Articles in 2015

Policymakers seem ready to take new steps to tackle climate change. Research must draw on lessons from the past to find productive pathways for the future.

Incorporating temperature acclimation of photosynthesis and foliar respiration into Earth system models improves their ability to reproduce observed net ecosystem exchange of CO₂, and reduces the temperature sensitivity of terrestrial carbon exchange.

Rapid growth in global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and industry ceased in the past two years, despite continued economic growth. Decreased coal use in China was largely responsible, coupled with slower global growth in petroleum and faster growth in renewables.

Satellite-derived estimates of increases in terrestrial net primary productivity are less than half of those derived from Earth system models. This discrepancy is explained by over-sensitivity of Earth system models to atmospheric CO₂ concentrations.

The extent to which distant populations fluctuate similarly has significant ecological consequences, but can be difficult to investigate. Now research reveals the drivers of phenological synchrony for aphid pest species across the United Kingdom.

Scenario analyses suggest that negative emissions technologies (NETs) are necessary to limit dangerous warming. Here the authors assess the biophysical limits to, and economic costs of, the widespread application of NETs.

Arctic temperatures are increasing because of long- and short-lived climate forcers, with reduction of the short-lived species potentially offering some quick mitigation. Now a regional assessment reveals the emission locations of these short-lived species and indicates international co-operation is needed to develop an effective mitigation plan.

Arctic temperatures are most sensitive to emissions of short-lived climate forcers from a small number of Arctic nations (Russia and Nordic countries) that are also the most impacted by this warming, easing the implementation of mitigation strategies.

An application of network science reveals the institutional and corporate structure of the climate change counter-movement in the United States, while computational text analysis shows its influence in the news media and within political circles.

Optimized infrared hyperspectral imaging can now detect methane gradients on a sub-m² scale. This can facilitate remote assessment of methane sources and sinks to improve understanding of the cycling of this important greenhouse gas.

Carbon payments for afforestation can help mitigate climate change and declining biodiversity. This paper evaluates 14 policy mechanisms for supplying carbon and biodiversity benefits through reforestation in Australia’s 85.3 Mha of agricultural land.

Policymakers have committed to tackling loss and damage as a result of climate change across three high-profile international processes. Framing post-2015 development as a means to address loss and damage can synergize these agendas.

A new climate agreement won't solve climate change, but it should nudge the world onto a lower-emissions path. Research must drive deeper transformations by translating proposed solutions into workable action.

Tropical forests could offset much of the carbon released from the declining use of fossil fuels, helping to stabilize and then reduce atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, thereby providing a bridge to a low-fossil-fuel future.

More effort should be put into standardization as a route to achieving international consensus and action on climate change. Cities are a good example of what is being achieved through this arguably unfashionable mechanism.

Two competing theories suggest that Arctic communities are either highly vulnerable to climate change, or demonstrate significant adaptive capacity. A review of the research shows that the challenge of Arctic adaptation is formidable, but can be overcome.