The Biden administration recently unveiled the first-ever nationwide tap water standards aimed at protecting the public from harmful “forever chemicals” known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These toxic chemicals have been linked to a range of serious health issues, including cancer and developmental problems in children. PFAS are pervasive in the environment, accumulating in
Earth
A recent study led by a team from the University of California, Irvine has shed light on the clear link between human-driven climate change and the ongoing years-long drought in southern Madagascar. This study, published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, highlights the implications of climate change on the hydrological cycle in the region, particularly
Recent studies have shown that reductions in emissions of tiny particles, which are the major cause of air pollution worldwide, have contributed to an increase in heat in the Earth’s climate system. Satellite measurements have demonstrated that more heat is being absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere from the sun, compared to the amount of terrestrial
Recent research conducted by scholars at Stockholm University sheds light on the concerning phenomenon of PFAS re-emission into the atmosphere from crashing ocean waves. This study challenges the traditional belief that these harmful chemicals remain in the ocean, instead suggesting a cyclical transport process that brings them back to land. The study, published in Science
The impact of human activity on the Earth’s water cycle is becoming increasingly complex and harder to predict. Changes in land use are affecting cloud formation and precipitation patterns, while weather modification techniques like cloud seeding are altering water distribution strategies in response to climate change. These shifts are shaping the future of water management
California, a state typically praised for its progressive environmental policies, has found itself in an ironic position as the largest emitter of sulfuryl fluoride in the nation. Despite being a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly with a plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, a recent study conducted by Johns Hopkins University has
One of the most severe hail events ever documented in Spain occurred on August 30, 2022, in Gerona, north-eastern Spain. Hailstones as large as 12cm caused extensive damage to buildings, vehicles, and agricultural areas, resulting in 67 injuries and one fatality. This extreme weather event caught the attention of researchers due to its rarity and
The South Asian monsoon season is a critical time for over a billion people in the Indian subcontinent, as heavy rains can have a significant impact on agriculture and urban planning. Predicting when these rains will come is essential for farmers to plan their harvests and for city officials to prepare for potential flooding. However,
El Niño, a climate pattern characterized by warmer waters in the eastern Pacific, has been responsible for bringing record heat and heavy precipitation across the world in recent years. A new study published in Science Advances has found that these events may become even stronger due to the melting Arctic sea ice. The study, conducted
A recent study has revealed alarming information about the impact of climate change on global heat waves. The study found that since 1979, heat waves are moving at a slower pace, resulting in higher temperatures over larger areas for longer periods of time. This means that more people are being exposed to extreme heat for
Ice Streams and their Impact Each day, in the remote region of Antarctica, massive glaciers navigate their way across the ice-covered landscape. These frozen rivers, known as ice streams, serve as the primary conduits for carrying vast amounts of ice and sediment debris towards the ocean. Recently, research conducted by Washington University in St. Louis
A groundbreaking study conducted by scientists at the University of Cambridge and Trent University in Canada has introduced a comprehensive water quality analysis that can pinpoint the source of pollutants in rivers and freshwater lakes. This innovative approach utilizes high-resolution mass spectrometry to detect microparticles from car tires, pesticides from farmers’ fields, toxins from harmful
A team of researchers from Yale University has embarked on a groundbreaking study to uncover the complex geological processes occurring near the boundary of Earth’s core and mantle. Led by graduate student Jonathan Wolf and seismologist Maureen Long, the study, recently published in the journal Nature Geoscience, delves 1,800 miles beneath the Earth’s surface to
The study conducted by Northern Arizona University ecologist Andrew Richardson sheds light on the grave consequences of warming temperatures on northern forests that go beyond what current climate models have predicted. The research emphasizes that even slight temperature increases in boreal forests can result in a drastic reduction in snowpack, which in turn leads to
The rise in greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere has led to an increase in the impact of climate change, prompting the scientific community to search for innovative solutions. One such solution is the concept of Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB), which involves injecting salt spray into shallow marine clouds to increase their reflectivity and reduce
