Articles tagged with Droughts
Researchers suggest a scientific framework to operate the Nile's mega dams during droughts, balancing sustainable hydropower generation with minimizing downstream water deficit. The framework aims to increase resilience for over 300 million inhabitants in the Eastern Nile Basin living under uncertain climatic projections.
Recent studies analyze hurricane damage, water flow into dams, marine heatwaves, and the impact of air pollution on vegetable market prices in South Korea. Hurricane Katrina remains the most damaging U.S. hurricane, while a new system predicts extreme air pollution episodes in India's New Delhi megacity.
A new UN report highlights the economic benefits of investing in sustainable land and water management to reduce drought costs. The study estimates that nature-based solutions can generate up to $10.1 trillion in business value by 2030, while creating millions of jobs.
The USC-led CLIMA Center will investigate the combined impacts of climate-related exposures and adaptation capacity on human health, using a transdisciplinary approach. The center aims to inform policies that protect vulnerable communities and strengthen climate resilience.
The World Drought Atlas depicts the systemic nature of drought risks, highlighting their interconnectedness across sectors. It underscores the need for national plans and international cooperation to build resilience against harsher droughts, which are expected to affect 3 in 4 people globally by 2050.
The report charts a course correction for how the world grows food and uses land, highlighting the central role of land in maintaining Earth's stability. Land degradation is undermining the planet's capacity to support humanity, with seven out of nine planetary boundaries negatively impacted by unsustainable land use.
Research team uncovers a novel signaling axis regulating stomatal aperture under high temperature and/or drought conditions. The study, published in Nature Plants, identifies a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism controlling stomatal opening and closing, paving the way for developing climate-adapted crops.
The Guarani Aquifer, the world's largest cross-border groundwater reservoir, is being overused in São Paulo state, Brazil. The study found that rainwater is insufficient to replenish the aquifer due to increased water withdrawals for human activities.
A new COF sensor can detect pH changes in plant xylem tissues, providing early warning of drought stress up to 48 hours before traditional methods. This technology enables timely detection and management of drought stress, optimizing crop production and yield.
A study published by researchers from Göttingen University sheds light on the critical role of leaf phenology in trees providing shade and improving climate resilience in cocoa agroforestry systems. The research found that certain shade tree species can significantly influence productivity and environmental stability.
A new analysis finds that sustainable rates of groundwater withdrawal were surpassed 20 years prior to declining groundwater levels being generally recognized. Limiting groundwater pumping rates by nearly half can stabilize groundwater conditions, eliminating drying up of non-irrigation wells and stabilizing environmental flows.
A new study warns that Colorado's West Slope basins, supporting a $5 billion agriculture economy, face a potential tipping point due to drought vulnerability. The research suggests that even moderate climate change and streamflow declines can threaten water storage, agriculture, and municipal supplies.
Researchers discovered that a change in gene expression of SPL13 is crucial for root development, altering cell division orientation and morphology. This 'root puberty' phase has significant implications for climate-resilient agriculture, as it may enable crops to grow more deeply or widely, making them more resistant to drought.
A recent study found that heavy rains after droughts can cause nitrates to seep into groundwater in as little as 10 days. The study highlights the need for affordable, real-time soil nitrate monitoring tools to help farmers manage fertilizer use efficiently.
A new study will use advanced integrated hydrologic models to predict New England's water budget changes, tracking shifts in the water table, rainstorm intensity, and drought timing. The research aims to help prepare for an uncertain future by understanding where climate change is altering weather patterns.
New studies reveal significant increases in Atlantic hurricane seasons and derecho events, while also highlighting the dangers of turbulence near thunderstorms and extreme heat stress. Climate models predict a rise in precipitation extremes across US cities, particularly during winter and spring.
Higher temperatures caused by climate change are increasing evaporation enough to cause exceptional droughts in the American West. Evaporative demand now accounts for 61% of drought severity, while reduced precipitation only accounts for 39%. Climate change is expected to lead to more severe and longer-lasting droughts.
Researchers at Southwest Research Institute will conduct a 12-month targeted water-sampling campaign to analyze the Las Moras Springs system and its relationship with the Pinto Creek watershed. The project aims to improve water management and conservation efforts in Kinney County, Texas.
Researchers found recurrent severe droughts and erratic wet conditions in the Greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, with a 5 degree C temperature rise over six decades. The study highlights the importance of understanding regional climate trends to predict future climate conditions and mitigate their impact on wildlife populations.
