Skeptical Science New Research for Week #27 2022

Posted on 9 July 2022 by Doug Bostrom, Marc Kodack

Stuck at 68%

The Policy Institute of King's College, London this week provides us a report from our government/NGO section, Public perceptions on climate change (pdf). The authors survey citizens of six European Union countries. A key finding is a bit disturbing: despite the scientific consensus on anthropogenic (human caused) climate change having converged long ago at 98%+, the Policy Institute reports public understanding of this statistic hovering at about 68%.

Why does this information gap matter? In various styles of (or attempts at) democratic governance, public policy is powered by political pressure; impetus for change derives from people (us) voting. Meanwhile, public perceptions of climate change are substantially influenced by public understanding of scientific consensus. This only figures— we look to experts to help us make important decisions.  Industrial interests defending various profitable products belatedly found to be harmful have understood this for decades, which is why promoting fictitious impressions of lack of scientific consensus is a key tactic for manipulating voters. Attacking our collective competence is an effective way to delay critical decisions that must involve public participation.

Other notables:

A perspective on climate change from Earth's energy imbalance. Cast as a perspective piece and authored by power duo Kevin Trenberth and Lijing Cheng, this article is a recap of what we do and don't know about Earth's energy imbalance (EEI). We track planetary warming here down where we and other creatures live by measuring ocean and atmospheric heat content. EEI is another way of seeing Earth's warming; the lagging "temperature" of our planet as viewed from space is another way of assessing accumulating heat energy down below. This write-up is a complete education on the topic, and highly accessible.

Putting climate-induced migration in context: the case of Honduran migration to the USA.  A fascinating investigation and narrative of how a developing, lucrative market for agricultural products (here, coffee) may collide with climate change to produce a surge of migration. "Connect the dots."

Confidence levels and likelihood terms in IPCC reports: a survey of experts from different scientific disciplines. Communicating uncertainty without introducing complacency is notoriously difficult, because while the language of uncertainty has highly specific connotations for scientists, "highly likely" may sound like a free pass in the ears of the general public. But how do experts think about this? Kause et al. clue us in.

The expansion of natural gas infrastructure puts energy transitions at risk. Natural gas as salvation, destroyed five ways! 

94 articles in 40 journals by 564 contributing authors

Physical science of climate change, effects

Albedo changes caused by future urbanization contribute to global warming
Ouyang et al., Nature Communications, Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-022-31558-z

Observations of climate change, effects

2021 Texas cold snap: Manifestation of natural variability and a recent warming trend
Hsu et al., Weather and Climate Extremes, Open Access 10.1016/j.wace.2022.100476

Towards a more comprehensive assessment of the intensity of historical European heat waves (1979–2019)
Becker et al., Atmospheric Science Letters, 10.1002/asl.1120

Wildfires in the Arctic and tropical biomes: what is the relative role of climate?
Engström et al., Natural Hazards, 10.1007/s11069-022-05452-2

Long-term trend of surface relative humidity in Hungary
Csépl? et al., Theoretical and Applied Climatology, Open Access pdf 10.1007/s00704-022-04127-z

Twentieth-century Azores High expansion unprecedented in the past 1,200 years
Cresswell-Clay et al., Nature Geoscience, 10.1038/s41561-022-00971-w

Accelerated western European heatwave trends linked to more-persistent double jets over Eurasia
Rousi et al., Nature Communications, Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-022-31432-y

Long–term (2001-2020) trend analysis of temperature and rainfall and drought characteristics by in-situ measurements at a tropical semi-arid station from southern peninsular India
Thotli et al., International Journal of Climatology, 10.1002/joc.7783

Divergent trends of ecosystem-scale photosynthetic efficiency between arid and humid lands across the globe
Wei et al., Global Ecology and Biogeography, 10.1111/geb.13561

Time trends, irregularity and multifractal structure on the monthly rainfall regime at Barcelona, NE Spain, years 1786-2019
Lana et al., International Journal of Climatology, 10.1002/joc.7786

Exceptional heat and atmospheric dryness amplified losses of primary production during the 2020 U.S. Southwest hot drought
Dannenberg et al., Global Change Biology, 10.1111/gcb.16214

