Climate and Nature

Research from the KNMI in collaboration with the University of Groningen shows that, after more than 25 years of decline, the ice mass in Antarctica has been increasing again since 2020. The cause: an increase in snowfall, mainly due to ‘atmospheric rivers’ transporting extra moist air to the ice sheet.

Researchers at the University of Groningen have discovered a link between intestestinal health and the immune system of the Seychelles warbler. They show how the immune system of animals and the collection of bacterial species in their intestines evolve together – probably also in humans.

University of Groningen researchers Jacqueline Stefels and Maria van Leeuwe are joining an expedition to Antarctica on the icebreaker Polarstern. They investigate the influence of sea ice and algae on the regional climate in Antarctica. This contributes to the protection of the Weddell Sea.

André Faaij, Professor of Energy Systems Analysis at the University of Groningen and Director of Science and Technology at TNO, attended the COP30 climate conference, where topics such as climate change, climate adaptation and the energy transition were discussed. He saw many positive aspects.

Coral reefs worldwide are dying off so rapidly that we have now reached the first climate tipping point, researchers reported last week. Sancia van der Meij, marine biologist at the University of Groningen, researches various species inhabiting coral reefs and is deeply concerned.

With a grant from the Wadden Fund and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, RUG Professor Britas Klemens Eriksson will conduct research into the impact of noise on underwater life in the Wadden Sea.

A shift in everyday habits by the world’s wealthiest households could cut the overall household-related global carbon emissions by 40 percent.