Recent groundbreaking research led by an international team including UCL scientists has fundamentally redefined our understanding of the carbon-storage capabilities of miombo woodlands in Mozambique. Utilizing advanced technology, researchers discovered that these ecosystems, historically overlooked in terms of their carbon potential, could store 1.5 to 2.2 times more carbon than previously estimated by conventional methods.
Earth
Recent findings by a coalition of non-governmental organizations have revealed a disturbing presence of substances commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” in the drinking water across multiple regions of Europe. These chemicals, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are extensively used in various industries, have been identified in alarming levels in both bottled and
Methane (CH4) has emerged as one of the most potent greenhouse gases, often overshadowed by carbon dioxide in discussions on climate change. Yet, it is critical to understand that methane, particularly when released from sources such as the seabed of the North Sea, can have a fluctuating yet profound impact on our atmosphere. Oceanographer Tim
Recent investigations undertaken by esteemed researchers at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History have brought to light compelling revelations about the geological history of our planet. By meticulously analyzing ancient rocks estimated to be around 2.5 billion years old, the scientists have illuminated critical conversations around Earth’s mantle, the foundational layer residing beneath our
The retreat of high mountain glaciers has emerged as one of the most poignant indicators of climate change. Since the 1980s, this phenomenon has not only accelerated but has also introduced complex interactions between glacial meltwater and greenhouse gas dynamics. What remains ambiguous, however, is the dual role that melting glaciers might play. While they
As climate change intensifies, the urgency for effective carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies has blossomed into a central narrative in global environmental discussions. The recent advancements made by scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory exemplify critical strides towards improving our understanding of how carbon dioxide (CO2) behaves underground, particularly within vast geological reservoirs designated
Lakes are essential ecosystems, acting as hotspots of biodiversity and critical components of the Earth’s climate system. Yet, despite their importance, a dire situation looms as rising global temperatures threaten these vital bodies of water. A groundbreaking study recently published in *Nature Geoscience* warns that the world’s lakes are on the brink of experiencing unprecedented
The Northwest Passage (NWP), once envisioned as a potential game-changer in global shipping routes due to climate change, is revealing a more complex, contentious reality. Between 2007 and 2021, research highlighted in Communications Earth & Environment unveiled a concerning trend: the ice-free shipping season is shortening in key areas of this vital Arctic corridor. This
The fusion of disparate scientific fields often leads to groundbreaking advancements, and recent research suggests that cosmic rays might play a pivotal role in tornado tracking and severe weather prediction. Traditionally, storm monitoring has relied heavily on sensors, drones, and weather balloons, which typically demand access to perilous areas close to severe storms. However, a
Recent groundbreaking research conducted by scientists from China, Germany, and the United States has shed light on a startling connection between the devastating effects of wildfires and the delicate chemistry of our planet’s ozone layer. This research, published in the esteemed journal *Science Advances*, particularly emphasizes the repercussions of unprecedented wildfire events, exemplified by the
Recent research from the University of Michigan has unveiled a stark reality: the vanishing sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctic is not just a local phenomenon but a global disaster in the making. Since 1980, the chilling effect of Arctic sea ice has diminished by nearly a quarter, while the world has seen a
Recent advancements in climate science have shed light on the complex interactions between regional climate drivers and the Antarctic Ice Sheet, emphasizing the critical role these processes play in predicting global sea level rise. Monash University’s groundbreaking research led by prominent scientists offers a comprehensive examination of the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and the El
Forests have long been hailed as natural champions in the battle against climate change due to their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and store it within their biological structures. However, recent research challenges this optimistic view, particularly concerning forests in the Western United States. This research, led by a team from the Cary Institute of
The Andean Plateau, a colossal expanse in South America, stands as one of the highest and most significant geological features on the planet, soaring over 4,000 meters above sea level. Formed through an intricate process known as orogeny, which involves the collision and compression of tectonic plates, this plateau has drawn the attention of geologists
Rivers are often associated with traditional ecological studies, where the examination primarily hinges on vegetation types and sediment analysis. These methods have served as foundational approaches for understanding river systems but have limitations that leave considerable gaps in our comprehensive understanding. Riccardo Maitan, a rapidly advancing Ph.D. candidate at the University of Padova, is spearheading