Pollution teams with thunderclouds to warm atmosphere
New simulation study shows that atmosphere warms when pollution intensifies storms. How much the warming effect of these clouds offsets the cooling that other clouds provide is not yet clear.
1,000 years of climate data confirms Australia's warming
In the first study of its kind in Australasia, scientists have used 27 natural climate records to create the first large-scale temperature reconstruction for the region over the last 1,000 years.
Humanmade pollutants may be driving Earth's tropical belt expansion: May impact large-scale atmospheric circulation
Black carbon aerosols and tropospheric ozone, both humanmade pollutants emitted predominantly in the Northern Hemisphere's low- to mid-latitudes, are most likely pushing the boundary of the tropics further poleward in that hemisphere, new research shows. While stratospheric ozone depletion has already been shown to be the primary driver of the expansion of the tropics in the Southern Hemisphere, the researchers are the first to report that black carbon and tropospheric ozone are the most likely primary drivers of the tropical expansion observed in the Northern Hemisphere.
Ancient tree-ring records from southwest U.S. suggest today's megafires are truly unusual
Today's mega forest fires of the southwestern U.S. are truly unusual and exceptional in the long-term record, suggests an unprecedented study that examined 1,500 years of ancient tree ring and fire data from two distinct climate periods. Researchers constructed and analyzed a statistical model and found that today's dry, hot climate combined with the past century of human fire suppression is causing megafires.
Statistical analysis projects future temperatures in North America
For the first time, researchers have been able to combine different climate models using spatial statistics -- to project future seasonal temperature changes in regions across North America.
The planet is warming up, especially at the poles. How do organisms react to this rise in temperatures? Biologists have now shown that little auks, the most common seabirds in the Arctic, are adapting their fishing behavior to warming surface waters in the Greenland Sea. So far, their reproductive and survival rates have not been affected. However, further warming could threaten the species.
Measuring CO2 to fight global warming, enforce future treaty
If the world's nations ever sign a treaty to limit emissions of climate-warming carbon dioxide gas, there may be a way to help verify compliance. Using measurements from only three carbon-dioxide (monitoring stations in the Salt Lake Valley, the method could reliably detect changes in CO2 emissions of 15 percent or more, researchers report.
Time, place and how wood is used are factors in carbon emissions from deforestation
A new study holds implications for the impact of biofuels production on deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. The volume of greenhouse gas released when a forest is cleared depends on how the trees will be used and in which part of the world the trees are grown.
NASA's new carbon-counting instrument leaves the nest
Its construction now complete, the science instrument that is the heart of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) spacecraft -- NASA's first mission dedicated to studying atmospheric carbon dioxide -- has left its nest at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., and has arrived at its integration and test site in Gilbert, Ariz.
The area of the globe covered by wetlands (swamps, marshes, lakes, etc.) has dropped by 6% in fifteen years. This decline is particularly severe in tropical and subtropical regions, and in areas that have experienced the largest increases in population in recent decades.
Potential instability in West Antarctic Ice Sheet from newly discovered basin size of New Jersey
Scientists have uncovered a previously unknown sub-glacial basin nearly the size of New Jersey beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet near the Weddell Sea. The location, shape and texture of the mile-deep basin suggest that this region of the ice sheet is at a much greater risk of collapse than previously thought.
New weak point discovered in the Antarctic ice sheet
The Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf fringing the Weddell Sea, Antarctica, may start to melt rapidly in this century and no longer act as a barrier for ice streams draining the Antarctic Ice Sheet, new research shows.
Antarctic octopus study shows West Antarctic Ice Sheet may have collapsed 200,000 years ago
Scientists have found that genetic information on the Antarctic octopus supports studies indicating that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could have collapsed during its history, possibly as recently as 200,000 years ago.
Effect of groundwater use: Using water from wells leads to sea level rise, cancels out effect of dams
As people pump groundwater for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial uses, the water doesn't just seep back into the ground -- it also evaporates into the atmosphere, or runs off into rivers and canals, eventually emptying into the world's oceans. This water adds up, and a new study calculates that by 2050, groundwater pumping will cause a global sea level rise of about 0.8 millimeters per year.
Not always safety in numbers when it comes to extinction risk
A basic tenet underpinning scientists' understanding of extinction is that more abundant species persist longer than their less abundant counterparts. A new study reveals a much more complex relationship. A team of scientists analyzed more than 46,000 fossils from 52 sites and found that greater numbers did indeed help clam-like brachiopods survive the Ordovician extinction. Surprisingly, abundance did not help brachiopod species persist for extended periods outside of the extinction event.
Adirondack lakes in North Eastern US lose ice cover as climate warms: Most pristine lake marks biggest change
Researchers have found lakes in the undeveloped High Peaks area of the Adirondack Park are covered with ice for significantly shorter periods than they were 32 years ago, providing evidence that climate change is occurring rapidly. Not even the most pristine wilderness areas are immune.
