Imagine Earth has a giant set of underground “storage lockers” where we can tuck away carbon dioxide (CO₂) for centuries so it doesn’t heat the planet. Scientists call this geologic carbon storage. 



It sounds simple: capture CO₂ from factories, power plants, or even the air, pipe it deep underground into the tiny spaces inside certain rocks, and lock it there.



For years, underground storage of carbon dioxide looked and felt like a clever climate trick. Capture the gas, lock it in rock layers, and keep burning fossil fuels while claiming progress. 



The idea seemed safe because early estimates suggested nearly limitless space.



That illusion has collapsed. New research shows the planet’s usable underground storage capacity is far smaller than imagined. Instead of centuries of security, this cushion could run out within 200 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-storage-drops-sharply">Carbon storage drops sharply</h2>



Industry once placed global capacity at around 14,000 gigatons. A closer look, however, strips away risky regions - earthquake zones, fragile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/construction-materials-could-store-carbon-in-homes-and-buildings-helping-the-climate/">ecosystems</a>, and crowded cities. What remains is only about 1,460 gigatonnes.



This tenfold drop changes everything. What once seemed endless is now a resource with strict boundaries, one that must be managed carefully. Every choice about how it is used carries long-term consequences. 



If reserved for short-term fixes, the world risks burning through it quickly. If protected for carbon removal, it could become a critical lifeline for stabilizing temperatures far into the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-hidden-beneath-the-surface">Risks hidden beneath the surface</h2>



Underground storage carries hazards. Injecting carbon can stir up seismic activity, reactivate faults, or open escape paths. Leaks into aquifers could acidify water and release toxic metals. 



Offshore storage avoids some human risks but adds cost and geopolitical disputes. Public pushback also limits expansion, with some governments blocking projects altogether.



Opposition often stems from fears of leaks, distrust of industry promises, and concerns that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-storage-mystery-emerges-in-the-southern-ocean/">storage</a> will be used to justify continued fossil fuel use. 



These challenges mean underground storage cannot expand smoothly or universally; every project faces technical, political, and social barriers that slow progress and shrink real-world potential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-storage-s-uncertain-future">Carbon storage’s uncertain future</h2>



Climate plans already assume storage will be vital to reach net zero. But if it mainly serves fossil fuel plants, reserves could vanish by 2200 - and every decade of delay accelerates that timeline. 



Deep emission cuts now ease future pressure, while procrastination forces heavier reliance on shrinking storage space. 



One promising strategy is to prioritize underground capacity for carbon removal rather than fossil fuel capture.



Direct air capture and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abandoned-farmland-can-be-used-for-climate-change-mitigation/">bioenergy</a> with carbon storage could actively draw carbon out of the atmosphere, offering a cooling effect. 



If the full capacity were dedicated to this role, global temperatures could fall by as much as 0.7 °C (1.3 °F), though in practice the impact may be closer to 0.4 °C (0.7 °F) because the climate system doesn’t respond perfectly symmetrically to removal and emission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reserves-unevenly-spread-worldwide">Reserves unevenly spread worldwide</h2>



Storage is not shared fairly across the globe. The United States, Russia, and Australia hold large, stable reserves. Europe and India lose far more under stricter risk rules.



Meanwhile, some nations in Africa and South America have vast potential but little historic responsibility for emissions. That imbalance raises thorny questions of justice - who gets to use the storage, and on what terms. 



Should wealthy nations pay for access to reserves in countries that contributed less to the crisis? Or should those with the largest reserves prioritize their own development needs first? 



These questions highlight deep inequalities that will shape future climate negotiations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storage-can-only-buy-time">Storage can only buy time</h2>



Some experts argue the true potential is larger, pointing to decades of safe use in oil and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-largest-natural-hydrogen-deposit-discovery-is-worth-a-staggering-184-billion/">gas reservoirs</a>. 



They note that many depleted fields have held fluids securely for millions of years and could continue to hold injected carbon just as reliably.



Supporters of this view see existing infrastructure and technical expertise as proof that storage can operate at much greater scale than the conservative estimates suggest.



Even so, most researchers caution against treating underground storage as a limitless solution. It was never designed to be the final answer to climate change. 



At best, it should function as a bridge - a temporary measure that buys time while renewables expand, low-carbon industries mature, and societies shift away from fossil fuels.



In that sense, storage is less a cure and more a stabilizer, easing the transition without promising permanence. Its real value lies in supporting broader change, not replacing it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-future-depends-on-choices">Carbon future depends on choices</h2>



The message is clear: underground storage is limited, risky, and unevenly distributed. It can help, but only if used strategically. 



That means prioritizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/states-taking-action-on-their-own-can-cut-half-of-u-s-emissions/">emission cuts</a>, expanding clean energy, and reserving storage for removing carbon already in the air.



Treating it as infinite would squander one of the few tools that could still reverse warming, leaving future generations with fewer options, higher risks, and a far narrower path to a stable climate.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09423-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Earth has 10x less space for underground carbon storage than we thought - any other ideas?

Imagine Earth has a giant set of underground “storage lockers” where we can tuck away carbon dioxide (CO₂) for centuries so it doesn’t heat the planet. Scientists call this geologic carbon storage. It sounds simple: capture CO₂ from factories, power plants, or even the air, pipe it deep underground into the tiny spaces inside certain rocks, and lock it there. For years, underground storage of carbon dioxide looked and felt like a clever climate trick. Capture the gas, lock it in rock layers, and keep burning fossil...

The potential role of climate change in escalating harmful emissions worldwide has expanded into the Amazon rainforest.



Climate extremes predicted for the Amazon region, such as excessive rain and prolonged drought, could significantly impact the emission and uptake of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-emissions-from-amazon-floodplains">Methane emissions from Amazon floodplains</h2>



For half the year, steady rainfall and rising river levels result in over 800,000 square kilometers of Amazon rainforest's floodplains being submerged. These swaths of land comprise 20 percent of the total <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainforest</a> area.



The submerged organic matter, broken down by microbial communities, increases methane production. Shockingly, Amazon's floodplains contribute almost a third of methane emissions from global wetlands. 



In stark contrast, the forested regions of higher ground, or "upland forests," operate as methane sinks. They make an invaluable contribution to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by removing methane from the atmosphere. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-functionality-of-soil-microbial-communities">Functionality of soil microbial communities </h2>



The research, led by experts at the University of São Paulo (<a href="https://www5.usp.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USP</a>) in Brazil, is published in the journal <a href="https://environmentalmicrobiome.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40793-024-00596-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Microbiome</a>.



"Seasonal floodplains in the Amazon basin are important sources of methane (CH4), while upland forests are known for their sink capacity," explained the study authors.



"Climate change effects, including shifts in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures, may alter the functionality of soil microbial communities, leading to uncertain changes in CH4&nbsp;cycling dynamics."&nbsp;



The findings highlight the urgent need for conservation and management plans that account for Amazon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-methane-emissions-threaten-earths-habitability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-flow-in-the-amazon">Methane flow in the Amazon</h2>



Júlia Brandão Gontijo, the study's first author, is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Davis.



"Although it’s already been shown that factors such as air temperature and seasonal flooding can influence the composition of microbial communities and hence affect the flow of methane in these environments, what should we expect in the context of climate change and the projected alterations in rainfall and temperature patterns, with more intense extremes?" said&nbsp;Brandão Gontijo.



The research team designed a 30-day experiment to find answers, testing soil samples from two floodplains and an upland forest in two municipalities located in the west of Pará state.



