Vanished Without a Trace: No Organic Carbon Fingerprint Left by Antarctic Shelf Processes

Ocean currents move water around the globe in a vast circulation system.

Can Engineering Solve the Forever Chemical Problem?

Among the technical inquiries spanning topics like cyclodextrin polymers and mass spectrometry that were stacked in Damian Helbling’s inbox was a question about four golden retrievers.

As Antarctic Blue Whales Advance Along the Road to Recovery, Continued Oversight is Key

Antarctic blue whales appear to be creeping back from the brink of extinction after 50 years of protection. A new study estimates the total population at 4,018, up from 418 after the last reported whale catch in 1973.

New Risk Metric Could Boost Carbon Markets While Limiting Global Warming

The risk of relying on uncertain carbon removal projects can now be quantified using a new standardised metric that can be applied across all such schemes, irrespective of the technology used.

Researchers say Carbon at Risk (CaR), which measures the risk that carbon removal falls short of what was initially contracted, could help regulators, buyers, insurers and investors build diversified portfolios and unlock the massive investment needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Carbon removal projects, ranging from nature-based approaches such as afforestation to more engineered carbon capture technologies, aim to take CO₂ out of the atmosphere and store it for a meaningful period of time.

Read more at: University of Exeter

Photo Credit: Bergadder via Pixabay

“Mega Heatwaves” Strengthened by Interaction Between Soil Moisture, Atmospheric Pressure and Temperature

A new study has found a self-reinforcing interaction between temperature, soil moisture, and atmospheric pressure is being triggered at high temperatures, making extreme heatwaves 10 percent hotter than they would otherwise be.

Black Coffee, Hold the Plastic

The lining in traditional disposable coffee cups can release plastic particles and be difficult to recycle, but a new plant-based coating can eliminate these issues with your morning brew.

Hidden Erosion: Study Reveals Soft Mountain Rock Erodes Three Times Faster Than Hard Rock—With Climate Implications

A University of Massachusetts Amherst-led research team has discovered that weaker rock in mountain landscapes erodes three times faster than harder rock–even on gentler slopes–and is one of the main attributes governing mountain erosion.

Nutrient Balance in Leaves Affects Fall Color, Study Finds

For devout leaf peepers, timing is everything. A new study led by researchers from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment shows that leaf nutrient levels affect the onset of fall color.

How This Year’s Super El Niño Will Worsen Global Hunger

The world is now in the grip of a super El Niño: a Godzilla-sized version of a natural climate phenomenon that has already shriveled rivers, upended aquaculture, and flattened crops with drought.

New Online Tool to Help Turn Food Waste into Opportunity

Western Australian businesses can now make better informed decisions about reducing food waste and turning discarded materials into valuable products, thanks to a new online toolkit.