climate change Archives - Science Connected Magazine

Migratory birds like this Common Redpoll consume both plants and seeds.

Some Migratory Birds Move as Vegetation Changes

January 4, 2021January 3, 2021 Science Connectedclimate change, migration, migratory birds, phenology, vegetation

How is climate change affecting migratory birds? A team of researchers offers an explanation.

Climate Change Environment

Climate Change: Hot and Dry for Some

November 4, 2020November 2, 2020 Science Connectedaridity, climate change, drought, global warming

Climate change is here and it’s not good. The very near future promises to be hotter and dryer in some places. Find out what the numbers really mean.

Citizen Science Climate Change SciStarter Blog

Track Four Emerging Climate Hazards

August 27, 2020August 26, 2020 SciStarterclimate change, climate hazards, weather

Use the power of citizen science to help researchers track emerging climate hazards that can impact your community.

Rocky coastal intertidal of Maine, USA. Photo Credit to Helen Cheng.

Biota Project Blogs Climate Change Marine Biology

A Two-way Interaction: Ocean and Climate

June 4, 2020June 1, 2020 Science Connectedclimate change, climate science, global warming

The interaction between ocean and climate is changing and the exchange is intensifying. We’re seeing the consequences of this around the world.

Climate Change Environment Health

Poor Mental Health Linked to Hotter Days

April 27, 2020April 27, 2020 Science Connectedclimate change, global warming, heat stress, mental health, temperature, weather

In the midst of a global warming crisis, a new study finds that hot days above 80 degrees are taking a toll on people’s psychological well-being.

Climate Change Environment

Join in Earth Day 2020

April 21, 2020April 21, 2020 Science Connectedclimate action, climate change, Earth Day, environmentalism, quarantine

Even while sheltered in place, you can celebrate Earth Day 2020 by joining online actions and events through Earth Day Live.

Animals Biodiversity Ecology

Megabiota, Largest Life, Vital to Biosphere

March 18, 2020March 11, 2020 Science Connectedcharismatic species, climate change, conservation, extinction, megafauna, megaflora

By Mackenzie Myers @kenzwrites Large organisms such as whales, elephants, and redwoods are often featured in awe-inspiring nature documentaries, but they’re more than just oohs and ahs. Their existence or extinction could make or break the planet as we know it. Megabiota—the largest plants and animals—are more likely than smaller organisms to go extinct as a result of climate change. And the rest of us could be in big trouble if they do, according to a recent study. The charisma conundrum Think of successful conservation campaigns. Which animals are deemed…

Biodiversity Climate Change Environment

Extreme Wildfires’ Effects on Australian Forests

February 17, 2020February 15, 2020 Science ConnectedAustralia, climate change, fire, global warming, wildfires, wildlife

By Jacqueline Mattos (@mattosjacq) Australia began 2020 facing the losses and catastrophic effects of the early fire season that began in September 2019. As of this writing, 33 people have died, and more than 2,200 homes have been lost—numbers that may increase, as some fires are still burning in the country, even after heavy rains have helped put out others. According to scientists, more than one billion animals have died in the wildfires, while more than 46 million acres of land have burned. Experts are saying that the Australian environment…

The water bear or moss piglet is a tiny invertebrate that's been around on Earth for more than half a billion years. This is a giant model at the AMNH's "Life at the Limits" exhibit. Photo courtesy of Eden, Janine, and Jim(CC BY 2.0)

Animals Biology Climate Change Environment

Even the Resilient Tardigrade Has an Achilles Heel

February 10, 2020January 30, 2020 Science Connectedclimate change, extreme temperature, resilience, rising temperature, tardigrade

By Shelby Nilsen (@shellbeegrace) Climate change is already affecting many habitats and ecosystems. As a result, scientists are working to understand how the rising temperatures we face might affect extant animals—that is, those species that are still surviving—including tardigrades, some of the toughest organisms around, which are well known for their ability to adapt to extreme environments. In the face of certain environmental cues, tardigrades enter cryptobiosis, a state in which all metabolic processes stop until the organism’s surroundings become favorable again. This remarkable survival tactic allows tardigrades to withstand…

Engineering Environment

Are Hydropower Dams the Future of Energy?

February 5, 2020January 28, 2020 Science Connectedclimate change, dam technology, energy generation, fossil fuels, hydroelectric energy, renewable energy

By Emily Folk @EmilySFolk Growing concerns about fossil fuels—especially their potential contributions to pollution and global warming—have individuals and governments around the globe looking for alternative sources of power. Hydropower is one of the oldest sources of electricity, already responsible for generating around 52 percent of the United States’ renewable electricity generation according to the National Hydropower Association. Hydroelectric dams are seen as some of the best options available. However, there are challenges that hydropower will need to overcome—otherwise, they may prevent the energy source’s widespread adoption. Current state of…