Microplastics have emerged as a pervasive environmental pollutant, present in myriad ecosystems across the globe. As bodies of water face seasonal changes, particularly during frigid months, an intriguing phenomenon occurs: tiny plastic particles undergo significant transformations when trapped in ice. Recent research from experts in environmental science has shed light on how freezing can alter
Earth
In a world grappling with the implications of climate change, new research unveils unexpected sources of greenhouse gases. This revelation is beaming in from Fairbanks, Alaska, where limnologist Katey Walter Anthony’s curiosity and dedication have led to groundbreaking discoveries about methane emissions from upland ecosystems. Traditional perception has long tethered methane emissions primarily to wetlands,
In the face of alarming trends in global CO2 emissions, the urgency of addressing climate change has never been clearer. While advancements in clean energy technologies have been celebrated, global emissions have, paradoxically, continued to increase—particularly post-pandemic. Recent research involving IIASA scientists and the Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland highlights
As the planet continues to warm, alarming data indicates a major shift in the Arctic Ocean’s role as a carbon sink. Recent research published in *Nature Climate Change* highlights the diminishing effectiveness of the Arctic Ocean in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This decline is largely attributed to melting permafrost and escalating coastal erosion.
In recent years, the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, have raised significant public health concerns, particularly in densely populated regions. A study led by researchers at Rutgers University sheds light on this alarming phenomenon, specifically examining the particles released into the atmosphere from a wildfire incident in June 2023. This
The urgency of addressing climate change has led to a growing recognition of the role that dietary choices play in shaping our planet’s future. A recent study published in Nature Climate Change highlights the staggering potential for greenhouse gas emission reductions through dietary shifts, particularly towards more plant-based diets. The findings underscore the critical need
The year 2023 stands out in history books as the hottest year on record for Earth, a stark reminder of the ongoing climate crisis. However, a recent study conducted by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has brought to light some unexpected contributors to this alarming trend. An estimated 20% of the heightened temperatures can be
The relationship between the oceans and the atmosphere is complex and deeply interconnected, with recent research shedding new light on how these interactions influence global climate patterns. A crucial study from the University of Reading highlights the role of upper ocean dynamics in the Atlantic Ocean, specifically focusing on a phenomenon known as Atlantic Multidecadal
The Arctic, an area that has captured the imagination of scientists and adventurers alike, is undergoing alarming transformations as global temperatures rise. Among the many environmental shifts occurring in this fragile ecosystem, the Yukon River emerges as a critical player in the both eroding permafrost and unveiling a toxic secret: mercury. The implications of this
In 2017, the Minamata Convention on Mercury was a landmark agreement aiming to diminish mercury emissions globally. This treaty was a crucial step in addressing the health and ecological risks posed by mercury, which is a highly toxic pollutant. However, recent research findings have illuminated potential shortcomings in the treaty’s effectiveness, especially as they relate