Latest Science News
South Asia heatwave now considered a 'regular reality'
A new World Weather Attribution study says the late-April and early-May heatwave across India and Pakistan is now about three times more likely because of human-caused warming, making such extremes expected roughly once every five years. The event pushed temperatures above 46C in several cities and was linked to dozens of deaths.
World Cup matches could face dangerous heat and humidity
Researchers with World Weather Attribution found that 1 in 4 matches at the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup could occur under heat conditions deemed unsafe by the players' union FIFPRO. The analysis warns that players and fans across the tournament’s 16 host cities may face hazardous heat stress.
Climate change is reducing oxygen in rivers worldwide
A study published in Science Advances found that oxygen levels in more than 21,000 rivers have dropped an average of 2.1% since 1985. Scientists warn continuing deoxygenation could create dead zones and threaten fish, biodiversity, water quality, and people who depend on rivers.
Eastern U.S., India, and tropics face major river oxygen losses
The river oxygen study projects that, if current trends continue, many rivers in the Eastern United States, India, and tropical regions could lose around 10% of their oxygen by century’s end under moderate-to-high emissions. The findings raise concern for ecosystems already under pressure from warming and pollution.
Scientists warn U.S. climate funding cuts could erase sea-level research gains
An Eos opinion piece argues that recent U.S. cuts to climate science funding, staff, and institutions threaten decades of progress in sea-level research. It says weakened support for NASA, NOAA, NSF, and related centers could undermine the data and models needed to understand rising seas.
Sea-level observations from NASA missions remain crucial
The same analysis highlights the importance of satellite missions such as TOPEX/Poseidon and GRACE/GRACE-FO in tracking global mean sea level and ice-sheet change. Researchers say losing these capabilities would damage the world’s ability to project coastal risk accurately.
NASA reports changing patterns in artificial light at night
NASA Earth Observatory published a new analysis showing where nighttime artificial light has intensified and where it has dimmed. The study found global radiance increased by 34% over the study period, but that average hides substantial regional volatility.
Scientists call for new climate and biodiversity scenarios
Researchers working with the Earth Commission say today’s dominant models for climate and biodiversity futures are too narrow and rely too heavily on existing economic and governance structures. In a new One Earth paper, they argue that safer and fairer outcomes will require much deeper systemic transformation.
U.S. disaster response overhaul raises climate concerns
A Trump-appointed review council has proposed sweeping changes to FEMA, prompting warnings that disaster-response capacity could be weakened just as climate-fueled extreme weather intensifies. Critics say the report barely mentions climate despite the growing role of warming in disaster risks.
Climate news roundup highlights policy and health risks worldwide
Earth.Org’s latest weekly roundup also notes New Zealand’s proposal to ban lawsuits against polluting companies, alongside broader climate-related risks affecting public health and sporting events. The roundup frames these as part of a fast-evolving global climate science and policy landscape.