The rapid urbanization of Africa is a phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down. The continent’s urban population has more than doubled since the early 2000s, reaching over 600 million in 2020. Projections indicate that this population will double again by 2050. This growth in urban areas has outpaced the rate of urban population
Earth
Farmland is often a battleground in the fight against climate change. Solar panels and energy crops are pitted against food production, while well-intended policy choices can create incentives for farmers to till up new lands, releasing even more heat-trapping gas into the atmosphere. That’s why strategies for sustainable plant-based fuels focus on marginal lands –
The Salton Sea, which was formed in 1905 due to an overflow of the Colorado River, has been shrinking for years. The reduced flows into the lake have led to various environmental and health issues in nearby communities. A recent study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics sheds light on the impacts of
The issue of water scarcity is becoming increasingly dire as climate change and socioeconomic factors continue to exacerbate the situation. A recent study conducted by Utrecht University, as published in Nature Climate Change, highlights the disproportionate impact of water scarcity on populations in the Global South. It is evident that clean water is not only
California has been significantly impacted by wildfires over the past few years, with up to 70% of the state covered in smoke during certain periods. A recent study conducted by the University of California, Davis, shed light on the effects of wildfire smoke on California’s lakes. The study utilized a combination of lake-based sensors and
Researchers in Italy have developed a groundbreaking prototype fiber optic gyroscope to monitor ground rotations caused by earthquakes in the volcanic area of Campi Flegrei in Naples. Led by Saverio Avino from CNR-INO, the team aims to improve risk assessment and strengthen early warning systems in this densely populated region. By capturing both linear and
After decades of steady growth in sea ice levels up to 2015, 2023 saw a drastic reduction in Antarctic sea ice with over 2 million square kilometers less ice than usual during winter. This unexpected decline was considered a one-in-a-2000-year event without the influence of climate change, according to a recent study by the British
Plastic pollution in the oceans has long been a concern due to its detrimental effects on marine life. However, a recent study conducted by Northeastern researcher Aron Stubbins has shed light on another alarming consequence of microplastics in the ocean. The study reveals that microplastics may hinder the ocean’s ability to mitigate the climate crisis
In a recent study led by the University of East Anglia (UEA), researchers have highlighted the importance of recognizing and respecting the various ways in which nature is valued. The research emphasizes that different perspectives on nature’s value can significantly impact environmental decision-making processes. While international agreements like the Sustainable Development Goals aim for a
In the realm of climate policy, it is crucial to understand the real impact of carbon pricing systems on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A recent meta-study conducted by a research team has shed light on the empirically measured effects of these systems, providing a more comprehensive overview than ever before. The research team utilized artificial
A recent study conducted by Earth scientist Niels de Winter has shed light on the impact of climate change on seasonal temperatures. Through analyzing fossil shells from mollusks that lived during the Pliocene era, approximately three million years ago, de Winter and his colleagues were able to uncover valuable data about how summers and winters
In a world where global temperatures are reaching alarming levels, the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has become more critical than ever. Methane, in particular, has been identified as a major contributor to climate change due to its potent global warming potential. Traditional methods of monitoring methane emissions have been limited in their effectiveness,