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
Earth
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
Promoting climate-friendly behaviors is essential in our collective efforts to combat climate change. However, a new report published in the journal Nature Climate Change highlights the significance of addressing inequality to effectively transition towards a sustainable future. The researchers argue that societal inequalities restrict the adoption of low-carbon behaviors, emphasizing the need for comprehensive changes
Typhoon Hinnamnor, a super typhoon that developed at a high latitude, caused significant damage and loss of life last year. This event, along with an intense downpour in Osong, Chungcheongbuk-do, highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to rising global temperatures. To better understand and predict the impact of global warming
Earth’s topography is continuously eroding, resulting in the transportation of sediment through rivers across various landscapes. The sediment is carried in the water column, bounces along the river bed, or rolls larger pebbles. As the topography flattens, the deceleration in water velocity leads to the deposition of this material in a fan shape at the