. Short-lived plant species were shown to be particularly vulnerable to climate extremes. The study highlights the need for new population ecology research on woody plant species and tropical plants.
A recent study reveals a 97% decline in lithium-ion battery costs over the last three decades, driven by rapid growth of electric vehicles and renewable energy. This rate of improvement is comparable to that of solar photovoltaic panels.
Researchers found that considering soil organic matter improves water retention, mitigating crop yield losses from drought. Including this data in insurance premiums could reduce liabilities by 36% while increasing corn yields by 35 bushels per acre.
A recent analysis of climate data from the last millennium reveals that megadroughts in Central Europe were characterised by a weak or negative phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and reduced solar radiation.
A five-member team led by Jingqiu Mao at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is working on a tool to provide air quality forecasts for Alaskans and visitors. The team will use satellite data, ground-based instruments, and computer models to create a web-based forecast that can help wildland fire managers deploy resources effectively.
A comprehensive Alpine-wide study published in The Cryosphere shows a significant decline in snow cover over the past five decades. Snow cover is unevenly distributed, with more significant decreases in the Southern Alps, while regional trends vary due to climate change.
A new satellite-measured Solar-induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) product is introduced to enhance carbon neutrality research. The SIF product, developed using a physical-based algorithm named IAPCAS/SIF, retrieves emission data from two micro-windows within the O2 A-band.
A recent study by ETH Zurich reveals that climate change has a globally visible influence on rivers, with complex patterns emerging worldwide. The research analyzed data from 7,250 measuring stations and found that river flow changed systematically between 1971 and 2010.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a simulation model predicting snakebites based on interactions between farmers and snakes. The model was found accurate in Sri Lanka and plans to be implemented in other regions to reduce snakebite deaths by 50% by 2030.
Researchers analyzed narwhals' tusks to understand past living conditions, revealing a shift from sea-ice linked prey to open ocean food sources. The findings support the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems and highlight the need for mercury pollution reduction efforts.
The MUCCnet sensor network in Munich quantifies carbon dioxide, methane, and carbon monoxide concentrations with unique spectral analysis. By removing local disturbances, the network provides robust and accurate emission balances.
A study published in Science found consistent annual declines in butterfly populations over the past 40 years in the western United States. The estimated 1.6% per year decline is attributed to increasing fall temperatures and warming landscapes.
A recent study using citizen science data found that climate warming is driving population declines in butterflies throughout the American West over the past 40 years. The research, published in Science, highlights the need for new approaches to butterfly conservation and suggests that climate change is a key factor in pollinator decline.
Researchers found that temperature increases led to a decline in pigmentation in flowers, while aridity increased pigmentation, affecting plant-pollinator interactions. The study used historical climate data and flower color descriptions from museum specimens.
The webinar highlights the importance of open data in developing resilience in agriculture and food systems, particularly in the face of climate change, pandemics, and pests. Key experts share insights on harnessing data to create more sustainable and equitable food systems.
The 'Destination Earth' initiative aims to create a highly accurate digital model of the Earth, incorporating observational data and new human activity data. This digital twin will enable high-resolution simulations of complex processes and inform policies on sustainable development.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that political structure and economic conditions played a major impact on choosing livestock in ancient Europe. The research analyzed data from 101 archaeological sites across the northeastern Iberian Peninsula, revealing significant changes in livestock use over time.
A new study co-led by Arizona State University's Greg Asner explores the advancement of ecology from a 2D to a 3D science, leveraging remotely sensed 3D information to provide new ecological insights. The research has potential applications in addressing challenges associated with integrating dynamic oceanographic information and bette...
The UK Centre for Greening Finance and Investment will provide environmentally sustainable decision-making tools for lenders, investors, and insurers. The centre aims to shift money away from harmful activities and towards renewable power and sustainable agriculture.
A recent study has quantified groundwater recharge rates across Africa using ground measurements, helping to identify the sustainability of water resources. The results show that approximately 2% of all groundwater storage is replenished in Africa every decade, and recharge can occur even in semi-arid areas.
The Columbia River basin is projected to experience a significant increase in flooding severity and expansion of the flood season due to climate change. The magnitude of one-, 10- and 100-year floods is likely to rise nearly everywhere in the region, with the largest increases expected for the Willamette River and its tributaries.
A recent study by Monterey Bay Aquarium reveals that juvenile white sharks are being forced to migrate northward due to a loss of suitable thermal habitat caused by climate change. The researchers analyzed electronic data records from tags deployed on the sharks and compared them to ocean temperatures to map the cold edge of their ther...