Historical trends in climate indices relevant to surface air temperature and precipitation in Japan for recent 120 years
Nakaegawa & Murazaki, International Journal of Climatology, 10.1002/joc.7784

Detection and attribution of human influence on the global diurnal temperature range decline
Liu et al., Geophysical Research Letters, 10.1029/2021gl097155

Instrumentation & observational methods of climate change, effects Modeling, simulation & projection of climate change, effects

Freezing Rain Events that Impacted the Province of New Brunswick, Canada, and Their Evolution in a Warmer Climate
Chartrand et al., Atmosphere, Open Access pdf 10.1080/07055900.2022.2092444

Thermal trait variation may buffer Southern Ocean phytoplankton from anthropogenic warming
Bishop et al., Global Change Biology, 10.1111/gcb.16329

Blocking Simulations in GFDL GCMs for CMIP5 and CMIP6
Liu et al., Journal of Climate, 10.1175/jcli-d-21-0456.1

Thunderstorm Activity Under Intermediate and Extreme Climate Change Scenarios
Haberlie et al., Geophysical Research Letters, 10.1029/2022gl098779

Freezing Rain Events that Impacted the Province of New Brunswick, Canada, and Their Evolution in a Warmer Climate
Chartrand et al., Atmosphere, Open Access pdf 10.1080/07055900.2022.2092444

Thermal trait variation may buffer Southern Ocean phytoplankton from anthropogenic warming
Bishop et al., Global Change Biology, 10.1111/gcb.16329

Blocking Simulations in GFDL GCMs for CMIP5 and CMIP6
Liu et al., Journal of Climate, 10.1175/jcli-d-21-0456.1

Thunderstorm Activity Under Intermediate and Extreme Climate Change Scenarios
Haberlie et al., Geophysical Research Letters, 10.1029/2022gl098779

Advancement of climate & climate effects modeling, simulation & projection

Observational Constraints on Southern Ocean Cloud-Phase Feedback
Wall et al., , Open Access 10.1002/essoar.10507959.1

Atmospheric Convection
Emanuel & Hide, Physics Today, Open Access 10.1063/1.2807986

Cryosphere & climate change

Physical Experiments on the Development of an Ice Tunnel from an Upstream Water Reservoir through Simulated Glacier Dam
Zou et al., , Open Access pdf 10.5194/tc-2022-119

Hanging glacier avalanche (Raunthigad–Rishiganga) and debris flow disaster on 7 February 2021, Uttarakhand, India: a preliminary assessment
Thayyen et al., Natural Hazards, Open Access pdf 10.1007/s11069-022-05454-0

Paleoclimate

Slowdown of Shirase Glacier caused by strengthening alongshore winds
Miles et al., , 10.5194/tc-2022-126

Rapid northern hemisphere ice sheet melting during the penultimate deglaciation
Stoll et al., Nature Communications, Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-022-31619-3

Reconstruction of short-term storm surge-driven increases in shallow coastal lake salinity using ostracod shell chemistry
Roberts et al., Natural Hazards, 10.1007/s11069-022-05459-9

Biology & climate change, related geochemistry

Vegetation Greening, Extended Growing Seasons, and Temperature Feedbacks in Warming Temperate Grasslands of China
Shen et al., Journal of Climate, 10.1175/jcli-d-21-0325.1

The impact of climate change on the distribution of Sphyrna lewini in the tropical eastern Pacific
Rodriguez Burgos et al., Marine Environmental Research, 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105696

The past, present, and future of coral reef growth in the Florida Keys
Toth et al., Global Change Biology, 10.1111/gcb.16295

Widespread shift from ecosystem energy to water limitation with climate change
Denissen et al., Nature Climate Change, Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41558-022-01403-8

The influence of mesoscale climate drivers on hypoxia in a fjord-like deep coastal inlet and its potential implications regarding climate change: examining a decade of water quality data
Maxey et al., Biogeosciences, Open Access pdf 10.5194/bg-19-3131-2022

Thermal trait variation may buffer Southern Ocean phytoplankton from anthropogenic warming
Bishop et al., Global Change Biology, 10.1111/gcb.16329

Ecological integrity and conservation challenges in a rapidly changing Arctic: A call for new approaches in large intact landscapes
Trammell et al., Ambio, 10.1007/s13280-022-01756-6

