Climate Change Archives

Oceans a Possible Solution to Climate Change?

27Apr

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Science

Oceans a Possible Solution to Climate Change?

In the face of escalating global warming, scientists are considering an intriguing proposition: leveraging the ocean's natural carbon absorption abilities to mitigate climate change. This concept, dubbed "ocean carbon dioxide removal", entails manipulating the ocean's chemistry and biology to augment its carbon uptake. Over the years, the ocean has played a crucial role in curbing global warming, absorbing a third of the carbon dioxide released by human activities since the Industrial Revolution. However, as carbon emissions rise and the window for limiting warming through emission reduction alone narrows, researchers believe that it may be necessary to ask even more of our oceans. According to climate simulations, averting the worst impacts of climate change by 2100 will necessitate...

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is being ‘transformed’ due to repeated coral bleaching

The magnificent Great Barrier Reef, Australia's national treasure, is experiencing a dramatic transformation due to the frequent occurrence of coral bleaching incidents. The escalating water temperatures, largely owing to climate change, have been identified as the primary culprit. Marine biologists have noted that the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems, is undergoing a significant shift. Rather than complete obliteration of the reefs, the ecosystem is transitioning into a new state, indicative of the resilience of nature. Terry Hughes, a prominent marine biologist, posits, "It's not about reefs dying or disappearing; it's about reef ecosystems transforming into a new configuration." The structural integrity and three-dimensional habitat provided by the ...

The Impact of Woody Vines on Forests and Carbon Sink

As the Earth experiences record-breaking temperatures, a global research collaboration has identified a concerning trend: woody vines are taking over forests worldwide. These vines, known as lianas, are threatening the vital role that forests play in cooling the atmosphere by storing carbon. A study led by the University of the Sunshine Coast has pinpointed the most vulnerable forests based on their climate, highlighting the urgent need for restoration efforts. The study, published in Global Change Biology, spans 44 countries across five continents and confirms the "tipping point" at which woody vines, or lianas, dominate forests. Professor Andy Marshall from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Forest Research Institute explains that this tipping point occurs when mean annual tempera...