Earth

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

Africa’s montane forests, often perched on isolated mountain ranges, are known for their unique ecological characteristics. These environments are not only home to distinct biodiversity but also function as crucial water towers for surrounding lowland areas. The rich flora and fauna in these forests are adapted to specific climate conditions, which include relatively low temperatures,

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth and an integral part of Earth’s biological and atmospheric processes. However, human activities have significantly altered the natural nitrogen cycle, leading to a series of environmental challenges. Activities such as agricultural production and fossil fuel combustion release several nitrogen compounds, including ammonia (NH3), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and

The intricate dynamics of carbon cycling in Earth’s oceans have perplexed scientists for decades, particularly the preservation mechanisms of organic carbon in marine sediments. Recent groundbreaking research conducted by collaborative teams from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Bremen has begun to illuminate this obscure phenomenon. Their findings, published in *Nature Communications*, explore