Earth

Wind energy has emerged as the most prevalent form of clean energy, playing a crucial role in combating the climate crisis. However, the widespread deployment of wind energy projects is hindered by local opposition. In an extensive study conducted by researchers from UC Santa Barbara, the University of Michigan, and Gallup Inc., the prevalence of

Life on Earth has a complex and fascinating history, with the origins of multicellular life stemming from a vital process known as biomineralization. This process, in which living organisms create hardened mineralized tissues like skeletons, played a crucial role in shaping the diverse array of body plans we see today. Additionally, biomineralization had a significant

A recent study led by atmospheric scientist Bin Wang from the University of Hawai’i (UH) at Mānoa has revealed a concerning trend – multiyear La Niña events have become more common over the last century. In fact, out of the six La Niña events recorded since 1998, five have lasted for more than one year,

The phenomena of winter monsoons have long puzzled scientists, particularly the lack of understanding surrounding their changes over time and their potential impacts. Winter monsoons, characterized by heavy autumn and winter rainfalls, are responsible for floods and landslides in southeast Asia. While summer monsoons have been extensively researched and are well understood, the same cannot

In a significant step forward for climate change research, a team of researchers from the Astro-Glaciology Laboratory at the RIKEN Nishina Center in Japan has developed a groundbreaking laser-based sampling system. This innovative system allows for the study of ice cores taken from glaciers with an impressive 3-mm depth-resolution, which is three times smaller than

Marine heat waves, characterized by abnormally high water temperatures, have become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change. These extreme events pose a significant threat to sensitive marine species that are unable to migrate to cooler waters. Until now, research on marine heat waves has primarily focused on surface temperatures, leaving a

Airborne particulate matter known as PM2.5, which consists of particles with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, has been linked to millions of premature deaths worldwide each year. In many locations around the world, organic aerosols are the dominant constituents of PM2.5. However, the chemical complexity of organic aerosols has historically made it challenging to

Climate change is an ever-present threat to our planet, affecting ecosystems around the world. While the impact on oceans has been well-documented, a recent study led by Penn State University has shed light on an alarming issue: rivers are warming and losing oxygen even faster than their marine counterparts. Published in the journal Nature Climate

Human activities are having an increasingly significant impact on the planet, posing a risk of triggering dramatic changes in Earth’s overall conditions. Over billions of years, the interaction between life and climate has controlled the environmental conditions on Earth. However, activities such as land use change, alterations in water and soil levels, the introduction of

Our planet has recorded its hottest month on record, with devastating wildfires and floods occurring in numerous locations. While it is difficult to directly attribute specific events to climate change, there is an undeniable increase in extreme weather occurrences, and people are beginning to take notice. However, it is important to recognize that not everyone

A recent international study involving a Canterbury climate modeler has shed light on the stability of the Ross Ice Shelf and the West Antarctic Ice Sheet in a warming climate. Dr. Abhijith Ulayottil Venugopal, a Postdoctoral Fellow from the University of Canterbury, contributed to the research by studying the impact of Westerly wind patterns on

The advance of beavers into the Arctic tundra due to climate change is causing significant concern among scientists. Recent research has shown that the dams built by beavers result in flooding, which in turn leads to the release of methane – a potent greenhouse gas – into the atmosphere. This article delves deeper into the

The devastating algal blooms that plagued the west coast of Florida in 2020 had far-reaching consequences. From massive marine life die-offs to increased asthma cases and significant economic losses, the harmful effects were undeniable. While satellites have been an invaluable tool for detecting algal blooms from space, their effectiveness has been limited to clear sky

The Tibetan Empire, perched at a staggering height of over 4,000m above sea level, reigned from 618 to 877 CE, spanning vast territories across East and Central Asia, even reaching into northern India. With an estimated population of 10 million, it flourished under incredibly hostile conditions, marked by lower oxygen concentrations due to hypoxia. However,

In recent decades, there has been a rapid increase in the consumption of textiles, largely driven by the promotion of fast fashion. This has led to a significant rise in the environmental impacts associated with clothing. Environmental scientist Laura Scherer has conducted extensive research on the environmental implications of cotton, the most widely used natural