Climate effect on natural systems over the line of not return may arrive without warning
Published by J. R. under Environment Sciences categories on February 18, 2010
Scientists are looking for the warning signs that herald sudden changes in natural systems, in order to forestall those changes, or improve our preparations for them; UC theoretical ecologist Alan Hastings indicates: Our new study found, unfortunately, that regime shifts with potentially large consequences can happen without warning; systems can ‘tip’ precipitously. Read the rest of this entry »
A group of researchers at Kyoto University has developed a nanotechnology material that could be used to replicate the natural process of photosynthesis at a much lower cost than currently possible. The innovation could lead to an efficient and relatively cheap system that uses sunlight to synthesize sugars and alcohols from carbon dioxide and thereby mop up excess CO2 in the atmosphere.
The IPCC (Inter-governmental panel on climate change) fourth assessment report initially indicates that Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global average sea level. 
