Research on measuring and modeling the climate. Covers climate extremes, carbon sequestration, monitoring methods, and urban heat exposure.
A new study reveals that UK peatland fires are responsible for up to 90% of annual fire-driven carbon emissions, with emissions set to rise by at least 60% if the planet warms by 2°C. Researchers found that rewetting peatlands can help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change.
A USC study has found a drastic increase in building collapses in Alexandria, Egypt, due to rising sea levels and seawater intrusion. The researchers used a three-pronged approach to assess the impact of shoreline changes on the city's buildings.
A CSU study reveals trees are contracting in response to climate change, failing to regenerate in hottest areas and not expanding into cooler climates. Human-assisted tree migration is proposed as a solution to help forests adapt to climate change.
Researchers examined 16th-century written sources to understand climate change in Transylvania. The study found that hot weather was recorded more frequently than cold weather, with extreme events like floods and famines occurring due to climate variations.
A recent study identifies temperature and rainfall as key drivers of the global increase in dengue cases, offering actionable strategies for mitigating the disease's impact. The research found that dry season length variation is a decisive factor explaining contrasting effects of rainfall on dengue transmission.
A new study reveals that dust storms picking up black carbon from heavily-polluted areas and depositing it in the mountains darkens the ice and snow, causing it to melt faster. This regional environmental problem is a second, more local cause of glacier loss in the Himalayas.
A collaborative assessment reveals California marine fishery species are highly vulnerable to climate change. The study highlights the economic and cultural importance of these species, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
A global real-time monitoring system is being developed to track bleaching severity, crown-of-thorns starfish populations, disease outbreaks, and reef fish abundance. The integrated system aims to provide predictive models for conservation efforts, enabling earlier intervention.
MIT researchers have developed a new approach to assess predictions with a spatial dimension, leading to more accurate forecasts in spatial prediction tasks. The new method provides better validations than classical methods, especially in cases where assumptions about data independence break down.
A recent report by Colorado State University reveals that the state's forests are emitting more carbon than they absorb, primarily due to insect and disease impacts. The study estimated that Colorado's forests stored 1,558 teragrams of carbon between 2010 and 2019.
A new study suggests adjusting VAT rates on food groups based on health and environmental impacts could lead to healthier diets, reducing cases of diet-related diseases. The proposal aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and generate significant revenue for governments.
Recent studies highlight how satellite data fosters synergies across multiple SDGs, including marine ecosystem monitoring and climate adaptation. The research team analyzed publications trends and utilized the Remote Sensing Impact Factor to uncover a surge in EO data applications.
Scientists developed a method to detail the influence of plants on global water movement, using phylogenetic tests and machine learning techniques. This approach can impute trait data for 55,000 tree species, improving modeling accuracy and providing a starting point for more detailed vegetation models.
A new Stanford study suggests refining how we assess natural carbon storage strategies to ensure the technology lives up to its potential as a climate change solution. The researchers propose a two-step evaluation process to unlock additional project value and improve data for predictive modeling.
A new study reveals that glacier speed varies on a daily basis due to changes in air temperature, rainfall, and tides. The research found acceleration events coinciding with high temperatures or heavy rainfall, highlighting the complex interactions between environmental factors and glacial dynamics.
The European Wetland Map combines various GIS data on wetland types and their distribution to create a standardized dataset that enhances understanding and management of European wetlands. The map informs policy decisions and supports climate mitigation and biodiversity policies.
A new study by scientists at the University of Rochester suggests that atmospheric wind has a surprising impact on ocean eddies, which are circular currents of water about 100 kilometers wide. The research reveals that wind can both energize and dampen eddies, depending on their spin direction.
Researchers found that constructed freshwater wetlands capture similar amounts of carbon over time, but neither has shown a net gain or loss since year 15. Despite this, wetlands remain a crucial ecosystem for sequestering carbon and providing habitat for species.
A study by University of Toronto researchers links polar bear population decline to extended energy deficits caused by a lack of food on dwindling sea ice. The model, tracking the bears' energy balance, shows reduced reproduction and cub survival rates due to shorter hunting seasons.
A study published in Biology Letters found that insects and mammals coped well with a cold wave, but some species may struggle if temperatures continue to drop. Insects were more sensitive to cold than expected, while mammals reduced their physical activity to conserve energy.
