Achieving net zero targets in Switzerland will increase the per capita energy system cost by 320 to 1390 CHF/year and will rely on carbon capture and negative emissions, according to an energy system modelling analysis of 7 scenarios with different socio-economic and geopolitical contexts.

Seasonally resolved speleothem isotope and trace element records from Dharamjali Cave in the central Lower Himalaya show an increased frequency of summer and winter droughts during the period between 4.2 to 3.97 thousand years ago.

Mangrove, seagrass and saltmarsh ecosystems in the coastal Southwestern Atlantic store 0.4 Pg of organic carbon and annually sequester 0.5 to 3.9 Tg yr⁻¹ of organic carbon indicating the importance of conserving these ecosystems to mitigate climate change, suggests a systematic review.

The distribution of high seismic velocities near fracking formations coupled with the stress state controls behaviour of moderate to strong induced earthquakes, according to analyses of seismic and remote sensing data in the Changning-Zhaotong shale gas field, China.

Extreme stratospheric wave events are associated with intraseasonal fluctuations between cold and warm spells over North America, according to an analysis of observations and climate model simulations.

Leaving as fallow 20% of the cultivated land in China, chosen to optimise environmental protection for factors such as soil pollution and land quality, for example, can produce substantial environmental benefits, according to an analysis of multiple data sources to optimize spatial trade-offs.

Cold seasons became warmer on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau during the Little Ice Age while summer temperatures cooled, according to an alkenone-based winter-spring temperature reconstruction from freshwater Lake Ngoring.

Two thirds or more of Madagascar’s areas with the highest potential for forest restoration are located where land tenure is unclear or contested, according to a mixed-method analysis of land tenure status data, stakeholder interviews and focus groups with local communities.

Flash droughts are projected to become more frequent under all global warming scenarios, with flash drought risk over croplands increasing particularly sharply over Europe and the US, according to analyses of climate model simulations.

Extractive activities in the deep sea are poised to advance faster than the science needed to evaluate risks. Here, we call for a strong precautionary approach in developing these industries.

During the February 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes, people looked for explanations. As scientists, we did our best to share our knowledge in a way that reached and connected with people beyond the scientific community.

A comprehensive aircraft survey of onshore oil and gas infrastructure in British Columbia finds that methane emissions may be 1.7 times higher than the official inventory and introduces a framework for compiling measurement-led regional greenhouse gas emissions data.

The human tragedy caused by the earthquake doublet on 6 February 2023 in Turkey and Syria is difficult to comprehend. While earthquake scientists are trying to understand this seismic event, its catastrophic impact highlights heightened risk in the entire region.

Whether diets will evolve through social interventions to move closer to sustainable agriculture is being investigated in a growing and promising area of research.

Careful management of deforested Amazonian land cannot replace, but must complement, efforts to preserve the rainforest. Sustainable agricultural practices that promote diverse uses can help minimise impacts on climate and environment.