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Climate change amplifies severity of combined wind-rain extremes over the UK and Ireland

New research shows climate change will cause more severe combined wind-rain extremes in the UK and Ireland, leading to increased flooding and damage. The study found that stronger winds and heavier rainfall are likely to occur together, posing challenges for coastal areas and emergency response resources.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 3, 2024

New computer algorithm supercharges climate models and could lead to better predictions of future climate change

A new computer algorithm developed by University of Oxford scientist Samar Khatiwala can drastically reduce the spin-up time of Earth System Models, enabling researchers to investigate subtle changes in model parameters and define uncertainty more accurately. This breakthrough could lead to better predictions of future climate change a...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 1, 2024

Satellite images of plants’ fluorescence can predict crop yields

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a framework to predict crop yield using satellite images of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence. This approach could help farmers react to changing conditions, improve crop health, and reduce poverty. By leveraging satellite data, the method is cheaper and faster than traditional yiel...

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 1, 2024

Should chatbots chime in on climate change?

Researchers found that chatbots like ChatGPT can provide accurate information on climate change-related topics, but not all responses are reliable. The study compared the chatbots' answers to hazard risk indices generated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and found more accuracy with tropical storms than droughts.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 30, 2024

Hurricanes jeopardize carbon-storing New England forests

A new study reveals that a single hurricane can wipe out 5-10% of New England's total aboveground forest carbon through tree damage. The research team analyzed the impact of 10 powerful hurricanes on the region's forests and found that future storms could pose a significant risk to carbon offset programs.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 24, 2024

Breeding more resilient soybeans may come down to test site selection

A new study from the University of Illinois recommends redistributing soybean testing sites to better represent the growing environment and improve crop resilience. The researchers analyzed long-term climate data and records of soybean trials to develop two new sets of maps that would help breeders strategize test site placement.

First-of-its-kind integrated dataset enables genes-to-ecosystems research

A new dataset has been released that combines molecular information about the poplar tree microbiome with ecosystem-level processes. The dataset provides detailed information on 27 genetically distinct variants of Populus trichocarpa, a bioenergy crop, and includes data on gene expression, soil chemistry, and microbial diversity.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScientific Data·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2024

A new estimate of U.S. soil organic carbon to improve Earth system models

Scientists have developed a new method to estimate soil organic carbon in the US, providing a more accurate benchmark for policymakers. The study reveals how environmental variables affect soil organic carbon and offers insights into mitigating climate change through sustainable land management practices.

SourceEmory University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 2, 2024

HKU remote sensing and landscape scholars reveal global wildfire risk trends in Wildland-Urban Interface areas (1985-2020)

Researchers mapped global Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas, finding a significant surge in WUIs over 35 years, with 6.62 million square kilometers at risk of wildfires. The study provides essential insights for effective fire management and resilient community development.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2024

Study details effects of heat-related emergencies; vulnerable populations found to be most at risk

A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute reveals that nearly one-quarter of US counties had high heat-related emergency activation rates, with the South, Midwest, and Southwest being most affected. Vulnerable communities already at risk for cardiovascular disease were found to be particularly hard hit.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 19, 2024

New research at Georgia Aquarium helps conserve endangered beluga whales in Alaska

A new study at Georgia Aquarium reveals belugas have big caloric needs to maintain their cold-water lifestyle, limiting their ability to escape human disturbances. The data will inform management decisions for Cook Inlet belugas and help create predictive energy models to evaluate the impact of human activities.

SourceGeorgia Aquarium·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Researchers can reveal illegal timber exports

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg developed a new method to identify the origin of harvested trees using chemical footprints in wood tissue. The study focused on Eastern European countries, but the method is applicable worldwide, tackling over half of tropical timber's illegal harvest.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Plants·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

Drought, soil desiccation cracking, and carbon dioxide emissions: an overlooked feedback loop exacerbating climate change

Tufts scientists highlight the overlooked feedback loop between drought, soil desiccation cracking, and carbon dioxide emissions, which could accelerate climate change. The study suggests that soil's 80% carbon storage capacity is releasing increasing amounts of greenhouse gases as droughts trigger cracks in soils.

