Earth

Geoscientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds new light on the enigmatic process of continent formation. Contrary to popular belief, this revised origin story reveals that the development of continents did not require the start of plate tectonics or any external factor. Instead, internal geological forces within oceanic plateaus during Earth’s early history played

The 1972 Clean Water Act serves as a crucial legislation to protect the “waters of the United States.” However, a significant obstacle in fully implementing this act lies in the lack of a precise definition for which streams and wetlands are covered by its regulations. This ambiguity has resulted in an ongoing struggle for presidential

Last year, the Amazon experienced a severe drought that resulted in record-low river levels, the need for food and water deliveries to river communities, and the death of numerous endangered dolphins. Researchers have identified human-induced global warming as the primary driver of this unprecedented drought, with El Niño also playing a significant role. This article

The global carbon market has seen a significant increase in the distribution of efficient cookstoves in developing countries as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, a recent study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley reveals that the carbon savings of these cookstoves are vastly overestimated, with the credits overestimating their impact by

In recent years, the world has experienced unprecedented temperatures, with 2023 being recorded as the hottest year on record. As climate change continues to intensify, the combination of heat and humidity poses a significant threat to our lives and livelihoods. However, our understanding of the local impacts of this threat is often underestimated, particularly in

In the midst of climate change, the process of deglaciation during the Holocene has been a topic of great importance. As glaciers retreat, they leave behind distinct landforms known as moraines, which have a significant impact on mountainous environments. Recent research published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters sheds light on the declining erosion rates

A recent study led by a Tulane University oceanographer has shed light on the relationship between ocean oxygen levels, carbon dioxide, and climate change. The research, published in Science Advances, delves deep into the ocean floor to uncover crucial information about the last ice age and its implications for today’s global warming. By analyzing seafloor

As human populations continue to expand and urbanize at an unprecedented rate, the issue of waste has become increasingly pressing. Waste, a natural by-product of life, has long been a challenge for living systems, but its impact on human systems has reached crisis levels. From microplastics infiltrating our bodies to wastewater polluting our waterways, and

In the management of fire-prone landscapes in the American West, a new and counterintuitive practice has emerged. Instead of focusing solely on suppressing wildfires, managers are now turning to prescribed burns as a way to prevent larger, more destructive fires. Prescribed burns are controlled fires that reduce the buildup of fuel, such as grasses, leaves,

Emissions monitoring plays a crucial role in understanding and reducing methane gas, a significant greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential. Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have recently upgraded their emissions-monitoring technology, allowing for more precise measurements even in challenging field conditions. This article explores the advancements made by

A recent analysis of U.S. Forest Service data has revealed that climate change is reshaping forests differently across the United States. Forests in the American West are particularly affected by rising temperatures, droughts, wildfires, and disease outbreaks. The study, led by researchers from UF Biology, highlights a pronounced regional imbalance in forest productivity. Over the

It is no secret that human activity is having a detrimental impact on our planet. The evidence of global warming resulting in extreme weather events and ecological transformations is abundant. However, the unprecedented temperatures recorded in 2023 have left scientists astonished and prompted further investigation into potential “mysterious” processes at play. In an interview with

Predicting the growth or decline of cities is a daunting task, considering the multitude of factors that come into play. Immigration rates, tax rates, home prices, birth rates, job availability, and the political climate all contribute to people’s decisions to stay or leave a city. Furthermore, the looming threat of global warming adds another layer

The global push for sustainability and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions has led to increased investment in biomaterials. These materials, derived from plants, aim to replace fossil fuel-based products like plastics and fibers. The assumption is that biomaterials have a lower environmental impact than their counterparts made from fossil fuels. However, a research study

New research conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder has revealed a dire warning for the future of Antarctica’s coastal waters. The study projects that by the end of the century, the acidity of these waters could double, posing a significant threat to the diverse marine life that inhabits the Southern Ocean. Published in the