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Study Finds Human-Caused Climate Change Drives Most Coral Bleaching Events

Study Finds Human-Caused Climate Change Drives Most Coral Bleaching Events

A new study published in Oceanography by Climate Central researchers has found that human-induced climate change is the primary driver of global coral bleaching events over the past four decades. The study challenges the previous assumption that natural climate cycles, such as El Niño, were the main causes of coral bleaching. Instead, it concludes that greenhouse gas emissions have significantly warmed the oceans, making El Niño a trigger rather than the root cause of bleaching. The research indicates that every global bleaching event since 1998 required human-caused warming to push ocean temperatures beyond bleaching thresholds. The findings highlight the increasing frequency and severity of coral bleaching due to steadily warming oceans.

Record Ocean Temperatures Highlight Intensifying El Niño and Climate Change

Record Ocean Temperatures Highlight Intensifying El Niño and Climate Change

Global sea-surface temperatures have reached record highs for 50 consecutive days, driven by a rapidly strengthening El Niño and long-term climate change. The average sea-surface temperatures have remained above previous records, with the Niño 3.4 region in the central Pacific experiencing unprecedented warming. This trend is expected to continue, with 2026 likely to become the second-warmest year on record globally. The warming oceans are contributing to more intense tropical cyclones, increased atmospheric moisture, and extreme weather events worldwide.

Ventura County Star, Camarillo

A triple ocean tug-of-war could shape California weather

A triple ocean tug-of-war could shape California weather

El Niño may drive California’s winter weather, but Atlantic La Niña and warm ocean waters could add complexity to the forecast.

Emerging 'Super' El Niño Could Have Global Weather Impacts

Emerging 'Super' El Niño Could Have Global Weather Impacts

A 'super' El Niño is developing in the Pacific Ocean, characterized by warmer than normal sea-surface temperatures. This phenomenon, part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, is expected to become one of the strongest on record by the end of the year. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed the onset of El Niño, predicting a 63% chance of it becoming very strong by winter. El Niño events typically lead to global weather changes, affecting human health, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Cincinnati Enquirer

What Super El Niño forecast could mean for winter in Ohio

What Super El Niño forecast could mean for winter in Ohio

Will Ohio see less snow this winter? Here's what a strengthening Super El Niño could mean for the state.

Hurricane Helene Threatens Extinction of Southern Bog Turtle in Appalachia

Hurricane Helene Threatens Extinction of Southern Bog Turtle in Appalachia

The southern bog turtle, one of the smallest turtles in the United States, faces an increased risk of extinction following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm's floodwaters severely damaged the turtle's habitat in the Appalachian region, particularly affecting the Pigeon River Gorge near the Tennessee border. Conservationists, including those from Tangled Bank Conservation and the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy, are working to protect the remaining populations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering listing the southern bog turtle as endangered, which would provide federal protection.

Mangrove Photography Awards 2026 Celebrates Global Environmental Artistry

Mangrove Photography Awards 2026 Celebrates Global Environmental Artistry

The Mangrove Photography Awards 2026, organized by the Mangrove Action Project, has announced its winners, showcasing a selection of stunning photographs from 5,258 entries across 87 countries. Now in its 12th year, the awards aim to highlight the beauty and ecological importance of mangrove ecosystems. The competition provides a platform for photographers to capture and share unique landscapes and wildlife that are often inaccessible to the general public. The winning images offer a glimpse into the diverse and intricate ecosystems that mangroves support, emphasizing their role in environmental conservation.

Kelp Forest Conservation Efforts Highlighted Amid Climate and Human Threats

Kelp Forest Conservation Efforts Highlighted Amid Climate and Human Threats

A new collection of research is focusing on the ecology and conservation of kelp forests, which are vital marine ecosystems found along polar to subtropical coastlines. These forests provide essential ecosystem services, including supporting fisheries, carbon sequestration, and coastal protection. However, they face significant threats from climate change, pollution, overharvesting, and invasive species. The collection invites multidisciplinary research to better understand and protect these ecosystems, emphasizing the need for integrative approaches to conservation.

NOAA Predicts Strong El Niño Could Mitigate U.S. Wildfires by 2027

NOAA Predicts Strong El Niño Could Mitigate U.S. Wildfires by 2027

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced the formation of a 'very strong' El Niño, which is expected to bring wetter conditions to the Southern United States. This climate pattern, which occurs every two to seven years, is characterized by the warming of Pacific Ocean waters, leading to increased rainfall in certain regions. While the current El Niño is not expected to immediately alleviate the ongoing wildfires in the Western U.S., NOAA researchers suggest that its effects could result in a milder wildfire season by next summer. The El Niño phenomenon typically brings storms and rain to the Southern U.S., potentially reducing wildfire risks by keeping vegetation moist. However, the Northern U.S. may experience drier and warmer conditions, which complicates the overall impact on wildfire activity.

Oregon Board of Forestry Approves New Conservation-Focused Forest Management Plan

Oregon Board of Forestry Approves New Conservation-Focused Forest Management Plan

The Oregon Board of Forestry has approved a new management plan for the state's western forests, emphasizing conservation over clear-cutting. The plan, which will guide the Oregon Department of Forestry's work in 640,000 acres of state forests, aims to support critical species, improve water and air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Conservation groups have praised the plan as a significant step forward in protecting essential habitats. The plan includes priorities such as combating climate change by harnessing the carbon-storing power of trees through reduced logging and protecting old-growth forests. The state may also enter acreage into a voluntary carbon market, generating credits bought by polluting industries to reduce emissions.

Monsoon Rains Unlikely to Alleviate Lake Powell and Mead Water Crisis

Monsoon Rains Unlikely to Alleviate Lake Powell and Mead Water Crisis

The North American monsoon is expected to bring rain to parts of the drought-stricken Southwest, but experts warn it is unlikely to significantly impact the water crisis affecting Lake Powell and Lake Mead. These reservoirs, critical for the Colorado River system, are at severely low levels due to prolonged drought and high demand. As of mid-July, Lake Powell is at 23% capacity, while Lake Mead is at 27%. The monsoon season, which runs from June to September, typically brings thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to the region. However, the reservoirs primarily rely on snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains, and summer rains are not expected to substantially increase water levels.