Urbanization in Africa is rapidly increasing, with no signs of slowing down. The urban population in the continent has more than doubled since the early 2000s, reaching over 600 million in 2020. If current growth trends continue, it is projected to double again by 2050. The rate of urban area expansion in Africa has outpaced
Earth
The fight against climate change often centers around farmland, where competing interests of food production and sustainable energy clash. Various strategies have been proposed to mitigate the impact of agriculture on the environment, including the use of marginal lands for energy crops. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison sheds light
The Salton Sea, once a thriving body of water formed in 1905, is now facing challenges due to reduced water flow and exposure of its lakebed. This has led to an increase in dust particles being stirred up by desert winds, resulting in higher air pollution levels in nearby communities. A recent research paper in
The issue of water scarcity is becoming increasingly urgent, especially with the looming threats of climate change and socioeconomic changes. A recent study conducted by Utrecht University and published in Nature Climate Change highlights the disproportionate impact of these factors on populations in the Global South. The need for clean water is not only essential
Wildfires have become a common occurrence in California, causing devastation to both land and ecosystems. A recent study from the University of California, Davis, sheds light on the significant impact of wildfire smoke on lakes in the state. The study, published in the journal Communications: Earth & Environment, utilized a combination of lake-based sensors and
Researchers have recently made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of seismic monitoring by developing a prototype fiber optic gyroscope for high-resolution, real-time monitoring of ground rotations caused by earthquakes. The active volcanic area of Campi Flegrei in Naples, Italy has been the focus of this research, with the aim of advancing our understanding of
Recent research conducted by scientists at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has revealed alarming findings regarding the record-low levels of sea ice around Antarctica in 2023. It was determined that such a drastic reduction in sea ice was highly improbable without the influence of climate change. The study, titled “CMIP6 models rarely simulate Antarctic winter
The issue of plastic pollution in the ocean has garnered significant attention in recent years, primarily due to its harmful effects on marine life. However, a new study co-authored by Northeastern researcher Aron Stubbins reveals an additional, and perhaps more insidious, consequence of microplastics in the ocean. According to the study, microplastics may be hindering
Environmental decision-making is a complex process that is influenced by various factors. According to a recent study conducted by the University of East Anglia (UEA), recognizing and respecting the diverse ways in which nature is valued can significantly improve this process. The research, published in the journal One Earth, highlights the importance of understanding different
Carbon pricing systems have been implemented in various countries around the world as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. A recent meta-study conducted by a research team led by the MCC has shed light on the effectiveness of these systems in their initial years of operation. The research team employed
A recent study conducted by Earth scientist Niels de Winter and his colleagues has shed light on the impact of climate change on seasonal temperatures in the North Sea area. By analyzing the chemical composition of fossil shells dating back to the Pliocene era, approximately three million years ago, the researchers were able to uncover
In the midst of rising global temperatures and increased pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the focus has turned towards methane, which is known for its high global warming potential in the short term. However, the task of monitoring and quantifying methane emissions has been a challenging one due to limitations with current detection methods.
The melting of the ice sheet in Greenland has been a cause for concern in recent years due to its impact on global sea levels. As the ice sheet melts, the bedrock beneath shifts slightly, allowing researchers to track the rate of ice melt. A new method developed by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
The rate at which atmospheric carbon dioxide is increasing today has been found to be 10 times faster than at any point in the past 50,000 years. This alarming discovery was made by researchers who conducted a detailed chemical analysis of ancient Antarctic ice. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of
The transition from the African humid period (AHP) to dry conditions in North Africa serves as a stark example of climate tipping points in recent geological history. These tipping points occur when small changes within a system trigger large, non-linear responses, ultimately shifting the climate to a new state with far-reaching consequences for the biosphere.