climate science
Newsletter
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Unexpected temperature spike raises concerns among climate experts
Climate scientists are grappling with a sudden, unpredicted surge in global temperatures, which may signal a shift in the Earth’s climate system.
In short:
- A recent 13-month temperature spike has outpaced global heating predictions, leaving scientists uncertain.
- Experts are concerned this could indicate a fundamental change in the climate system, not just a temporary anomaly.
- Scientists are particularly alarmed by the potential loss of Earth's albedo, reducing the planet's ability to reflect heat.
Key quote:
“As climate change continues, every decade it gets warmer, the impact is larger and the consequences are greater.”
— Gavin Schmidt, director of NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
Why this matters:
Unexpected shifts in climate patterns suggest we may be underestimating the speed and severity of global warming. The inability to predict such changes could hinder effective policy responses to future climate crises.
Related coverage:
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Scientists rush to save historical data locked in melting glaciers
As glaciers worldwide melt, scientists are scrambling to retrieve vital ice cores that hold historical climate records before they are lost forever.
In short:
- Researchers are urgently retrieving ice cores from glaciers worldwide, as warming temperatures melt and corrupt these historical climate records.
- The Ice Memory Foundation aims to store ice cores in Antarctica to protect them from further damage.
- The Foundation's goal is to get cores from 20 glaciers around the world in the next 20 years and lock them away in an ice cave in the Antarctic.
- Many glaciers have already lost valuable data, raising concerns about the future availability of these critical climate archives.
Key quote:
"When you are standing on a glacier that’s literally melting under your feet, you really feel the urgency.”
— Margit Schwikowski, environmental chemist at the Paul Scherrer Institut in Germany and scientific lead for the Ice Memory Foundation.
Why this matters:
Preserving glacial ice cores is important for scientific understanding of historical climate patterns and predicting future environmental changes that can influence global efforts to combat climate change and protect public health. Read more: People are flocking to see melting glaciers before they're gone—bringing both benefit and harm.
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Hours before first presidential debate, EPA head addresses past setbacks and future challenges
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan aims to reassure employees about the agency's future and rebuke past efforts to undermine climate science.
In short:
- EPA Administrator Michael Regan will address employees today, just a few hours before the first presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, about the agency's recovery since Trump sidelined climate scientists and slashed staff.
- Regan will highlight the hiring of 5,200 new employees under Biden and emphasize the need for a robust EPA amid escalating climate crises.
- New protections have been implemented to shield EPA research from political interference in anticipation of potential future challenges.
Key quote:
“The previous administration ambushed scientific integrity — undermining our agency’s most fundamental principles.”
— Michael Regan, EPA Administrator.
Why this matters:
The future relevance of the EPA is crucial for maintaining scientific integrity and addressing climate change, especially with ongoing extreme weather events and the looming threat of policy reversal under a potential second Trump term. Read more: EPA’s “scientific integrity” program lacks teeth, group alleges.
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Astronomers join the battle against climate change
Astronomers are increasingly applying their skills to address climate issues, demonstrating the versatility of their scientific expertise.
Katrina Miller and Delger Erdenesanaa report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Astronomers have observed the impact of climate change on their field, prompting some to shift their focus towards Earth-based issues.
- Initiatives like Astronomers for Planet Earth and various educational efforts highlight the community's proactive stance on environmental activism.
- Notable figures in astronomy, including former Australian chief scientist Penny Sackett, have become prominent advocates for addressing climate change.
Key quote:
“I’m still kind of angry that, because of policymakers not doing enough to stop global heating, I felt compelled to leave astrophysics and become the climate scientist.”
— Peter Kalmus, climate scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Why this matters:
The involvement of astronomers in climate science is indicative of the urgent need for diverse scientific perspectives in combating global environmental challenges. Their unique insights help illuminate the broader implications of climate change, impacting policy and public awareness on a global scale. Read more: Unconventional pathways to science, with Dr. Katharine Hayhoe.
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Rising ocean temperatures signal potential global disruptions
As oceans warm at unprecedented rates, experts fear widespread ecological impacts.
Katrin Bennhold, David Gelles and Raymond Zhong report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Ocean temperatures are rising sharply, with a significant jump observed from March 2023, posing increased risks to marine life and ecosystems.
- Recent shipping emission regulations have inadvertently contributed to ocean warming by reducing sulfur dioxide that helped reflect sunlight.
- Scientists are alarmed by the rapid ocean warming, which has led to widespread coral bleaching affecting global fisheries.
Key quote:
"We're seeing changes in ocean temperatures that none of the climate models can explain."
— David Gelles, journalist
Why this matters:
The health of our oceans is closely tied to overall environmental stability and human health, influencing everything from weather patterns to global biodiversity. Read more: Surprise! Unexpected ocean heat waves are becoming the norm.
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Climate simulation raises alarm over potential ocean circulation collapse
A recent study by René van Westen showcases how melting Arctic freshwater could disrupt the Atlantic Ocean's circulation, potentially leading to abrupt climate changes.
In short:
- The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), crucial for regulating climate and weather patterns, may be nearing a critical "tipping point" due to increased freshwater from melting ice.
- Historical data and advanced simulations indicate the AMOC has shut down before, with significant global climate implications.
- Recent observations suggest the AMOC is weakening, raising concerns about its stability and the rapid, severe consequences of its potential collapse.
Key quote:
“In simple terms [it] would be a combined food and water security crisis on a global scale.”
— Tim Lenton, climate scientist at the University of Exeter
Why this matters:
Understanding and monitoring the AMOC's stability is vital for predicting future climate changes. A collapse could drastically alter weather patterns, affect global food and water security, and challenge our ability to adapt. Solutions exist but competing interests slow implementation.
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What happened when climate deniers met an AI chatbot?
A study points to an unexpected upside of ChatGPT's popularity.
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