Sunday, March 23News That Matters

Learning & Developments

Warming Climate Shrinks Crop Diversity Threatens Global Food Security

Warming Climate Shrinks Crop Diversity Threatens Global Food Security

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments
A new study published in Nature Food warns that more than half of the world’s cropland could see a decline in suitable crops if global temperatures rise by 2°C. Researchers examined how climate change would affect 30 major crops under four warming scenarios, from 1.5°C to 4°C above pre-industrial levels. The study finds that even at 1.5°C of warming, over half of the analyzed crops including wheat, barley, lentils, and potatoes would experience a net loss in potential cropland. At 3°C, all 30 crops would suffer declining suitable areas, with some reductions surpassing 50%. While warming will shrink crop diversity in tropical regions it may allow for expanded farming options in temperate zones offering adaptation opportunities. Regions near the equator such as sub-Saharan Africa and S...
Hidden Climate Clues Help Scientists Predict Unseen Extreme Weather

Hidden Climate Clues Help Scientists Predict Unseen Extreme Weather

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Learning & Developments
A groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications unveils new methods to forecast extreme weather events that modern records have never captured. Conducted by researchers from the Climate Adaptation Services Foundation, the University of Reading, and other global institutions, the study expands the understanding of climate extremes beyond the last century’s conventional weather records. By tapping into nature archives such as tree rings and forgotten historical documents scientists have uncovered centuries of climate data that modern instruments missed. Lead author Timo Kelder emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, stating, “We’ve been limited by thinking extreme weather is only as bad as what we’ve measured. But looking back hundreds or even thousands of years reveal...
Study Finds Climate Change Increases Virus Risk from Sewage in Ocean

Study Finds Climate Change Increases Virus Risk from Sewage in Ocean

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments
A new study suggests that climate change may be increasing the risk of exposure to sewage-associated viruses in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. The research, conducted by scientists including Jessica Kevill, found that extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and heatwaves can cause untreated sewage to enter natural water bodies, posing a significant health threat. Viruses like norovirus and adenovirus, which cause stomach illnesses, were found to persist in seawater for up to three days in high temperatures and even longer in cooler conditions. On cloudy days, these viruses remained viable for about 2.5 days, while sunlight exposure reduced their survival to less than 24 hours. Scientists warn that with increasing climate-related weather extremes, the risk of sewage contamin...
Mediterranean Deepest Point Becomes Plastic Dump, Study Finds

Mediterranean Deepest Point Becomes Plastic Dump, Study Finds

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Learning & Developments
The Mediterranean Sea has turned into Europe deepest garbage dump with plastic waste found at a record depth of 5,112 meters in the Calypso Deep a trench within the Ionian Sea. Researchers discovered 167 pieces of trash mostly plastic, along with metal cans and paper cartons at the bottom, according to a new study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin. Plastic made up 88% of the waste collected from the seabed. Though no interactions between the litter and rare deep-sea life were observed, scientists warn that pollution at such depths poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems. A team from the University of Barcelona used the high-tech manned submarine Limiting Factor to explore the Calypso Deep. The sub covered 650 meters in 43 minutes, revealing an alarming accumulation of waste....
Scientists Pioneer air-moisture Tech to Break down Plastic revolutionizing recycling

Scientists Pioneer air-moisture Tech to Break down Plastic revolutionizing recycling

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Learning & Developments
In a breakthrough that could reshape plastic waste management, scientists have unveiled a pioneering method to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using moisture from the air. This novel approach utilizing an inexpensive catalyst dismantles PET bonds and transforms the material into monomers the essential building blocks of plastics allowing for efficient recycling or upcycling into higher-value products. Published in Green Chemistry, a journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the study introduces a solvent-free, environmentally friendly solution to global plastic pollution. Unlike conventional recycling methods, which generate harmful byproducts and require significant energy input, this technique harnesses trace moisture from ambient air, making it safer and more sustainable...
Ozone Layer Healing as Harmful Chemicals Decline, MIT Study Confirms

Ozone Layer Healing as Harmful Chemicals Decline, MIT Study Confirms

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Fact Check, Learning & Developments
A new study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has confirmed that the ozone layer over Antarctica is recovering, thanks to global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The study published in Nature on March 5, 2025, provides the strongest evidence yet that human intervention, rather than natural climate variations, is responsible for this progress. The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere 15 to 30 kilometers above Earth, acts as a protective shield, absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. In 1985, scientists discovered a recurring seasonal “hole” in the ozone over Antarctica, allowing dangerous UV radiation to reach Earth's surface, increasing the risk of skin cancer and environmental damage. MIT scientist Susan...
New Study Warns Methane Emissions Could Hinder Ozone Layer Recovery

New Study Warns Methane Emissions Could Hinder Ozone Layer Recovery

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Learning & Developments
A new study has highlighted the complex relationship between methane emissions and the recovery of the stratospheric ozone layer warning that rising methane levels could slow ozone restoration especially in polar regions. The ozone layer, which shields Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, has shown signs of recovery due to global efforts like the Montreal Protocol. However the study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, suggests that future ozone replenishment remains uncertain due to global warming and human activities. Researchers from Beijing Normal University emphasize that methane plays a dual role while it is a potent greenhouse gas driving global warming, it also triggers complex chemical interactions that impact ozone levels. Understanding these dual effects is ...
Global Crop Production Faces Threat at 1.5-2°C Warming, Study Warns

Global Crop Production Faces Threat at 1.5-2°C Warming, Study Warns

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Learning & Developments
A major portion of global crop production could be at risk as temperatures rise beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius a new study published in Nature Food has revealed. The research warns that low-latitude regions, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa, will face the most significant challenges in maintaining agricultural output under increasing climate pressures. Threat to Crop Diversity and Agricultural Stability The study conducted by researchers from Aalto University (Finland), University of Göttingen (Germany) and University of Zürich (Switzerland), analyzed 30 major crops across four warming scenarios ranging from 1.5°C to 4°C. Findings indicate that as temperatures rise beyond 2°C a significant portion of agricultural land will be exposed to un...
China Researchers Introduce New Model For Typhoon Forecasting Accuracy

China Researchers Introduce New Model For Typhoon Forecasting Accuracy

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments
Researchers have introduced key improvements in numerical weather models significantly enhancing the ability to predict typhoon tracks and intensities. The study led by Dr. Xiaowei Tan from the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) Earth System Modeling and Prediction Centre, focuses on refining typhoon forecasts by improving parameterization schemes used in operational models. Published in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters, the research presents modifications to the CMA-TYM operational model, incorporating a new parameterization scheme for friction velocity at the ocean surface and a two-moment cloud microphysics scheme. These updates replace the original methods, leading to better predictions for Typhoon Kompasu (2118). Statistical analysis shows that the improved model e...
Now AI Tool Could Predict Volcanic Eruption Early Warning Signals

Now AI Tool Could Predict Volcanic Eruption Early Warning Signals

Breaking News, Idea & Innovations, Learning & Developments, Tech
A groundbreaking AI driven tool developed by a University of Canterbury led research team significantly enhance prediction of volcanic eruptions worldwide. The tool based on machine learning models potential to save lives and protect infrastructure by improving early warning systems. Dr. Alberto Ardid and Associate Professor David Dempsey from UC’s Civil and Natural Resources Engineering department analyzed seismic data from 41 past eruptions across 24 volcanoes, including three in New Zealand. Their findings suggest that eruption warning signals follow repeatable patterns, which can be applied to under-monitored volcanoes. Dr. Ardid explained “This could be a breakthrough in eruption forecasting, allowing us to transfer knowledge from well-studied volcanoes to improve risk mitigatio...