Microplastics have become a pressing environmental issue, contaminating waterways around the globe. A recent study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology highlights a specific yet under-explored dimension of this problem: the effect of ice formation and melting on microplastic particles in aquatic environments. While the original research delves into the complex interplay between
Earth
In a stunning revelation, scientists have uncovered methane emissions emanating from seemingly unlikely sources within the drylands of interior Alaska. Traditionally viewed as a gas predominantly released by wetlands, methane’s presence in upland ecosystems challenges established notions in climate science. Katey Walter Anthony, an esteemed research professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, serendipitously stumbled
In the face of advancing clean energy technologies, the world unfortunately continues to grapple with increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As of late 2023, it has become painfully evident that the trend of rising emissions has not been effectively countered, despite the initial decrease observed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This daunting
Climate change poses a multitude of threats, but perhaps one of the most pressing issues is the alteration of ecosystems that can no longer fulfill their roles as natural buffers for greenhouse gases. A recent study published in *Nature Climate Change* sheds light on the diminishing capacity of the Arctic Ocean to absorb carbon dioxide,
The recent wildfire events fueled by climate change have raised alarms regarding their pervasive effects on air quality across various regions, particularly in the Northeast United States. A study conducted by researchers from Rutgers University has brought to light the significant health risks associated with wildfire-generated particulate matter, accentuating a potential public health crisis. This
As the urgency to address climate change grows, it becomes increasingly crucial to examine the sectors contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. One of the significant contributors is the global food supply chain, which is heavily influenced by the dietary choices of individuals. A recent study published in *Nature Climate Change* suggests that a shift towards
The phenomenon of climate change has reached alarming proportions, especially in light of recent studies indicating that 2023 was Earth’s warmest year on record. A remarkable contribution to this warming was found to be associated with the significant reduction of sulfur emissions from the shipping industry. Research conducted by scientists at the Pacific Northwest National
Recent research has illuminated the critical connections between ocean dynamics and global climate, particularly through the lens of the Atlantic Multidecadal Variability (AMV). This phenomenon illustrates how the Atlantic tropics’ upper ocean layers engage in complex interactions that significantly influence long-term weather patterns worldwide. Insights from this study underscore the need for a reevaluation of
Flowing towards the Bering Sea, the Yukon River is an iconic waterway that stretches across the Alaskan landscape, yet it carries within its currents a rising threat stemming from climate change. As temperatures in the Arctic escalate at an alarming rate—up to four times faster than the global average—the permafrost that has been stable for
The Minamata Convention on Mercury, which came into effect in 2017, represents a pivotal global effort to control mercury emissions and mitigate its impacts on human health and the environment. While the Convention has established a regulatory framework intended to reduce mercury exposure worldwide, recent research casts doubt on the effectiveness of its measures in
The 4.2 kiloyear event, or megadrought, traditionally characterized as a global climatic catastrophe, has long been thought to have led to the decline of ancient civilizations and dramatic ecological changes. This widespread perception suggests that climate variations during this period were universally detrimental, driving early empires to collapse. However, new research emerging from Northern Arizona
Coral reefs are more than just vibrant ecosystems; they serve as natural archives of historical climate data. Recent research leveraging a remarkable 627-year coral record from Fiji reveals critical insights into ocean temperatures and climate variability in the Pacific. This study, conducted by a multidisciplinary team of climate scientists, enhances our understanding of how human-induced
Recent research led by a collaborative team of environmental scientists has unveiled a staggering revelation concerning global access to safe drinking water. This multi-institutional effort demonstrates that over 4.4 billion people, which equates to more than half of the world’s population, face significant barriers to obtaining clean drinking water. This figure, published in the prestigious
The Colorado River is a critical resource, supplying water for hydropower generation, agricultural irrigation, and essential drinking supplies across seven states in the U.S. and into Mexico. The river’s health and flow levels are highly dependent on the winter snowpack, which gradually melts in the spring, feeding into the river system. Traditionally, water managers assess
Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, is a powerful and often contentious method of extracting natural gas and oil. A recent study conducted by researchers at Binghamton University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, delves into the methods employed by energy companies to secure land rights for fracking activities—a process often marked by aggressive