New research brings satellite measurements and global climate models closer
One popular climate record that shows a slower atmospheric warming trend than other studies contains a data calibration problem, and when the problem is corrected the results fall in line with other records and climate models, according to a new study.
April 2012: Earth’s 5th Warmest On Record And La Niña Officially Ends, So The Heat Is On.
JR: It’s remarkable how warm it was globally in April considering that we were only just coming out of a double dip La Niña. If we don’t triple dip, we’ll set more temperature records soon. Indeed, NOAA models predict a good chance of an El Niño forming in the late summer, which would make it quite [...]
Connecting The Dots: The Clean Energy Solutions Center Is Making A Difference For Policymakers
by Adam James Ever hear the one about the Icelandic geothermal systems engineer and the Kenyan project developer who walk into a bar? As interesting this meeting might be, it’s unlikely to happen anywhere but in a bad renewable energy joke. Or at a geothermal conference. Enter the Clean Energy Solutions Center, a new website [...]
A cyber-penny for your thoughts. Related Post: Cartoonist Tom Toles slams GOP denial: “They have turned their faces away from climate change in a way that is simply and utterly unforgivable.”
Half Of U.S. Nonresidential Construction To Be ‘Green’ By 2015: Firms Must Embrace Sector ‘To Stay Competitive’
This may come as a big surprise: The U.S. commercial construction sector is facing a shortage of skilled workers. After a period of steep decline in commercial construction stemming from the 2008 financial crisis — forcing mass layoffs throughout the industry — that seems like an absurd notion. But activity is picking back up. By [...]
Public Opinion Snapshot: Americans Still Support Environmental Protection
by Ruy Teixeira Given today’s economic problems, you’d think the public would be in a surly mood about environmental protection, seeing it as a secondary and perhaps conflicting priority to jobs and economic growth. That’s certainly what conservatives are hoping as they continue to push their environment-wrecking agenda. Turns out, though, the public didn’t get [...]
Asthma, Baby, Asthma: House Energy Committee Eliminates Protection From Smog
by Jackie Weidman and Daniel J. Weiss Last year, the House Republican majority cast 191 votes to weaken safeguards for our air, land, water, and climate. Their efforts to shred these protections continued yesterday when the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed two bills that would block protections from air pollution while allowing more oil [...]
by Elaine Gallagher, via Rocky Mountain Institute Where does your energy come from? Although I live in Colorado now, I grew up in East Tennessee, where many people still assume their power is fairly clean, dominated by 90-year-old hydroelectric plants. In truth, more than 50 percent of my family’s electricity was generated from coal, and [...]
Study: Extreme Rain Storms In Midwest Have Doubled In Last 50 Years
Research via the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization Devastating extreme rain events are part of a growing trend in the Midwest, according to a new report looking at 50 years of storm data. Over the last five decades, the types of deluges that washed out towns in Iowa, forced the Army Corps of Engineers to intentionally [...]
May 18 News: Vermont Becomes First U.S. State To Ban Fracking
A round-up of the top climate and energy news. Please post other links below. Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin on Wednesday signed into law the nation’s first ban on a hotly debated natural gas drilling technique that involves blasting chemical-laced water deep into the ground. [Associated Press] Shumlin said the increased amounts of natural gas obtainable [...]
Department Of Commerce Slaps Large Tariffs On Chinese Solar Modules
In a long-awaited decision, the U.S. Commerce Department has issued a preliminary decision to apply tariffs to Chinese-made solar modules being imported into the U.S. The tariffs range from 31 percent to 250 percent. The preliminary tariffs were issued after a lengthy investigation by the Commerce Department into whether Chinese companies are “dumping” solar panels [...]
While Leading Effort To Prevent Life-Saving EPA Standards, Inhofe Says Mercury Is A ‘Real Pollutant’
The Environment Protection Agency’s landmark mercury and air toxics standards, announced in December, would reduce pollutants from coal power plants, saving 11,000 lives, prevent 130,000 asthma attacks and avoid 4,700 heart attacks. But Sen. James Inhofe has found the required 30 Senators to bring the rule to a Senate vote. In an event with FreedomWorks, [...]
by Michael D. Lemonick, via Climate Central The sea ice that blankets the Arctic Ocean each winter peaked in early March this year, as usual, and is now in retreat, en route to its annual minimum extent in September. How low it will go is something scientists worry: Ice reflects lots of sunlight back into [...]
A National Clean Energy Standard Is Good Policy — And Good Politics
by Richard W. Caperton Do anti-clean energy senators have any idea what Americans want? If this morning’s hearing on the Clean Energy Standard Act of 2012 is any guide, they don’t. The truth is that Americans support a clean energy target for this country. Senators should listen to the American public and pass this bill. [...]
Support Climate Scientists And Look Cool Doing So!
By Scott Mandia via his blog Help the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund (CSLDF) raise money to cover the costs of Dr. Mann’s legal defense as well as other scientists who face similar challenges. To help raise money and reward those that contribute, we have rounded up some cool designs and gifts. CSLDF thanks Nicole Martinez and Lunchbreathwho [...]
