Carbon Brief reviews the most closely watched climate articles in 2021
On January 19, 2022, the carbon Bulletin (Carbon Brief) website released a report entitled "Analysis: the most featured climate articles in the media in 2021" (Analysis: The Climate Papers Most Featured in the Media in 2021), which compiled an annual list of 25 most watched climate change-related papers in 2021 based on Altmetric data, tracking and scoring journal articles based on the number of online news articles and social media platforms mentioned.
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In first place was the heat-related death burden due to recent man-made climate change (The Burden of Heat-related Mortality Attributable to Recent Human-induced Climate Change) published in Natural Climate change (Nature Climate Change), with an Altmetric score of 5715. Researchers from the University of Bern in Switzerland (University of Bern) and the University of Emory (Emory University) in the United States collected data from 732 locations in 43 countries from 1991 to 2018 to investigate the effects of high temperature on human mortality. The study found that 37% of heat-related deaths can be attributed to man-made climate change. The study was mentioned in 865 online news, 69 blog posts and 1286 tweets, covering the Guardian, the New York Times, the Sydney Morning Herald, the Times, the London Evening Standard, the Independent, Bloomberg and the Associated Press.
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In second place was Natural Climate change's observation-based warning signal for the collapse of the Atlantic Meridional reversal Circulation (Observation-based Early-warning Signals for a Collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation), with an Altmetric score of 4839. Researchers at the Free University of Berlin (Freie Universit?t Berlin) and the Potsdam Institute for Climate impact Research (Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research) in Germany say that the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) may be close to a critical transition point, with its stability gradually diminished and may be completely lost, and the earth will experience a 50-year cooling after the collapse. The findings were reported by 485 online news outlets, including the Washington Post, the Guardian, the New York Times and Reuters, as well as 32 blog posts and 3203 tweets.
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In third place was Nature's "fossil fuels that cannot be exploited in a 1.5C World" (Unextractable Fossil Fuels in a 1.5C World), with an Altmetric score of 4606. From a production perspective, the research team from University College London (University College London) pointed out that nearly 60 per cent of oil and fossil methane gas and 90 per cent of coal must remain unexploited by 2050 at the 2018 resource reserve base to keep temperature rise within 1.5C, and to achieve this, global oil and gas production needs to decline at a rate of 3 per cent a year. The study was reported by 510 online news outlets, including the Capitol Hill, the Guardian, the Australian, the BBC, the Daily Mail, CNN, the Associated Press, New Scientist, ABC News and others.
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Fourth, published in current Biology (Current Biology), is "Learning to Control Bovine voiding reflexes to help reduce greenhouse Gas emissions" (Learned Control of Urinary Reflexes in Cattle to Help Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions), with an Altmetric score of 4576. The study, led by the Institute for Animal Biology of Leibniz Farm in Germany (Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology) and the Friedrich Luffler Institute (Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut), described how to use a reverse chain, reward-based training procedure to train cattle to urinate in toilets that can reduce air pollution while collecting and disposing of faeces. In addition, surprisingly, calves perform at a level comparable to or even better than that of young children. The study was mentioned in 717 news reports, as well as 18 blogs and 211 tweets.
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In fifth place was the summary article "Sound Landscape of the Anthropocene Ocean" (The Soundscape of the Anthropocene Ocean), published in Science, with an Altmetric score of 3526. This article describes in detail how the ocean has become more noisy since the Industrial Revolution. Due to a significant reduction in the number of animals that produce sound, an increase in man-made noise and changes in the contribution of geophysical sources such as ocean glaciers and storms caused by climate change, the ocean sound landscape is changing rapidly, in which noise can damage the hearing of marine life and change its physiological characteristics and behavioural habits. The study was followed by more than 220 media, more than 20 blogs and 1891 tweets.
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In sixth place was the article "more and more likely to record extreme Climate" (Increasing Probability of Record-shattering Climate Extremes) published in Natural Climate change, with an Altmetric score of 3036. With global warming, record-breaking extreme events are more likely to occur, the study warned. A stark example is the destructive heat wave that swept through western North America in June 2021, the "most extreme summer heat wave" ever recorded in North America, about 20 degrees Celsius higher than average.
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In seventh place was a summary of the Earth's Ice imbalance (Earth's Ice Imbalance) published in Cryosphere, with an Altmetric score of 3012. This is the first time that satellite data have been used to conduct a global ice loss survey, covering 215000 alpine glaciers around the world, polar ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, floating ice shelves around Antarctica and sea ice drifting in the Arctic and Southern Oceans. The study found that the rate of loss of Earth's ice increased significantly from 1994 to 2017, with a loss of 28 trillion tons, including Arctic sea ice (7.6 trillion tons), Antarctic ice shelves (6.5 trillion tons), mountain glaciers (6.1 trillion tons), Greenland ice sheet (3.8 trillion tons), Antarctic ice sheet (2.5 trillion tons) and Southern Ocean sea ice (900 billion tons). The article points out that although a small part of the loss of mountain glaciers is related to the Little Ice Age, the vast majority are directly related to climate warming.