A new chromosome-scale reference genome of grass pea has been published, improving on earlier draft assemblies and offering potential for climate-smart agriculture. The updated genome allows for improved breeding and gene editing to develop varieties with improved agronomic characteristics or low toxin content.
A study on Spanish dehesas has developed a tool to model pastureland productivity and water stress, allowing for more efficient grazing management. During severe droughts, grass production can drop by up to 67%, with areas having limited slopes and moderate tree cover being the most productive.
A new parasite, Pachysentis canicola, has been discovered on the Channel Island fox, causing severe intestinal damage and inflammation in infected individuals. The study highlights the importance of biosecurity in the Channel Islands National Park and underscores the impact of human activity on isolated ecosystems.
Researchers estimate that climate change played a significant role in the severity of the 2022 European drought, which affected an area larger than at any time since 1960. The study found that climate change contributed to 31% of the soil moisture deficit and 38% of the drought-affected area.
Researchers combined GPS and GRACE-based data to develop a new multivariate drought indicator, which showed strong temporal consistency with traditional drought indicators. This approach enabled the detection of previously unidentified drought events and their cascading impacts on freshwater systems.
Researchers at the University of Vienna have found that chickpeas are a promising alternative to traditional grains due to their high protein content and drought resistance. The study suggests that incorporating more legumes like chickpeas into agricultural systems can improve nitrogen use efficiency and make agriculture more sustainable.
A new study analyzed climate factors' impact on internal migration, revealing regions prone to drought-induced migration, such as Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. The research highlights the need for policies addressing drivers of migration and consequences for destination regions.
A team of scientists from UPV, CSIC, and Caldic Ibérica has developed a product called CalBio that stimulates the defences of lettuce and broccoli in conditions of drought and salinity. The product increases yields and is considered a biostimulant, making it easier to transfer results to farmers.
Researchers from UMass Amherst have identified a key connection between ecology and speciation in Darwin's finches, famous residents of the Gal pagos Islands, Ecuador. The study shows that beak-driven changes to song impact species recognition, driving the separation of species.
The study reveals the genes that enable plants to make DMSP, allowing them to thrive in salty and drought conditions. This breakthrough could improve agricultural productivity in nitrogen-poor soils, making crops more sustainable in the face of global climate change.
Research finds a global imbalance in hydro-hazard studies, with more funding in wealthy regions despite greater disaster impacts in low-income areas. The study calls for more targeted research efforts to address this disparity and reduce the impact of future disasters.
A study links droughts in Southern Africa to a massive plankton bloom off Madagascar's southeast coast. Climate warming intensified the dust particles carried by wind, which acted as fertilizer in seawater, creating ideal conditions for phytoplankton growth.
Researchers are developing soybeans that can handle extreme weather conditions, allowing farmers to maintain yields under pressure. By studying plant adaptation strategies, scientists aim to create more resilient soybean varieties.
The study found that South America is experiencing a significant increase in the co-occurrence of multiple climate extremes, including heat, drought, and flammable conditions. This has amplified impacts on ecosystems, economies, and human health, particularly affecting vulnerable rural and indigenous populations.
Researchers discovered manipulating miR159a enhances drought tolerance in poplar trees, boosting water-use efficiency and minimizing stomatal opening. This study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying drought tolerance, offering new avenues to breed resilient tree species.
Scientists have developed AI models that can accurately predict future drought conditions, offering a more reliable alternative to traditional drought indices. The new methodology enhances forecasting accuracy and provides practical implications for water management and resource allocation.
Researchers found that certain C4 crops can control water loss through non-stomatal mechanisms, allowing them to absorb carbon dioxide despite raised temperatures and increased atmospheric demand. This discovery has significant implications for improving water-use efficiency in these crops.
Research explores changes in global precipitation patterns and how they relate to climate change. Bird nests are found to predict rainfall in rural India, while heat stress is increasing in the southeastern US, particularly at night. European 'bomb' storms may intensify due to warming climate.
A new study found that soil erosion significantly contributed to devastating desert floods in Libya, claiming over 11,300 lives. The research highlights the urgent need for advanced earth observations programs to monitor arid areas due to climate change.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that US droughts in the Southwest and rainy extremes in the Northeast are becoming more frequent and severe. The study predicts bigger swings between wetter and drier periods in the mid-United States, straining water management efforts.
