Earth

Geoscientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that offers a fresh perspective on how continents developed. Unlike previous theories that relied on external factors or plate tectonics, this revised origin story focuses on internal geological forces within oceanic plateaus. The findings, published in Nature Communications, shed light on the complex process of crust formation during the

The 1972 Clean Water Act has played a crucial role in protecting the “waters of the United States,” but the specific streams and wetlands covered by this legislation have often been subject to interpretation. The lack of precise definition has resulted in the responsibility of determining coverage falling on presidential administrations, regulators, and courts. Consequently,

The severe drought in the Amazon last year, which had detrimental effects on the region’s rivers, wildlife, and communities, was primarily driven by human-induced global warming, according to a recent study. The El Niño phenomenon and climate change both played a role in reducing rainfall, but the rise in global temperatures was identified as the

The distribution of efficient cookstoves in developing countries as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is the fastest growing type of offset on the global carbon market. However, a recent study has uncovered a major flaw in this approach, revealing that the credits overestimate the carbon savings of the stoves by a factor of

The year 2023 marked the hottest year on record, and the rising levels of humidity have further exacerbated the impact of heat on our lives and livelihoods. The dangerous combination of heat and humidity has pushed us dangerously close to the upper limits of what human beings can endure. However, the underestimation of heat stress

Mountainous environments have been shaped by deglaciation during the Holocene, leaving distinct landforms such as moraines. However, recent research suggests that erosion rates in these regions may be declining compared to earlier periods. Dr. Daniel Draebing and his team from Utrecht University conducted a study in the European Alps to investigate the role of climate

A recent study conducted by a team of scientists led by a Tulane University oceanographer has shed light on the connection between ocean oxygen levels and carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere during the last ice age. The findings, published in Science Advances, provide valuable insights into the role of the Southern Ocean in past

Waste is an undeniable by-product of human activities and the natural processes of life on Earth. While living systems have evolved to tackle waste and reintegrate it into the ecosystem, human systems struggle to effectively manage waste. With the global population projected to continue growing and urbanization on the rise, waste has become a pressing

The management of fire-prone landscapes in the American West has seen a significant shift towards the use of prescribed burning, a technique that involves setting small fires to mitigate the risk of larger, more destructive wildfires. This practice aims to maintain forest health by reducing the accumulation of combustible materials such as grasses, leaves, branches,

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has made significant advancements in their technology to monitor methane emissions and trace gases. This upgraded technology has the ability to accurately measure emissions even in harsh field conditions. The monitoring and identification of methane sources are crucial steps in reducing emissions, which aligns with the objectives

Climate change is having a profound impact on forests across the United States, but new research shows that the effects are not uniform. A recent analysis of U.S. Forest Service data reveals a pronounced regional imbalance in forest productivity, with the consequences of climate change hitting the American West particularly hard. Led by UF Biology

The year 2023 marked a turning point in the discussion around climate change. The unprecedented temperatures recorded during this year left scientists astounded and searching for answers. In a recent interview with the renowned climatologist, Gavin Schmidt from NASA, he shed light on the “mysterious” processes at play. These unexpected events prompt a deeper examination

The University of Illinois Chicago conducted a study to predict the population growth or decline of U.S. cities by 2100. Environmental engineers Uttara Sutradhar, Lauryn Spearing, and Sybil Derrible utilized census data and demographic surveys to understand the factors influencing population changes. By combining publicly available data sources and climate change models, the researchers aimed

Biomaterials, derived from plants, have gained significant attention as potential replacements for fossil fuel-based materials due to their perceived lower environmental impact. However, a recent study conducted by Radboud University challenges this assumption and underscores the need for further analysis in achieving climate neutrality. According to research published in Nature Communications, bio-based products emit, on

Antarctica’s coastal waters are facing a grave threat as new research from the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that the acidity of these waters could double by the end of the century. According to the study, the upper 650 feet of the ocean, where a significant amount of marine life resides, could experience over a