science
Newsletter
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Scientists warn of major ice sheet loss due to small temperature rise
A minor increase in ocean temperature could drastically accelerate ice sheet melting and raise sea levels much more than current models predict.
In short:
- Warm seawater intruding under coastal ice sheets melts them, creating cavities that further enhance melting and ice loss.
- Computer models show that even a small rise in water temperature could trigger significant ice sheet collapse.
- This process may be responsible for underestimating past sea level rises and poses severe future risks.
Key quote:
“With every tenth of a degree of ocean warming, we get closer and closer to passing this tipping point.”
— Dr. Alexander Bradley, British Antarctic Survey
Why this matters:
The urgency of addressing climate change becomes more apparent with each new study. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and enhancing coastal resilience are steps that must be accelerated to prevent the most severe outcomes of a warming planet.
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Federal agencies move to protect climate science from political interference
Federal agencies are implementing measures to safeguard scientific research from potential political meddling.
Maxine Joselow and Scott Dance report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new contract includes provisions allowing employees to report political meddling without fear of retribution.
- Policies to protect scientific integrity are being strengthened at NOAA and the Commerce Department.
- Advocates argue these measures are necessary but not foolproof against future political changes.
Key quote:
“It will be impossible to fully Trump-proof any agency or protect any scientist if Trump wins a new term and either the House or Senate is in Republican control. Then there will be absolutely no meaningful oversight.”
— Tim Whitehouse, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility
Why this matters:
The integrity of scientific research, especially on climate change, is vital for informed policy-making and public trust. Safeguarding these processes from political interference ensures that decisions are based on accurate and unbiased information.
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California officials see new Mexican president as a strong ally in climate policy
California leaders welcome Claudia Sheinbaum's election as Mexico's new president, anticipating collaboration on climate change and clean energy initiatives.
In short:
- Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and engineer, is Mexico's newly elected president, offering potential for enhanced cross-border climate cooperation.
- California officials are optimistic about partnering with Sheinbaum on clean energy and environmental issues, given her background and commitment to renewable energy.
- The relationship between California and Mexico has been strong, with agreements in place to address climate challenges such as drought and transportation emissions.
Key quote:
“Having an engineer whose background is working on climate, it’s a big deal.”
— Eduardo Garcia, Assemblymember
Why this matters:
Sheinbaum’s presidency could strengthen California's climate efforts through joint projects, particularly in renewable energy and emissions reduction. Her scientific expertise and focus on sustainable development align with California's environmental priorities.
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World on brink of surpassing critical climate threshold, UN warns
The United Nations cautions that imminent climate targets may be breached, with global temperatures predicted to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius, urging immediate action to mitigate severe future impacts.
In short:
- A survey revealed that nearly 80% of top IPCC scientists anticipate a temperature rise above catastrophic levels.
- The urgency for action is echoed by climate leaders, emphasizing the narrow window to adhere to the 1.5C goal.
- Stakeholders express frustration over the disconnect between scientific warnings and political, economic actions.
Key quote:
"The science is clear and so are the world’s scientists: the stakes for all humanity could not be higher."
— Official spokesperson for António Guterres, UN Secretary General
Why this matters:
This expected increase in temperatures isn't just a matter of hotter days; it encompasses a cascade of effects that could severely disrupt ecosystems, economies, and livelihoods. Rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events like hurricanes and droughts, and significant impacts on biodiversity are just a few of the potential consequences. These changes threaten to overwhelm natural and human systems, which are already struggling to cope with current climate variability.
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Scientists predict severe climate impacts as global warming targets are missed. How do they face the future?
Amid growing global temperatures, scientists fear devastating future impacts, but emphasize that the fight against climate change cannot be abandoned.
In short:
- Climate experts predict temperatures will exceed the 1.5C goal, potentially reaching a catastrophic 3C increase.
- A recent survey indicates most climate scientists believe the 1.5C target is unachievable, with severe consequences expected globally.
- Despite these dire predictions, experts stress the importance of continued efforts to mitigate climate change impacts.
Key quote:
"Sometimes it is almost impossible not to feel hopeless and broken. After all the flooding, fires, and droughts of the last three years worldwide, all related to climate change, and after the fury of Hurricane Otis in Mexico, my country, I really thought governments were ready to listen to the science, to act in the people’s best interest."
— Ruth Cerezo-Mota, climate scientist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico
Why this matters:
If temperatures rise to 3 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the consequences could be devastating. We could see more frequent and severe weather events like hurricanes, heatwaves, and droughts, all of which pose significant threats to ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. For instance, increased heat can exacerbate respiratory disorders and cardiovascular diseases and limit people’s ability to work outdoors, impacting livelihoods, especially in already vulnerable communities.
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Renowned soil ecologist Diana Wall passes away, leaving a lasting impact at CSU
Renowned environmental scientist Diana Wall, known for her pivotal contributions to soil ecology and sustainability, died on March 25, leaving behind a profound legacy at Colorado State University.
In short:
- Diana Wall, a highly respected scientist at Colorado State University, significantly advanced our understanding of soil biodiversity and its critical links to climate change.
- Her interdisciplinary research emphasized the vital role of nematodes in soil ecosystems and their resilience in extreme environments like Antarctica.
- Wall's dedication extended beyond research; she was a key figure in developing CSU’s School of Global Environmental Sustainability and a mentor to many in the scientific community.
Key quote:
"Diana was not only a brilliant ecologist, but also kind, and she treated people and the planet with utmost respect."
— CSU President Amy Parsons
Why this matters:
Diana Wall's work helped us understand the subtle yet crucial interplay between soil health and global climate patterns. Her legacy continues through ongoing research and the many scientists she inspired, emphasizing the lasting impact of committed researchers on both academia and global environmental policy.
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Election rematch could shape US science policy for years
The upcoming election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden could drastically alter the future of environmental, public health, and international scientific collaboration policies.
Jeff Tollefson, Natasha Gilbert, Max Kozlov, and Mariana Lenharo report for Nature.
In short:
- Trump and Biden offer starkly different visions for climate change action, with Trump aiming to roll back environmental regulations and Biden pushing for clean-energy innovation.
- Public health funding and policy approaches also divide the candidates, with Biden supporting increased funding for health research and Trump's history of attempting to cut it.
- Immigration and international collaboration could see changes, impacting scientists and research globally, with each candidate's policy having significant implications.
Key quote:
“It’s a trope to say that every election is critical, but this election is particularly stark in the two paths that it presents for the United States.”
— Alexander Barron, environmental scientist at Smith College
Why this matters:
This election's outcome could significantly influence the United States' approach to critical issues like climate change, public health, and international scientific collaboration. The direction taken not only affects the nation's health outcomes but also its position on the global stage in tackling some of today's most pressing challenges.
Opinion: House Speaker Mike Johnson’s climate change playbook — deny the science, take the funding.
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