China recently made headlines with its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, a move that was met with enthusiasm by environmentalists worldwide. However, a new study sheds light on the potential hidden costs and environmental dilemmas associated with China’s decarbonization efforts. The research, led by Stefano Galelli and his colleagues at Cornell Engineering, focuses
Earth
Understanding the flow of water through Earth’s rivers is crucial for managing freshwater resources and comprehending the planet’s water cycle. A recent study led by NASA researchers offers new estimates of river water volume, flow rates, and fluctuations over time. This study sheds light on regions facing water depletion due to heavy usage, such as
Exploring the depths beneath Earth’s surface, hydrology researchers from the University of Arizona delved into how human activities, such as oil and gas production, geothermal energy extraction, and lithium mining, impact the deep subsurface. This zone, hidden from plain view, extends hundreds of meters to several kilometers below the planet’s surface. The study aimed to
The Nile River, spanning over 11 countries in East Africa, is a vital source of water, energy, environmental quality, and cultural wealth for the region. However, the utilization of Nile resources has led to longstanding tensions among the countries sharing the river, hindering opportunities for cooperation and mutual benefit. Researchers from The University of Manchester
Meandering rivers play a crucial role in shaping our landscapes, carving valleys, creating floodplains, and transporting sediment across the globe. Recent research out of UC Santa Barbara sheds light on what drives the migration rates of these dynamic waterways. The study, led by doctoral student Evan Greenberg and senior author Vamsi Ganti, explores the interplay
Siberia is currently experiencing more frequent wildfires, and research predicts significant consequences for climate, air quality, health, and economies across East Asia and the northern hemisphere. A recent study conducted by researchers at Hokkaido University, the University of Tokyo, and Kyushu University explores the global effects of escalating wildfires in Siberia, using advanced climate modeling
Recent research has unveiled a critical piece of information regarding the potential stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. The collapse of the ice sheet within the Ross Sea region can be prevented through adherence to a low-emissions pathway. The West Antarctic Ice Sheet holds over 5 meters of potential global sea-level rise, making it
Natural gas extracted from shale formations has been hailed as a more environmentally friendly fossil fuel option due to its lower carbon footprint. However, concerns have been raised about the increased methane emissions associated with the process. A recent study led by researchers from Penn State sheds light on the emission potential of shale wells
Submarine slides are a natural phenomenon that occur in the ocean due to various triggers such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and sediment flux. These underwater landslides can have disastrous consequences, potentially leading to tsunamis on the surface. Megaslides, which are extreme versions of these events, are particularly intriguing to scientists due to their massive scale
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool in predicting the path and intensity of major storms, as demonstrated by a recent study. By analyzing Storm Ciarán in November 2023, researchers have shown that AI-based weather forecasts can offer accuracy comparable to traditional methods but with the added benefits of speed, cost-effectiveness, and reduced
Oases are essential ecosystems that provide vital habitats and water sources for dryland regions, supporting a significant portion of the world’s population. However, the delicate balance of oases is threatened by climate change and human activities. Recent research has revealed the dynamic changes in the world’s oases over the past 25 years, shedding light on
Recent research has brought to light a concerning feedback loop that is accelerating the melting of the floating sections of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. This phenomenon has significant implications for global sea levels, with the potential to rise substantially if the ice sheet were to completely melt. The study, titled “Antarctic Slope Undercurrent and
The recent analysis of mooring observations and hydrographic data has revealed alarming trends in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) in the North Atlantic. These findings shed light on the significant impact of human-induced environmental changes on our planet’s climate regulating system. The study, led by researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of
Recent research has revealed alarming findings regarding the absorption of cancer-causing flame retardants through the skin. Scientists from Brunel University London and the University of Birmingham conducted a study using a state-of-the-art 3D-printed skin model, shedding new light on the potential risks associated with these pervasive pollutants. The study, published in the journal Environment International,
The recent report from Copernicus Climate Change Service revealed that February 2024 marked the warmest February ever recorded globally. Surprisingly, this record-breaking warmth was accompanied by extreme cold temperatures in North America, Asia, and parts of Europe. This paradoxical situation highlights the phenomenon known as Warm Arctic-Cold Continent (WACC), where warm Arctic temperatures lead to