In 2017, the global community took a significant step toward addressing one of the most hazardous pollutants by enacting the Minamata Convention on Mercury. This ambitious treaty aims to mitigate mercury emissions and limit exposure through a variety of international regulations. Despite these efforts, recent findings cast doubt on the adequacy of the treaty’s measures.
Earth
In the annals of climate science, the 4.2 ka (4,200 years ago) megadrought has long been perceived as a critical turning point, a phenomenon so catastrophic that it purportedly led to the collapse of early civilizations and significant ecological transformations around the globe. This period has often been labeled an epochal evento, marking what many
Coral reefs, often lauded for their biodiversity, contribute significantly beyond ecological value. Researchers have long tapped into these marine structures to unveil historical climate data. A recent study utilizing a remarkable 627-year coral record from Fiji has illuminated significant shifts in ocean temperatures and climate variations across the Pacific since 1370. This unprecedented analysis is
Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and an essential component of health and well-being. However, a recent investigation by a coalition of environmental scientists reveals a staggering reality: over half of the global population struggles with inadequate access to safe drinking water. This critical finding compounds earlier estimates published in 2020,
The Colorado River is the lifeblood for millions of people across the western United States and northern Mexico. Its tributaries support an array of vital activities, including drinking water supplies, agricultural irrigation, and hydropower generation. Predominantly, the water that flows through the river comes from the snowpack collected during winter months, melting in spring to
Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, has ignited fervent debate in the realms of environmental policy and energy production. The controversy surrounding this method of extraction is not solely predicated on its broader impacts—such as climate change and economic outcomes—but also on the nuanced personal experiences of landowners whose properties lie atop these valuable mineral
In recent years, a worrying trend has emerged from deep within Africa’s montane forests. An international team of researchers from Finland, Germany, South Africa, and Ethiopia has shed light on the consequences of deforestation in these critical ecosystems. Their findings reveal a startling statistic: the forest loss over the past two decades led to warming
The nitrogen cycle, a pivotal natural process sustaining life on Earth, is facing unprecedented disruptions. Over the past few decades, agricultural intensification and the reliance on fossil fuels have led to the excessive release of nitrogen pollutants, namely ammonia (NH3), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These emissions have far-reaching implications, not only for
The intricate mechanisms governing the long-term cycling of carbon in marine sediments are critical to comprehending Earth’s environmental dynamics. Recent collaborative research led by Prof. Fengping Wang from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Prof. Kai-Uwe Hinrichs at MARUM has unveiled significant insights regarding iron-bound organic carbon (FeR-OC) in subseafloor sediments. Their findings, published in *Nature
Recent research led by a team from James Madison University has shed light on a concerning environmental phenomenon: the relationship between air pollution and the intensity of summertime thunderstorms. This pivotal study, appearing in the journal Atmospheric Research, was spearheaded by geography professor Mace Bentley, who points out that atmospheric pollution is not merely an
Volcanic eruptions have long captivated scientists and the general public alike due to their dramatic manifestations and the substantial impact they can have on both local and global scales. Despite extensive research, the clandestine nature of volcanic processes, particularly those occurring underground, has left many questions unanswered. A recent study by scientists at The University
In recent years, the term “carbon neutrality” has become a marketing buzzword, embraced by numerous corporations seeking to enhance their environmental image while continuing business as usual. However, a critical examination reveals that many of these claims may be misleading. A study published in Nature Communications by researchers from Kyoto University uncovers troubling truths about
In the face of escalating climate change, understanding its impact on extreme weather patterns has become a pressing challenge for researchers worldwide. Recent work by a collaborative team from Stanford and Colorado State University introduces a groundbreaking approach: a rapid and cost-effective method leveraging machine learning to assess the influence of global warming on individual
Recent findings from researchers at the University of Liverpool shed light on a formidable yet unseen natural phenomenon—underwater avalanches. Unlike their terrestrial counterparts, these underwater cascades are challenging to detect and quantify, yet they can unleash catastrophic forces capable of reshaping oceanic landscapes. The study, entitled “Extreme erosion and bulking in a giant submarine gravity
As climate change continues to dominate headlines through extreme weather reports and alarming scientific forecasts, our understanding of the implications of melting ice sheets remains critical. Among the many unpredictable outcomes, sea-level rise stands out as a pressing threat, with projections varying widely. A new study led by researchers from Dartmouth College challenges some of
