Simple atmospheric dynamics foretell dangerously hot future for the tropics
May 5, 2021 ・ Morgan KellyExtreme heat is among the most concerning and potentially deadly effects of climate change, especially for the rapidly growing and urbanizing populations living in the tropics. Yet, climate models tend to be unclear when projecting how high temperatures will climb…
Five questions with Allison Carruth, Professor of American Studies and HMEI
April 12, 2021 ・ Jamie SaxonAllison Carruth joined the Princeton faculty in January as a professor of American studies and the High Meadows Environmental Institute in a new joint appointment that will expand interdisciplinary teaching and research in the environmental humanities. Carruth’s research centers on…
As Princeton’s Lake Carnegie opens less often for skating, a climate trend may be emerging
March 29, 2021 ・ Morgan KellyThe heavy snowfalls and frigid days of this past winter in New Jersey let Princeton sophomore Grace Liu finally experience the Northeastern winter she’d only imagined growing up in her Florida hometown of palm trees and sandy beaches. She was…
Intensity of tropical cyclones is probably increasing due to climate change
March 25, 2021 ・ Laura PottsMany tropical cyclone-prone regions of the world are expected to experience storm systems of greater intensity over the coming century, according to an extensive review of existing research published March 26 in ScienceBrief Review. Moreover, sea-level rise will aggravate coastal flood risk…
Spacing COVID-19 vaccine doses has epidemiological benefits, but longer-term outcomes depend on immunity robustness
March 9, 2021Delaying second doses of COVID-19 vaccines should reduce case numbers in the near term. But the longer-term case burden and the potential for evolution of viral “escape” from immunity will depend on the robustness of immune responses generated by natural…
High end of climate sensitivity in new climate models seen as less plausible
March 3, 2021 ・ Morgan KellyA recent analysis of the latest generation of climate models — known as a CMIP6 — provides a cautionary tale on interpreting climate simulations as scientists develop more sensitive and sophisticated projections of how the Earth will respond to increasing…
Despite sea-level rise risks, migration to some threatened coastal areas may increase
February 17, 2021 ・ Keely SwanIn coming decades as coastal communities around the world are expected to encounter sea-level rise, the general expectation has been that people’s migration toward the coast will slow or reverse in many places. However, new research co-authored by Princeton University scholars…
True toll of coronavirus on sub-Saharan Africa may be obscured by tremendous variability in risk factors and surveillance
February 17, 2021 ・ Morgan KellyOne early feature of reporting on the coronavirus pandemic was the perception that sub-Saharan Africa was largely being spared the skyrocketing infection and death rates that were disrupting nations around the world. While still seemingly mild, the true toll of…
‘Safeguarding Amazonia’ Wintersession workshop addressed deforestation and technology
February 12, 2021 ・ Pooja MakhijaniThe “Safeguarding Amazonia” workshop was one of the highlights of Princeton University’s first Wintersession. Organized by the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) Brazil LAB and the High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI), the workshop introduced participants to the…
