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In Texas, the Heat Index Is Rising Faster Than the Temperature
In Texas, the Heat Index Is Rising Faster Than the Temperature A new study of summer weather in Texas finds the heat index — an indicator of how hot it feels outside — is rising much faster than the temperature. The reason, scientists say, is that warming is leading to a rise in humidity. Historically […]
Global ‘Stilling’: Is Climate Change Slowing Down the Wind?
Global ‘Stilling’: Is Climate Change Slowing Down the Wind? As carbon dioxide levels rise and the Earth’s poles warm, researchers are predicting a decline in the planet’s wind speeds. This ‘stilling’ could impact wind energy production and plant growth and might even affect the Gulf Stream, which drives much of the world’s climate. Last year, […]
On the Water-Starved Colorado River, Drought Is the New Normal
CRISIS ON THE COLORADO: PART II On the Water-Starved Colorado River, Drought Is the New Normal With the Southwest locked in a 19-year drought and climate change making the region increasingly drier, water managers and users along the Colorado River are facing a troubling question: Are we in a new, more arid era when there […]
The West’s Great River Hits Its Limits: Will the Colorado Run Dry?
The West’s Great River Hits Its Limits: Will the Colorado Run Dry? As the Southwest faces rapid growth and unrelenting drought, the Colorado River is in crisis, with too many demands on its diminishing flow. Now those who depend on the river must confront the hard reality that their supply of Colorado water may be […]
As Disease Ravages Coral Reefs, Scientists Scramble for Solutions
A research diver looks for signs of stony coral tissue loss disease in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. JIM ABERNETHY As Disease Ravages Coral Reefs, Scientists Scramble for Solutions As oceans warm, coral reefs are suffering not only from bleaching but from deadly outbreaks of disease. Researchers are developing remedies, but the key question is […]
How China’s Big Overseas Initiative Threatens Global Climate Progress
Trucks hauling coal at a Chinese-financed open-pit mine in Pakistan’s Sindh province in May 2018. RIZWAN TABASSUM / AFP / GETTY IMAGES How China’s Big Overseas Initiative Threatens Global Climate Progress China’s Belt and Road Initiative is a colossal infrastructure plan that could transform the economies of nations around the world. But with its focus […]
Carbon Crossroads: Can Germany Revive Its Stalled Energy Transition?
A wind turbine operating next to the Niederaussem coal-fired power plant near Bergheim, Germany. LUKAS SCHULZE/GETTY IMAGES Carbon Crossroads: Can Germany Revive Its Stalled Energy Transition? Although Germany has been a global leader in moving to decarbonize its massive economy, the country’s ambitious clean-energy transformation is faltering. Now, a broad spectrum of energy experts are […]
Carbon Capture – Does it Work?
Carbon Capture – Does it Work? Photo Source Nicholas A. Tonelli | CC BY 2.0 Harken! Good news (maybe) “encouraging news” is a better description, as Negative Emissions Technology (“NET”) starts coming into focus. Conceptually, carbon removal or direct air capture removes CO2 from the atmosphere, which would be great for suppressing climate change. In […]
Greenwashed Timber: How Sustainable Forest Certification Has Failed
Greenwashed Timber: How Sustainable Forest Certification Has Failed The Forest Stewardship Council was established to create an international system for certifying sustainable wood. But critics say it has had minimal impact on tropical deforestation and at times has served only to provide a cover for trafficking in illegal timber. When the Forest Stewardship Council got […]
What a Trump Win Means For the Global Climate Fight
What a Trump Win Means For the Global Climate Fight Donald Trump’s ascension to the presidency signals an end to American leadership on international climate policy. With the withdrawal of U.S. support, efforts to implement the Paris agreement and avoid the most devastating consequences of global warming have suffered a huge blow. With the unexpected triumph […]
How Climate Change Could Jam The World’s Ocean Circulation
How Climate Change Could Jam The World’s Ocean Circulation Scientists are closely monitoring a key current in the North Atlantic to see if rising sea temperatures and increased freshwater from melting ice are altering the “ocean conveyor belt” — a vast oceanic stream that plays a major role in the global climate system. Mariusz Kluzniak/Flickr Melting […]
Point-Counterpoint: Ethanol
The Case for More Ethanol: Why Green Critics Are Wrong The criticism of ethanol by environmentalists is misguided and just plain wrong. In fact, thanks to improvements in farming techniques, increasing the amount of corn ethanol in U.S. gasoline would reduce air pollution, provide significant health benefits, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. For almost as long […]
As Drought Grips South Africa, A Conflict Over Water and Coal
As Drought Grips South Africa, A Conflict Over Water and Coal Facing one of the worst droughts in memory, South Africa’s leaders have doubled down on their support of the water-intensive coal industry. But clean energy advocates say the smartest move would be to back the country’s burgeoning wind and solar power sectors. Until a ferocious […]
Abrupt Sea Level Rise Looms As Increasingly Realistic Threat
Abrupt Sea Level Rise Looms As Increasingly Realistic Threat Ninety-nine percent of the planet’s freshwater ice is locked up in the Antarctic and Greenland ice caps. Now, a growing number of studies are raising the possibility that as those ice sheets melt, sea levels could rise by six feet this century, and far higher in the […]
For James Hansen, the Science Demands Activism on Climate
For James Hansen, the Science Demands Activism on Climate Climate scientist James Hansen has crossed the classic divide between research and activism. In an interview with Yale Environment 360, he responds to critics and explains why he believes the reality of climate change requires him to speak out. Climate scientist James Hansen has been a prominent […]