Response to Letter to the Editor on “Satellite observations document trends consistent with a boreal biome shift”
Berner & Goetz, Global Change Biology, 10.1111/gcb.16326

Letter to the editor on “Satellite observations document trends consistent with a boreal biome shift”
Timoney, Global Change Biology, 10.1111/gcb.16327

Present and future bright and dark spots for coral reefs through climate change
Sully et al., Global Change Biology, Open Access pdf 10.1111/gcb.16083

Climate-driven range expansion through anthropogenic landscapes: Landscape connectivity matters
Maes & Van Dyck, Global Change Biology, Open Access pdf 10.1111/gcb.16180

Simulated response of St. Joseph Bay, Florida, seagrass meadows and their belowground carbon to anthropogenic and climate impacts
Lebrasse et al., Marine Environmental Research, 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105694

Elevated temperature and carbon dioxide levels alter growth rates and shell composition in the fluted giant clam, Tridacna squamosa
Armstrong et al., Scientific Reports, Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41598-022-14503-4

Mangrove forests are facing challenges from global seawater density changes
, Nature Climate Change, 10.1038/s41558-022-01393-7

GHG sources & sinks, flux, related geochemistry

Estuarine plastisphere as an overlooked source of N2O production
Su et al., Nature Communications, Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-022-31584-x

Variation in CO2 and CH4 fluxes among land cover types in heterogeneous Arctic tundra in northeastern Siberia
Juutinen et al., Biogeosciences, Open Access pdf 10.5194/bg-19-3151-2022

Controls on the relative abundances and rates of nitrifying microorganisms in the ocean
Zakem et al., , Open Access pdf 10.5194/bg-2022-139

Metabolic alkalinity release from large port facilities (Hamburg, Germany) and impact on coastal carbon storage
Norbisrath et al., , Open Access pdf 10.5194/bg-2022-143

Competing and accelerating effects of anthropogenic nutrient inputs on climate-driven changes in ocean carbon and oxygen cycles
Yamamoto et al., Science Advances, 10.1126/sciadv.abl9207

Separating natural from human enhanced methane emissions in headwater streams
Zhu et al., Nature Communications, Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-022-31559-y

Dissolved organic matter characterization in soils and streams in a small coastal low-Arctic catchment
Speetjens et al., Biogeosciences, Open Access pdf 10.5194/bg-19-3073-2022

Organic matter transformations are disconnected between surface water and the hyporheic zone
Stegen et al., Biogeosciences, Open Access pdf 10.5194/bg-19-3099-2022

Low biodegradability of particulate organic carbon mobilized from thaw slumps on the Peel Plateau, NT, and possible chemosynthesis and sorption effects
Shakil et al., Biogeosciences, Open Access pdf 10.5194/bg-19-1871-2022

Global stocks and capacity of mineral-associated soil organic carbon
Georgiou et al., Nature Communications, Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-022-31540-9

Storage, patterns and influencing factors for soil organic carbon in coastal wetlands of China
Xia et al., Global Change Biology, 10.1111/gcb.16325

Decarbonization

Temperature change and mitigation potential of Indian cement industry
Jajal & Mishra , Carbon Management, Open Access pdf 10.1080/17583004.2022.2085175

The expansion of natural gas infrastructure puts energy transitions at risk
Kemfert et al., Nature Energy, Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41560-022-01060-3

A collection and categorization of open-source wind and wind power datasets
Effenberger & Ludwig, Wind Energy, Open Access pdf 10.1002/we.2766

Embodied energy and carbon from the manufacture of cadmium telluride and silicon photovoltaics
Wikoff et al., Joule, 10.1016/j.joule.2022.06.006

The role of electric vehicles in decarbonising Australia’s road transport sector: modelling ambitious scenarios
Broadbent et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113144

Does polycentric development produce less transportation carbon emissions? Evidence from urban form identified by night-time lights across US metropolitan areas
Jung et al., Urban Climate, 10.1016/j.uclim.2022.101223

Regression-based spatial GIS analysis for an accurate assessment of renewable energy potential
Raillani et al., Energy for Sustainable Development, 10.1016/j.esd.2022.06.003

Do more efficient buildings lead to lower household energy consumption for cooling? Evidence from Guangzhou, China
Yu et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113119

What drives households’ choices of residential solar photovoltaic capacity?
Shimada & Honda, Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113120

