The 4.2 thousand years ago (ka) megadrought is often cited as a significant turning point in Earth’s climatic history, associated with the decline of several ancient civilizations. This event has for long been considered a cornerstone in the understanding of climatic upheaval during the Holocene epoch, which started approximately 11,700 years ago. However, recent research
Earth
In the quest to understand climate change’s trajectory, scientists often turn to natural archives that can provide context for how our present situation compares to the past. Among these, coral reefs stand out as remarkable biological archives, preserving decades—even centuries—of climatic data. Recent findings led by Dr. Juan Pablo D’Olivo and Professor Jens Zinke, in
A recent groundbreaking study has unveiled a startling reality: a staggering 4.4 billion individuals—over half of the world’s population—are currently deprived of safe drinking water. This insight comes from a collaboration among environmental scientists published in the esteemed journal Science. With the global populace nearing 8 billion, the implications of this research are profound, highlighting
The Colorado River, a vital lifeline for millions, traverses seven U.S. states and Mexico, serving critical functions in hydropower, agriculture, and drinking water supply. This river’s fate is tied not just to its flow but significantly to the snowpack that accumulates during winter. Each spring, water managers look toward this snowpack as a predictor of
The method of hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, has become a focal point of environmental and economic discourse in recent years. However, beneath its technical surface lies a fundamental issue concerning land negotiations between energy companies and landholders. According to a recent study led by Binghamton University researchers, the tactics employed by energy firms
In the intricate web of global ecosystems, montane forests in Africa emerge as significant reservoirs of biodiversity and essential water supply sources for millions. However, recent research highlights a looming crisis: over the past two decades, extensive deforestation in these montane environments has had a more profound impact on climate conditions than the broader effects
The nitrogen cycle plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth by facilitating the transfer of nitrogen through various ecosystems. However, human activities have dramatically altered this cycle, pushing it beyond sustainable limits. The widespread use of synthetic fertilizers in agriculture and the burning of fossil fuels have introduced significant amounts of nitrogen pollutants
Understanding the long-term cycling of carbon on Earth has long perplexed scientists, particularly in the context of marine ecosystems. Organic carbon in marine sediments plays a crucial role in regulating atmospheric gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide, directly influencing climate and environmental conditions. As researchers explore this vital aspect of biogeochemistry, breakthroughs in our comprehension
Recent research has shed light on an alarming correlation between air pollution and the intensity of summertime thunderstorms. A team of researchers at James Madison University led by geography professor Mace Bentley has discovered that urban pollution serves as a catalyst for increased lightning activity during thunderstorms. This insight emerges from a comprehensive study that
Volcanic eruptions are among the most dramatic manifestations of Earth’s geological processes. The variable nature of these eruptions—with some exhibiting a serene effusion of lava while others unleash catastrophic explosions—has intrigued scientists for years. The complexity lies largely beneath the surface, where the interactions of gas with molten rock called magma play a critical role
In recent years, the narrative surrounding corporate responsibility and sustainability has gained substantial traction, with many companies proclaiming their commitment to carbon reduction or achieving carbon neutrality. However, a study conducted by researchers at Kyoto University reveals that these claims may often be overstated or even misleading. Their investigation into the voluntary carbon market (VCM)
In recent years, as climate change continues to escalate, the importance of understanding its influence on extreme weather events has become ever more crucial. Researchers from Stanford University and Colorado State University have embarked on a pioneering journey, unveiling a cost-effective, swift method for analyzing the impacts of global warming on individual extreme weather occurrences.