The 2023 Sikkim flood was triggered by a landslide into South Lhonak Lake, releasing massive amounts of water and sediment that caused widespread devastation. Climate warming intensified the event, with heavy rainfall priming the landscape for landslides that compounded sediment transport and downstream destruction.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that warmer temperatures and certain weather conditions are associated with an increase in Salmonella cases. The research, which considered data from England, Wales, and the Netherlands, suggests that climate change is playing a significant role in the spread of this foodborne illness.
Researchers analyzed over 30 years of data to discover key influences on fast ice thickness in McMurdo Sound. They found that storm events, air temperature, and winter wind speed cause annual fluctuations in thickness.
Researchers found no increase in large iceberg sizes over the last half century, contradicting climate change expectations. Instead, frequent small calving events have dominated ice shelf loss, suggesting 'death by a thousand cuts',
A new study estimates that climate change will lead to a significant increase in heat-related deaths across Europe, surpassing any decrease in cold-related deaths. The study suggests that swift cuts to carbon emissions are necessary to mitigate this trend and prevent millions of additional deaths.
A new study projects global sea-level rise between 0.5 and 1.9 meters by 2100 under a high-emissions scenario, with the very likely range being 90% probability for the event to occur. The fusion approach combines strengths of existing models with expert opinions, offering a clearer picture of future sea-level rise.
A new study suggests that counter climate change organizations are more likely to arise in countries with stronger environmental policies and institutions. These groups often have eclectic views not directly tied to economic or political interests, and are increasingly global in scope.
A study found that large-scale power outages commonly occur alongside severe weather events in the US, particularly during heavy precipitation and heat. The researchers suggest that understanding patterns of co-occurring outages and severe weather events is crucial for developing mitigation and response tactics.
A study found that nearly 75% of US counties experienced major power outages alongside severe weather events between 2018-2020. Severe precipitation and heat were most common triggers for outages, with regional patterns varying across the country.
A new study published in Environmental DNA revealed that insecticides and fungicides are the main factors affecting biodiversity in UK waters. The AI technology analyzed water and biofilm samples from 52 freshwater lakes, identifying key links between pollutants and biodiversity loss.
A new study found that 34% of the Arctic-boreal zone is now a source of carbon, with fires and microbial activity contributing to emissions. The research provides a comprehensive assessment of carbon fluxes in the region, highlighting the importance of monitoring these processes.
A 40-year study reveals increasingly common and devastating megadroughts worldwide, with significant impacts on ecosystems and agriculture. The research used global meteorological data to track changes in drought patterns and their effects on vegetation, providing insights into the paradoxical responses of different forest types.
A new study reveals the Arctic is experiencing extreme climate changes, with Siberia and Alaska facing significant warming and drying. Permafrost is a common factor in vulnerable regions, and local data can support more effective management and adaptation approaches.
A new study by researchers at the University of Minnesota found that the benefits of corn-soybean crop rotation are extremely sensitive to climate change. The study suggests that increasing crop rotation can improve overall yields and highlight its potential as a climate adaptation strategy in the US Midwest.
Researchers developed a new data assimilation algorithm using the LETKF technique to enhance global precipitation estimates. The model improved accuracy and computational efficiency, making it suitable for large-scale applications, particularly in mountainous regions.
Baleen whales face increased risk of boat injuries in densely inhabited regions due to vessel activity. The study analyzed changing whale distributions and reported incidents relative to vessel presence in the Northwest Atlantic.
McGill University researchers have discovered that changes in clouds slightly mitigate global warming. By analyzing longwave radiation and satellite data, the team found a reduction in low-cloud cover over land, resulting in less heat being trapped close to ground level.
A University of Oklahoma researcher is monitoring farm ponds across Oklahoma to understand their response to human- and climate-based changes. Daily satellite data will provide near real-time updates on the effects of climate change and human activities on these sensitive water bodies.
The study identifies 14 key impacts of wind energy on various systems, including environmental, socio-economic, and political-legal aspects. Researchers found that public acceptance is a major challenge for wind turbines, but also discovered benefits such as the phasing out of fossil-based energy and job creation opportunities.
A team led by the University of Tokyo has created a nearly 20-year-long dataset of the entire atmosphere, enabling new research on previously difficult-to-study regions. The dataset spans multiple levels of the atmosphere from ground level to the lower edge of space and could improve climate modeling and seasonal weather forecasting.
