climate change Archives - State of the Planet

1,000-Plus Years of Tree Rings Confirm Historic Extremity of 2021 Western North America Heat Wave

Scientists quickly pronounced the summer 2021 heat wave that hit western North America to be unprecedented, but they had no long-term physical proof. Now they do.

by |March 27, 2023

“Urgency. Gravity. Hope.” World’s Top Climate Report Highlights Dire Need for Climate Action

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s assessment report issues catastrophic warning if immediate climate action is not taken by governments across the globe.

by |March 23, 2023

Without Changes, Global Food Systems May Drive World Beyond Climate Targets, Says Study

Production of meat, dairy and rice are the leading sources of food-related emissions. Improved management practices and changes in diet could go a long way to addressing the issues.

by |March 6, 2023
rising water levels submerging the family's belongings

Flooding in Jakarta: A Call to Increase Climate Change Awareness

Despite being frequent victims of climate-driven disasters, Indonesians are largely unaware of climate change and its impacts. Education, media attention, and conversations could be key to shifting those perceptions.

by Sharah Yunihar Saputra |March 3, 2023

Climate Education in the U.S.: Where It Stands, and Why It Matters

Young people need to learn about climate change because it is going to shape their futures in many ways. What are they learning about it in school?

by |February 9, 2023

More Frequent Atmospheric Rivers Are Hindering the Recovery of Arctic Sea Ice

Giant trains of warm, moist air are playing havoc with Arctic sea ice during the season when it should be recovering from summer melting.

by |February 6, 2023

Letting Enchantment Lead the Way: Iceland’s Hidden Folk and Environmental Protection

A new book explores the world of wonder contained in Icelandic myth, and considers how it might spill out of storybook pages and into real life.

by Gísli Pálsson |January 19, 2023

2022 Tied for Fifth Warmest Year

Last year saw a continuation of the long-term rise in the planet’s average temperature.

by |January 13, 2023

What Uncertainties Remain in Climate Science?

Climate scientists are still uncertain about a number of phenomena that could affect our future. What are the reasons for this uncertainty?

by |January 12, 2023

New York City’s Greenery Absorbs a Surprising Amount of Its Carbon Emissions

A hyper-local study of vegetation shows that the city’s trees and grass often cancel out all the CO2 released from cars, trucks and buses on summer days.

by |January 5, 2023