"To investigate the microbial feedback under climate change scenarios, we performed a microcosm experiment," noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-amazon-s-methane-balance">The Amazon's methane balance</h2>



The samples were subjected to extreme temperatures and humidity. The findings revealed that the number of methane-producing microorganisms increased in both floodplains, potentially indicating future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> emission concerns.



Additionally, methane consumption by the upland forest soil plummeted by 70 percent during warm and dry conditions. 



On the contrary, methane production surged significantly during periods of heavy rain. Since the soil is not routinely exposed to extreme humidity, the research shed light on its responsiveness to these conditions. This scenario is particularly concerning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-the-study">Implications of the study</h2>



"Taken together, our data indicate that CH4&nbsp;cycle dynamics and microbial communities in Amazonian floodplain and upland forest soils may respond differently to climate change effects," wrote the study authors. 



"We also highlight the potential role of CH4&nbsp;oxidation pathways in mitigating CH4&nbsp;emissions in Amazonian floodplains."



The floodplain microbiome could adapt to climate change, while the upland forest microbiome appears sensitive to its effects. This potential disparity could seriously disrupt the balance of greenhouse gas emissions in the Amazon region in the future. 



Considering the enormous significance of the Amazon rainforest biome on a global scale, this could pose a severe problem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-interactions-in-the-amazon">Complex interactions in the Amazon</h2>



The study also revealed a glimmer of hope - methanotrophic microorganisms. These methane-consuming life forms use methane as an energy source, giving them the potential to offset an increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-reductions-in-methane-emissions-are-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane emissions</a>.



This is just the beginning. The team is planning to conduct field experiments and laboratory trials with these microorganisms to deepen their understanding of methane cycling dynamics. 



The experts noted that the findings emphasize the importance of considering both environmental factors when assessing the dynamics of methane&nbsp;in these distinct ecosystems.



This contributes to our understanding of the complex interactions between climate, hydrology, and microbial processes in the Amazon region, concluded the researchers.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Climate extremes will boost methane emissions in the Amazon

The potential role of climate change in escalating harmful emissions...

According to widely accepted models, a dramatic cooling event and significant drop in sea levels roughly 34 million years ago, during the Eocene-Oligocene transition, should have resulted in widespread erosion across the continents. This would have deposited vast amounts of sandy material onto the ocean floor.&nbsp;



The Eocene-Oligocene transition marked one of the most extreme climate shifts since the extinction of the dinosaurs, transforming Earth’s climate from a “greenhouse” into an “icehouse” one. 



Yet, a new review from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> reveals a surprising contradiction: across the margins of all seven continents, there is little to no <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-sediments-predict-future-stressors-for-cold-water-corals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sediment</a> from this period to be found.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-clues-in-the-geologic-record-nbsp">Climate clues in the geologic record&nbsp;</h2>



This unexpected finding, published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0012825224002393" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth-Science Reviews</a>, uncovers a puzzling global gap in the geologic record. 



“The results have left us wondering, ‘where did all the sediment go?’” said senior author Stephan Graham, a professor in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.&nbsp;



“Answering that question will help us get a better fundamental understanding about the functioning of sedimentary systems and how climatic changes imprint on the deep marine sedimentary record.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-effects-of-climate-shifts">Environmental effects of climate shifts</h2>



The discovery challenges existing models of sediment deposition and erosion and offers new insights into the global environmental effects of significant climate shifts.&nbsp;



The findings may also provide a clearer understanding of how today’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-happening-too-fast-for-some-species-to-adapt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rapid climate change</a> might reshape Earth’s surface.



“For the first time, we’ve taken a global look at an understudied response of the planet’s largest sediment mass-movement systems during the extreme transition of the Eocene-Oligocene,” explained lead author Zack Burton, now an assistant professor of Earth sciences at Montana State University.&nbsp;



The Eocene-Oligocene transition was a period of profound <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-cooling-wont-be-a-quick-fix-for-the-state-of-our-oceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary cooling</a>. Large ice sheets formed in Antarctica, which had previously been ice-free, global sea levels fell sharply, and there were significant die-offs among both marine and terrestrial species. 



Before this period, Earth had experienced some of the highest temperatures and sea levels since the age of the dinosaurs, according to climate proxy records. Burton and his colleagues initially set out to investigate the effects of these early Eocene warm conditions on deep-sea depositional systems. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detailed-analysis-of-the-climate-shift">Detailed analysis of the climate shift</h2>



In a 2023 study published in <a href="https://sustainability.stanford.edu/news/climate-patterns-shape-sand-deposits-deep-sea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>, they found evidence of abundant sand-rich deposits along Earth's continental margins, which they attributed to intensified weather conditions that increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-in-climate-and-land-use-could-lead-to-catastrophic-levels-of-soil-erosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erosion</a> from land. 



The team then decided to extend their study to cover the later Eocene and early Oligocene, during which Earth rapidly cooled and entered an “icehouse” climate.



To do this, the researchers conducted a meticulous review of hundreds of scientific papers spanning over a century. They analyzed studies that documented ancient sediment, often buried several kilometers beneath the ocean floor.&nbsp;



This comprehensive review included findings from offshore oil and gas drilling, onshore rock outcrops, and seismic data interpretations. Altogether, the study examined over 100 geographical sites worldwide, providing a detailed look at the geologic records from the margins of all continents.



As the team combed through the collected data, they found a baffling absence of sand-rich sediments from the Eocene-Oligocene transition.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-sediments-in-the-geologic-record-nbsp">Missing sediments in the geologic record&nbsp;</h2>



“We didn’t see abundant sand-rich deposition, as in our study of warm climates of the early Eocene,” Burton said.&nbsp;



“Instead, we saw that prominent, widespread erosional unconformities - in other words, gaps in the rock record - had developed during the extreme climatic cooling and oceanographic change of the Eocene-Oligocene.”



The researchers propose several theories to explain the missing sediments. One idea is that strong ocean bottom currents, driven by changes in temperature and salinity triggered by the climate shift, could have scoured the ocean floor, eroding sediments that flowed off the continents.&nbsp;



Another possibility is that the rapid drop in sea levels exposed continental shelves, allowing sediments to bypass nearer sedimentary basins and be deposited much farther out on the ocean's abyssal plains. Additionally, glacial erosion around Antarctica may have played a role in redistributing sediments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-profound-changes-across-land-and-sea">Profound changes across land and sea</h2>



These processes appear to have operated across the globe, suggesting that the sedimentary record was influenced by global climatic controls. The researchers believe that this global impact points to the profound climatic changes felt not only on land but also in the deepest oceanic basins.



The study’s findings provide a valuable perspective on how Earth's surface can respond to significant climate shifts.&nbsp;



The Eocene-Oligocene transition offers a window into the large-scale environmental transformations that can result from rapid climate change, something that is highly relevant to understanding today’s human-driven climate shifts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radical-changes-with-rapid-climate-change-nbsp">Radical changes with rapid climate change&nbsp;</h2>



Although the current climate change crisis is smaller in overall magnitude compared to the Eocene-Oligocene transition, it is unfolding at a much faster pace.&nbsp;



The researchers believe that studying these past events can help scientists better predict the kinds of drastic changes that may occur as Earth’s climate continues to change rapidly.



“Our findings can help inform us of the kinds of radical changes that can happen on the Earth’s surface in the face of rapid climate change,” Graham said. “The geologic past informs the present, and particularly the future.”



By reexamining past climatic events and sedimentary responses, scientists hope to gain insights that could guide our understanding of the challenges posed by modern climate change, and potentially help mitigate its effects on Earth's ecosystems and surface environments.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Ancient climate shift sheds light on future global warming

According to widely accepted models, a dramatic cooling event and...

