Articles in 2014

Melt lakes form each year on the surface of the Greenland ice sheet but currently occur in regions with good subglacial drainage. An investigation of the impacts of the warming climate finds that the lakes will expand to higher elevations where ice-sheet drainage is not as efficient, which could result in enhanced lubrication and warming of the base of the ice.

Saturation state is shown to be the key component of marine carbonate chemistry affecting larval shell development and growth in two commercially important bivalve species.

Experts using integrated assessment models to analyse the effects of climate change policy, have recently engaged in model inter-comparison projects (MIPs) to generate conclusions robust to different models' specifications. This Review synthesises results from the most comprehensive MIP that focuses on the different possible outcomes of post-2020 climate negotiations, recently announced pledges and their relation to the 2°C target.

In 2003, Europe experienced a summer heatwave that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. This study uses observation and model data to show that human influence is increasing the probability of extremely hot summers in Europe, with events now expected to occur twice a decade, compared with predictions of twice a century in the early 2000s.

Acclimation, a form of physiological plasticity, is the capacity for organisms to physiologically adjust to temperature variation. Such changes can potentially reduce climate change impacts on animal populations. Research synthesizing the current state of knowledge about physiological plasticity in ectotherms shows that freshwater and marine animals seem to have a greater capacity for acclimation than terrestrial ones.

Climate models include many processes that may be simplified to save computational time. This work shows that model representation of upper atmosphere ozone can impact on the projected climate sensitivity.

Modelling studies of climate change impacts on phytoplankton typically consider individual properties, which ignores the complex nature of the marine environment. This work undertakes regional assessments using multiple properties, including interactions, and finds shifts of <20–300% in phytoplankton physiological rates.

Non-genetic transgenerational acclimation cannot always be relied upon to provide populations with an effective, short-term response to climatic changes.

The climate movement is failing to engage a diverse set of stakeholders in efforts to address climate change, and a lack of diversity within the climate community itself may be, in part, to blame. Research-informed solutions are urgently needed to address the problem and help build a more inclusive and influential movement.

Interactions between soil microbes, the physical soil environment and vegetation will determine the magnitude of the terrestrial carbon sink under climate change.

Time is running out to tackle climate change — it is not too late, but the next 10–15 years will be critical.

Climate models have increased in complexity over time as more processes have been included. Now we need to return to the underpinning basics in the models and ensure they are the best they can be.

Direct experience of global warming is expected to increase the number of people who accept that it is real and human-caused. A study now shows that people's perceptions about abnormal temperatures mostly match actual measurements but do not affect climate change beliefs.

Recent studies show that current IUCN Red List assessment methods can identify species vulnerable to extinction because of climate change. But species must be assessed more completely and more regularly, and adaptation actions initiated swiftly once threatened species are identified.

The definition of baselines is a major step in determining the greenhouse-gas emissions of bioenergy systems. Accounting frameworks with a planning objective might require different baseline attributes and designs than those with a monitoring objective.