As the scorching summer heat shatters records in Arizona, it serves as a stark reminder of the alarming future that awaits our planet during the warmest season. The consequences of extreme heat are not exclusive to Arizona; they have captured global attention. For instance, a tragic incident occurred in Brazil, where a 23-year-old woman died
Earth
Scientists from the University of Oxford, in collaboration with Trillium Technologies’ NIO.space, have developed a groundbreaking tool that utilizes machine learning and hyperspectral data to automatically detect methane plumes on Earth from orbit. This breakthrough has immense potential in identifying and monitoring methane emissions, allowing for more effective action in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While
The impact of climate change on our planet is undeniable, and one of the most significant consequences is the rise in sea levels. As global warming continues, the melting of ice contributes to the increasing levels of water in our oceans. This rise in sea surface levels poses numerous challenges, including flooding of coastal areas
The current consumption and production systems that cater to our societal needs are unsustainable. As researchers from different fields have long explored ways to make these systems more sustainable, there is now an emerging collaboration between socio-technical and socio-environmental research communities. A recent special feature published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Aerosol particles have a significant impact on the Earth’s climate, and understanding their role is crucial for accurate climate modeling and forecasting. The hygroscopicity of aerosol particles, which refers to their capacity to hold water, is a key factor in determining their climate effects. The hygroscopicity of aerosol particles depends on various factors such as
The latest analysis conducted by Oxfam International has shed light on the disproportionate responsibility of the world’s wealthiest individuals in contributing to global carbon emissions. In stark contrast, the poorest two-thirds of the global population are responsible for emissions equivalent to that of the richest one percent. This alarming disparity calls for urgent action and
New research published in Science Advances introduces a more positive perspective by suggesting that plants may have the capacity to absorb more atmospheric CO2 from human activities than previously anticipated. However, the scientists behind this study emphasize that it should not diminish the necessity for urgent carbon emission reduction measures. While planting trees and conserving
In a groundbreaking effort, a team of engineers and public health experts from the University of South Florida (USF) has successfully aided the residents of Toamasina, Madagascar in reducing their exposure to lead. Lead, known to be a major global environmental pollutant causing over 1 million premature deaths annually, has long been a concern worldwide.
A recent study published in the journal PLOS Climate reveals alarming findings regarding the reporting practices of corporations in relation to their carbon footprints. The research suggests that most companies are not fully disclosing the extent of their greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in Scope 3 key categories. These findings raise concerns about the credibility of
The Arctic region is experiencing accelerated warming, with temperatures rising nearly four times faster than the global average. This phenomenon, known as Arctic amplification, has far-reaching consequences for global climate change. A recent modeling study led by researchers at UCL reveals that this faster warming in the Arctic will cause the critical global temperature thresholds
The idea of declining phytoplankton in the North Atlantic has caused concern among scientists and environmentalists alike. However, a groundbreaking study led by the University of Washington challenges this notion and presents a new perspective on the stability of marine phytoplankton in the region. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of
In recent years, human activity has led to the alarming acidification of the world’s oceans. This has far-reaching implications for marine ecosystems, as highlighted by a study conducted by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB). The study focused on the Mediterranean Sea and examined how the decreasing
Lightning has long been recognized as a significant natural cause of wildfires. However, recent research has highlighted that the frequency of lightning fires in boreal forests, which play a crucial role in carbon storage, is set to increase with climate change. This alarming finding underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to mitigate the potential
The release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere contributes significantly to global warming. Traditionally, methane production has been attributed to microorganisms in oxygen-deprived environments. However, recent research has demonstrated that bacteria are capable of aerobic methane production. These bacteria release methane as a byproduct during the acquisition of phosphorus, a nutrient crucial
A recent report in Nature Geoscience has shed light on the alarming levels of air pollution in African nations and the urgent need for international intervention. Over the past five decades, air quality in Africa has significantly deteriorated, resulting in some of the most polluted cities in the world. Particulate matter concentrations now exceed the