SourceTufts University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2024

For Boston College professor, research into "high latitude" reaches of the seas led to improving accurate access to real-time ocean data

Hilary Palevsky's research focuses on marine biogeochemistry, and her NSF CAREER Award will support the creation of educational videos to guide students using remote ocean monitoring data. She aims to clarify the mechanisms behind the ocean's biological pump, which plays a crucial role in removing anthropogenic carbon from active cycling.

New ‘digital twin’ Earth technology could help predict water-based natural disasters before they strike

Scientists create detailed models of the terrestrial water cycle using high-resolution satellite data to predict floods, droughts, and other extreme events. The Digital Twin Earth Hydrology Platform allows for interactive simulations and visualizations to enhance flood and landslide prediction and optimize water resource management.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2024

UMaine researchers use GPS-tracked icebergs in novel study to improve climate models

A study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans has provided new insights into ocean circulation patterns around glaciers, which can enhance the accuracy of climate models. The research used GPS-tracked icebergs to track hourly changes in their position as they passed through Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·DateMar 1, 2024

Cloud clustering causes more extreme rain

A new study using a high-resolution global climate model found that cloud clustering causes more extreme rain in the tropics, leading to increased severity of precipitation events. The researchers also discovered that more extreme rain occurs at the cost of expansion of dry areas, further shifting towards extreme weather patterns.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2024

Climate change increases the risk of preterm births by 60% and will devastate children’s health without fast global action

A new study links climate change to a 60% increase in preterm births and severe respiratory diseases. Without global action, climate-driven extremes will devastate children's health for generations, with the strongest link found between temperature extremes and increased risk of preterm birth.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2024

Concordia researchers identify a decline in microbial genetic richness in the western Arctic Ocean

Researchers found a decline in microbial genetic richness in the western Arctic Ocean, with subtle but statistically significant changes in community structure and function. The study suggests that warming and freshening of the ocean risks strengthening the microbial loop, potentially impacting the marine food web.

SourceConcordia University·JournalISME Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Rice’s Santiago Segarra wins NSF CAREER Award

Assistant Professor Santiago Segarra at Rice University has won the NSF CAREER Award to develop a new approach for AI-powered climate prediction by leveraging structural properties in real-world data. The research aims to create more effective learning algorithms for structured domains.

Chinese Medical Journal study explores the health and economic burden of air pollution

A Chinese Medical Journal study examined the spatiotemporal features of disease burden due to air pollution across China between 2005 and 2017. The findings revealed a downward trend in premature mortality from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) pollution, but an increasing financial burden due to economic growth.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2024

Currently stable parts of East Antarctica may be closer to melting than anyone realized

Researchers at Stanford have found that the Wilkes Subglacial Basin in East Antarctica could be closer to runaway melting than previously thought. The study suggests that this region, which holds enough ice to raise global sea levels by over 10 feet, may be vulnerable to irreversible melting if warming seawater gets under the ice sheet.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 5, 2024

Pusan National University researchers decode key airflow pattern impacting global climate

A recent study published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science reveals that changes in subtropical and midlatitude eddy activity control the variation of the Hadley cell edge latitude. The researchers analyzed 41 years of data and found associations with El Niño, La Niña, and the Arctic oscillation.

SourcePusan National University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 31, 2024

Integrated design of Global Ocean Observing System essential to monitor climate change

The study found that different instrumental systems in the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) complement each other and are essential for accurately monitoring ocean warming. The GOOS, which includes platforms such as free drifting instrumented floats, mooring buoys, and autonomous pinniped data, provides a comprehensive view of ocea...

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2024

Colorado State research quantifies greenhouse gas emissions from US irrigation pumping

A Colorado State University study quantifies greenhouse gas emissions from US irrigation pumping, highlighting the significant impact of groundwater pumping and location on emissions. The research estimates that electric pumps can play a key role in decarbonizing irrigation systems as the electrical grid becomes cleaner.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2024