Donald Trump’s second term as US President is shaping up to be different from his first, with the appointment of three key science-advisory positions. Michael Kratsios, a tech expert, has been nominated to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and serve as the President’s science adviser. David Sacks, a tech…
global climate change on The Soothsayer / page 2
Researchers have discovered the remains of an ancient glacier in the Canadian Arctic, which could be over a million years old. The glacier’s icy layers contain trapped gases, compounds, and particulates that can provide valuable information about the atmospheres and climates of bygone millennia. This rare find could offer insights into the climate of the…
A new podcast series, “United by Fire,” explores the complex relationship between humans and wildfires in the United States. The series delves into the impact of climate change on fire seasons, the suppression of beneficial fires, and the risks associated with living in fire-prone areas. As wildfires continue to ravage the country, society must adapt…
Climate scientists have announced that Earth’s average temperature has surpassed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the fight against global warming. This development serves as a stark reminder that the world is moving into dangerous territory, with potentially devastating consequences for ecosystems, sea levels, and human societies. The…
Theoretical physicists have proposed the existence of a new type of particle called paraparticles, which don’t fit into the conventional classifications of fermions and bosons. This discovery could lead to the creation of paraparticles using a quantum computer, potentially making quantum computers less error-prone. Researchers have also experimentally demonstrated the existence of anyons, a type…
The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service has released a report confirming that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with Earth’s average temperature exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. This milestone marks a significant increase in global temperatures, which have been rising since 1967. The report highlights multiple global records smashed in 2024,…
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has successfully collected data during its closest approach to the Sun, marking a significant milestone in solar science. The spacecraft, which has been looping around the Sun since its launch six years ago, has provided valuable insights into the solar wind and the Sun’s outer atmosphere. The data collected during the…
Unusually dry conditions and hurricane-force seasonal winds have fueled multiple fast-moving and destructive wildfires in Los Angeles County, forcing over 100,000 people to evacuate and killing at least two people. The blazes, driven by Santa Ana winds and high fuel loads, have burned over 6,400 hectares and destroyed around 1,000 structures. Climate scientists warn that…
A recent study published in Science suggests that the demise of most of Australia’s kangaroo species 40,000 years ago may have been caused by human hunters rather than climate change. The researchers analyzed the teeth of 937 kangaroos and found that they were generalists, consuming a variety of foods, which contradicts previous assumptions that they…
Scientists are considering climate engineering as a potential solution to global warming, despite public opposition and concerns about unintended consequences. Researchers are working to fill knowledge gaps and develop strategies for deploying reflective particles into the stratosphere to cool the Earth. However, many questions remain unanswered, including how much particulate matter is needed, when and…
