Analysis: Export Oil, Import Water – the Middle East’s Risky Economics
A recent study of NASA satellite data found that parts of Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran along the Tigris and Euphrates river basins had lost 144 cubic kilometres of water from 2003 to 2009, roughly equivalent to the volume of the Dead Sea. With scientist predicting an increase in extreme weather events, adaptability has become increasingly important.
Tipping Points: Can Humanity Break The Planet?
A paper published in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution suggests that while human society does a very thorough job of modifying and, often enough, permanently and abruptly changing the dynamics of local and regional ecosystems, the collective impact of all this on a planetary scale is too often overstated.
Volcanic Aerosols, Not Pollutants, Tamped Down Recent Earth Warming, A Study
A new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder indicates emissions from moderate volcanoes around the world, can mask some of the effects of global warming.
Extreme Weather Linked To Giant Waves in the Atmosphere
Extreme weather events have been on the rise in the last few decades, and man-made climate change may be causing them by interfering with global air-flow patterns, according to new research.
Green Energy Solves Dual Crises of Poverty and Climate
Green energy is the only way to bring billions of people out of energy poverty and prevent a climate disaster, a new study reveals.
CIWEM environmental photographer of the year 2013 entries – in pictures
Outstanding images of climate change, poverty and development will go on display at an exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society, London, from 10 April – 3 May 2013. The exhibition aims to enhance understanding of climate change and social inequality…
Nitrogen Pollution Soars In China
Nitrogen-containing pollutants from agriculture, transport and industry in China has increased by more than half in 30 years, adding to concerns about the country’s deteriorating environment. China’s environment ministry acknowledged the existence of so-called “cancer villages” after years of public speculation about the impact of pollution in certain areas.
Siberian Permafrost Thaw Warning Sparked By Cave Data
Evidence from Siberian caves suggests that a global temperature rise of 1.5C could see permafrost thaw over a large area of Siberia.
Thawing Permafrost: Huge Factor in Global Warming
Thawing permafrost is emitting more climate-heating carbon faster than previously realised. Scientists have now learned that when the ancient carbon locked in the ice thaws and is exposed to sunlight, it turns into carbon dioxide 40 percent faster.