The NASA PACE mission (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and ocean Ecosystem) marks a revolutionary step in Earth observation. Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, this mission is set to provide an unprecedented view of Earth’s microscopic marine life and atmospheric particles. The launch was a success, with the spacecraft’s solar arrays deploying correctly and confirming the satellite’s power reception.
Continue reading “NASA PACE mission: New insights into Earth’s climate”Greenland’s rapid land uplift defies sea level rise
In an era marked by rising sea levels, a recent study by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) presents a contrasting narrative with the discovery of significant Greenland land uplift. Over the past decade, Greenland’s bedrock has risen at an unprecedented pace, showing an increase of up to 20 cm, which translates to an estimated 2 meters per century. This rate notably surpasses the current sea level rise in Greenland.
Continue reading “Greenland’s rapid land uplift defies sea level rise”The global methane pledge
Turkmenistan’s recent decision to sign the Global Methane Pledge marks a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change. This voluntary agreement to slash methane emissions demonstrates a growing global awareness of methane’s role in climate change, particularly as Turkmenistan is the world’s fourth highest methane emitter.
Continue reading “The global methane pledge”Assessing the climate change health impact
The article sheds light on the stark disparity between global spending on COVID-19 and the climate change health impact, highlighting a critical gap in addressing climate-related health issues. In 2022, Europe experienced a devastating heatwave, leading to the deaths of over 61,672 people, many of whom had pre-existing health conditions like heart and lung diseases. These deaths, exacerbated by temperatures increased 160 times by climate change, underscore the urgent need to focus on the climate change health impact.
Continue reading “Assessing the climate change health impact”Enhanced weathering carbon removal as a climate solution
The concept of Enhanced Weathering Carbon Removal is gaining momentum as a potentially significant method for removing billions of tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere, thus aiding global efforts to achieve net zero emissions and mitigate the most dangerous effects of climate change. This method involves spreading crushed silicate rocks, such as volcanic basalt, across open fields, notably on farmlands, where they also benefit crop growth.
Continue reading “Enhanced weathering carbon removal as a climate solution”The role of permafrost dynamics in climate models
A recent commentary in Nature Climate Change, led by the Woodwell Climate Research Center and an international team of experts, has brought to light a significant issue in climate science: the inadequate representation of permafrost dynamics in climate models. This gap, largely due to funding limitations, is potentially skewing crucial climate predictions, which could have profound global impacts.
Continue reading “The role of permafrost dynamics in climate models”The geothermal energy potential of Iceland’s magma chambers
Iceland is embarking on a groundbreaking venture into the geothermal energy potential of its magma chambers, poised to transform our understanding of renewable energy sources. The Geothermal Research Cluster (GEORG) in Reykjavík is leading this initiative, planning to drill into a magma chamber, an unprecedented move in geothermal exploration. This ambitious project is not just a scientific first; it heralds a new era in understanding the geothermal energy potential of Iceland’s magma chambers.
Continue reading “The geothermal energy potential of Iceland’s magma chambers”Legal rights and political representation for ecosystems and species
The recent emergence of two new coalitions, the More Than Human Rights (Moth) project and Animals in the Room (Air), marks a significant step in the global campaign advocating for legal rights and political representation for ecosystems and species.
Continue reading “Legal rights and political representation for ecosystems and species”Impacts of half worlds mining undocumented
Mining is a fundamental industry for the modern world, providing essential materials like iron, copper, cobalt, and lithium. However, there’s a significant gap in global knowledge about the mining sector, particularly in terms of its environmental and community impacts.
Continue reading “Impacts of half worlds mining undocumented”Using AI to map ocean activities
The global economy is increasingly reliant on ocean-based industries, generating over $1.5 trillion annually and supporting 31 million jobs. This economic impact, stemming from sectors like fishing, shipping, and energy production, has grown exponentially in the past 50 years and is projected to double by 2030. However, managing this “blue acceleration” is challenging due to the ocean’s vastness and the complexity of monitoring industrial activities at scale.
Continue reading “Using AI to map ocean activities”