News

Hunga eruption changes the atmosphere: researchers show effects

Less than a week ago, lava began to bubble up from the earth again in Iceland. In Sicily, Mount Etna does not come to rest. The eruption of a volcano can have massive consequences for a region. But its breath can also reach far beyond. During the eruption of Hunga in January 2022, the largest volcanic event of the 21st century to date, an unprecedented amount of water vapour was released into the upper atmosphere. Researchers from the Wegener Center at the University of Graz, in collaboration with colleagues from the USA, have investigated the changes in these high layers of air. They found an exceptional cooling of the stratosphere. This has far-reaching effects on the atmosphere and the climate. The study has recently been published in Communications Earth & Environment.

Extreme heat affects child mortality in Africa

It is a sustainable development goal of the United Nations to reduce child mortality to 25 deaths per 1000 livebirths in children younger than five years by 2030. The mortality rate is influenced by various factors. The role played by malnutrition and diseases such as HIV or malaria is well known. However, little is known about the connection with very high temperatures. An international study involving the University of Graz now shows that the influence of extreme heat on the risk of death in children under the age of five in Africa varies depending on age group, climate region and season. Each country must therefore take its own preventive measures tailored to the respective conditions and target groups.

Greenhouse gas emissions decline in Austria: researchers reveal causes

Good news: greenhouse gas emissions in Austria fell by 6.4 percent in 2023, as announced by the Federal Ministry for Climate Action and the Environment Agency at a press conference today. Researchers at the University of Graz have analysed the causes for this reduction. The main reasons are changes in production processes and the behaviour of the population. They resulted in a 5.6 percent drop in emissions. A further drop of 0.8 percent was due to lower economic activity and the warm winter.

K3-Kongress zu Klimakommunikation

Der kommende K3-Kongress zu Klimakommunikation findet von 25.- 26. September 2024 an der Universität Graz/Österreich statt.

Wissens-Export nach Südostasien: Know-how zum Klimawandel für Thailand und Vietnam

„Giftiger Smog in Bangkok“ – Die gesundheitsgefährdende Luftverschmutzung in der thailändischen Hauptstadt sorgte zuletzt im Februar für Schlagzeilen. Ein großes EU-Bildungsprojekt der Universität Graz will „Green-Edu-Seeds“ pflanzen und insbesondere Studierende in Südostasien dabei unterstützen, grünes Know-how aufzubauen. Mit dem Ziel, die Emissionen vor allem in Landwirtschaft und Tourismus reduzieren.

Arctic adventure: Florina Schalamon on the challenges facing female polar explorers

Field research at the end of the world. On a ship in the Arctic Ocean, in a remote station or in a tent in the far north, at minus 40 degrees. A real adventure. Florina Schalamon, a doctoral student at the University of Graz, has already had some of such experiences. She is currently investigating changes in Greenland's glaciers as a result of climate change. And she has another topic in her sights: the challenges that women in particular face during research stays in polar regions. In a recently published international study, Schalamon and her colleagues show why the adventure often holds extra hurdles for female scientists and how these can be overcome.

Climate change and biodiversity: Gesäuse National Park becomes an open-air laboratory

The University of Graz and the Gesäuse National Park enter into a co-operation and create a unique open-air laboratory. Water sources, forests and insects provide important data. Researchers analyse this data and gain valuable insights for the future under new climatic conditions.

Heatwaves: University of Graz presents Plan for seamless early warning system

An international research team led by the University of Graz is investigating the challenges of a global early warning system for heat. The researchers want to better protect vulnerable groups (such as the elderly and children) and prepare them for risks in key sectors such as agriculture and health at an early stage.

More news

Better understanding of weather extremes: Uni Graz supports ESA mission EarthCARE

How do greenhouse gases, clouds and aerosols influence vertical radiation in the Earth's atmosphere? What role does this play in global warming and…

Climate Change Graz Post Doc Fellowship Program 2024

The Field of Excellence Climate Change Graz is offering 5 post-doctoral fellowships at University of Graz, Austria, for 3 months.

Rock glaciers on a rapid descent

Whether in Siberia, Alaska or the Alps – rising temperatures are affecting permafrost worldwide. In the high mountains, this can be seen in what are…

Glaciers, climate and hydrology: A Greenland perspective

Monday, 5.2. at 11:0M at SR 11.06 (Heinrichstraße 36) 

Job advertisements: Field of Excellence Climate Change Graz

EVENT: Monitoring and Modelling Forest Wildfire Effects under a Changing Climate

Date & Time: January 25th, 2024 at 6pm

 

Place: HS 11.03, Heinrichstraße 36, EG, 8010 Graz

 

Stream: unimeet.uni-graz.at/b/hir-w25-knm-azn

EVENT: "COP 28: Endgame or Game Changer?"

Round table discussion: "COP 28: Endgame or Game Changer?" Organised in cooperation with the Research Centre for Climate Law (ClimLaw: Graz) and the…

Green revolution in the plastics industry

ERC for Katalin Barta Weissert!