Despite human-induced climate change (global warming), a seemingly paradoxical phenomenon has been observed: harsher winters in some regions. Central to understanding this phenomenon is the polar vortex, a vast whirlpool of cold air encircling the poles, strongest in winter. However, under the influence of global warming, this vortex can weaken and even collapse. This disruption, often driven by sudden stratospheric warming events and changes in atmospheric pressure systems, allows frigid Arctic air to spill southward, bringing unexpected and severe cold spells to mid-latitudes. Thus, while the planet warms overall, the effects of a destabilized polar vortex illustrate how climate change can lead to complex and counterintuitive weather patterns, including colder winters in some areas.
Category: Climate
As we inch closer to the precipice of irreversible climate change, the debate surrounding how best to address its challenges intensifies. Two primary solutions have emerged in this arena: Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and adaptation. While both have their merits, there’s a moral question at the core of this debate. Do we remove the CO₂ we’ve introduced, thereby addressing the root cause, or do we adapt to the changing world, leaving behind those who can’t? The ethics of this dilemma are further intensified when we consider those most affected by these changes, yet have benefitted the least from the industries responsible for CO₂ emissions.
On April 1, 1960, the world’s first weather observation satellite (TIROS-1) was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It became operational for 78 days, despite the mission duration being 90 days.
Sponge City is a concept in urban planning and design that aims to make cities more resilient to flooding and other natural disasters by designing urban areas to absorb, store, and use water more efficiently. This can be achieved through a variety of strategies, including green infrastructure, permeable pavement, and rainwater harvesting systems.
Top 6 Deadliest Hurricanes ever recorded
Hurricanes are inevitable every year, but it often seems like they’re becoming deadlier with each passing season. On average, the world sees nearly 50 of these storms per year. Not all of them are devastating, but the ones that are will make the news and let you know just how much damage they caused. Here are the top 6 deadliest hurricanes ever recorded.
Unfortunately, this trend of severe hurricanes will likely continue due to climate change unless action is taken.
The global food supply faces a range of threats including climate change, wars, pests, and diseases. Microalgae, an organism too small for the human eye to see could offer some answers. Here’s how.
NASA Climate Change channel published a worrying animation titled “Climate Spiral” that visualizes global warming since 1880 in just 70 seconds.
Dr. Rob Thompson, a meteorologist from the University of Reading shows just how long it takes water to soak into the parched ground, illustrating why heavy rainfall after a drought can be dangerous and might lead to flash floods.
The video is filmed in the Harris Garden of the University of Reading.
Climate change is a pressing issue that affects world economies. At present, Earth is already 1.1 °C warmer than it was 200 years ago. This is because businesses continue to produce greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions contribute to the rapid increase in global temperature. Carbon emissions contribute the largest percentage of these emissions.
The growing effects of climate change have forced many industries to rethink their best practices and find more eco-friendly solutions. The construction sector is no exception, as companies have implemented many new technologies to reduce pollution and waste. Here are some of the most influential additions to construction and how they’ve enabled sustainable building.