We are surrounded by a world that is increasingly plastic. It's in our homes, cars, offices, and even our food. The recent discovery that microplastic pollution has infiltrated the life of even newborn creatures strikes a chord of concern.



These remnants of our plastic usage, tiny bits smaller than a grain of sand, have made their way into every nook and cranny of our ecosystem, and of our bodies. 



This was the critical point of a recent study published in Science of the Total Environment, led by a team from <a href="https://rutgershealth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutgers Health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-micro-and-nanoplastics">What are micro- and nanoplastics?</h2>



These invisible bad guys that we're talking about are known as micro- and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-could-help-remove-nanoplastics-from-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanoplastic particles</a> (MNPs). 



Microplastics are fragments smaller than 5 millimeters, about the size of a sesame seed or smaller. Nanoplastics, even tinier, measure less than 1 micrometer -- much smaller than the width of a human hair. 



Ever wondered where they come from?



These plastics originate from larger plastic items breaking down over time or are intentionally manufactured in small sizes for use in products like cosmetics and cleaning supplies.



Once released, micro- and nanoplastics can make their way into oceans, rivers, and even the air we breathe. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine animals</a> often mistake them for food, which can harm their health and introduce plastics into the food chain. 



Since these plastics are so small, they’re challenging to remove and can persist in the environment for centuries.



But, How do they get <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-microplastic-ingestion-levels-mapped-across-109-countries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">into our bodies</a>? The answer is simple: inhalation, absorption and through our diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastic-pollution-entering-newborns">Microplastic pollution entering newborns</h2>



It's common knowledge that these pollutants can cross the sanctuary of the womb and settle down in fetal tissues. However, the big question has always been whether these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-infiltrating-the-human-body-even-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles stick around post-birth</a>. 



The Rutgers Health team, in their study, have found that they indeed do, at least in the case of rats. This discovery could potentially have significant implications for human health.



“Nobody wants plastic in their liver,” said <a href="https://pharmacy.rutgers.edu/directory/stapleton-phoebe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phoebe A. Stapleton</a>, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the <a href="https://pharmacy.rutgers.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy</a>, and the study’s senior author. 



“Now that we know it’s there -- as well as in other organs -- the next step is to understand why and what that means.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proof-in-the-offspring">Proof in the offspring</h2>



To evaluate the persistence of MNPs after birth, Stapleton and her team exposed six pregnant rats to aerosolized food-grade plastic powder for ten days. 



The chosen subjects were rodents, as they, like humans, have a hemochorial placenta, meaning no direct blood contact between mother and fetus during circulation.



Two weeks post-birth, two baby rats were tested for MNP exposure, and the results were enlightening: the same type of plastic that their mothers inhaled was found in these infant rodents' lungs, liver, and even brain tissue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-concerns-over-microplastic-pollution">Growing concerns over microplastic pollution</h2>



These findings provide another piece to the puzzle on the potential hazards posed by micro- and nanoplastics. 



Ever seen plastic in your food, or in farmland, seawater, or snow? Such omnipresent particles might lead to health issues like cancer, inflammation, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-every-semen-sample-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tissue degeneration</a>.



Stapleton hopes that the results will propel a sense of urgency among decision-makers for more research funding. 



"Without answers, we can't have a policy change," she said. With increased understanding, regulators can better protect public health and perhaps introduce more stringent regulations on plastic usage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-consequences">Complex consequences</h2>



“These results raise concerns for the toxicological impacts associated with MNPs exposure, maternal-fetal health, and systemic MNPs particle deposition,” the researchers wrote. The presence of micro- and nanoplastics has not escaped the oceans' depths, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hotspots-of-microplastic-pollution-found-in-the-north-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life is unwittingly affected</a> by these pervasive particles. 



As these plastics break down into smaller fragments, they are ingested by a wide range of aquatic organisms, from plankton to larger fish. 



This ingestion can lead to physical blockages, starvation, and even the absorption of toxic chemicals associated with the plastics themselves.



The research increasingly suggests that micro- and nanoplastics can disrupt the reproductive systems of marine species and contribute to systemic toxicity, paving the way for alterations in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-antarctica-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entire ecosystems</a>.



Addressing this global issue demands urgent attention to both reduce plastic pollution and mitigate its harmful impacts on biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-microplastic-pollution">Future of microplastic pollution</h2>



"Eventually, the persistence of these materials in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-discovered-in-every-human-placenta-tested-after-birth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human tissue</a> could lead to greater regulation," Stapleton said.



"While plastics have undoubtedly improved consumer products, too little is known about their long-term health impacts. As researchers fill knowledge gaps, regulators will be better equipped to protect public health," she added.



“I don't think we'll ever get rid of plastics altogether,” Stapleton remarked. “They’re too important for modern life. But I do think we might get to a point where we’ll have some policies to indicate which ones are less toxic than others.”



To sum it all up, while plastics have undoubtedly made our lives easier, it's high time we weigh the conveniences against the long-term health implications due to its pollution.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724055001?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Microplastic pollution is everywhere, even in newborns, and it's getting worse

We are surrounded by a world that is increasingly plastic....

Temperature is a key factor in determining where species can thrive and whether they are at risk from climate change.&nbsp;



While much research has focused on how heat tolerance affects survival, less attention has been paid to how thermal traits influence reproduction, which is directly connected to extinction risk.&nbsp;



Now, a team of researchers in the United States has explored whether male dragonflies with dark wing coloration, used as a sexual signal during mating, are more resistant to heat.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproductive-traits-and-heat-tolerance-nbsp">Reproductive traits and heat tolerance&nbsp;</h2>



The findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fetho.2024.1447637" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Ethology</a>, provide new insights into the link between reproductive traits and heat tolerance.



“We show that dragonfly species that have evolved dark breeding coloration on their wings have also evolved the ability to tolerate high temperatures,” said lead author Noah Leith, a biologist at the University of Pittsburgh.&nbsp;



“This finding paves the way for a whole new field of research exploring interactions between thermal traits and sexual signals.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wing-coloration-and-mate-selection">Wing coloration and mate selection</h2>



In many animals, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonflies-hunt-perfectly-even-in-extreme-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dragonflies</a>, sexual signals like wing coloration play an important role in attracting mates, identifying species for reproduction, and deciding when to retreat from mating contests. However, these dark wing ornaments come with a downside.&nbsp;



Dark colors absorb more heat, raising the dragonflies' body temperature, which can result in physiological stress or cause males to abandon their reproductive territories.



“We see time and time again that animals will put their lives on the line to reproduce, even if it means encountering potentially lethal temperatures,” Leith said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wing-coloration-and-heat-stress">Wing coloration and heat stress</h2>



To investigate, the researchers analyzed 14 species of dragonflies living in tropical climates and five species from temperate regions.&nbsp;



They discovered that species with dark, heat-absorbing wing coloration had evolved to withstand higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/at-what-point-does-heat-stress-become-dangerous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat stress</a> before reaching their critical thermal limits.&nbsp;



“This enhanced ability to tolerate high body temperatures is likely crucial for shaping how dragonflies may respond to the changing climates of the future,” Leith explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-wings-increase-body-temperature">Dark wings increase body temperature</h2>



The researchers found that dark wing ornaments can increase a dragonfly's body temperature by 1°C to 2°C, which is approximately the same as the increase in thermal tolerance observed in species with dark wing patterns.&nbsp;



The tropical species Tauriphila argo, also known as the arch-tipped glider, was found to have the highest heat tolerance among the species studied.&nbsp;



This dragonfly has very dark wing patches near its core body, which absorbs more heat. Overall, the pattern of co-evolution between dark coloration and heat tolerance was even stronger in tropical species, where high temperatures are a constant challenge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-heat-tolerance-nbsp">Evolution of heat tolerance&nbsp;</h2>



Previous research has shown that rising global temperatures are causing some dragonfly species to evolve with less wing coloration. 



