Climate models are essential tools for predicting the impacts of climate change. However, existing models face challenges in providing timely and cost-effective information at smaller scales, such as the city level. The traditional method of downscaling global climate models to generate finer details over smaller regions is computationally taxing and expensive. This limitation has prompted
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The emissions of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide or methane, soared between 1980 and 2020, releasing over 10-million metric tons into the atmosphere primarily attributed to farming practices. The Global Carbon Project’s report highlighted that agricultural activities were responsible for 74% of human-driven nitrous oxide emissions in the 2010s, mainly
Art and science come together in a unique collaboration to shed light on the invisible threat of air pollution. By using digital light painting and low-cost air pollution sensors, researchers and artists have managed to make the unseen visible. This innovative approach has allowed them to capture the levels of pollution in cities across Ethiopia,
Recent research has shed light on a concerning issue that many may not be aware of – even people with an average sense of smell could be living with a natural gas leak and not know it. These small gas leaks can have a significant impact on indoor air quality, introducing hazardous air pollutants such
As climate change continues to be a pressing concern, the impact on urban areas is becoming increasingly evident. One of the significant consequences of climate change is the increased risk of floods in urban areas due to heavy rainfall disasters. These floods pose a threat to residents and infrastructure, highlighting the need for effective risk
The global demand for cobalt and lithium for e-car batteries is expected to increase nearly 20-fold by 2050. Similarly, the development of a fossil-free power supply will lead to a doubling in the demand for copper, aluminum, and iron. Rare earth elements essential for wind turbines will also be needed in greater quantities. A recent
Recent research led by Curtin University has provided new evidence suggesting that the emergence of fresh water on Earth occurred approximately 4 billion years ago, much earlier than the previously believed timeframe. Through the analysis of ancient crystals from the Jack Hills in Western Australia’s Mid West region, researchers have been able to push back
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is stored in the form of methane hydrate under the seafloor. With at least 1,800 gigatons of carbon stored in this solid form, the potential release of methane due to climate change poses a significant threat. As temperatures rise, methane hydrate can break down into methane gas and water, leading
A recent study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University suggests that one of the most significant bursts of biodiversity in Earth’s history, known as the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event, may have been facilitated by the actions of prehistoric worms. These small creatures, which existed roughly 480 million years ago, played a vital role in
Freshwater mussels, known for their ability to remain stationary in streambeds for years, play a crucial role in indicating the cleanliness of their environment. They filter water around them and ingest organic matter, which can result in reflecting environmental contaminants like radioactive particles. Researchers from Penn State’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering recently conducted
A breakthrough discovery by scientists at UC Riverside has the potential to revolutionize the way water providers across the nation tackle the issue of “forever chemicals” in drinking water. These chemicals, known as PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances), have been widely used in various products but are now being phased out due to their harmful
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
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