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In eighth place was The Lancet's "2021 Lancet Health and Climate change Countdown report: a Red Alert for a healthy Future" (The 2021 Reportof the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change: Code Red for a Healthy Future), with an Altmetric score of 2851. The report tracks 44 health impact indicators directly related to climate change, outlines growing health and climate risks, noting that these risks exacerbate the health hazards that many people already face, especially in communities facing food and water security, heat waves and the spread of infectious diseases.
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In ninth place was Nature's article "Amazon is a carbon Source related to deforestation and Climate change" (Amazonia as a Carbon Source Linked to Deforestation and Climate Change), with an Altmetric score of 2750. Deforestation and climate change have transformed large areas of the Amazon basin from carbon sinks that absorb carbon dioxide to "carbon sources" that emit carbon dioxide, according to the study. The results call into question the ability of tropical forests to absorb carbon dioxide produced by large amounts of fossil fuels in the future.
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Among the 25 climate articles that have attracted the most media attention, "Nature" and "Natural Climate change" tied for first place, with 5 each. The second is Science, with a total of 4 articles and 1 article in each of the other 11 journals.
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Himalayas Bare and Rocky After Reduced Winter Snowfall, Scientists Warn
The Himalayas, often described as the world’s “Third Pole,” are facing a dramatic and worrying transformation. Scientists are warning that reduced winter snowfall is leaving vast stretches of the mountain range bare, rocky, and increasingly vulnerable to long-term environmental damage. Once known for their thick snow blankets and powerful glaciers, parts of the Himalayas are now showing exposed rock earlier than ever before—an alarming sign of climate stress in one of Earth’s most critical ecosystems. A Visible Change in the World’s Highest Mountains Winter snowfall plays a vital role in the Himalayan climate system. Snow acts as a protective layer, insulating glaciers and regulating the slow release of meltwater into rivers during warmer months. However, researchers monitoring satellite data and ground stations report that recent winters have brought significantly less snowfall across large areas of the range. As a result, snowlines are rising higher up the slopes, leaving lower and mid-altitude regions exposed. This has turned once-white mountain landscapes into expanses of dark rock, which absorb more heat from the sun, accelerating warming in a dangerous feedback loop. Why Reduced Snowfall Matters Snow is more than a scenic feature—it is essential to the health of Himalayan glaciers. When snowfall declines, glaciers lose their main source of replenishment. At the same time, exposed ice and rock melt faster under direct sunlight. Scientists warn that this imbalance is speeding up glacier retreat across the Himalayas. Many glaciers are now shrinking at rates not previously recorded, threatening the long-term stability of water systems that support nearly two billion people across South and Southeast Asia. Impact on Asia’s Major Rivers The Himalayas feed some of the world’s most important rivers, including the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra, Yangtze, and Mekong. These rivers depend on seasonal snow and ice melt to maintain consistent flow throughout the year. Reduced snowfall means less stored water for the dry season. In the short term, faster melting can cause floods and landslides. In the long term, however, shrinking glaciers could lead to water shortages, affecting agriculture, hydropower, and drinking supplies across multiple countries. A Growing Risk of Disasters Bare, rocky slopes are far more unstable than snow-covered ones. Snow helps bind loose material together, while exposed rock and soil increase the likelihood of landslides and avalanches. Scientists have already observed a rise in slope failures and glacial lake outburst floods in the region. As glaciers retreat, meltwater often accumulates in fragile lakes dammed by loose rock and ice. These lakes can burst suddenly, releasing destructive floods that threaten mountain communities and downstream infrastructure. Climate Change at the Core Researchers agree that climate change is the primary driver behind the declining snowfall. Rising global temperatures are altering weather patterns, causing more winter precipitation to fall as rain rather than snow. Even small temperature increases at high altitudes can drastically change how moisture behaves. Additionally, warming oceans and shifting atmospheric circulation are affecting the timing and intensity of winter storms that traditionally brought snow to the Himalayas. Effects on Local Communities and Wildlife Mountain communities that rely on predictable snowfall for farming, tourism, and water storage are already feeling the effects. Farmers report changes in planting cycles, while winter tourism has declined in some regions due to unreliable snow conditions. Wildlife is also under pressure. Species adapted to cold environments are losing habitat as snow cover shrinks. Plants that depend on snowmelt are struggling to survive in drier, warmer conditions, disrupting fragile alpine ecosystems. Scientists Call for Urgent Monitoring and Action Experts stress the importance of improved monitoring of snowfall, glacier health, and water flows across the Himalayan region. Better data can help governments plan for future water management challenges and disaster risks. At the same time, scientists emphasize that local adaptation alone is not enough. Reducing global greenhouse gas emissions remains critical to slowing temperature rise and preserving what remains of the Himalayan snow and ice. What the Future Holds If current trends continue, large parts of the Himalayas could see permanent changes within decades. Reduced snowfall and accelerating glacier loss may reshape landscapes, ecosystems, and human livelihoods on an unprecedented scale. The sight of bare, rocky Himalayan slopes is more than a visual change—it is a warning signal. The world’s highest mountains are responding rapidly to a warming planet, and the consequences will extend far beyond the peaks themselves.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohi6 days ago in Earth
Trump’s Proposed Ban on Buying Single-Family Homes Introduces Uncertainty for Family Offices
