The Anthropocene is not an epoch − but the age of humans is most definitely underway

Scientists have been debating the start of the Anthropocene Epoch for 15 years. I was part of those discussions, and I agree with the vote rejecting it.

Erle C. Ellis, Professor of Geography and Environmental Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
March 5, 2024 ~7 min

Arctic rivers face big changes with a warming climate, permafrost thaw and an accelerating water cycle − the effects will have global consequences

A new study shows how thawing permafrost and intensifying storms will change how water moves into and through Arctic rivers.

Ambarish Karmalkar, Assistant Professor of Geosciences, University of Rhode Island • conversation
March 5, 2024 ~8 min


Global warming may be behind an increase in the frequency and intensity of cold spells

Cold snaps can affect everyday services and infrastructure, putting lives at risk.

Beatriz Monge-Sanz, Senior Researcher, Department of Physics, University of Oxford • conversation
March 4, 2024 ~8 min

Carbon offsets bring new investment to Appalachia’s coal fields, but most Appalachians aren’t benefiting

Large parts of Appalachia’s forests, once owned by coal companies, now make money for investors by storing carbon. But the results bring few jobs or sizable investments for residents.

Gabe Schwartzman, Assistant Professor of Geography and Sustainability, University of Tennessee • conversation
Feb. 20, 2024 ~10 min

Atlantic Ocean is headed for a tipping point − once melting glaciers shut down the Gulf Stream, we would see extreme climate change within decades, study shows

Scientists now have a better understanding of the risks ahead and a new early warning signal to watch for.

Michael Kliphuis, Climate Model Specialist, Utrecht University • conversation
Feb. 9, 2024 ~9 min

From New York to Jakarta, land in many coastal cities is sinking faster than sea levels are rising

Land subsidence is a factor as preparations are made for rising sea levels and strengthening storms. Human infrastructure, including buildings and groundwater extraction, increases vulnerabilities.

Steven D’Hondt, Professor of Oceanography, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island • conversation
Jan. 25, 2024 ~4 min

Red Sea shipping disruptions could be avoided in the future by using the Arctic – but it could spell trouble for fragile ecosystems

Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea have disrupted trade between Asia and Europe – could ships cross the Arctic instead?

Gokcay Balci, Assistant Professor in Logistics and Supply Chain, University of Bradford • conversation
Jan. 19, 2024 ~7 min

2023's billion-dollar disasters list shattered the US record with 28 big weather and climate disasters amid Earth's hottest year on record

An atmospheric scientist explains how rising temperatures are helping to fuel extreme storms, floods, droughts and devastating wildfires.

Shuang-Ye Wu, Professor of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, University of Dayton • conversation
Jan. 9, 2024 ~8 min


Meat and dairy industry's attempt to change how we measure methane emissions would let polluters off the hook

A new way of measuring emissions may let the biggest polluters evade their responsibility to tackle climate change.

Mike Berners-Lee, Professor of Sustainability, Lancaster University • conversation
Jan. 9, 2024 ~6 min

Vaccinating livestock against common diseases is a form of direct climate action

Vaccinating livestock against common disease not only improves animal welfare, it’s good for the planet too.

David Barrett, Professor of Bovine Medicine, Production and Reproduction, University of Bristol • conversation
Dec. 21, 2023 ~7 min

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