The impact of different incentive policies on new energy vehicle demand in China's gigantic cities
Xian et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113137

A real options approach to assessing the cost savings potential of renewable energy adoption among SMEs in Ghana
Ofori et al., Climate Policy, 10.1080/14693062.2022.2095332

Implications of heating sector electrification on the Irish power system in view of the Climate Action Plan
Gaur et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113136

Climate change communications & cognition

Choose Your Own Emotion: Predictors of Selective Exposure to Emotion-Inducing Climate Messages
Skurka et al., Environmental Communication, 10.1080/17524032.2022.2083207

Confidence levels and likelihood terms in IPCC reports: a survey of experts from different scientific disciplines
Kause et al., Climatic Change, Open Access pdf 10.1007/s10584-022-03382-3

Spreading rebellion?: The rise of extinction rebellion chapters across the world
Gardner et al., Environmental Sociology, Open Access pdf 10.1080/23251042.2022.2094995

Aligning Trends in Climatic Parameters and Nomads’ Indigenous Knowledge about Climate Change in Central Iran (Case Study: Semirom Town)
Saboohi et al., Weather, Climate, and Society, 10.1175/wcas-d-21-0041.1

Agronomy, animal husbundry, food production & climate change

Potential impacts of climate change on agriculture and fisheries production in 72 tropical coastal communities
Cinner et al., , Open Access pdf 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1620392/v1

Cropping patterns based on virtual water content considering water and food security under climate change conditions
Arefinia et al., Natural Hazards, 10.1007/s11069-022-05443-3

Climate adaptation in the market squid fishery: fishermen responses to past variability associated with El Niño Southern Oscillation cycles inform our understanding of adaptive capacity in the face of future climate change
Powell et al., Climatic Change, Open Access pdf 10.1007/s10584-022-03394-z

Social risk perceptions of climate change: A case study of farmers and agricultural advisors in northern California
Petersen-Rockney, Global Environmental Change, 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2022.102557

Hydrology, hydrometeorology & climate change

Analysis of changes in large-scale circulation patterns driving extreme precipitation events over the Central-Eastern China
Jiang et al., International Journal of Climatology, 10.1002/joc.7788

Changes of extreme precipitation in the Philippines, projected from the CMIP6 multi-model ensemble
Hong et al., Weather and Climate Extremes, Open Access 10.1016/j.wace.2022.100480

Assessing extreme precipitation from a regional climate model in different spatial-temporal scales: A hydrological perspective in South America
Brêda et al., International Journal of Climatology, 10.1002/joc.7782

Climate change economics

Econometrics analysis on cement production and environmental quality in European Union countries
Bekun et al., International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, Open Access 10.1007/s13762-022-04302-9

Macroeconomic barriers to energy transition in peripheral countries: The case of Argentina
Barrera et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113117

Is economic crisis an opportunity for realizing the low-carbon transition? A simulation study on the interaction between economic cycle and energy regulation policy
Zhang et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113114

Climate change mitigation public policy research

Perspective of new distributed grid connected roof top solar photovoltaic power generation policy interventions in India
Chandel et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113122

The influence of state politics on solar energy auction results
Wrede, Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113130

An Examination of Expertise, Caring and Salient Value Similarity as Source Factors that Garner Support for Advocated Climate Policies
Geiger et al., Environmental Communication, 10.1080/17524032.2022.2080242

Perspective of new distributed grid connected roof top solar photovoltaic power generation policy interventions in India
Chandel et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113122

The influence of state politics on solar energy auction results
Wrede, Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113130

Perspective of new distributed grid connected roof top solar photovoltaic power generation policy interventions in India
Chandel et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113122

Perspective of new distributed grid connected roof top solar photovoltaic power generation policy interventions in India
Chandel et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113122

The influence of state politics on solar energy auction results
Wrede, Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113130

An Examination of Expertise, Caring and Salient Value Similarity as Source Factors that Garner Support for Advocated Climate Policies
Geiger et al., Environmental Communication, 10.1080/17524032.2022.2080242

Perspective of new distributed grid connected roof top solar photovoltaic power generation policy interventions in India
Chandel et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113122

The influence of state politics on solar energy auction results
Wrede, Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113130