Researchers at Iowa State University have rewritten the equation for deformation and flow of watery glacier ice, which could lead to more accurate models predicting sea-level rise. The new value of the stress exponent 'n' is 1.0, indicating a linear relationship between stress and deformation speed.
The study analyzes 40 years of climate data to identify trends in six metrics impacting apple growth, including extreme heat and cold days. The top three largest apple producing counties in the US are among the most impacted, with Yakima County facing significant challenges.
New research from Colorado State University finds that wildfire smoke has a modest impact on long-term solar power generation activity in the US. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that power generated from photovoltaics remained relatively stable even in extreme fire seasons, with losses averaging around 5%.
A new study suggests that increased wildfire activity was a feature of past periods of abrupt climate change, which also saw significant shifts in tropical rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations. The research analyzed ancient methane trapped in Antarctic ice and found that the spikes were likely caused by global wildfires.
The 105th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will address key issues in weather, water, and climate. The meeting features a Presidential Forum on physical, social, cultural, and economic impacts of climate change, with experts from the region of the Mississippi River Delta.
Scientists have used data from CryoSat-2 and ICESat-2 to track changes in the Greenland Ice Sheet's thickness, revealing an average thinning of 1.2 meters between 2010 and 2023. The study confirms that combining satellite measurements can produce a more reliable estimate of ice loss.
A team from the University of Cambridge has developed a model to predict desert locust swarms, enabling national agencies to respond quickly. The model uses weather forecast data and computational models to forecast locust swarm movements both short and long-term.
A 13,000-year history of vegetation and fire in Albany Pine Bush reveals pine-oak forest dominance with frequent fires. Pollen and charcoal samples indicate moister climates in recent millennia.
A new study enhances phenology predictions using a 150-year-old dataset, revealing that plant species in the US are flowering three to four weeks earlier. The research used historical observations from a rediscovered 19th-century report to improve forecast accuracy.
Combining AI and citizen science enhances SDG monitoring and achievement by addressing data gaps and biases. Successful applications have been demonstrated in addressing environmental indicators, good health, sustainable cities, life below water, and life on land. The integration of these approaches can create synergies to address sust...
A study found that climate- and land use change will alter the availability of wild traditional foods in the Russian Far East, affecting Indigenous Peoples' health and livelihoods. Rural households heavily rely on these foods for income, with losses predicted in central and southern areas.
New research maps 35 years of river changes on a global scale, revealing 44% of downstream rivers saw decreases in water flow, while 17% of upstream rivers saw increases. This shift has significant implications for flooding, ecosystem disruption, and freshwater supplies.
Researchers found a link between El Niño events and increased fire risk in the Amazon region, particularly where groundwater storage is compromised. The study highlights the critical role of groundwater in sustaining vegetation during droughts, emphasizing the need for prevention efforts during extreme climatic conditions.
Researchers analyzed over 200,000 US weather events between 1991 and 2019 to find that wages experience persistent losses while incomes recover gradually. The poorest counties suffer more severe losses, highlighting the need for public intervention and adaptation policies.
Research by York University indicates that lake ice conditions are changing, with warmer temperatures increasing the formation of white ice, which is more prone to collapse. This poses a significant risk of accidents and drownings, particularly at the start and end of the winter season.
Researchers trained an AI system to predict future warming based on climate model simulations and historical temperature data. The study suggests that even in the best-case scenario, global warming will likely exceed 2 degrees Celsius, with severe impacts expected in regions such as South Asia and Central Europe.
A study found that El Niño is associated with increased larval infestations of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in open-air disused containers in São Paulo state. The index of positive containers rose by 1.30 in El Niño years compared to neutral or weak events.
A new study shows that coordinating the siting of solar farms, wind farms, and storage systems can improve efficiency and reduce costs by aligning renewable power generation with demand. The approach uses fine-grained weather data and energy system modeling to maximize utilization of renewable resources.
A new study reveals that 75% of heat-related deaths in Mexico occur among people under 35, contrary to the assumption that elderly individuals are more susceptible. Young adults and small children are particularly vulnerable due to factors such as outdoor labor, limited access to air conditioning, and developing immune systems.
Ocean scientists will deploy sensors onboard high-tech floats to study tiny turbulent movements that pull water, heat, and chemicals from the surface down into the deep. This ventilation helps regulate the Earth's climate and buffer against human-induced climate change.