However, the new findings suggest that even if these species lose some of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonfly-wing-colors-driven-by-climate-and-sexual-selection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coloration</a> due to climate pressures, they will retain their ability to withstand hotter temperatures because they have already evolved this trait.



This study is one of the first to test whether thermal tolerance co-evolves with reproductive traits.&nbsp;



“Our finding is particularly exciting because dark sexual coloration has evolved over and over across the tree of life and causes a wide variety of other animals to absorb extra heat too - from reptiles to lions and fruit flies,” Leith said.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surviving-in-a-warming-world-nbsp">Surviving in a warming world&nbsp;</h2>



This discovery highlights how evolutionary adaptations in response to reproductive needs may also help species survive in a warming world.



In the context of rapid global warming, being able to predict which species are vulnerable to extinction is crucial for preserving biodiversity. The researchers emphasize the importance of examining not just survival traits, but reproductive traits as well, to get a more comprehensive understanding of how animals respond to environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-temperature-has-changed-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changes</a>.&nbsp;



“Looking at vulnerability in only one aspect of animals' lives is insufficient. We need a more nuanced understanding of how animals respond to changing environments as whole, complex organisms, in which their reproductive traits might influence their chances of surviving a heat wave, and vice versa,” Leith said.



Although the study analyzed 19 species, the researchers point out that there are thousands of dragonfly species worldwide. Future research could explore whether similar patterns exist across other species and types of animals.&nbsp;



“It would be fantastic to someday test if heat tolerance co-evolves with sexual traits across life on Earth,” Leith concluded.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Wing coloration helps dragonflies withstand heat

Temperature is a key factor in determining where species can...

Rapid warming has so profoundly impacted northern ecosystems that scientists are increasingly concerned about the region's ability to recover from climate shocks, according to a new study focused on Arctic plant resilience.&nbsp;



The researchers found that frequent disturbances like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fear-and-anxiety-the-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>, drought, and deforestation have diminished the resilience of many plant communities in the southern boreal forests. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-resilience-and-carbon-storage">Plant resilience and carbon storage</h2>



This decline in resilience - meaning the plants’ ability to bounce back after environmental stressors - could have serious implications for the Arctic’s role in absorbing carbon dioxide, potentially transforming the region from a carbon sink into a carbon source in the near future.



This shift is particularly troubling because the Arctic and boreal regions have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-humans-are-warming-the-planet-faster-than-ever-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmed</a> several times faster than other parts of the world, and continued warming is expected. 



Yue Zhang is the study’s lead author and a graduate student in earth sciences at the <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a>. 



“When we talk about the response of forests to climate change, most of the time we’re thinking about the tropical rainforest,” explained Zhang.&nbsp;



“But remote boreal forests are really important in terms of their vast extent, large carbon storage and potential to mitigate climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varying-levels-of-plant-resilience-nbsp">Varying levels of plant resilience&nbsp;</h2>



Based on historical data from NASA’s <a href="https://above.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE)</a> program, the researchers utilized remote sensing technology to track subtle changes in vegetation greenness in Alaska and western Canada between 2000 and 2019. 



The goal was to estimate how quickly vegetation recovered from both small-scale fluctuations and large losses, even in areas where significant damage had not yet occurred.



The results showed that while plant resilience in southern boreal forests had decreased over time, resilience appeared to increase in most of the Arctic tundra, despite areas of greening.&nbsp;



Fires, drought, and heat likely contributed to the declining resilience in the southern regions, while shifts in nutrient availability may have helped vegetation thrive in other parts of the Arctic.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertainty-of-plant-carbon-storage">Uncertainty of plant carbon storage</h2>



However, even though the release of nutrients could benefit plant growth, rising temperatures threaten to accelerate permafrost melting.&nbsp;



The permafrost stores vast amounts of carbon, and its thawing could release carbon emissions equivalent to those produced by 35 million cars annually, hastening the arrival of climate tipping points.



Zhang emphasized the uncertainty about how much of this carbon will be absorbed by plants versus how much will contribute to further <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-permafrost-melt-devastating-role-accelerating-global-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a>. 



“That’s pretty concerning, because while greening may indicate that productivity and carbon uptake in these regions is increasing now, resilience decline indicates that it may not be sustainable in the longer term.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-entire-ecosystem-at-risk">An entire ecosystem at risk</h2>



The study’s findings indicate that the entire ecosystem is at risk, as large portions of the southern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boreal forests</a> are losing stability. This could lead to widespread forest loss and biome shifts in the future. 



Greening regions that simultaneously experience a decline in resilience may be showing signs of distress, suggesting that the ecosystem is struggling to survive before it experiences significant forest loss.&nbsp;



“This is a hot spot of vegetation change where studying it can tell us about the ecosystem stability and what it’s capable of tolerating before it transitions into an alternative state through pervasive forest loss,” warned study senior author Professor Yanlan Liu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-plant-resilience-nbsp">Predicting plant resilience&nbsp;</h2>



The experts also found that regions at higher elevations with warm, dry conditions and dense vegetation cover were among the most vulnerable to declining resilience.&nbsp;



Yet, there is still a lack of consensus in current climate models regarding how vegetation change and carbon dynamics interact. The team’s work will help to refine these models by providing information about where vegetation shifts are most likely to occur.



Ultimately, Zhang noted that the research has uncovered more subtle changes in the health of the region’s vegetation than previously reported <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-is-greening-at-an-unprecedented-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greening</a> and browning trends. Their methodology also offers a new tool for identifying potential vegetation loss in other regions over the coming decades. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions-nbsp">Future research directions&nbsp;</h2>



The team plans to continue improving their predictions of ecosystem changes and advocate for more fieldwork to verify their remote sensing data.



“Scientists need to learn to quantify climate-induced risks through diverse lenses,” Liu said. “On top of satellite remote sensing, we need more ground observations to help us identify ways to leverage these findings to inform future resources and risk management strategies.”



As the Arctic and boreal regions warm at alarming rates, this study sheds light on the fragility of these ecosystems and the need for urgent strategies to preserve their resilience amid rapid climate change.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02551-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>. 



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Arctic ecosystem stability threatened by declining plant resilience 

Rapid warming has so profoundly impacted northern ecosystems that scientists...

Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, is a sneaky culprit contributing to environmental issues. Emitting from common human activities like coal-fired power plants and small-scale gold mining, mercury invariably finds its way into our atmosphere. 



Global mercury emission inventories have been indicating an escalating trend over the years. Yet, recent findings suggest otherwise.



The study was led by an international team of researchers who contributed robust statistical methods and valuable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-driven-mercury-emissions-have-skyrocketed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric mercury measurement</a> data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-emissions-are-dropping">Mercury emissions are dropping</h2>



The study shows that we are not seeing an upward spiral of mercury in our atmosphere. On the contrary, it's been on the decline over the past two decades.



Scientists at <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> analyzed data from every available monitoring station in the Northern Hemisphere. Their findings? A clear dip in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-directly-linked-to-atmospheric-mercury-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric mercury concentrations</a> - approximately 10 percent between the years 2005 and 2020.



Ari Feinberg is a former postdoc in the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) and lead author of the study.



“Our work shows that it is very important to learn from actual, on-the-ground data to try and improve our models and these emissions estimates," said Feinberg.