The study found that droughts led to increased phosphorus levels, threatening downstream ecosystems. Nitrogen levels also changed, with varying impacts depending on drought severity and timing. The research provides a detailed understanding of the Apalachicola River's nutrient dynamics.
Researchers at CABBI used genetic engineering to improve water use efficiency in climate-friendly C4 crops like sorghum and sugarcane, maximizing biomass production while minimizing water usage. The breakthrough could aid crops in mitigating drought stress and support the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.
Researchers identified seasonal patterns in Valley fever cases influenced by California droughts. The study found that while most cases occur from September to November, drought periods temporarily dampen these peaks, but lead to bigger surges once rain returns.
A growing global understanding of drought's impacts, but significant gaps remain in affected communities and developing countries. Long-lasting droughts heighten awareness, while economic factors influence responsiveness to the issue.
Closing Colorado's 'free river conditions' loophole could save millions of cubic meters of water and reduce stress in the region. The loophole allows anyone to take as much water as they want from the river, threatening the success of any payment program for farmers not irrigating their land.
Major US water reservoirs are experiencing longer and more severe periods of low storage, threatening critical water supplies. The study found that reservoirs in the western and central United States were most affected, with many seeing significant declines in maximum water storage.
Researchers at Purdue University have received an additional $95,000 from the Trask Innovation Fund to further de-risk their technology for patent-pending drought-resistant soybean plants. Herman Sintim's team aims to develop novel compounds that potentially inhibit TAK1, a protein kinase shown to play key roles in arthritis.
A new perspective paper highlights the importance of understanding migration dynamics in rural areas, which are often driven by slow changes related to climate and environment. The researchers propose integrating land system science into migration studies to develop effective sustainability policies.
The State of Wildfires report found that carbon emissions from wildfires globally were 16% above average, with Canada and Amazonia experiencing unusually high numbers of fires. Climate change increased the likelihood of extreme wildfires in these regions by at least three times and up to six times.
The UFZ forest condition monitor tracks dynamic changes in Germany's forests due to climate change extreme events. The index displays seasonal and annual maps of forest condition, highlighting areas with severe damage, such as the Harz region.
The study found that Tipuana tipu grows faster at higher temperatures and can contribute to urban climate resilience. The tree can thrive in restrictive weather conditions, providing ecosystem services such as carbon capture and temperature regulation.
The impacts of natural disasters on plant health can be devastating, with the potential for direct effects from disasters like pathogen or vector dispersal. Human-driven disasters also create conditions favorable to the spread of plant pathogens, leading to crop loss and disease spread.
Research reveals that drought increases nitrate concentrations in drinking water served by majority Latino/a community water systems, exacerbating existing disparities. Arsenic levels also show variability under drought conditions.
Researchers at FAU will investigate how microbes respond to climate conditions and develop strategies to enhance soil health in drylands. The project aims to improve understanding of microbial resistance to climate change and discover solutions to reduce soil degradation.
Sylvia Dee's research aims to address critical gaps in the observational record of Earth's hydrologic cycle, using a global database of water isotope observations. This will enable more accurate climate modeling and help communities assess and reduce risks associated with extreme weather events.
Researchers developed more resilient varieties of cotton by analyzing its genes and physical traits. They found two key regulatory genes that help cotton plants manage water stress while maintaining fiber production.
A research team led by Clemson University Professor Shahid Mukhtar aims to identify natural biological solutions through the microbiome to help soybeans survive extreme heat and drought. The study will focus on the cellular level, soil microbiomes, and plant responses to environmental stresses.
Researchers found that low-intensity grasslands can withstand extreme weather conditions better than intensively used high-performance meadows. This is due to the diversity of native species, which thrive in less managed environments.
A recent study found that nearly 50% of non-Indigenous localities and 54% of Indigenous villages in the Brazilian part of the Amazon basin are prone to isolation during severe droughts. Severe droughts result in extended periods of low water levels, affecting communities' access to goods, services, healthcare, education, and livelihoods.
Researchers analyzed six US cities and found that tree species in parks were more drought-tolerant and reflected greater native biodiversity than those in residential yards. The study highlights the importance of planting drought-tolerant trees in urban areas to adapt to future climate change.
A new study reveals widespread decline in Western US forest carbon storage, likely caused by drought and fire. The research provides a framework for evaluating future changes and informing management strategies to mitigate carbon loss, highlighting the need for proactive forest management practices.