The findings, revealed by a research team including Leeds academics, show that forests are being cut down at increasingly higher altitudes and on steeper slopes in order to make way for agricultural intensification. As a result, more than 400 million tonnes of carbon are released into the atmosphere every year as forests are cleared in the […]
University of Leeds
Posted inSci/Tech
Volcanic pollution return linked to jump in respiratory disease cases
Respiratory disease increased markedly following one of Iceland’s largest volcanic eruptions, a new study has found. The findings could have significant implications for actions taken to protect the health of the 800 million people living near active volcanoes. Only last month, lava burst through a crack in Iceland’s Mount Fagradalsfjall in the first eruption of […]
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Lightning strikes played a vital role in life’s origins on Earth
March 16, 2021 – Lightning strikes were just as important as meteorites in creating the perfect conditions for life to emerge on Earth, geologists say. Minerals delivered to Earth in meteorites more than 4 billion years ago have long been advocated as key ingredients for the development of life on our planet. Scientists believed minimal […]
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Current food production systems could mean far-reaching habitat loss
The global food system could drive rapid and widespread biodiversity loss if not changed, new research has found. Findings published in Nature Sustainability show that the world’s food system will need to be transformed to prevent habitat loss across the globe. The international research team, led by the University of Leeds and the University of […]
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COVID-19 recovery choices shape future climate
A post-lockdown economic recovery plan that incorporates and emphasises climate-friendly choices could help significantly in the battle against global warming, according to a new study. This is despite the sudden reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants during lockdown having a negligible impact on holding down global temperature change. The researchers warn that even […]
Posted inEnviro
Amazon deforestation has a significant impact on the local climate in Brazil
September 3, 2019 – The loss of forest cover in the Amazon has a significant impact on the local climate in Brazil, according to a new study. The UN Environment Programme has said warned that the Amazon wildfires threaten “…this precious natural resource…” and that the forest helps mitigate the effects of climate change. Insight […]
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Flood frequency of the world’s largest river has increased five-fold
Sept. 21, 2018 – A recent study of more than 100 years of river level records from the Amazon shows a significant increase in frequency and severity of floods. The scientists’ analysis of the potential causes could contribute to more accurate flood prediction for the Amazon Basin. Water levels of the Amazon River have been […]
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The Larsen-C iceberg breakaway story might not be over yet
Aug. 2, 2017 – The largest remaining ice shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula lost 10% of its area when an iceberg four times the size of London broke free earlier this month. Since the 12 July 2017 breakaway Dr Anna Hogg, from the University of Leeds and Dr Hilmar Gudmundsson, from the British Antarctic Survey […]
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Huge permafrost thaw can be limited by ambitious climate targets
April 10, 2017 – Global warming will thaw about 20% more permafrost than previously thought, scientists have warned — potentially releasing significant amounts of greenhouse gases into the Earth’s atmosphere. A new international research study, including climate change experts from the University of Leeds, University of Exeter and the Met Office, reveals that permafrost is […]