In a paper published in National Science Review, an international team of scientists found a significant decline of downward surface solar radiation (DSSR) from 1959 to 2014. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) and anthropogenic aerosols contributed equally to the weakening of the DSSR and the role of GHGs was more significant after 1979. Whether DSSR would continue to decrease in the future is highly dependent on emission policies. The implementation of relatively lower aerosols and CO₂ emissions will help to curb the weakening of DSSR and provide a key guarantee for a smooth transition from traditional fossil energy sources to a cleaner one.

Spanish and Peruvian researchers analyzed the soil four years after a major wildfire in Arequipa, finding severe organic carbon loss, soil compaction, and erosion. These changes threaten water retention and increase risks for nearby endangered ecosystems, such as Polylepis forests.

This Valentine’s Day, millions of pounds worth of chocolate will be exchanged as gifts, but climate change and biodiversity loss imperil future global supplies of this treat. A new research study led by the University of Oxford and published today (14 February) demonstrates that sustainable agricultural practices that both protect pollinator populations and mitigate climate risks could help secure- and even improve - global cocoa yields.

In a paper published in National Science Review, an international team of scientists discovered a universal N₂O emission baseline that could guide the sustainable management of riverine N₂O. The discovery of EF-lines emphasized the importance of targeting hotspots and managing baseline emissions sustainably to balance social and environmental benefits. The priority control of organic and NH₄⁺ pollution could rapidly eliminate global riverine N₂O hotspots and reduce emissions by half. However, the further restoration of baseline emissions on nitrate removal is a long-term challenge.