"This is very relevant for policy because, if we are not able to accurately estimate past mercury emissions, how are we going to predict how mercury pollution will evolve in the future?” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trend-in-mercury-emissions">Trend in mercury emissions</h2>



The research team adopted two modeling methods to identify the cause of this downward trend. Boiling it down to raw basics, both techniques traced back to a decline in anthropogenic (human-caused) emissions as the driving force.



The puzzle, however, didn't stop there. Global inventories, built using models, reflected opposite trends. 



The mismatch between the models and actual recorded measurements remained shrouded in mystery due to data limitations and gaps in scientific understanding of mercury pollution.



The broader message? "We need to keep measuring and advancing the science," said Noelle Selin, co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-sense-of-the-mercury-mismatch">Making sense of the mercury mismatch</h2>



A global treaty known as the Minamata Convention was signed in 2013 to cut down on human-caused mercury emissions. Yet, despite international efforts, mercury emission inventories were still shown to increase.



Unraveling the mysteries of mercury emissions posed unique challenges for the researchers. Mercury is the only metal in a liquid state at room temperature and has some exclusive properties.



The limited understanding of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical reactions</a> mercury can undergo, coupled with the smaller network of monitoring stations compared to gases like methane and nitrous oxide, added to the hurdles.



So, the MIT team went above and beyond, developing statistical methods to bridge data gaps. 



"One of the challenges of our study was to come up with statistical methods that can address those data gaps, because available measurements come from different time periods and different measurement networks," said Feinberg.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hypotheses-and-future-directions">Hypotheses and future directions</h2>



While the team's analysis did not pinpoint why emission inventories didn't align with actual data, they proposed some theories.



One possibility involves gaps in information provided by certain countries to global inventories. Another potential cause could be underestimated emissions from small-scale gold mining and mercury-containing products. 



So, what's next? A global effort focused on studying and improving the models used to estimate and evaluate emissions is needed. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-policy-and-regulation">Role of policy and regulation</h2>



One cannot overlook the crucial role that policy and regulation have played in influencing mercury emissions. 



Initiatives like the Minamata Convention, despite existing discrepancies, highlight international commitment to addressing mercury pollution. This legally binding agreement encourages signatory countries to implement measures that curtail the usage and release of mercury.



Such policies not only intend to lower emissions but also seek to mitigate mercury’s ecological and health impacts. The Convention's strategies include phasing out certain mercury-containing products, promoting sustainable mining practices, and enhancing awareness about the element's risks. 



Effective enforcement and compliance with these regulations are essential to maintaining and potentially improving the current declining trend in mercury emissions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-scientific-endeavors">Collaborative scientific endeavors</h2>



As we explore deeper into the complexities of mercury emissions and their effects, a unified global scientific community is imperative.



By pooling resources and knowledge, scientists can develop more comprehensive models to better understand mercury's atmospheric behavior and its broader environmental implications.



This cooperative approach involves enhancing data sharing, harmonizing monitoring protocols, and fostering innovative research partnerships. 



To address the gaps identified by the researchers, it is essential that future studies not only expand the network of monitoring stations but also incorporate novel technologies that increase the accuracy and consistency of mercury measurements.



While there's much to investigate, one thing is clear: understanding the real-world implications of human activities on our environment is key.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2401950121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and Earth.com.



-----

Mercury emissions from human activities are declining

Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, is a sneaky culprit contributing to...

Have you ever wondered about the secret behind the lively leaps of Mexican jumping beans? 



Sold as popular souvenirs along bustling boardwalks, these seemingly animate objects are actually seeds that host the larvae of a small moth species. 



The beans "jump" when the larvae stir within, knocking against the seed wall. But could there be more to this intriguing phenomenon beyond just random movement?



Recently, an in-depth study by researchers at <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> has revealed some surprisingly complex behavior within this fascinating microcosm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jumping-beans-react-to-the-light">Jumping beans react to the light</h2>



Lindsey Swierk, an assistant research professor of biological sciences, was intrigued to find out how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unusual-jumping-behavior-recorded-in-beetle-larvae/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larvae</a> respond to their surroundings. 



The landscapes where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-seeds-reveal-plant-migration-path-from-asia-to-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seeds</a> fall can vary dramatically, from sun-drenched plains to shadowy groves. This prompted Swierk and her students to investigate how the larvae inside the jumping beans react to varying light conditions.



The researchers found that these larvae are capable of registering different light colors, asserting more vigorous jumping actions under specific hues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jumping-to-escape-the-heat">Jumping to escape the heat </h2>



"When a seed drops to the ground from shrubs, the moth larva inside is at the mercy of whatever environmental temperature the seed experiences,” said Swierk.



“The ground could be scorching hot in direct sunlight. A little <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-moths-develop-smaller-wings-survive-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moth</a> larva inside of a seed like this can only withstand so much heat - and so they jump away.”



Interestingly, the bean acts as an "extended architecture" for the larvae - a naturally occurring structure that the organism utilizes without constructing itself.



Much like a hermit crab finds refuge in a borrowed shell, the Mexican jumping bean becomes the adopted home for the larva, offering both shelter and a means of responding to the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-light-influences-survival">How light influences survival</h2>



To explore this intriguing relationship further, Swierk and her team designed experiments to understand how different light colors influence the behavior of these seed-bound <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caterpillars-use-their-hair-to-detect-predators-static-electricity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caterpillars</a>. 



Contrary to expectations, the researchers discovered that light penetrates the seed wall only minimally - less than one percent -suggesting that the larvae rely on incredibly faint cues to sense their surroundings.



Despite this, the larvae respond differently to different light spectra, moving the most under red light and the least under purple light.



"Somehow larvae are picking up on these differences. Whether that's because of very minute temperature changes or because of extremely sensitive photoreceptors, we're not sure yet," noted Swierk. 



“But they're using light somehow as a cue to change their behavior, which probably has to do with the fact that these different lighting spectra are correlated with different environmental conditions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jumping-beans-under-environmental-stress">Jumping beans under environmental stress</h2>



Continuing their line of investigation into the impact of environmental factors on these larvae, Swierk and her students uncovered an intriguing dilemma. 



The researchers found that larvae possess the ability to repair their host seeds using silk threads, but this might compromise their heat evasion abilities.



The experiments revealed that when seed walls were damaged, the larvae's ability to respond to high heat by jumping decreased. This suggests that the disruption caused by the damage could disconnect the internal silk threads that enable the larva's movement.



Swierk noted that these animals are extremely sensitive to temperature. "A common story here is that we see these larvae using very nuanced cues to change their behavior in response to heat, and we're also seeing that additional stressors like predation attempts can impair their ability to appropriately <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-has-increased-seasonal-insect-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">respond to temperature</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-insect-behavior">Climate change and insect behavior </h2>



The research does more than shed light on the remarkable world of Mexican jumping beans. The findings have broader implications for our understanding of insect behavior in the era of climate change.



"Responding to temperature change is a big deal. As the climate changes, we need to learn how animals detect imminent thermal stress and what limits their adaptive responses," said Swierk. 



"What we learn about Mexican jumping bean larvae might help us better understand how other insects with limited movement cope with heat stress in their environments."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0376635724001086" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Behavioural Processes</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

What makes Mexican jumping beans jump?

Have you ever wondered about the secret behind the lively...

According to an alarming annual climate report, Earth's vital signs depict a rapidly deteriorating condition. As we get closer to the UN summit, the urgent need for immediate climate action has never been greater.



