Droughts self-propagate, just like wildfires
Up to 30% of the rainfall deficit can be caused by "drought self-propagation," the DRY–2–DRY European Research Council (ERC) project shows......»»
Wildfires tear through western US during heat wave
Wildfires fueled by soaring temperatures in the western United States have scorched thousands of acres, forcing hundreds of families to flee, US officials said Monday......»»
Scientists create guidance to help emergency managers prepare for weather hazards of the future
Climate change is fueling more severe storms and floods, droughts and fires, and communities around the world are grappling with how to prepare. Emergency managers regularly meet to examine possible disasters and discuss preparations and responses fo.....»»
Why the flaming carcasses of electrocuted birds keep starting Colorado wildfires
In the past two months alone, the flaming carcasses of electrocuted birds have ignited at least three wildfires in Colorado......»»
Heat waves and droughts cause billions of dollars in global economic losses, research finds
Severe weather costs the global economy billions of dollars a year, highlighting the costs of climate change and the value of mitigating extreme weather, according to a new analysis of weather and economic data......»»
Scientists uncover hidden source of snow melt: Dark brown carbon
Wildfires leave potent climate heaters behind in their wake, particles that enhance the absorption of sunlight and warm the atmosphere. Dropped on snow like a wool poncho, these aerosols darken and decrease the surface reflectance of snowy places......»»
Farmer suicides may rise with climate change. Is Australia prepared?
Droughts, fires, and floods can have devastating consequences for farmers' mental health......»»
Wildfires Are Contaminating Water Supplies
Wildfires don’t just destroy forest—they can increase sediment in rivers and reservoirs, spark algae blooms, and pollute watercourses with dangerous chemicals, leaving water providers to grapple with long-term consequences......»»
Hillside erosion worsening in California due to wildfires and intense rain
Over the last three decades, California has seen increasing erosion after major wildfires—a phenomenon that not only endangers water resources and ecosystems, but is also likely to worsen with climate change, according to researchers......»»
Molecularly imprinted polymers help get the stink out of smoke-tainted wine
Wildfires can damage crops, even if flames come nowhere near the plants. One outcome can be an unpleasant flavor and smell of wine that is made from grapes exposed to smoke. But researchers report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry tha.....»»
People in Brazil"s Amazon are choking on smoke and feeling the heat from rainforest wildfires
Smoke from wildfires in Brazil's Amazon rainforest Wednesday was causing people in the region to cough, burning their throats and reddening their eyes......»»
After wildfires, mudslides come: Fighting the impact of climate change on rural communities
It took more than 25 years for Rhonda MacDonald and her family to transform their 41-hectare property on the Shackan Indian Band Lands, south of Merritt, BC, into a vibrant business and homestead—but a massive 2022 debris flow changed everything in.....»»
Satellites reveal ecosystems most vulnerable to drought
More severe droughts that will also last longer: this will primarily be a problem for irrigated croplands, as discovered by environmental scientist Qi Chen. Mixed forests with a variety of plant species will be the least vulnerable. Chen compared the.....»»
On wildfires, experts say the West needs to rethink its response
Wildfires and the pain they cause to people, property and the planet are here to stay. And if Western management practices don't change to anticipate more and more record fire years, that pain may spread and worsen......»»
Brazil waging "war" on wildfires in crowded Sao Paulo state
Brazil was deploying military aircraft as part of a "war" against wildfires ravaging the southeastern state of Sao Paulo, with authorities warning on Sunday that arsonists were setting blazes......»»
South Africa"s scarce water needs careful management—study finds smaller, local systems offer more benefits
South Africa is a water-scarce country, the 30th driest in the world. Using water wisely will become more and more important as the population grows and droughts related to climate change increase. A lack of clean, fresh water has a negative impact o.....»»
EU sends water bomber planes to fight Madeira wildfires
The European Union said Thursday that two water bomber planes were headed for the Atlantic island of Madeira to bolster firefighting efforts following an emergency request from the Portuguese government......»»
Research team designs AI approach to drought zoning in Canada
A recent study by the University of Ottawa and Laval University shows that climate change may cause many areas in Canada to experience significant droughts by the end of the century. In response, the researchers have introduced an advanced AI-based m.....»»
From embers to crisis: The expanding threat of wildfires under global warming
Globally, wildfires are on the rise, driven by climate change, which exacerbates droughts and high temperatures. These fires contribute significantly to carbon emissions and particulate matter (PM2.5), with severe consequences for both climate stabil.....»»
Less severe forest fires can reduce intensity of future blazes
Not all forest fires have devastating effects. Low- and moderate-severity forest wildfires can reduce the intensity of future conflagrations for as long as 20 years in certain climates, according to new research by the University of California, Davis.....»»
Wildfires are increasing toxic mercury in streams in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, study finds
Wildfires have been burning across Idaho this summer, and their list of harmful impacts is long, from worsening health conditions because of smoke to challenges recovering millions in costs to fight them......»»