Rice University chemist James Tour and his research team have made significant progress in the field of soil remediation with the development of the Rapid Electrothermal Mineralization (REM) process. This innovative technique aims to tackle the accumulation of synthetic chemicals, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which pose a threat to the environment and human
Earth
Lead levels in moss samples collected from older urban neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon, have been found to be significantly higher compared to nearby rural areas. A recent study conducted by Alyssa Shiel, an environmental geochemist at Oregon State University, sheds light on the potential health risks associated with lead exposure in these communities. The presence
The recent discovery made by an international team of researchers challenges the traditional belief that only photosynthetic organisms are responsible for generating the Earth’s oxygen. The groundbreaking study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, revealed that metallic minerals on the deep-ocean floor, located 13,000 feet below the surface, also play a significant role in oxygen
The seismic activity in Morocco has been historically concentrated near the Rif Mountains in the northern region. However, the 2023 earthquake that struck Western Morocco, causing widespread devastation, took place in the High Atlas Mountains. These mountains are known for their significant height, with peaks reaching over 4,000 meters. Unlike the Rif Mountains, where the
In the ongoing battle against climate change, it is essential to understand the varying impacts of different greenhouse gases on the environment. Not all greenhouse gases are created equal, with some being far more potent in their ability to trap heat in the atmosphere than others. This disparity in global warming potential (GWP) has important
As hurricane seasons become more intense due to climate change, the need for effective evacuation strategies and policies is more crucial than ever. A team of University of Virginia researchers has taken a significant step forward by creating the first-ever database of hurricane evacuation orders in the United States. This database, known as HEvOD (Hurricane
The collapse of a giant iceberg in the sub-Antarctic region has brought to light the potential effects of warmer ocean temperatures on ocean ecosystems around Antarctica. This event, which took place in 2017, involved the mega iceberg A-68A calving off the Larsen Ice Shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula and eventually breaking up and melting near
As the world grapples with the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters due to climate change, the importance of nature-based solutions (NbS) cannot be overstated. A recent global assessment led by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst highlights the economic effectiveness of NbS in mitigating risks associated with a wide range of disasters,
A recent study conducted by researchers at North Carolina State University has brought to light a startling revelation about the global apparel industry. The study found that in 2019 alone, the global apparel industry generated over 20 million tons of plastic waste, with approximately 40% of that waste ending up improperly managed in the environment.
In a recent study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, researchers from the UC Irvine Department of Earth System Science and the University of Michigan Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering have discovered a significant flaw in a commonly used climate model. The model, known as the Energy Exascale Earth System
In the face of the escalating challenges posed by climate change, predicting typhoons has become increasingly crucial. A team of researchers led by Professor Jungho Im at UNIST has recently pioneered a groundbreaking technology that harnesses real-time satellite data and deep learning capabilities to forecast typhoons with unprecedented accuracy. This innovative approach marks a significant
An in-depth analysis conducted on land protection initiatives in the Brazilian Legal Amazon (BLA) revealed a significant reduction in deforestation rates by up to 83% from 2000 to 2010. These findings underscore the crucial role of land protection policies in achieving ambitious environmental goals, such as the UN biodiversity target to safeguard 30% of the
The Earth’s rotation is a fundamental aspect of our planet’s behavior, and numerous factors can influence it. Recently, researchers at ETH Zurich have delved into the effects of climate change and global warming on Earth’s rotational speed, shedding light on a complex interplay of forces. Climate change is causing significant shifts in mass, particularly with
A recent study conducted by a group of physicists and oceanologists from Germany has shed light on the potential consequences of rising global temperatures on extreme El Niño events. This research, published in Geophysical Research Letters, utilized the CESM1 climate model to explore the possibility of a tipping point being reached in the coming decades
Recent research published in Science Advances reveals a significant relationship between mean annual temperatures (MAT) and phosphorus (P) release from soils. The study, conducted by Profs. Guo Licheng, Zhao Mingyu, Xiong Shangfa, and Yang Shiling from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlights the role of climate in affecting