Global Climate Change


Study Finds Substantial Uncertainty With Natural Proxy Temperature Reconstruction

Since 1998, climate scientists have attempted to reconstruct global annual temperature over the last millennium using natural proxies such as tree rings and ice cores. However, a new study finds substantial uncertainty in these reconstructions.

Poll: Most Americans Think Devastating Natural Disasters Are Increasing

When Americans were asked if they think that there have been more devastating natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes recently, three quarters of U.S. adults say they believe there have been more 76 percent, with three in 10 saying they believe there have been many more 31 percent.

Electric Vehicle Conversion Convention to be Held in Sept.

Originally proposed as a small gathering of EVTV viewers, the concept grew into more of a convention within two weeks of the announcement due to the number of early registrants.

Survey Says Consumers Still Prefer Gas-Powered Vehicles

The study concluded that consumers prioritize economic value over environmental considerations when they make large purchases.

Culture Influences People's Response to Climate Change

How people choose to consume resources and use contraception influences their responses to climate change, according to a team of psychologists.

Pew Calls for Obama Administration to Raise MPG Standards (with video)

The Pew Clean Energy Program launched a video this week to raise awareness of the benefits of increasing the fuel efficiency—or miles-per-gallon (MPG)—standards for cars and light trucks to as high as 60 MPG by 2025.

Aviation Fuels Can Now Include Bioderived Constituents

Renewable fuels can now be blended with conventional commercial and military jet (or gas turbine) fuel through requirements in the newly issued edition of Specifications for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons.

Entergy Helps New York Avoid Nearly 35,000 Tons of Greenhouse Gases

Preventing 35,000 tons CO2 from reaching the atmosphere is equal to taking more than 6,000 vehicles off the road for a year.



Developing Corn for Warmer Climate Is Focus of Research

The prospect of rising temperatures in Iowa and the Midwest is predicted to lead to a dramatic decline in corn yield. With a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Iowa State University researchers are looking to develop a corn variety that maintains the region’s high yields even as temperatures rise.

Industry Leaders Form Association to Promote Biocoal

Clean-technology companies, industrial users and research institutions in Germany and Switzerland have together founded Hydrothermale Carbonisierung e.V. The aim of the association is to promote the use of hydrothermal carbonization.

Long Droughts Make Some Chemicals More Toxic to Aquatic Life

The study found that drought conditions make some chemicals in the environment more toxic to fish and other aquatic life.

City-Dwellers Produce as Much CO2 as Rural Residents Do: Study

More than anything else, CO2 emissions that cause climate change are dependent upon how much goods and services people consume, not where they live.

Huge Wildfires Devastating Forests’ Carbon-Storage Capabilities

Huge Arizona fires making headlines around the globe have destroyed dozens of structures and burned nearly three-quarters of a million acres. They also are contributing to global warming, scientists say, by upsetting the carbon balance while they are burning and for years to come.

Climate Information Crucial to Help Reduce Risk, Limit Disaster Damage: Report

The report details ways in which disaster risk managers can improve their decision making by integrating climate information into their operations.

NASA Sets Sail on Second Leg of Arctic Ocean Research Voyage

Scientists embark this week from Alaska on the second and final campaign of a NASA field campaign to study how changing conditions in the Arctic affect the ocean's chemistry and ecosystems.

Researcher Argues that Climate Change Disasters Are Predictable

Climate change disasters, such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet, dieback of the Amazon rainforest, or collapse of the Atlantic overturning circulation, could be predicted argues a University of Exeter researcher.

Report: Forest Density, Carbon Storage Capacity Increase Worldwide

Forests in many regions are becoming larger carbon sinks thanks to higher density, U.S. and European researchers say in a new report.

Scientists Seek to Adapt Crops to Climate Change

Throughout history, farmers have adopted new crop varieties and adjusted their practices in tune with environmental change. But as global temperature continues to rise, the pace of change is expected to be unprecedented, and experts are now warning that climate change could trigger a global food crisis as farmers struggle to keep up.

RGGI Auction Yields Maine $769k to Invest in Energy-Efficiency, Renewable Energy

Maine yielded $769,092 of the $25.5 million in investment created by the proceeds from the 10-state cap-and-trade collaborative’s 12th auction of carbon credits. That money will be managed by the Efficiency Maine Trust to fund programs to improve energy efficiency, accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies, and provide direct assistance to energy consumers.

Human Activities Release More Carbon Dioxide than Volcanic Eruptions Do

On average, human activities put out in just three to five days the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide that volcanoes produce globally each year according to a new article in Eos, from the American Geophysical Union.