In a world increasingly threatened by climate change, new research is shedding light on everything from the potential of less-flatulent cows to mitigate methane emissions, to the alarming feedback loop accelerating the melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
A recent study has suggested that breeding cows with lower flatulence and restoring agricultural land could significantly curb rising methane levels, a potent greenhouse gas. This revelation comes at a time when climate change is threatening oases, vital habitats and water sources for 10% of the world's population, despite only occupying about 1.5% of the land area.
Meanwhile, the melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is reportedly being accelerated by a newly discovered feedback loop, contributing to rising global sea levels. "Tectonically active mountains play an important role in the natural CO2 regulation of the atmosphere," the study noted, highlighting the complex interplay of natural processes in our climate system.
In a related development, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, a major ocean current, appears to have weakened over the past two decades, according to an analysis of mooring observations and hydrographic data. This weakening could have far-reaching implications for global climate patterns.
The economic impact of climate change is also becoming increasingly apparent. Even if CO2 emissions were drastically reduced starting today, the world economy is already committed to an income reduction of 19% until 2050 due to climate change, according to a new study. However, the same study suggests that limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius could reduce the global economic costs of climate change by two thirds.
The effects of climate change are also being felt in the natural world. Researchers have found that over the last 120 years, the porosity of mussel shells along the East Coast of the United States has increased, potentially due to warming waters. Similarly, the warming climate is shifting the dynamics of tundra environments, causing them to release trapped carbon, which could transform tundras from carbon sinks to carbon sources.
Despite the grim outlook, there are glimmers of hope. A geo-environmental scientist from Japan has composed a string quartet using sonified climate data, in an innovative attempt to raise awareness about the issue. Moreover, new research has found that perceptions of globally shared life experiences and biology can strengthen psychological bonding with humanity at large, potentially motivating prosocial behavior to combat climate change.
