Latest science news in Earth & Climate
Global Warming's Ecosystem Double Whammy
Plants and soils act like sponges for atmospheric carbon dioxide, but new research on the cover of this week's Nature finds that one abnormally warm year can suppress the amount...
Future Fury: Hurricane Effects Will Only Get Worse
Global warming, coastal development and Mother Nature will all play a role.
Ozone hole getting bigger
The Antarctic ozone hole has grown larger than it was in 2007, which could delay the expected recovery of the ozone layer, according to new global research.
Even If Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hold Steady, Warmer World Faces Loss Of Biodiversity, Glaciers
Even if greenhouse gas emissions are fixed at 2005 levels, a new analysis shows that irreversible warming will lead to biodiversity loss and substantial glacial melt.
Study shows nitrate up in U.S. groundwater
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- A recently completed 16-year U.S. ground water study shows statistically significant increases in concentrations of nitrates in seven of 24 well networks.
Neighbors From Hell: Infanticide Rife In Guillemot Colony
One of Britain's best-known species of seabird is increasingly attacking and killing unattended chicks from neighboring nests due to food shortages.
Spore-flinging fungi set flight record
Scientists have measured the fastest launch acceleration known in nature — a tiny fungal spore that is squirted eight feet away from its home on a dung heap to greener...
Sophisticated monitoring array to address mystery of uranium plume
Scientists have puzzled for years about why uranium contamination in groundwater continues to exceed drinking water standards in an area located at the south end of the Hanford Site. The...
White roofs, streets could curb global warming
The idea of painting our roofs and roads white to offset global warming is not new, but a recent study has calculated just how significantly white surfaces could impact greenhouse...
Swollen with success
For a different perspective on the 2008 indicators from the US National Science Foundation, take a look at 's cartograms. Words and maps by Declan Butler.
Iranians deplete aquifers, land is sinking
TEHRAN, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Researchers say increasing demand for groundwater in Iran is depleting that nation's water supplies, resulting in land surface deformations.
Norway joins fight to save Amazon
Norway pledges $1bn to a new fund to help Brazil preserve its Amazon rainforest and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientist concedes 'honest mistake' about weaponized anthrax
Peter B. Jahrling, who aided the federal probe of the 2001 mailings, says he erred when he told White House officials that material he examined probably had been altered to...
India approves biofuel rise
New policy will increase biofuel production and the proportion of bio-ethanol and biodiesel in India's fuels.
'Calm before storm' may foreshadow climatic tipping point
(PhysOrg.com) -- Abrupt climate change has occurred on earth many times over the past millions of years. Climate scientists hypothesize that these sharp transitions may be caused when the earth...
Arctic Sea Ice Shrinkage Grows
NASA has issued a preliminary report confirming environmentalists' fears of disappearing sea ice at the Arctic.
House backs fresh US oil drilling
The US Congress approves legislation which will lift a 27-year-old moratorium on drilling for oil in US coastal waters.
Russia needs to mark its Arctic territory: Medvedev
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia should pass a law marking its territory in the disputed Arctic where it claims a large share of the mineral resources, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said...
The Energy Challenge: States Aim to Cut Gases by Making Polluters Pay
Ten states are about to undertake the nation’s most serious effort yet to tackle climate change, but there are worries that it may fail to reduce pollution.
Weather History Offers Insight Into Global Warming
Conditions and observations recorded for 112 years at a New York resort offer hints of the effects of global warming.
Food waste pilot hailed a success
A pilot in which homes had food waste collected separately and composted is hailed a success by government advisers.
George Monbiot: How can the rich still be buying our silence with this 13th-century law?
George Monbiot: If even football fans can be sued by their club, it's clear libel is too easily used to stifle legitimate dissent
Warming climate changing Iceland wildlife, land: researchers
Environmental scientists in Iceland say the changing climate is having a big impact on that country's wildlife and is eroding land on the Arctic island.
VIDEO: Hurricane's Rampaging Floods
A typhoon—as hurricanes are called in parts of Asia—caused massive flooding and a major landslide that buried a tunnel entrance in Taiwan.
Feature: Australias next top models
Climate change is a hot topic. University of Technology Sydney researchers are changing the parameters of the global debate by refining models for predicting change.
Could inner zombie be controlling your brain?
If you had to sum up the past 40 years of research on the mind, you could do worse than to call it the Rise of the Zombies.
US disease agency criticised for Great Lakes pollution study
Independent review finds problems with data and research methods
Cornell Announces Its First Greenhouse Gas Inventory
As part of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), Cornell University has calculated its first greenhouse gas inventory. This news from the inventory indicates that Cornell will...