A surprising increase is reported in Europe regarding the global warming agent as tougher emissions standards are unveiled in the United States for trucks.
Hazards & Disasters
Connecticut-Sized Dead Zone Expected in Gulf of Mexico
An ensemble of four computer models evaluated river runoff, wind patterns, and other factors affecting the extent of oxygen-poor waters near the Mississippi River's mouth.
White House Focuses on Drought and Wildfire Threats
Funding for water and land management, crop insurance relief, and jobs aims to lessen drought impacts and improve protection from wildfires.
Rainfall Fluctuations Hinder Projections of Future Extremes
Long-period oscillations in rainfall make even long records less useful for predicting future extremes.
Addressing Challenges of Mitigating Flood Risk in Mountain Areas
Workshop on Modeling and Managing Flood Risk in Mountainous Areas; Folsom, California, 17–19 February 2015
Obama Links Climate Change to National and Global Security
Obama tells new Coast Guard officers that climate change poses a serious security threat to coastal areas and a challenge to the U.S. military.
Regional Nuclear War Could Cause a Global Famine
A detonation of less than 0.03% of the current global nuclear arsenal could cause fires that clog the air with soot. This soot could block solar radiation, leading to worldwide crop shortages.
Protecting Earth from Solar Storms
A task force on space weather recently released a national strategy to reduce damage resulting from solar storms. The plan is now open for public comment.
Scientist's Field Season Ends with Nepal Quake
A graduate student studying tectonics found himself caught in a disaster at the end of fieldwork in the Himalayas.
What Causes Extreme Hail, Tornadoes, and Floods in South America?
A study of extreme weather in South America shows seasonal and spatial patterns, which, if better understood, could help save lives and minimize damage to property.