The report was authored by an international coalition led by scientists from <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> (OSU). It communicates a chilling warning that the Earth is heading into a "critical and unpredictable new phase of the climate crisis" that requires swift, decisive action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perilous-times-on-planet-earth">Perilous times on planet Earth</h2>



The in-depth report, entitled "The 2024 State of the Climate Report: Perilous Times on Planet Earth," identifies several areas - including energy, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollutants-from-fossil-fuels-are-embedded-in-coral-skeletons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a>, nature, food and economy - where significant policy changes are essential.



"A large portion of the very fabric of life on our planet is imperiled," said William Ripple, a professor in the OSU College of Forestry. "We're already in the midst of abrupt climate upheaval, which jeopardizes life on Earth like nothing humans have ever seen."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vital-climate-signs-hit-record-extremes">Vital climate signs hit record extremes</h2>



The report takes into account 35 planetary vital signs to track annual climate change. Among these vital signs, a staggering 25 have reached record-breaking extremes, highlighting the urgency of the situation.



The three <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-just-experienced-its-hottest-day-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hottest days</a> ever recorded occurred in July 2024, highlighting an unprecedented surge in global temperatures. Additionally, heat-trapping fossil fuel emissions have reached alarming levels.



"On the basis of global year-to-date averages, the concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane are at record highs," wrote the study authors.



"Carbon dioxide levels were recently observed to be surging. Furthermore, the growth rate of methane emissions has been accelerating, which is very troubling."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosive-demand-for-energy">Explosive demand for energy</h2>



Every single day the human population increases by approximately 200,000, and the number of ruminant livestock, which are known to emit harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/state-of-the-climate-greenhouse-gases-hit-a-record-high-in-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> and require substantial energy to rear, increases by roughly 170,000.



In 2023, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuel</a> consumption rose by 1.5%, primarily due to significant leaps in coal and oil use. Although renewable energy use also saw enhancement, it is only a fourteenth of fossil fuel use. 



The escalation in renewable energy is mostly due to increased demand rather than its substitution for fossil fuels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warning-signs-of-a-climate-disaster">Warning signs of a climate disaster</h2>



The report highlights several other pressing issues, including record-breaking highs in Earth’s average surface temperature, ocean acidity, heat content, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global sea level</a>, all of which indicate a rapidly worsening climate crisis.



Alarmingly, the mass of ice in Greenland and Antarctica, along with average glacier thickness, has plunged to historic lows, signaling a profound loss of critical ice reserves.



Furthermore, in 2023, the global loss of tree cover amplified from 22.8 million hectares to 28.3 million.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangerous-climate-feedback-loops">Dangerous climate feedback loops </h2>



The report identifies 28 amplifying feedback loops - such as permafrost thawing and increased methane emissions - that further accelerate and compound the effects of climate change, creating a cycle that threatens to spiral out of control.



In 2023 alone, an estimated 2,325 heat-related deaths occurred in the United States, marking a shocking 117% increase from 1999. 



With increasing climate disasters like the Asian heatwaves killing thousands and displacing millions, the potential for greater geopolitical instability and societal collapse is looming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roadmap-to-climate-recovery">Roadmap to climate recovery</h2>



The route to recovery includes implementing global carbon pricing, enhancing energy efficiency, curbing greenhouse emissions, restoring biodiverse ecosystems, encouraging plant-based diets, promoting sustainable economics, and incorporating climate education in global curriculums.



"Humanity's future depends on creativity, moral fiber and perseverance. If future generations are to inherit the world they deserve, decisive action is needed, and fast," noted co-author Christopher Wolf. 



The upcoming UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is slated for November 11-22 in Baku, Azerbaijan. It is considered a pivotal opportunity for global progress on climate issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alerting-humanity-to-climate-disaster">Alerting humanity to climate disaster</h2>



The climate report represents invaluable contributions from scientists across the globe, with funding from the CO2 Foundation and Roger Worthington.



"Our aim in the present article is to communicate directly to researchers, policymakers, and the public," wrote the experts. 



"As scientists and academics, we feel it is our moral duty and that of our institutions to alert humanity to the growing threats that we face as clearly as possible and to show leadership in addressing them."



The full report is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/advance-article/doi/10.1093/biosci/biae087/7808595" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BioScience</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Report: Earth is headed for an 'irreversible climate disaster'

According to an alarming annual climate report, Earth's vital signs...

You may have felt the comforting chill of fall rolling in this September, but not everyone was sharing the same sentiment.



Taking a peek into official documents from the European Union's Climate Change Programme, the global average temperature for September 2024 stood at a staggering 61.1°F (16.17°C). This makes it the second-hottest September that we have on record. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-september-2024-record-in-the-making">September 2024: Record in the making</h2>



In fact, this temperature was a hair's breadth away from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-just-experienced-its-hottest-day-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">record set</a> in September 2023, which read a blistering 61.4°F (16.38°C). The scientists point unerringly at human-induced greenhouse gas emissions as the chief culprit.



Some spots on our planet bore the brunt of this heat in September 2024 more than others. When we compare these temperatures to records of the last three decades, the upward trajectory of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-likely-the-hottest-year-in-recorded-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperatures</a> is all too clear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historic-temperature-perspective">Historic temperature perspective</h2>



The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (<a href="https://climate.copernicus.eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">C3S</a>) - a dedicated climate watchdog located in Bonn, Germany - has a few stark figures to share. 



The September 2024 temperature rose a scary 2.77°F (1.54°C) above the average temperature noted between 1850-1900. Given that we consider this period the "pre-industrial" era, these numbers tell a sobering story of our rapidly changing climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-rainfall-in-september-2024">Extreme rainfall in September 2024 </h2>



"September 2024 was the second warmest both globally and for Europe," said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of C3S.&nbsp;



Moreover, the escalation in global air temperatures kicked off a series of unusually wet weather. This phenomenon is tied to a warmer atmosphere's capacity to hold more moisture. But what does this mean in our daily lives?



"The extreme rainfall events of this month, something we are observing more and more often, have been made worse by a warmer atmosphere, leading to more intense rainfall with months’ worth of rain falling in just a few days," said Burgess. 



"The risk of extreme rainfall will continue to increase with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-summer-of-2024-could-make-it-the-hottest-year-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising temperatures</a>; the sooner we reach net zero emissions, the sooner we can mitigate this risk."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-year-of-extremes">A year of extremes </h2>



The comprehensive temperature readings from C3S suggest that 2024 was a year of extremes. The first half of the year, from January to June, saw each month outdoing its predecessor to become the hottest for that period. 



However, July 2024 dialled it down a notch, falling short of its record-breaking counterpart from 2023. And while September 2024 did not break any records, it was still considerably warmer than what we were used to 20-30 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-thermometer">Rising thermometer</h2>



Taking stock of the situation, C3S emphasizes a trend that is perhaps the most troubling - the sustained increase in the global average temperature.



Looking at the data from October 2023 to September 2024, we find the global average temperature to be the second-highest on record for any 12-month period. 



The last 12 months were a heated 1.33°F (0.74°C) above the average temperature between 1991 and 2020 and an alarming 2.91°F (1.62°C) above the pre-industrial average of 1850 to 1900.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-and-rain-in-europe">Heat and rain in Europe </h2>



Europe had its own unique brush with extreme weather. September 2024 was the second warmest on record for the continent, just trailing September 2023. 



Along with the heat wave, the continent also saw a surge in rainfall, culminating in flooding and significant damage in Central and Eastern Europe.



Beyond the borders of Europe, excessive temperatures were noted in Canada, the central and western United States, South America, northeast Africa, China, and Japan.



