Day: July 29, 2021
Wildfires are decimating the West and choking the East — it’s time for solutions
Unlike other natural disasters, wildfires endanger the health and well-being of populations near and far. Mitigation strategies could help save lives and protect the environment.
Eastern equatorial Pacific warming delayed by aerosols and thermostat response to CO2 increase
Nature Climate Change, Published online: 29 July 2021; doi:10.1038/s41558-021-01101-x
The tropical Pacific east–west temperature gradient intensified recently, but climate models do not reproduce this, and they also predict future weakening. This discrepancy is attributed to a competition between long-term weakening and transient strengthening from aerosols and ocean equatorial upwelling.
Emissions estimations should embed a precautionary principle
Nature Climate Change, Published online: 29 July 2021; doi:10.1038/s41558-021-01109-3
To align their portfolios with the Paris Agreement, investors need to know the emissions of companies they invest in. Estimating these should start from a precautionary principle that disincentivizes free-riding and protects the planet.
New insights into future tropical climate change
Nature Climate Change, Published online: 29 July 2021; doi:10.1038/s41558-021-01107-5
The difference between tropical east and west Pacific sea-surface temperatures affects local and global climate, and most climate models suggest a weaker future gradient despite a recent observed increase. Research now suggests the recent trends are due to a transient delay in east Pacific warming driven by cold water upwelling and aerosols.
Reports highlight how to repair the Appalachian economy without relying on fracking
In the wake of the Great Recession, natural gas seemed like a viable foundation for economic recovery in Pennsylvania and the greater Appalachia region, which has abundant natural gas reserves.
What Animals See in the Stars, and What They Stand to Lose
Humans aren’t the only species that navigate by starlight. Animals from birds to dung beetles may do it, too — and might become disoriented as our city lights drown out the heavens.
Louisiana photographer takes unconventional approach to capturing climate change on the Gulf Coast
Invasive species have cost UK at least £5bn since 1970s, study reveals
Financial burden of ‘alien’ animals and plants such as Japanese knotweed and European rabbit is rising, researchers warn
