Earth

Prescribed burns, a practice often used in fire-prone landscapes, have gained traction as a means to prevent larger and more destructive wildfires. While these controlled fires help keep forests healthy by reducing fuel buildup, they also pose health risks due to the smoke they generate. Forest managers are faced with the challenge of determining the

Climate change has become an urgent global concern, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial in mitigating its impact. Methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas, is a major contributor to global warming. To effectively manage and reduce methane emissions, accurate and precise monitoring is essential. Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Climate change is reshaping forests across the United States in varying ways, as demonstrated by a recent analysis of U.S. Forest Service data. With the escalating impact of rising temperatures, droughts, wildfires, and disease outbreaks, forests in the American West are particularly vulnerable to these consequences. The analysis, conducted by researchers J. Aaron Hogan and

The scorching temperatures of 2023 have left scientists astounded and grappling with a slew of bewildering phenomena. Gavin Schmidt, NASA’s leading climatologist, sheds light on the mysterious mechanisms at play, offering profound insights into this climatic anomaly. The heating of the planet caused by human activities is an open secret, and its consequences, such as

The future of U.S. city population growth or decline has become a subject of great interest, especially in the wake of climate change. A team of environmental engineers at the University of Illinois Chicago has delved into this intriguing realm by employing census data and demographic surveys to assess the likely scenarios leading up to

Biomaterials, derived from plants, have emerged as a promising solution to mitigate CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. These materials, including bio-plastics and bio-fibers, aim to replace traditional materials made from fossil fuels. Advocates for biomaterials argue that they have a better environmental impact compared to their fossil-fuel counterparts. However, a recent study conducted by Radboud

Antarctica’s coastal waters face a dire future, as new research from the University of Colorado Boulder warns that the acidity levels could double by the end of the century. This concerning study reveals that the upper 650 feet (200 meters) of the Southern Ocean, a crucial habitat for countless marine species, is projected to experience

As the levels of greenhouse gases continue to rise in Earth’s atmosphere, scientists are exploring various strategies to mitigate the effects of global warming. One proposed idea is the injection of aerosols into the stratosphere to reflect sunlight and reduce the overall temperature increase. While previous studies have focused on using gaseous sulfur dioxide, recent

A recent study conducted by scientists from Colorado State University has shed light on the devastating effects of extreme drought on grasslands and shrublands. The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that the impact of short-term droughts has been greatly underestimated, signaling a concerning future for these vital ecosystems. This

A recent study conducted by Harvard University and the California Institute of Technology’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory sheds light on the alarming increase in methane emissions resulting from rice farming in parts of Africa. Published in the journal Nature Climate Change, the research reveals the significant role played by rice production in sub-Saharan Africa in contributing

Mercury, a highly neurotoxic element, has long been known for its harmful effects on the human body. From renowned physicist Michael Faraday to lab chemist Karen Wetterhahn, who tragically lost her life to dimethylmercury poisoning, the dangers of mercury exposure are painfully evident. However, while the focus has primarily been on its impact on marine

Africa, known as the “burning continent,” is facing a severe wildfire crisis that shows no signs of stopping. With more than 50% of the Earth’s burning area, Africa experiences a perpetual conflagration that is only intensifying with time. This relentless wildfire season is not only destructive in itself but also contributes to a cycle of