SCIENCE & NATURE BRIEFS

BITCOIN BLOWOUT

Computer use for bitcoin mining in China will soon use more energy and produce more carbon emissions than developed European countries such as Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, according to a paper published in Nature Communications. Chinese researchers estimate that the processing power, much of it coal-fired, required for bitcoin mining will peak in 2024 at about 297 terawatt-hours and could undermine Beijing’s carbon pledges. They recommend site-regulation policies to reduce emissions.

PRODUCTIVITY HANDBRAKE

Global agricultural productivity growth since 1961 is about 21% lower than it could have been because of man-made climate change. The reduction equates to losing seven years of productivity growth and the effect is greater in warmer climates, including Africa and the Caribbean, with reductions of 26-34%. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, suggests global agriculture is becoming increasingly susceptible to climate change.

ELEPHANT CONFINES

Just over 60% of Africa is suitable habitat for elephants, but they are squeezed into just 17% of their potential range because of human pressure and the ivory trade, says a study by Kenya’s Mara Elephant Project. The findings suggest elephants have excellent potential for recovery where human traffic is light and where peaceful coexistence is possible. But their potential range of 18 million sq km includes areas where this is not realistic.