The global average sea surface temperature was pinned at 20.83°C in September 2024, making it the second highest for that month (after September 2023).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uk-s-weather-story-in-september-2024">UK’s weather story in September 2024</h2>



The UK experienced variable temperatures and continuous showers in September, starting off warm and sticky but taking a cooler turn by the 11th. While it was the wettest September for some counties, including Bedfordshire and Oxfordshire, no national monthly records were broken.



The facts lay it bare - our planet is heating up at an alarming pace, fueled by human activities. It's time we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indoor-heating-and-cooling-systems-affect-city-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">take action to rein in emissions</a> and put the brakes on global warming.



-----



Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and Earth.com.



-----

September 2024 was the second-hottest month ever recorded

You may have felt the comforting chill of fall rolling...

As we edge into the latter half of 2024, an unsettling trend has taken hold around the globe. Temperatures have soared to unseen heights, pushing the global average to an unprecedented 17.16°C (62.89°F) in July and intensifying drought conditions worldwide.



This blazing escalation in global heat is not an isolated even t- its implications reverberate through ecosystems, economies, and the everyday lives of millions of people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-global-drought">Impacts of global drought</h2>



Such extreme heat has culminated in the accelerated evaporation of soil water, leaving vegetation in a fragile state and stressing biodiversity in numerous regions worldwide.&nbsp;



Coupled with atypically low rainfall, major river basins like the Amazon, La Plata, and Zambezi have witnessed dwindling water flows - greatly impacting the broader ecosystems and economies tied to them.



A bizarre fusion of climate factors, namely El Niño, the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole, and the warm phase of the Tropical North Atlantic, has exacerbated drought conditions in select regions.&nbsp;



Consequently, South America, southern Africa, and parts of Mediterranean and eastern Europe are grappling with severe water scarcity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-temperature-anomalies">Widespread temperature anomalies </h2>



The European Commission's Joint Research Center&nbsp;(<a href="https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/departments-and-executive-agencies/joint-research-centre_en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JRC</a>) recently published a report entitled "Global Drought Overview.- September 2024," which offers a detailed analysis of temperature and rainfall anomalies. 



The paper reveals that several regions of the world have experienced very pronounced warm temperature anomalies. 



In July 2024, temperature anomalies exceeded 3°C in north-western North America, eastern Canada, the Mediterranean, eastern Europe, south-eastern and central Africa, Iran, western and central Russia, Japan, and Antarctica.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prolonged-drought-events">Prolonged drought events</h2>



The time period from August 2023 to July 2024 witnessed 52 individual prolonged meteorological drought events. 



The most grievous and enduring droughts coursed through South America, central and eastern Asia, central Africa, and North America.



With droughts, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activities-are-fueling-more-extreme-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwaves</a>, and warm spells plaguing many parts of the world, crop productivity has taken a significant hit. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-of-drought">Ripple effects of drought</h2>



Drought-stricken areas are now contending with dwindling crop yields and outright crop failures, influencing income levels and local economies.



This domino effect has dangerously ramped up food stress to crisis levels across the world. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-help-reduce-food-insecurity-in-rural-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scarcity of food</a>&nbsp;leaves the most vulnerable populations exposed to heightened hunger and malnutrition risks.&nbsp;



In southern Africa, for instance, millions are likely to rely on food aid in the near future. The lethal combination of a prolonged lack of rain and high evaporation has sent water sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs on a steep descent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-and-water-shortages">Power and water shortages</h2>



The Amazon River's alarmingly low water levels are threatening agriculture, drinking water supplies, transportation, and hydropower production in South America.&nbsp;



Simultaneously, southern Africa is grappling with power shortages and blackouts courtesy of the extremely low water flow of the Zambezi River.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/running-dry-water-shortages-in-the-colorado-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Water shortages</a>&nbsp;have forced governments in Morocco, Spain, Italy, and South Africa to implement water use restrictions.&nbsp;



As a result, disputes over water rights in the Nile Basin and some parts of South America are pressing issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-adaptation">Urgent need for adaptation</h2>



Despite predictions that Central Africa and northern Europe could experience wetter-than-average conditions in the coming months, the general trend will be persistent dry and warmer-than-average conditions across the majority of the affected regions. This is likely to further reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-may-have-altered-river-flow-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river flows</a>&nbsp;and strain water resources.



Efficient water management, which includes reducing water loss throughout grid pipelines, sustainable irrigation systems, and investing in rainwater harvesting and desalination, can contribute to building water resilience in these trying times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-proactive-measures">Need for proactive measures </h2>



Such a grim forecast highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and swift interventions, particularly in the most affected regions. 



For example, more than 30 million people - primarily in southern Africa - will require food assistance between October 2024 and March 2025.



Proactive measures like drought monitoring can equip farmers and policymakers with crucial evidence to anticipate and prepare for drought events. 



The use of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-weed-may-lead-to-drought-resistant-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought-resistant crops</a>, which require less water and have a higher tolerance for heat, can also help reduce food loss.&nbsp;



Additional proactive measures include agricultural practices like agroforestry techniques, conservation tillage, and crop rotation.



The report is published by the <a href="https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC139423" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Commission</a>.



-----



Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and Earth.com.



-----

Global drought has caused crisis levels of food and water scarcity

As we edge into the latter half of 2024, an...

Celebrated each year on October 8th, World Octopus Day is a time to honor one of the most intelligent animals in the ocean.&nbsp;



World Octopus Day highlights the complexities of protecting marine animals as environmental threats like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-disrupts-the-distribution-of-marine-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and pollution continue to evolve.



Protecting marine habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, is crucial for the survival of octopus species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-intelligence-of-octopuses-nbsp">Remarkable intelligence of octopuses&nbsp;</h2>



Research has shown that octopuses have both short-term and long-term memory. They can learn from experience and adapt their behavior to new challenges.



Octopuses have a highly developed nervous system with approximately 500 million neurons. Most of these neurons are located in their arms, which allows for complex motor control and independent movement.



Some octopus species have been observed using tools, such as using coconut shells or rocks for shelter or defense, indicating a level of cognitive sophistication.



Octopuses can rapidly change color and texture to blend into their surroundings. This requires advanced visual processing and environmental awareness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-importance-of-octopuses-nbsp">Ecological importance of octopuses&nbsp;</h2>



Octopuses play a vital role in marine ecosystems due to their various ecological functions.



As both predators and prey, octopuses help maintain the balance of marine food webs. They hunt various species, including crabs, fish, and mollusks, which helps control the populations of these organisms. In turn, they are prey for larger marine animals such as sharks, larger fish, and sea birds.



Some octopus species create dens in the ocean floor by using rocks, shells, and other materials. These dens can serve as habitats for other marine organisms, increasing local biodiversity.



Through their feeding and excretion, octopuses help cycle nutrients in the marine ecosystem. Their predation on benthic invertebrates can affect nutrient dynamics and promote a healthy seabed.



Octopuses serve as an indicator species, reflecting the health of their marine environments. Changes in their population or behavior can signal shifts in ecosystem health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-octopuses-nbsp">Threats to octopuses&nbsp;</h2>



Despite their ecological importance and remarkable intelligence, octopuses face an uncertain future due to several interconnected factors.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h3>



Rising ocean temperatures and acidification affect marine ecosystems and can disrupt octopus habitats and prey availability.&nbsp;



A recent study showed that rising ocean temperatures may also cause <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-seas-impair-octopus-vision-to-a-critical-extent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vision impairment</a> in octopuses - a direct threat to their survival.&nbsp;



The researchers found that warmer ocean water alters the chemistry within their bodies, specifically affecting the proteins essential for proper vision.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overfishing">Overfishing</h3>



Octopuses are targeted for their meat, leading to overfishing in some regions.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unsustainable fishing</a> also removes large quantities of fish and other marine species from the ecosystem, leading to a decline in the availability of food for octopuses. This can affect their growth, reproduction, and survival.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-loss">Habitat loss</h3>



Overfishing leads to habitat degradation, particularly when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-fishing-method-of-bottom-trawling-harms-both-the-ocean-and-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bottom trawling</a> and other destructive fishing methods are used. This can destroy the environments where octopuses and their prey thrive.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-pollution">Ocean pollution</h3>



Pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals accumulate in the marine environment.&nbsp;



Octopuses, being at the top of the food chain, accumulate these toxins in their bodies, leading to health issues such as weakened immune systems, reproductive problems, and even death.



