The cost of living in the Anthropocene

What are the true cost of living in the Anthropocene? Wikipedia: The Anthropocene is an informal geologic chronological term that serves to mark the evidence and extent of human activities that have had a significant global impact on the Earth‘s ecosystems. The term was coined recently by ecologist Eugene F. Stoermer and has been widely popularized by the Nobel Prize-winning atmospheric chemist, Paul Crutzen, who regards the…

The Rate of Sea-Level Rise

A new study paper out in nature (Nature Climate Change / 2014 / doi:10.1038/nclimate2159), explores why the rise of sea-level has slowed in the last decade. Unsurprisingly the slow-down coincidences with the observed climate hiatus (IPCC AR5, Ocean heat content uptake). Because  heat is distributed differently, depending on the state of ENSO (between El Nino or La Nina). Abstract: Present-day sea-level…

Climate Effects on Human Evolution

This article explores the hypothesis that key human adaptations evolved in response to environmental instability.  This idea was developed during research conducted by the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program. Natural selection was not always a matter of ‘survival of the fittest’ but also survival of those most adaptable to changing surroundings. By the Smithonian  Background Paleoanthropologists – scientists who…

Spot On – Rising Seas in South Florida (PBS 2014)

PBS: Flood-prone South Florida considers proactive investment against rising seas March 19, 2014 (with Transcript). White House starting to make bigger climate change push – will help protect #SWWater if successful, but … http://t.co/OA7EX3OhgQ — Jonathan Overpeck (@TucsonPeck) March 21, 2014 Visit the new White House climate website https://climate.data.gov

Global Warming Speeds Up Methane Emissions from Freshwater

By Tim Radford (Climate News Network): Scientists think the amount of methane emitted to the atmosphere from freshwater ecosystems will increase as the climate warms, triggering further warming. LONDON, 20 March – British scientists have identified yet another twist to the threat of global warming. Any further rises in temperature are likely to accelerate the release of methane from…

EU could afford to lead international climate action

Late-comers face a clear trade-off between lower short term costs and higher transitional challenges PIK (Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research) 03/19/2014 (Translation: Artikel in Deutsch) – This week, the heads of the EU member states will meet in Brussels to discuss the adoption of a 40 percent greenhouse gas reduction target for 2030. Despite…