New Algorithm Could Revolutionize IPCC Climate Forecasts

Wind Farms Offset Their Emissions Within 2 Years

After spinning for less than 2 years, a wind farm can offset the carbon emissions generated across its entire 30-year lifespan when compared to thermal power plants, according to a new study. The study also shows that within 6 months, a wind turbine can generate all the energy consumed across its life-cycle. The manufacturing of wind turbines is the primary contributor to the carbon and energy footprints, which has been a critical area for targeted environmental mitigation strategies. Similarly, experts also recommend developing a recycling process for end-of-life wind turbine blades. Currently, blades are disposed of in landfills, but if they were recycled mechanically or chemically, that could drop the emissions from the current 10.8 gCO2 to a potential 9.7.

Taylor & Francis Group

Oxford Algorithm Could Revolutionize IPCC Climate Forecasts

A team of researchers from the University of Oxford has developed an algorithm that could radically transform the way IPCC climate projections are developed. Currently, the IPCC uses sophisticated computer models known as Earth System Models to simulate the response of the land, oceans, and atmosphere to greenhouse gas emissions. However, these simulations can take up to two years. A new algorithm developed by a team at Oxford could reduce simulation times by 10-25 times. This would allow a huge saving of time, energy, and computational resources for researchers, and could also improve the reliability of climate projections by reducing uncertainties associated with the models. The algorithm would then help to improve the accuracy of climate projections, providing more accurate and reliable information to policy makers to guide them in the fight against climate change.

Mamy Nirina Rolland Randrianarivelo, Meteored France

Climate Change Alters the Length of Days on Earth

As global temperatures continue to rise, ice sheets at the Earth’s poles melt. The redistribution of mass from the resulting sea level rise is increasing the length of day at an unprecedented rate, according to a recent study. The Earth has been gradually increasing by a few milliseconds per century, largely due to the moon’s gravitational pull. This has gradually slowed the Earth’s rotation, as well as glacial isostatic adjustment processes - the movement of molten rock in the planet’s mantle toward the polar regions. Melting ice sheets and glaciers have also had an increasing effect on length of day due to the transportation of large amounts of mass from the poles to the equator. As a result, Earth’s normal oblate shape, resembling a somewhat flattened sphere bulging at the equator, is flattening even more. By the end of the 21st century, the climate impact alone could overtake the impact of the Earth-moon dynamics.

Julia Jacobo, ABC News