Latest news with #UniversityofLeeds
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Three years left to limit warming to 1.5C, leading scientists warn
The Earth could be doomed to breach the symbolic 1.5C warming limit in as little as three years at current levels of carbon dioxide emissions. That's the stark warning from more than 60 of the world's leading climate scientists in the most up-to-date assessment of the state of global warming. Nearly 200 countries agreed to try to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C above levels of the late 1800s in a landmark agreement in 2015, with the aim of avoiding some of the worst impacts of climate change. But countries have continued to burn record amounts of coal, oil and gas and chop down carbon-rich forests - leaving that international goal in peril. "Things are all moving in the wrong direction," said lead author Prof Piers Forster, director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures at the University of Leeds. "We're seeing some unprecedented changes and we're also seeing the heating of the Earth and sea-level rise accelerating as well." These changes "have been predicted for some time and we can directly place them back to the very high level of emissions", he added. At the beginning of 2020, scientists estimated that humanity could only emit 500 billion more tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) - the most important planet-warming gas - for a 50% chance of keeping warming to 1.5C. But by the start of 2025 this so-called "carbon budget" had shrunk to 130 billion tonnes, according to the new study. That reduction is largely due to continued record emissions of CO2 and other planet-warming greenhouse gases like methane, but also improvements in the scientific estimates. If global CO2 emissions stay at their current highs of about 40 billion tonnes a year, 130 billion tonnes gives the world roughly three years until that carbon budget is exhausted. This could commit the world to breaching the target set by the Paris agreement, the researchers say, though the planet would probably not pass 1.5C of human-caused warming until a few years later. Last year was the first on record when global average air temperatures were more than 1.5C above those of the late 1800s. A single 12-month period isn't considered a breach of the Paris agreement, however, with the record heat of 2024 given an extra boost by natural weather patterns. But human-caused warming was by far the main reason for last year's high temperatures, reaching 1.36C above pre-industrial levels, the researchers estimate. This current rate of warming is about 0.27C per decade – much faster than anything in the geological record. And if emissions stay high, the planet is on track to reach 1.5C of warming on that metric around the year 2030. After this point, long-term warming could, in theory, be brought back down by sucking large quantities of CO2 back out of the atmosphere. But the authors urge caution on relying on these ambitious technologies serving as a get-out-of-jail card. "For larger exceedance [of 1.5C], it becomes less likely that removals [of CO2] will perfectly reverse the warming caused by today's emissions," warned Joeri Rogelj, professor of climate science and policy at Imperial College London. The study is filled with striking statistics highlighting the magnitude of the climate change that has already happened. Perhaps the most notable is the rate at which extra heat is accumulating in the Earth's climate system, known as "Earth's energy imbalance" in scientific jargon. Over the past decade or so, this rate of heating has been more than double that of the 1970s and 1980s and an estimated 25% higher than the late 2000s and 2010s. "That's a really large number, a very worrying number" over such a short period, said Dr Matthew Palmer of the UK Met Office, and associate professor at the University of Bristol. The recent uptick is fundamentally due to greenhouse gas emissions, but a reduction in the cooling effect from small particles called aerosols has also played a role. This extra energy has to go somewhere. Some goes into warming the land, raising air temperatures, and melting the world's ice. But about 90% of the excess heat is taken up by the oceans. That not only means disruption to marine life but also higher sea levels: warmer ocean waters take up more space, in addition to the extra water that melting glaciers are adding to our seas. The rate of global sea-level rise has doubled since the 1990s, raising the risks of flooding for millions of people living in coastal areas worldwide. While this all paints a bleak picture, the authors note that the rate of emissions increases appears to be slowing as clean technologies are rolled out. They argue that "rapid and stringent" emissions cuts are more important than ever. The Paris target is based on very strong scientific evidence that the impacts of climate change would be far greater at 2C of warming than at 1.5C. That has often been oversimplified as meaning below 1.5C of warming is "safe" and above 1.5C "dangerous". In reality, every extra bit of warming increases the severity of many weather extremes, ice melt and sea-level rise. "Reductions in emissions over the next decade can critically change the rate of warming," said Prof Rogelj. "Every fraction of warming that we can avoid will result in less harm and less suffering of particularly poor and vulnerable populations and less challenges for our societies to live the lives that we desire," he added. A simple guide to climate change What is the Paris climate agreement? 2024 first year to pass 1.5C global warming limit Coastlines in danger even if climate target met, scientists warn Sign up for our Future Earth newsletter to keep up with the latest climate and environment stories with the BBC's Justin Rowlatt. Outside the UK? Sign up to our international newsletter here.
