How climate change spurs megadroughts

The curious connection between the sky’s “thirstiness” and the dry spell devastating the western US

Migratory monarch butterflies officially declared ‘endangered’, but there’s hope

Habitat destruction, climate change biggest contributors, says International Union for Conservation of Nature

Global CO2 emissions from wildfires in July, August highest since 2003: Copernicus

The Mediterranean basin emerged as the wildfire hotspot that contributed to intense smoke pollution

California offers valuable lessons for meeting freshwater needs in the face of climate change

If we want water security, we need to diversify our water sources to include underground storage, stormwater capture, recycled wastewater and more.

Doctors don't counsel pregnant women on risks from toxins found in common products

US study recommends training and evidence-based guidelines for physicians to minimise exposure of would-be mothers to environmental toxins

How the size and shape of dried leaves can turn small flames into colossal bushfires

At the beginning of a fire or under mild conditions, differences in litter characteristics may strongly influence how that fire spreads

Did Death Valley just hit the highest temperature recorded ever

The all-time highest temeparature ever was recorded more than a century ago, but that reading has been challenged 

This winter was United States’ 6th warmest: NOAA

According to US science agency, December 2019-February 2020 was mostly warmer and wetter across contiguous US 

Microplastic pollution could push whale, shark towards extinction: study

These species are getting exposed to toxic chemicals through breakdown of microplastics in their digestive system

Climate change and earthquake hazard

Is there a link between monsoon rains and earthquakes in the Himalayas? Roland Burgmann, professor at Department of Earth and Planetary Science, …

Pregnant women exposed to pesticides carry high risk of having kids with autism spectrum disorder

Exposure during early development can affect mood, learning, social interactions and behaviour, reveals a study conducted near agriculture sites …

Delayed report on Tripura toxic spill

EU, California announces first-ever fuel standards

New genealogy project allows astronomers to trace ‘ancestors’

The database provides information on more than 33,000 astronomers, their advisors and universities and the links to their dissertations

Trans fats in food may worsen memory

Earlier researches had revealed that the artificial fats are bad for heart

Major wildfires in western US can increase severe storms in central states: Study

Climate change has been a major factor in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires in the western United States

As many as 47 fish stocks rebuilt since 2000: NOAA data

Four stocks added to overfished list, bringing the total to 46 at the end of 2019 

Lost memory could be retrieved

New breakthroughs on where memories are stored could lead to treatments for Alzheimer’s disease

Public, Congress demand emission laws in US

IN SHORT

Wildlife translocation programmes benefit if they incorporate human dimensions: Study

However, despite the recognised importance of human dimensions, these factors are still largely missing from many conservation initiatives

‘Climate change can triple flood damage by atmospheric rivers’

Climate scientist Tom Corringham talks to Down To Earth about bomb cyclones, atmospheric rivers and how global warming can …

US’ California grappling with “exceptional drought”

Unprecedented measures, including emergency funding and restrictions on water use, being taken by the state

Aerosols increase cloud formation, impact water content of clouds

The impact of aerosols on cloud formation could be double of what was estimated by the latest IPCC report, indicates a study

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