The Brown Ocean Effect: How Warm, Wet Land Is Re-Energizing Cyclones
Cyclones typically lose power once they move over land. However, new research shows that if the storm passes over warm, soaked ground, the moisture and heat from the soil can re-energize the hurricane. This mimics the way that the warm ocean usually fuels the storms. As climate change increases extreme weather events, understanding this phenomenon […]
Designing Ethical Algorithms for an Inclusive Digital Future
We are living in an age where algorithms dictate much of our lives. From the news articles we read to the movies we watch, from the products we buy to the friends we make, invisible codes make decisions on our behalf. But as we embrace these advancements, we must pause and ponder the course they […]
Water Security as a Cornerstone of Climate Resilience and the 2030 Agenda
Water security is critical to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Access to clean water and sanitation is necessary for goals such as poverty reduction, food security, and climate resilience to become attainable. However, the global water crisis, intensified by climate change, threatens these efforts. Billions still need essential water and sanitation services, and […]
The Amazon on the Brink: Urgent Climate Action Needed to Protect South America’s Lifeline
The Amazon regulates weather across South America, stores carbon, and preserves biodiversity. However, unsustainable development practices worsen climate impacts, while policy gaps leave marginalized groups unsupported. The recent extreme drought in the Amazon was a preview of our climate emergency future if we fail to act decisively. Climate change made Amazon 30 times more likely, […]
Panama Canal Faces Water Crisis Amid Climate Change Threats
The Panama Canal is a man-made waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is 50 miles long and consists of a series of locks that raise ships 26 meters above sea level. This allows ships to cross the Isthmus of Panama, a mountain range separating the two oceans. The canal is a vital […]
Mobilizing Public-Private Partnerships to Tackle Africa’s Water and Sanitation Crisis
Africa faces immense challenges when it comes to water. Many countries across the continent endure water stress and scarcity. Rapid population growth, urbanization, pollution, and climate change threaten the availability of safe, reliable water supplies essential for life, health, food production, and economic development. At the same time, hundreds of millions of Africans lack access […]
Unlocking Ancient Coral Records in Vanuatu to Improve Climate Predictions
A fascinating scientific discovery is happening in the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. On the island of Espiritu Santo, ancient coral reefs that contain critical climate records from over 16,000 years ago are being uplifted from the sea. These reefs offer a unique glimpse into the ancient climate of our planet. During the last ice […]
The Hydrogen Rainbow: Lighting the Path to a Clean Energy Future
Hydrogen gas may appear colourless, but the emerging hydrogen industry envisions a vibrant rainbow full of potential. From black to blue to green, the shades describe production methods with vastly different environmental impacts. As global hydrogen demand grows, estimated to reach 530 million metric tons by 2050, the rainbow is a sustainability guidepost for the […]
Cost of Climate Change
The historic decision at #COP28 to establish a loss and damage fund marks a new chapter in climate justice. As the first recipients are selected, prioritising principles of fairness, openness, and grassroots-led efforts is essential. Decisions about allocating resources should aim to level the playing field for vulnerable groups and be made transparently. Most importantly, […]
Unlocking Large-Scale Energy Storage to Accelerate the Renewable Transition through Pumped Storage Hydropower
The climate crisis demands an urgent and sweeping transformation of our energy systems. As we rapidly scale up wind and solar to decarbonize electricity generation, the intermittency of these renewable sources poses a significant challenge. This is where pumped storage hydropower offers a proven, cost-effective solution for grid balancing and long-duration energy storage. Around the […]