A Million People tell EPA to Adopt Proposed Carbon Pollution Rule
Make your voice heard by clicking HERE to submit a favorable comment to the EPA today! by Jackie Weidman As of this morning, more than one million comments supporting carbon pollution limits have been submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the first month of the commenting period these statements from families and individuals [...]
Fulfilling API’s Wish List, Colorado Republicans Offer More Bills To Throw Open Public Lands To Drilling
By Jessica Goad Yesterday, the House Natural Resources Committee passed three bills to mandate and encourage oil and gas drilling in the West. All of the bills throw open more public lands to drilling, mirroring the wishes of the oil lobby, the American Petroleum Institute (API). Just two days ago, API released a report outlining [...]
Op-Ed From Republican Business Owner: ‘Wind Is An American Success Story In Iowa’
It must have been the attack ads criticizing clean energy that caused Republican Rob Hatch to speak up. A 10-year veteran of the wind industry, Hatch, who calls himself a former “Iowa farm boy,” has expanded his wind business to 28 employees. And now he’s defending his livelihood from the “oil billionaires spending millions of [...]
May 17 News: Countries Need To Ensure Timely Action On Durban Plan, Says Climate Chief
A round-up of the top climate and energy news. Please post other links below. Countries which agreed to sign a deal in 2015 to cut greenhouse gas emissions should set milestones this year to ensure the necessary work is done on time, the United Nations’ climate chief said on Wednesday. [Reuters] The growing number of [...]
Heartland CEO Joe Bast Calls Bill McKibben and Michael Mann ‘Madmen’
The Heartland Institute is doubling down on its widely-condemned effort to label leading proponents of climate science as “murderers, tyrants, and madmen.” CEO Joe Bast has sent a letter to one of the scholars who “have expressed trepidation about continuing their long-time associations with us.” Not to worry, says Bast, we’re still into wacky hate speech, [...]
Obama’s Biggest Climate Decision Of The Year May Be … Palm Oil?
by Glenn Hurowitz The Obama administration is poised to make one of the biggest climate policy decisions of its entire administration – and it’s not about coal, oil, or gas, but rainforests. EPA is deciding whether or not palm oil should be included in the Renewable Fuel Standard, which mandates that American motorists use 36 [...]
Mountain countries seek to unite, air concerns about climate change
Mountain countries from around the world are seeking a common voice in global climate change negotiations to draw attention to the vulnerabilities of mountain areas.
Imagine you are sitting in your office simply doing your job and a nasty e-mail pops into your inbox accusing you of being a fraud. You go online and find that some bloggers have written virulent posts about you. That night, you're at home with your family watching the news and a talking head is lambasting you by name. Later, a powerful politician demands all your e-mails from your former employer.
Could big cities lead the fight against climate change?
They are the world's cultural capitals, the nerve centers of innovation and the engine rooms of economic growth, but could cities also hold the key to cutting carbon emissions long-term?
A second batch of e-mails thought to originate from the UK research unit involved in the "Climategate" controversy in 2009 has been posted on the Internet.
Climate change is shrinking many plant and animal species and is likely to have a negative impact on human nutrition in the future, according to a new study.
Justices reject multistate lawsuit over global warming
The Supreme Court on Monday unanimously tossed out a massive lawsuit brought by several states against private power companies whose greenhouse-gas emissions are accused of presenting a "public nuisance."
Australia's parliament passed landmark laws to impose a price on carbon emissions on Tuesday in one of the biggest economic reforms in a decade, giving new impetus to December's global climate talks in South Africa.
Natural disasters tied to climate change not only cause physical damage but create significant health costs in terms of hospitalizations and lives lost, according to a study published Monday.
China announced Friday it will phase out incandescent light bulbs within five years in an attempt to make the world's most polluting nation more energy efficient.
Scientists on an aerial survey of Antarctica have come across an 18-mile-long break in an ice shelf, a sign that the unstable area is giving birth to an iceberg likely to be larger than New York City.
MINNEAPOLIS — The annual meeting of the Geological Society of America isn't the type of affair one might associate with outrage among the citizenry — or anyone, really.
Skeptic finds he now agrees global warming is real
A prominent physicist and skeptic of global warming spent two years trying to find out if mainstream climate scientists were wrong. In the end, he determined they were right: Temperatures really are rising rapidly.
Crop scientists in the United States, the world's largest food exporter, are pondering an odd question: could the danger of global warming really be the heat?
Future of Tech: A high-tech crop insurance company aims to make farming profitable — and a profit for itself — by writing policies that offer protection against floods, frosts, droughts and other bouts of crop-damaging weather that are on the rise.
A Danish shipper says it saved a third of the cost and nearly half the time in shipping goods to China by taking advantage of receding Arctic ice to sail north of Russia instead of via the Suez Canal.
