Research briefs

Heat-related deaths in Europe’s urban areas exceeded 50,000 in the summer of 2026. More than 32,000 of those deaths were attributable to human-caused global warming, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, according to studies published in Nature Health.

Running a global glacier model at daily rather than monthly resolution across more than 12,500 glaciers reproduces observed mass loss better and projects a 5 to 10 per cent larger glacier contribution to 21st-century sea-level rise.

An experiment comparing a complete warning message with versions each missing one element found hazard impact had the greatest effect on understanding, belief, personalisation and decision-making – more than the hazard name or guidance.

Most national climate adaptation plans talk about health – but there are gaps in structures and investment to achieve this crucial strand of climate policy. Policy needs to be translated into action.

In Australia, days are growing longer and summer is fast approaching. But a very strong El Niño could make this summer a sweltering one. New research examined how the Greater Sydney region is preparing for surging temperatures and more frequent heatwaves.

A study found that updated hurricane forecast graphics help people identify inland watch areas but don't improve risk perception or protective intentions, highlighting the need for clearer local impact information to support safety decisions.

A study finds that the influence of El Niño is very strong, although smaller than the influence of climate change.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) researchers are developing three-dimensional simulations to examine how a nuclear device could be used to deflect or potentially disrupt an asteroid threatening Earth.