The National
a day ago
- Science
- The National
Just three years to limit global warming to 1.5C, top scientists warn
More than 60 of the world's leading climate scientists said in a new report that countries are continuing to burn record amounts of fossil fuels while felling carbon-rich forests – leaving the international goal in peril, the BBC reports. The report said that the global 'carbon budget' – the amount of CO2 that can be emitted to give a 50% chance of keeping warming limited to 1.5C – had shrunk. In 2020, scientists estimated that humanity could emit 500 billion more tonnes of CO2 for a 50% chance of breaching the limit. READ MORE: US government 'raises concerns' over plans for Chinese factory in Scotland This has now plunged to 130 billion. If emissions remain at their current rate – around 40 billion per year – that gives roughly three years before the 'carbon budget' is spent. The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015 by nearly 200 countries, set a target of limiting warming to 1.5C above temperatures set in the late 1800s before global industrialisation. It is generally agreed to be a target measured over a 20-year average, so that even while 2024 was more than 1.5C hotter than pre-industrial temperatures, this does not constitute a breach. The current rate of global warming is 0.27C per decade, which is much faster than at any point in the Earth's history. If this keeps up, the planet will breach the 1.5C target by 2030. Professor Piers Forster, lead author of the report and director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures at the University of Leeds, told the BBC: 'Things are all moving in the wrong direction. 'We're seeing some unprecedented changes and we're also seeing the heating of the Earth and sea-level rise accelerating as well.' There are hopes that CO2 can be sucked out of the atmosphere in a bid to reverse global warming, however scientists caution against seeing this as a solution. Joeri Rogelj, professor of climate science and policy at Imperial College London, said: 'For larger exceedance [of 1.5C], it becomes less likely that removals [of CO2] will perfectly reverse the warming caused by today's emissions." READ MORE: Plans submitted to remove 34 turbines from Highland wind farm The report found that the Earth's 'energy imbalance' – the rate at which extra heat accumulates in the climate system – is increasing. Over the last decade or so, this rate of heating is more than doubled since the 1970s and 1980s and is 25% than in the 2000s and 2010s. Dr Matthew Palmer of the UK Met Office said this was a 'very worrying number' over a short period of time. Much of this extra heat – around 90% – is absorbed by the oceans, wrecking havoc on marine life and raising sea levels because ice melts. While the warnings from the report are stark, its authors said that the rate of emissions increases appears to be slowing as new clean tech is being used.
Fashion United
a day ago
- Business
- Fashion United
Graduate to Watch: Kitty Carr-Lake from Leeds University
This week the 34th edition of Graduate Fashion Week, the world's largest showcase of BA degree talent, took place in London, celebrating the work of more than 3,500 of the very best fashion graduates. One of those graduates honoured at the annual showcase was Kitty Carr-Lake, a graduate from the BA Fashion Design Innovation course at the University of Leeds, School of Design, who won the coveted Debenhams Commercial Catwalk Award. The accolade, which celebrates graduate talent with a 'contemporary commercial eye,' was awarded to Carr-Lake for impressing the judges with her 'technically innovative and ready for the Debenhams customer' collection inspired by the issue of coastal erosion. Carr-Lake's graduate knitwear collection featured sixteen outfits, each named after a coastline currently impacted by erosion, showcased in a palette of neutral tones echoing the natural elegance of the coast. Kitty Carr-Lake, University of Leeds, School of Design wins Debenhams Commercial Catwalk Award Credits: Debenhams Rachel King, buying and design director at Debenhams, who presented the award to Carr-Lake at the Best of GFW Gala, said: 'The standard of talent this year was outstanding, but Kitty Carr–Lake's collection stood out instantly. Her collection was not only technically innovative and advanced but also creative with a strong understanding of wearable, market-ready fashion - exactly what the Designers at Debenhams award celebrates. We can't wait to see her ideas evolve into a full collection.' As the winner, Carr-Lake will receive a 12-month contract with Debenhams and have the opportunity to bring her collection to life to sell with the retailer next year. Commenting on her win, Carr-Lake added: 'Joining Debenhams marks an exciting new chapter in my career. Graduate Fashion Week was an unforgettable experience, and to now have the chance to create for such a renowned name in British retail is truly inspiring. I'm looking forward to learning, growing, and bringing my designs to life for a broader audience.' Kitty Carr-Lake - 2025 Debenhams Commercial Catwalk Award winner FashionUnited spoke with Carr-Lake following her win to discuss the inspiration behind her collection and Graduate Fashion Week experience, why the University of Leeds, her advice for taking on a fashion design degree and plans for the future. Kitty Carr-Lake, University of Leeds, School of Design wins