FAAM research aircraft identifies source of uncontrolled Elgin platform gas release
In 2012 the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) was part of a large-scale response to assess and control a gas leak from the Elgin Platform in the UK North Sea, and results from those research flights have now been published.
Scientists investigate impacts of 1.5°C and 2°C global warming scenarios on the Asian-Australian Monsoon Region
Climate researchers from the National Centre for Atmospheric Science and the University of Reading have investigated the projected impacts of global warming on the Asian-Australian Monsoon region. The research shows that an additional 0.5°C increase in global warming is likely to increase the severity of climate impacts, including daily temperature extremes and rainfall intensity and frequency.
The study compared two scenarios, one where the world warmed 2°C beyond the pre-industrial average, and one where the world warmed by 1.5°C. This enabled researchers to quantify the impact that an additional warming of 0.5°C would have on (1) the mean temperature and rainfall patterns and (2) the frequency, intensity and persistence of temperature and rainfall extremes. The paper has been published in Earth’s Future.
NERC and Hay Festival launch Trans.MISSION project merging science and art
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Hay Festival have joined forces to launch Trans.MISSION, a new project pairing leading environmental scientists with award-winning artists to communicate cutting-edge science to new audiences at Hay Festival 2018 and beyond.
Ally Lewis, atmospheric chemist at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) joins Aardman Animation Studios’ director Dan Binns to look at air pollution. NCAS climate scientist Ed Hawkins pairs children’s author Nicola Davies to analyse extreme weather events. Climate scientist and mathematician at British Antarctic Survey Emily Shuckburgh joins award-winning designer, author and illustrator Chris Haughton (A Bit Lost, Oh No George! and Shh! We Have a Plan) to explore polar science and climate change.
More sting jet storms likely due to global warming
The UK could be hit by more than double the number of storms with exceptional wind speeds, like the one that caused mayhem across south east England in October 1987, if global warming continues, scientists have warned.