In August 2021, an unusual event occurred at the summit of Greenland’s ice cap: rain fell, causing a significant meltdown and retreat of the snowline. This occurrence highlighted an increasing trend of Arctic rainfall anomalies, a shift from the region’s typical cold, dry conditions that rarely produce precipitation.
Continue reading “Arctic rainfall anomalies: alarming climate shifts”Arctic marine heatwaves: causes and impacts
Since 2007, the Arctic Ocean has been experiencing a significant change due to Arctic marine heatwaves. These are periods when the sea surface temperature (SST) rises unusually high for a long time. This study investigates how much these heatwaves are linked to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Continue reading “Arctic marine heatwaves: causes and impacts”Climate impact on tree CO2 absorption
A recent study led by Penn State researchers reveals a concerning trend regarding the climate impact on tree CO2 absorption. The research highlights that trees, traditionally known for their ability to sequester carbon dioxide (CO2), are increasingly struggling in warmer, drier climates. This finding challenges the long-held view of trees as reliable carbon sinks in the fight against climate change.
Continue reading “Climate impact on tree CO2 absorption”MethaneSAT satellite launch: mapping Earth’s methane
Google has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to launch the MethaneSAT satellite, a critical initiative aimed at mapping methane pollution and oil and gas infrastructure from space.
Continue reading “MethaneSAT satellite launch: mapping Earth’s methane”NASA PACE mission: New insights into Earth’s climate
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.
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