Skeptical Science New Research Highlights (Week #11, 2025)

The Human Epoch: Are We Living in the Anthropocene?

The debate continues on whether to officially declare the Anthropocene epoch, marking the significant impact of human activity on Earth's systems. While a recent proposal to pinpoint its start using sediment samples from Crawford Lake was rejected, the question remains: are we truly still in the Holocene, or has human activity so drastically altered our planet that a new geological epoch is warranted?

Formal recognition of the Anthropocene would underscore the undeniable reality of global warming and other irreversible planetary changes, aligning the Earth Sciences with the stark realities facing our planet.

Predicting the Unpredictable: Grappling with Unprecedented Weather

Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, causing widespread disruption around the globe. Researchers are exploring new methods to anticipate these unprecedented hazards and improve disaster management strategies. This involves a multi-pronged approach: transformative long-term adaptation, incremental upgrades to existing infrastructure, and reactive short-term measures. The key message? We must take proactive steps to build resilience rather than simply reacting to unexpected weather shocks.

Beyond the Rearview Mirror: Forecasting Extreme Weather in the Southeast US

Disaster planning often relies on historical data, but what happens when the past is no longer a reliable predictor of the future? Scientists are using advanced weather simulations to project the evolving risks of extreme weather in the southeastern United States, revealing increased frequency of both extreme temperatures and heavy precipitation events.

They have identified "sitting duck" locations where the risk of extreme events is rapidly increasing, exceeding anything experienced in recent memory. By using synthetic simulations of these unprecedented events, researchers aim to help communities prepare for a future unlike the past.

Atmospheric Rivers on Steroids: Intensifying West Coast Precipitation Extremes

Atmospheric rivers, the main drivers of extreme precipitation on the US West Coast, are projected to intensify with climate change. Large-ensemble climate models reveal a stark reality: even mild warming scenarios can drastically increase the frequency and severity of these events, particularly during weather patterns conducive to atmospheric river activity. The potential for unprecedented and destructive downpours looms large.

Climate Change's Fingerprints on Crop Failures: The 2012 Soybean Crisis

The devastating soybean crop failures of 2012 across North and South America were driven by compounded hot and dry conditions. Climate modeling demonstrates that anthropogenic warming significantly amplified the impacts of these weather patterns, exacerbating crop losses. A chilling statistic: one-third of the global soybean production deficit in 2012 is directly attributable to human-induced climate change, with further warming promising even greater disruptions to food security.

Rising Tides, Rising Risks: Tsunami Hazards Magnified by Sea Level Rise

Climate-driven sea level rise poses a hidden threat: it amplifies tsunami hazards. Researchers focusing on Southern California found that rising sea levels will allow tsunami waves to inundate higher ground, with Alaska Subduction Zone earthquakes being the greatest tsunamigenic threat. Sea level rise is projected to increase "maximum considered tsunami" elevations, hitting 2 meters in some areas—a sobering reminder of the interconnectedness of climate change impacts.

Space Junk and Greenhouse Gases: An Unforeseen Collision Course

Greenhouse gases are causing the thermosphere, where many satellites orbit, to cool and contract. This seemingly innocuous effect has a dangerous consequence: it reduces atmospheric drag on space debris, extending its orbital lifespan and increasing the risk of collisions with operational satellites. Climate change isn't just an Earthbound problem; it's jeopardizing the sustainability of space activities.

Beyond the Headlines: Additional Research and Reports

This week's research roundup also includes important findings on topics ranging from heatwave impacts on women and girls in South Sudan to the economic and health vulnerabilities of Cambodian workers in extreme heat. Rural America's increasing flood risk, the disproportionate impacts of heatwaves, the complex role of urban design in mitigating compound events, and the effectiveness of various decarbonization strategies all feature prominently.

Explore the full collection of research articles and reports for a deeper dive into the latest findings and insights on anthropogenic climate change.