Heat, drought, fires threaten Lebanon"s northern forests
Heat waves, low rainfall and the threat of wildfires are compounding the woes of people in the forested north of Lebanon, a country where economic pain has long taken prominence over environmental concerns......»»
Harvest starts very early in Sicily"s drought-hit vineyards
On the hills of the Contessa Entellina vineyard in western Sicily, the harvest is already well underway, the grapes ripening earlier than usual because of drought and high temperatures......»»
July ends 13-month streak of global heat records as El Nino ebbs, but experts warn against relief
Earth's string of 13 straight months with a new average heat record came to an end this past July as the natural El Niño climate pattern ebbed, the European climate agency Copernicus announced Wednesday......»»
How the Olympics Are Saving Athletes from Heat Stress
Climate change-driven heat endangers Olympians. Here’s how the Games are helping competitors cool down.....»»
How Heat Index, Dew Point and Wet-Bulb Temperature Describe Summer Weather
When heat hits, we talk about the heat index, the dew point and heat risk. But what do all these measures mean?.....»»
How Extreme Heat Harms Planes, Trains, Water Mains and Other Crucial Infrastructure
Scorching temperatures are further burdening an already-troubled infrastructure system across much of the U.S. in ways people are still learning to recognize.....»»
Love the Ocean? Thank a Shark
Sharks provide multiple benefits for ocean ecosystems: their declining numbers threaten habitats for baby fish.....»»
Drone flights and 3D scans: Scientist uses cutting-edge tech to protect Madagascar"s vulnerable forests
In a new study published today in the journal Plants, People, Planet, scientist Jenny Williams from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, highlights how the use of drones can help curb the loss of Madagascar's biodiverse forests through illegal deforestati.....»»
Impact of drought on drinking water contamination: Disparities found affecting Latino/a communities
Long-term exposure to contaminants such as arsenic and nitrate in water is linked to an increased risk of various diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, developmental disorders and birth defects in infants......»»
Common tree in São Paulo (Brazil) tolerates extreme drought and can help mitigate adverse effects of climate change
One of the three main tree species in São Paulo city, Brazil—the largest mega-city in the southern hemisphere—is the Tipuana (Tipuana tipu), also known as rosewood or tipu, a tall tree with a large spreading canopy. It is tolerant of extreme dro.....»»
Green belts need modernizing—a more "multifunctional" approach can benefit people and planet
Green belts are more than just spaces; for many people, they're places providing a brief escape from the city. Land designated as green belt—and protected from building—can also store carbon and hold water at times of flooding and drought......»»
Most existing heat wave indices fail to capture heat wave severity, experts report
Even though climate change is bringing more frequent and severe heat waves, there is no standard, global way to measure heat-wave severity, and existing indices have different thresholds for defining dangerous heat-stress conditions......»»
Middle-aged radicalization: Why are so many of Britain"s rioters in their 40s and 50s?
Look closely at the pictures of the violent unrest that has spread across England and Northern Ireland and you will notice something that is not being spoken about. The rioters seen fighting, attacking police and setting fire to buildings are often m.....»»
How efficiently different US forests will remove atmospheric carbon in the future
Forests absorb carbon by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making forest carbon stocks an important resource against climate change. In research published in Ecology and Evolution, investigators examined existing tree regeneration pattern.....»»
Nanomaterials may enhance plant tolerance to high soil salt levels
Soil salt concentrations above the optimal threshold for plant growth can threaten global food security by compromising agricultural productivity and crop quality. An analysis published in Physiologia Plantarum has examined the potential of nanomater.....»»
Tundra vegetation to grow taller, greener through 2100, study finds
Warming global climate is changing the vegetation structure of forests in the far north. It's a trend that will continue at least through the end of this century, according to NASA researchers. The change in forest structure could absorb more of the.....»»
More than 120 people died in Tokyo from heatstroke in July as average temperatures hit record highs
More than 120 people died of heatstroke in the Tokyo metropolitan area in July, when the nation's average temperature hit record highs and heat warnings were in effect much of the month, Japanese authorities said Tuesday......»»
Forests destroyed by wildfires emit carbon long after the flames die—new study
Even in Earth's high northern-latitude forest, climate change is predicted to make wildfires more frequent and severe......»»
Groundwater reserves in southwestern Europe more stable overall than previously thought
Groundwater is a vital resource, sustaining plants and ecosystems, ensuring agricultural production and serving as a core component of drinking water supplies. However, climate change and anthropogenic pressures can threaten groundwater availability,.....»»
Farmers innovate to save Iraq"s rice production
After seeing his once-lush rice field shrink in recent years due to relentless drought, Iraqi farmer Muntazer al-Joufi fought back using tougher seeds and water-saving irrigation techniques......»»
A new way of thinking about the economy could help protect the Amazon, and help its people thrive
To protect the Amazon and support the well-being of its people, its economy must shift from environmentally harmful production to a model built around the diversity of indigenous and rural communities, and standing forests......»»