Debenhams Commercial Catwalk Award Credits: Debenhams Can you talk us through your winning collection? The inspiration for my winning collection stemmed from the issue of coastal erosion, a pressing environmental concern that I felt compelled to address through my creative work. To raise awareness in a meaningful and engaging way, I developed a brand called 'Erosure', a name derived from the word 'erosion', symbolising both the problem and a design-led response to it. The project features a curated collection of sixteen outfits, each named after a coastline currently impacted by erosion. This naming concept was chosen to highlight specific locations affected by the issue and to spread awareness about them. Although coastal erosion is destructive and often devastating, I was intrigued by the idea of translating its visual impact into something softer and more hopeful through fashion. This led to a focus on texture development and a palette of beautiful, neutral tones, echoing the natural elegance of the coast. In line with this vision, I aimed to create a sleek, minimal aesthetic for the brand, reflecting my personal perception of coastal landscapes. Sustainability and timelessness were key values throughout the design process. I developed versatile, seasonless pieces that encourage longevity in wear, alongside everyday staples designed to become wardrobe essentials. To ensure the highest quality and environmental responsibility, I sourced luxury, sustainable yarns locally, emphasising craftsmanship and care. The result is a collection that not only tells an important environmental story but also invites consumers to invest in garments they will cherish, preserve, and wear with purpose. What does it mean to you to win a Graduate Fashion Week award? I am over the moon to win a GFW award and am so grateful that all my hard work has been recognised. Kitty Carr-Lake, University of Leeds, School of Design wins Debenhams Commercial Catwalk Award Credits: Debenhams How excited are you to see your designs being sold at I am beyond excited to see my designs come to life and be sold at Debenhams, and I think my family are too! Many people have told me they would love to own the cream jumper I designed, and now it may become a reality! Why did you want to become a fashion designer? I have never been an academic, and something about textiles and fashion always enticed me. I had an amazing textile teacher in year 7, and she sparked my love for creativity and fashion design. Ever since then, I have never looked back, and I couldn't imagine studying anything else. Did you enjoy your graduate fashion week experience? I had such a great time at Graduate Fashion Week, as I got to meet some incredible individuals and showcase my work. Why did you choose to study at the University of Leeds? I chose to study at the University of Leeds, as the course offered a wide range of modules and allowed me to explore textiles, as well as being able to create a fully fashioned knit collection. Kitty Carr-Lake, University of Leeds, School of Design wins Debenhams Commercial Catwalk Award Credits: Debenhams What was the most valuable thing you learnt from your course? I think the most valuable thing I learnt on my course was to push myself and my designs, as this led to some of my best work. What are your plans now that you've graduated? Now that I have graduated, I plan to continue working hard and use all the skills I have learnt during my time at university to create some beautiful designs. What advice would you give someone considering studying fashion? My future advice to anyone studying fashion design is to just try. If you have an idea, just give it a go. The worst that can happen is that you don't use it, and then it may lead to something even better.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
As Earth's Magnetic Field Grows Stronger, Oxygen Levels Rise
When the magnetic field around the Earth grows stronger, oxygen levels rise. That is the surprising finding of a new study looking at more than half a billion years of planetary history. Researchers can track the rise and fall in oxygen levels by studying charcoal left over from ancient wildfires. The more oxygen, the larger the fires. And they can gauge changes in the geomagnetic field by studying rocks formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Magnetic crystals found in cooling lava align with the geomagnetic field, offering some indication of its strength. The new study combined these data, revealing a powerful link between oxygen levels and the strength of the geomagnetic field. Over the last 540 million years, the strength of the magnetic field has trended up, and so has the level of oxygen, making the planet more hospitable to life. The findings were published in Science Advances. 'We don't really have a good explanation for it,' coauthor Benjamin Mills, of the University of Leeds, told Nature, though he offered a few ideas. As the tectonic plates have shifted, over hundreds of millions of years, their movements have, at times, unleashed essential nutrients, such as zinc and phosphorus, into the ocean, fueling massive algal blooms. Those blooms produced huge volumes of oxygen. It may be the case, scientists propose, that the same currents driving the movement of the tectonic plates may also be affecting the Earth's iron core, the source of its magnetic field. Can Toxic Mining Waste Help Remove CO2 from the Atmosphere?