Former President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial measure that would ban certain investors from purchasing single-family homes, sparking concern among family offices, real estate professionals, and affluent households across the United States. While the proposal is still in its early stages, it highlights tensions between housing affordability, investment strategies, and government regulation. Family offices—private wealth management firms that handle investments for high-net-worth families—are particularly affected, as single-family homes often form a key part of their diversified portfolios. Understanding the Proposed Ban The proposed policy aims to limit institutional investors and large-scale buyers from purchasing single-family homes, a move intended to increase housing availability for individual homebuyers and first-time families. Proponents argue that investment firms and private equity groups have increasingly dominated the single-family housing market, driving up prices and limiting access for ordinary buyers. Trump’s proposal, however, extends concerns to family offices. Unlike institutional investors, family offices often operate with smaller scale and focus on preserving wealth while generating steady returns. By restricting their ability to purchase single-family homes, the policy could inadvertently impact legitimate private wealth management strategies. Family Offices and Real Estate Family offices typically manage wealth for ultra-high-net-worth families, investing in a mix of assets including stocks, bonds, private equity, and real estate. Single-family homes are attractive for several reasons: Diversification: Real estate offers a hedge against market volatility. Stable Cash Flow: Rental properties provide recurring income. Appreciation Potential: Over time, well-chosen properties can increase in value. Legacy Planning: Homes are often used for long-term wealth transfer within families. By restricting access to single-family homes, family offices may need to rethink asset allocation and seek alternative investment avenues, potentially increasing reliance on commercial real estate, REITs, or other asset classes. Implications for the Housing Market A ban on single-family home purchases by certain investors could have both positive and negative effects on the housing market: Potential Benefits: Limiting investor activity might improve affordability and access for first-time homebuyers. In areas where institutional buyers have been driving prices up, the policy could reduce competition and slow price growth. Potential Drawbacks: Reduced investor activity might decrease liquidity in the market. Family offices and private investors often maintain properties, ensuring maintenance and stable rental supply. Limiting their participation could inadvertently reduce housing quality or slow new housing development. Moreover, uncertainty surrounding the proposal may influence market behavior, as buyers, sellers, and investors wait to understand regulatory details. This could temporarily cool investment activity, affect home valuations, and complicate financing decisions. Legal and Regulatory Considerations Implementing a ban of this scale would require complex legislation and enforcement mechanisms. Regulators would need to define which entities are restricted, how to monitor compliance, and what penalties would apply for violations. Family offices often operate in a hybrid space, blending private investment strategies with professional management structures. Defining which offices fall under restrictions could be legally challenging and may lead to lengthy court battles if policy implementation is unclear or inconsistent. Additionally, the proposal raises questions about federal vs. state authority in regulating housing markets. Real estate has traditionally been a mix of local zoning laws, state property rights, and federal regulations. A sweeping ban could create conflicts and require careful coordination across multiple levels of government. Reactions from Stakeholders Family Offices Family offices are expressing concern about the potential disruption to investment strategies and wealth management practices. Many offices rely on predictable legal frameworks to make long-term decisions. A sudden restriction could force them to divest existing holdings or abandon planned acquisitions, potentially reducing returns for families who depend on these investments. Real Estate Professionals Real estate brokers, developers, and property managers are also watching closely. While some welcome policies that improve access for individual buyers, others warn that restricting investment could reduce overall market activity. “We need to balance affordability with investment incentives,” says Sarah Jenkins, a real estate analyst. “Family offices and private investors play an important role in maintaining the housing supply and keeping rental markets stable.” Homebuyers and Advocacy Groups First-time homebuyers and housing advocacy groups largely support efforts to reduce institutional competition for single-family homes. Limiting large-scale investors could make it easier for ordinary buyers to compete in popular markets. However, the impact on wealthy private investors, like family offices, remains a point of debate. Broader Economic Considerations The proposed ban highlights the tension between housing affordability and private wealth management. Single-family homes are not only a place to live—they are also investment assets. Policies that affect one group of buyers may have unintended consequences for another. For family offices, the shift could prompt a broader reevaluation of asset allocation strategies, leading to increased focus on commercial real estate, international property markets, or alternative investments like private equity and infrastructure. This could ripple through financial markets, affecting liquidity, valuations, and even lending practices. Conclusion Trump’s proposed ban on purchasing single-family homes introduces significant uncertainty for family offices and other private investors. While the policy aims to improve housing accessibility for first-time buyers, it also poses challenges for wealthy families relying on real estate as a key component of their investment strategy. Navigating this uncertainty requires careful analysis, proactive planning, and legal guidance. Family offices may need to diversify holdings, explore alternative asset classes, or reconsider long-term strategies to ensure stability in an evolving regulatory environment. Ultimately, the proposal underscores a broader debate in the U.S. housing market: how to balance affordability, private investment, and the preservation of wealth in a way that supports both communities and investors. The coming months will be critical in shaping the future of housing policy and its impact on family offices nationwide.
By Muhammad Hassanabout 22 hours ago in Earth
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