As the world grapples with the dire effects of climate change, there is an urgent need for effective strategies to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2). The longstanding goal of keeping global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius is intrinsically linked to our ability to deploy carbon capture technologies at an unprecedented scale. According to
Earth
Over the past seventy years, humanity’s influence on the Earth has escalated to a point where scholars argue we have entered a new geological epoch termed the Anthropocene. This proposed epoch signifies the profound alterations wrought by human activity on environmental, climatic, and biogeochemical systems. Julia Adeney Thomas, a historian at the University of Notre
In recent years, microplastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental issues facing our oceans. With an astonishing amount of plastic waste infiltrating marine ecosystems, researchers at Flinders University are making strides to understand the implications of this pervasive problem. By investigating the interaction between microplastics and marine plankton, particularly zooplankton, scientists
The correlation between agricultural practices and greenhouse gas emissions has become increasingly apparent in recent decades, particularly regarding the beef industry. Human activities, primarily since the mid-20th century, have significantly contributed to climate change, with agricultural operations, especially beef production, standing out as major culprits. In the United States, the beef sector accounts for approximately
Over the past thirty years, California has been grappling with a troubling reality: increasing post-wildfire erosion is wreaking havoc on the state’s ecological and water resources. Recent research from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) highlights a staggering ten-fold surge in hillside erosion following significant fire events, particularly in Northern California. This alarming trend presents numerous
The impact of climate change is increasingly evident, not only in weather patterns but also in the allocation of natural resources. A recent study from the University of Cambridge has shed light on a critical situation that may extend beyond the conventional understanding of food security: the impending competition between land for food production and
Recent studies shed invaluable light on how geological forces from both oceans and continents engaged in a destructive partnership millions of years ago, leading to devastating consequences for marine life. These findings, particularly analyzing oceanic anoxic events (OAEs), which occurred between 185 and 85 million years ago, give us critical insights into pivotal ecological transformations
As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing global concern, certain urban areas—particularly those in the Global South—are finding themselves on the frontline of adverse environmental impacts, particularly extreme heat. A recent study, published in *Nature Communications*, reveals a stark disparity in urban cooling capabilities between cities in the Global North and Global South. Urban greenery
As summer draws to a close, people across the United States look forward to relaxing on Labor Day weekend, often choosing rivers and streams for their cooling properties and recreational opportunities. However, a recent study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University reveals that these joyful gatherings come with unexpected environmental repercussions. The study, which
A groundbreaking study led by Konstantina Agiadi at the University of Vienna shines a light on one of the most significant ecological catastrophes in history: the Messinian Salinity Crisis, which struck the Mediterranean Sea approximately 5.5 million years ago. The crisis altered marine ecosystems significantly, evidenced by a staggering 89% loss of endemic species—a catastrophic
The global water crisis looms as one of the most pressing issues of our time, threatening ecosystems, human health, and economic stability. Traditional methods of assessing water supply risk have largely focused on the immediate conditions of rivers, lakes, and aquifers. Researchers at Stockholm University have proposed a significant paradigm shift by emphasizing the importance
Avalanches pose significant threats to both human life and natural ecosystems, yet many fundamental aspects of their dynamics remain elusive. A phenomenon dubbed “anticracking” has garnered the attention of scientists, as it highlights a critical mechanism that can precipitate devastating snow slides. Even a single individual traversing a snowy terrain can generate sufficient pressure to