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
Earth
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
As concerns over rising greenhouse gas levels and global warming continue to grow, scientists are exploring various methods to temporarily mitigate the effects of climate change. One proposed solution involves the injection of aerosols into the stratosphere to reflect incoming sunlight and reduce global temperatures. While previous studies have primarily focused on using gaseous sulfur
Extreme droughts are expected to become more frequent with climate change, and a recent study led by Colorado State University reveals that the effects of these droughts on grasslands and shrublands have been greatly underestimated. Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study provides a detailed understanding of the potential losses in
Rice farming in sub-Saharan Africa has seen a significant increase in production over the past decade, resulting in a rise in methane emissions. A team of engineers and atmospheric scientists at Harvard University, together with a colleague from the California Institute of Technology’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, conducted a study to determine the extent of this
Mercury exposure is a well-known and significant health risk, both to humans and animals. The neurotoxic properties of mercury have been extensively studied, but primarily in marine and sea creatures. However, a recent study conducted by Dr. Yulia Pushkar and her research group at Purdue University’s College of Science has shed new light on the
Africa has been burning for thousands of years, and it shows no signs of stopping. In fact, the continent accounts for over 50% of the total area on Earth that is constantly engulfed in flames. This migrating, hemisphere-hopping wildfire season in Africa is steadily increasing, and it is creating a devastating feedback loop that feeds
It is widely recognized that promoting climate-friendly behaviors is essential in the fight against climate change. However, a recent report published in the journal Nature Climate Change highlights the importance of addressing inequality in order to effectively achieve a Net-Zero future. The researchers argue that inequalities in society create barriers that limit the ability of
The increasing frequency and intensity of typhoons around the world have raised concerns about the impact of global warming on these weather events. In recent years, typhoons like Typhoon Hinnamnor and the unexpected intense downpour in Osong, Chungcheongbuk-do have caused significant damage and loss of life. To better understand the influence of global warming on
Alluvial fans, which are sediment deposits formed by erosion and transportation of sediment in rivers, play a crucial role in shaping Earth’s topography. The process of alluvial fan development involves the deposition of silt, sand, and gravel at the mouth of the river as the water velocity decreases. Monsoons, seasonal climate phenomena characterized by extreme
Extreme environmental events have assumed greater significance in recent years due to the mounting pressures of climate change. These events, whether occurring on land or in marine ecosystems, pose significant challenges to the health and stability of our planet. While terrestrial heat waves typically span a few days, their counterparts in the oceans can persist
A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Rebecca Hamilton at the University of Sydney has uncovered significant evidence challenging previous scientific consensus about the landscape of South East Asia during the Last Glacial Maximum more than 19,000 years ago. Contrary to popular belief, the research reveals that the region was not simply dominated by dry savannah
The eruption of the Hunga volcano in January 2022 left a lasting impact on the scientific community. This underwater volcano created massive tsunamis and released a plume that reached the mesosphere. Understanding the dynamics of such eruptions can be challenging, especially when the volcano is situated underwater. However, a team of geologists, volcanologists, and Earth