A University of Washington study suggests that reducing emissions by 1.8% annually would be required to meet the 2 degrees Celsius global temperature target. This represents an 80% increase in ambition over current Paris Agreement targets.
A team of climatologists from Universitat Rovira i Virgili, the State Meteorology Agency, and the University of Bonn have developed homogenization methods to correct spurious trends in temperature measurements. These methods, tested on a large dataset of 1,900 weather stations, improved the accuracy of climate trend estimation.
A study using drone and Landsat imagery reveals a 33% increase in vegetation cover along the Kuiseb River in the Namib Desert between 1984 and 2019. The research provides new insights into the long-term change in hydrology and ecology of this system, shedding light on how ephemeral rivers in desert landscapes respond to global change.
Researchers have reevaluated sea level rise predictions, finding they may be too conservative. By comparing model simulations with historical data, the team found that the rate of sea level rise has been accelerating over the past 150 years.
A recent study predicts that climate change in South Africa will lead to a 20% decrease in per capita GDP by the end of the century. The researchers analyzed data on temperature changes and labor availability, finding that low-skilled workers are disproportionately affected, leading to a closing wage gap but reduced overall output.
Recent studies suggest organic UV filters in sunscreens may harm coral reefs, but evidence is limited and inconclusive. Researchers recommend further field and lab studies to assess environmental risk and develop a coral environment risk assessment framework.
A study found that 48 major US cities underreport their greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 145% compared to standardized estimates, affecting climate change policies. The discrepancies were likely due to limited local information on particular fuels or sectors.
New analysis of satellite data reveals Antarctica's ice melts at different rates each year, affecting sea level rise predictions. The study suggests that models used to predict sea-level change should reflect the dynamic nature of ice sheet changes.
A new study from the University of Michigan estimates virtual conference CO2 emissions using a framework that includes energy usage, network data transfer, and server energy consumption. The study found that a May 2020 virtual conference produced 66 times less greenhouse gas emissions than an in-person meeting in San Francisco.
A study of 251 FLUXNET sites revealed that vegetation and soil characteristics control transpiration to evapotranspiration ratio, with a trade-off between precipitation interception and soil evaporation. The results provide new insights into the role of plants in global water and carbon cycles during climate change.
A new study published in Science reveals that ship-track data cannot be used to estimate the cooling effect of anthropogenic aerosols on climate change. The research highlights a significant bias in current aerosol-cloud forcing estimations and suggests alternatives for direct observation of aerosol effects.
Researchers from UConn and LSU found that insect declines in Puerto Rico may not be directly caused by global warming, but rather by increased hurricane frequency and intensity. Long-term data helped disentangle the effects of climate change and storm impacts on ecosystems.
A new study by Purdue University and Yale University found that leaving cameras off during virtual meetings can reduce carbon emissions, water usage, and land footprint by significant amounts. The researchers estimated that reducing video quality or streaming in standard definition can bring an additional 86% reduction.
Researchers at UMBC developed an AI technique to quickly analyze extensive Arctic ice data, enabling faster prediction of climate change trends. This tool allows scientists to make more accurate predictions on sea level rise and melting rates.
A novel method identifies areas most suitable for the conservation of the endangered black lion tamarin, considering both climate and landscape factors. The study used modeling to pinpoint areas with suitable forest cover and climate, indicating a need for targeted strategies in forest restoration to connect fragmented habitats.
A new TanSat XCO2 global product has been introduced to support estimation of anthropogenic CO2 emissions in cities. The updated dataset shows improved accuracy, reducing the dispersion between retrieval methods to 1.28 ppmv, with a -0.35 ppmv overall bias.
A new study by researchers at McGill University projects that the threshold for dangerous global warming will be crossed between 2027 and 2042. This is a narrower window than previous estimates, with expected warming being about 10 to 15 percent lower.
A study by Flinders University has tracked the movements of 13 pygmy blue whales along Southern Australia's foraging grounds and migratory routes. The research provided new insights into the ecological data, highlighting the importance of upwelling centers in mitigating human activities' impacts on the species.
The Harvard Data Science Review special issue addresses the replication crisis in science, discussing reliability and robustness of research findings. The review emphasizes the need for data science skills to design sound replication studies, aiming for substantive understanding.
Researchers at Lancaster University are developing a new arsenal of artificial intelligence and data science tools to help UK businesses achieve net zero. These cutting-edge algorithms will automatically analyze vast amounts of data to identify new insights and recommend ways to slash energy consumption.