ITV News
5 days ago
- Health
- ITV News
New leukaemia treatment hailed as ‘milestone' for patients
Scientists have hailed a 'milestone' in leukaemia care for patients after a UK trial found a chemotherapy-free approach to treatment may lead to better outcomes for some patients. The groundbreaking UK-wide trial could reshape the way the most common form of leukaemia in adults is treated. Researchers from Leeds wanted to assess whether two targeted cancer drugs could perform better than standard chemotherapy among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). They led the Flair trial, which took place at 96 cancer centres across the UK. Flair trial is a milestone. We have shown that a chemotherapy-free approach can be not only more effective but also more tolerable for patients Dr Talha Munir Some 786 people with previously untreated CLL were randomly assigned to receive standard chemotherapy; a single targeted drug, ibrutinib, or two targeted drugs taken together, ibrutinib and venetoclax, with treatment guided by personalised blood tests. They found that after five years, 94% of patients who received ibrutinib plus venetoclax were alive with no disease progression. This compares with 79% for those on ibrutinib alone and 58% for those on standard chemotherapy, according to the study, which has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented to the European Haematology Association congress in Milan, Italy. Meanwhile 66% of patients on the new combination had no detectable cancer in their bone marrow after two years, compared with none of the people who received ibrutinib alone and 48% on chemotherapy. Ibrutinib is a type of drug known as a cancer growth blocker. It works by stopping signals that cancer cells use to divide and grow. And venetoclax blocks the functions of a protein found in CLL cells. Experts said that the new treatment regime was also tolerated better than traditional treatments. Dr Talha Munir, consultant haematologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, who led the study said: 'Flair trial is a milestone. 'We have shown that a chemotherapy-free approach can be not only more effective but also more tolerable for patients. 'By tailoring individualised treatment based on how well the cancer responds, we're moving into an era of truly personalised medicine.' Catherine Whitfield, 63, from Farnley, West Yorkshire, was diagnosed with CLL in 2018 after she noticed symptoms including bleeding gums, constant illness and neck pain. She signed up to the trial, which was co-ordinated by the Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Leeds and sponsored by the University of Leeds. She said: 'After three years of treatment, I am still MRD negative – that means no cancer cells.' 'I lost my husband to cancer. I have seen how hard it could be. 'My first thought after my diagnosis was, I will never see my grandchildren being born and growing up. 'Now I have two grandchildren, Drew and Alaia, and they are a delight and highlight the joys of a healthy life'. Ms Whitfield added: 'The way this trial was explained, it just made sense. 'Also, the thought of chemotherapy was scary to me. The trial felt right. And it was.' Dr Iain Foulkes, executive director of research and innovation at Cancer Research UK, which funded the trial along with AbbVie, and Johnson and Johnson, said: 'The results of the Flair trial show that we can provide kinder, more targeted treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, which gives people with CLL more precious time with their loved ones. 'We're hopeful that the results of the Flair trial will power new treatment options for leukaemia and other blood cancers, thanks to the efforts of researchers at in Leeds and across the UK working together on this trial.' Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is the most common form of leukaemia in adults. There are about 4,000 new CLL cases in the UK every year.