Perspective of new distributed grid connected roof top solar photovoltaic power generation policy interventions in India
Chandel et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113122

Generational effect and territorial distributive justice, the two main drivers for willingness to pay for renewable energies
Faulques et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113094

The potential role of peace, justice, and strong institutions in Colombia's areas of limited statehood for energy diversification towards governance in energy democracy
Ramirez et al., Energy Policy, Open Access 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113135

The influence of carbon tax on CO2 rebound effect and welfare in Chinese households
Chen et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113103

How can current German and EU policies be improved to enhance the reduction of CO2 emissions of road transport? Revising policies on electric vehicles informed by stakeholder and technical assessments
Peiseler & Cabrera Serrenho, Energy Policy, Open Access 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113124

Climate change adaptation & adaptation public policy research

The inequality labor loss risk from future urban warming and adaptation strategies
He et al., Nature Communications, Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-022-31145-2

Measuring Americans’ Support for Adapting to ‘Climate Change’ or ‘Extreme Weather’
Ashley & Gensini, International Encyclopedia of Geography: People, the Earth, Environment and Technology, Open Access 10.1002/9781118786352.wbieg0068

Modeling climate change impact on groundwater and adaptation strategies for its sustainable management in the Karnal district of Northwest India
Kumar et al., Climatic Change, 10.1007/s10584-022-03393-0

Putting climate-induced migration in context: the case of Honduran migration to the USA
Reichman, Regional Environmental Change, Open Access pdf 10.1007/s10113-022-01946-8

Learning from electricity markets: How to design a resilience strategy
Fabra et al., Energy Policy, 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113116

Understanding the institutional work of boundary objects in climate-proofing cities: The case of Amsterdam Rainproof
Willems & Giezen Giezen, Urban Climate, 10.1016/j.uclim.2022.101222

Climate change and the fate of small islands: The case of Mauritius
Doorga, Environmental Science & Policy, 10.1016/j.envsci.2022.06.012

Cultural heritage and risk assessments: Gaps, challenges, and future research directions for the inclusion of heritage within climate change adaptation and disaster management
Kate et al., Climate Resilience and Sustainability, Open Access pdf 10.1002/cli2.45

Climate change impacts on human health

Utility of the Heat Index in defining the upper limits of thermal balance during light physical activity (PSU HEAT Project)
Vecellio et al., International Journal of Biometeorology, Open Access pdf 10.1007/s00484-022-02316-z

Other

High Mountain Asia hydropower systems threatened by climate-driven landscape instability
Li et al., Nature Geoscience, 10.1038/s41561-022-00953-y

Informed opinion, nudges & major initiatives

A perspective on climate change from Earth's energy imbalance
Trenberth & Cheng, Environmental Research, Open Access pdf 10.1088/2752-5295/ac6f74

The terrestrial water cycle in a warming world
McColl et al., Nature Climate Change, 10.1038/s41558-022-01412-7

Rising to a New Challenge: A Protocol for Case-Study Research on Transboundary Climate Risk
Harris et al., Weather, Climate, and Society, 10.1175/wcas-d-21-0022.1

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Articles/Reports from Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations Addressing Aspects of Climate Change

Advancements in climate rights in courts around the world, Maria Antonia Tigre, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law

Columbia University law school Sabin Center for Climate Change Law tracks legal cases involving human rights and climate change on an international scope.

Public perceptions on climate change, The Policy Institute, King’s College, London

An online survey was conducted with participants from the UK, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Italy and Germany. The authors found that there are widespread misperceptions of scientists’ views on climate change. Across all six countries, the average estimate for the proportion of scientists who have concluded that human-caused climate change is happening is 68% – far lower than the reality, of 99.9%. There is also some doubt over the causes of climate change. Three quarters of people (74%) on average say that climate change is mainly caused by human activities. This figure is 82% in Italy, but only 61% in Norway. Large numbers of people also believe that oil companies are hiding technology that could make cars run without petrol or diesel. 44% on average believe this – as high as 53% in Italy, but as low as 29% in Norway.

Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2025 and 2030, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The plan includes Massachusetts’ roadmap to realize economy-wide emissions limits and sector-specific sublimits in 2025 and 2030. The plan outlines specific strategies, policies, and implementation goals and benchmarks for Massachusetts to reduce emissions in a cost-effective and equitable manner. Implementation of the wide-ranging policies and actions will help Massachusetts procure renewable and clean energy resources, decarbonize and electrify its transportation system and building stock, and expand the conservation and restoration of its natural and working lands, all while reducing negative impacts and increasing investments in environmental justice communities. Importantly, the plan provides a pathway for the Massachusetts to meet its emissions limits while ensuring a thriving and just economic transition for everyone. Specifically, the plan prioritizes actions within several sectors of the economy to close the gap between current emissions and future emissions targets. These initiatives include the implementation of the California vehicle emissions standards to advance the electrification of cars and trucks; increasing electric vehicle charging infrastructure while expanding investments in the public transportation system; pursuing recommendations to transform how homes and businesses are heated; doubling the state’s efforts to conserve natural and working lands; and significantly expanding tree planting.

National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook, Predictive Services National Interagency Fire Cente

Fire activity gradually increased in June across much of the West, except for the Southwest, which saw a rapid decrease in activity during the latter half of June. Fire activity rapidly increased across Alaska, with activity continuing at low to moderate levels in the Southern and Eastern Areas. Year-to-date acres burned for the U.S. is approximately 220% above the 10-year average, with over 92% of the total acres burned in Alaska, the Southwest, and Southern Areas. Most of the West, Plains, and Texas remain in drought, with areas of extreme to exceptional drought across the southwestern U.S. Drought developed across southwest Alaska and expanded or increased in severity across the Southeast and Hawai’i. Temperatures were above normal across the southern tier of the U.S. and the Plains, with near to below normal temperatures across the northwestern US and the Northeast.

Boiling Point, Julie Fulcher, Public Citizen

Extreme heat is endangering the lives and well-being of workers – disproportionately Hispanic/Latino or African-American – who work under the midday sun or in stifling indoor conditions. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health identified heat stress as significant workplace hazard 50 years ago; the problem is growing far more severe due to the ravages of the climate crisis. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is required by law to ensure that American workers are provided with “safe and healthful” conditions. In 2011, Public Citizen and others petitioned OSHA to issue a long overdue rule to protect workers from environmental heat. The agency denied the petition. Public Citizen and allies petitioned again in 2018 for a permanent rule, and for an emergency temporary standard in 2021. In 2021, OSHA announced it was starting the process to issue a permanent rule, but that process is anticipated to take six-to-eight years. Estimates contained in the report place heat among the highest-ranking causes of injuries and fatalities for American workers. Acting will protect workers. A heat-safety standard in California resulted in a 30% reduction in heat-related injuries and illnesses. These results suggest that a national standard would prevent more than 50,000 heat-related injuries and illnesses a year.

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Obtaining articles without journal subscriptions

We know it's frustrating that many articles we cite here are not free to read. One-off paid access fees are generally astronomically priced, suitable for such as "On a Heuristic Point of View Concerning the Production and Transformation of Light"  but not as a gamble on unknowns. With a median world income of US$ 9,373, for most of us US$ 42 is significant money to wager on an article's relevance and importance. 

• Here's an excellent collection of tips and techniques for obtaining articles, legally.

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• The weekly New Research catch is checked against the Unpaywall database with accessible items being flagged. Especially for just-published articles this mechansim may fail. If you're interested in an article title and it is not listed here as "open access," be sure to check the link anyway. 

How is New Research assembled?

Most articles appearing here are found via  RSS feeds from journal publishers, filtered by search terms to produce raw output for assessment of relevance. 

Relevant articles are then queried against the Unpaywall database, to identify open access articles and expose useful metadata for articles appearing in the database. 

The objective of New Research isn't to cast a tinge on scientific results, to color readers' impressions. Hence candidate articles are assessed via two metrics only:

• Was an article deemed of sufficient merit by a team of journal editors and peer reviewers? The fact of journal RSS output assigns a "yes" to this automatically. 
• Is an article relevant to the topic of anthropogenic climate change? Due to filter overlap with other publication topics of inquiry, of a typical week's 550 or so input articles about 1/4 of RSS output makes the cut.

A few journals offer public access to "preprint" versions of articles for which the review process is not yet complete. For some key journals this all the mention we'll see in RSS feeds, so we include such items in New Research. These are flagged as "preprint."

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