Octopuses ingest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> either directly or through the consumption of contaminated prey. These tiny plastic particles can cause physical harm and may also release harmful chemicals into their systems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limited-research">Limited research</h3>



Octopuses are still relatively understudied compared to other marine species, making it challenging to assess their population health and develop effective conservation strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrating-world-octopus-day">Celebrating World Octopus Day</h2>



Today, make an effort to educate yourself and others about marine ecosystems and the threats they face. Share your knowledge with friends and family to raise awareness about marine conservation issues.



You can also honor World Octopus Day by reducing plastic waste. Minimize single-use plastics by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers.&nbsp;



In addition, choose seafood that is sustainably sourced. Look for certifications like the <a href="https://www.msc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Stewardship Council</a> (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) to support responsible fishing and farming practices.



Furthermore, you can contribute to organizations that are working hard to protect marine environments, such as the <a href="https://oceanconservancy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Conservancy</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

World Octopus Day: The intelligent creatures of the sea

Celebrated each year on October 8th, World Octopus Day is...

Half of the world's population currently lives in cities, and this proportion is expected to increase to 70% by 2050. Due to large populations, a lack of green spaces that can mitigate warming, and aging infrastructure vulnerable to floods and extreme weather, many of the world's cities are unprepared for climate change.



Proactive measures are needed to make cities more resilient to climate change and capable of protecting community health, according to a new report by the <a href="https://ysph.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Public Health</a> (YSPH), the <a href="https://resilientcitiesnetwork.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Resilient Cities Network</a>, and The Rockefeller Foundation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-climate-related-health-threats">Preparing for climate-related health threats </h2>



The report is based on a survey of nearly 200 leaders in 118 cities across 52 countries regarding their preparedness for responding to climate-related health threats.



Less than half of the cities reported having a climate resilience plan, and only one in four indicated that their plan addressed both climate and health. 



The research was funded by The Rockefeller Foundation, which also announced that it will invest more than $1 million to help cities implement the report's recommendations. The announcement was made during <a href="https://www.climateweeknyc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Week NYC</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-centered-response-to-climate-change">Health-centered response to climate change </h2>



The Urban Pulse report highlights the need for city leaders to recognize the impact of climate change on residents' health, including mental health.



Professor Jeannette Ickovics, lead author of the report, noted that resources, infrastructure, and collaboration are needed to ensure that these profound health threats are limited. She said that a health-centered response to climate change by cities is crucial for global health.



“We call on the global community to put health at the heart of the urban climate change agenda, to amplify and scale-up evidence-based solutions, and to invest in new financing models that prioritize rapid disbursement to cities so that they can build and sustain resilience,” said Professor Ickovics.



Ickovics and her team of faculty and students at the Yale Center for Climate Change and Health, the Yale Institute for Global Health, and Yale Planetary Solutions are working with the Resilient Cities Network to address climate, health, and equity challenges in low- and middle-income countries, as city populations rise across the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-impacts-on-cities">Climate impacts on cities</h2>



According to the researchers, cities like Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam likely will experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-may-slow-the-spread-of-dengue-fever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dengue fever</a> outbreaks due to larger mosquito populations. 



Coastal cities like Miami and Dubai will likely face more frequent and severe flooding from rising sea levels.



“Cities are acutely aware that climate change poses serious health risks, which disproportionately affect populations that face vulnerabilities,” said Lauren Sorkin, executive director of the Resilient Cities Network. 



“The R-Cities network of chief resilience officers is at the forefront of addressing these challenges, driving cross-sector collaboration to pilot and scale equitable, innovative solutions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommendations-for-climate-resilience-in-cities">Recommendations for climate resilience in cities</h2>



Based on their survey data and interviews with city leaders in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, Professor Ickovics and the Resilient Cities Network assembled ten recommendations to guide local government leaders in making their communities more climate resilient. These include: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Identifying unique climate shocks and stressors that pose the largest threats to vulnerable populations</li>



<li>Implementing data-driven, community-focused adaptation programs like greening initiatives and population-based mental health support to address health, climate, and equity</li>



<li>Investing in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-could-be-powered-entirely-by-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green energy</a> and other energy-efficient systems that contribute to a zero-carbon economy</li>



<li>Establishing and reinforcing early-warning mechanisms for climate-related catastrophic events like hurricanes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-heat-waves-in-europe-can-be-predicted-by-melting-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat waves</a>, and floods</li>



<li>Fostering city-to-city collaborations to share best practices in the fight against climate threats</li>
</ul>



The Rockefeller Foundation's investment will empower the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group - a global coalition of nearly 100 mayors - to address climate change and support the Resilient Cities Network in implementing the report's recommendations through city-led action plans. 



Examples include Rio de Janeiro's recent push to forecast dengue outbreaks and a community-engagement initiative for cholera vaccine uptake in Lusaka, Zambia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-city-led-action-can-save-lives">City-led action can save lives</h2>



“As these cases make clear, city-led action can save lives,” stated The Rockefeller Foundation. 



If the plan championed by this report were implemented for just one heat wave in Dhaka, Bangladesh, preliminary estimates found a $1 to $7 return on investment in terms of lives saved among the most vulnerable - illustrating the tremendous economic value at stake, the foundation reported.



The investment announcement at Climate Week NYC followed a panel discussion about climate and health resilience in cities, led by The Rockefeller Foundation, the Resilient Cities Network, and Yale.



“We must leverage this research to unite in a vision of urban resilience - harnessing our collective wisdom and strength to build a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable urban environment for all,” Professor Ickovics concluded.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Cities are largely unprepared for the effects of climate change

Half of the world's population currently lives in cities, and...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air">Invisible threat in urban air</h2>



City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge">Disturbing connections emerge</h2>



Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-matters">Timing matters</h2>



The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns">Genetic vulnerability patterns</h2>



Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications">Public health implications</h2>



These findings, published in <a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.



As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.



—–



Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.



—–

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.



"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-astrobiology">Implications for astrobiology</h2>



The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.



The research, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.



—–



Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.



—–

Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-earth-became-a-frozen-wasteland">When Earth became a frozen wasteland</h2>



Imagine Earth as a giant snowball, frozen solid from the North Pole to the equator. This wasn't the plot of a science fiction movie – it was our planet's reality 700 million years ago during an extreme ice age that has puzzled scientists for decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-discovery">The discovery</h2>



Australian researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have finally cracked one of geology's greatest mysteries: what caused the Sturtian glaciation and why it persisted for an unprecedented 57 million years. This period occurred long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, when no complex plants or multicellular animals existed.



Dr. Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author, describes a world completely unlike today's climate. "Imagine the Earth almost completely frozen over," she explained. "The planet was blanketed in ice from poles to equator, and temperatures plunged."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-combination-of-climate-factors">The combination of climate factors</h2>



The research team discovered that this massive freeze resulted from a "double whammy" of geological events. First, plate tectonic activity reduced volcanic carbon dioxide emissions to historically low levels. Volcanic activity typically releases CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm.



Simultaneously, weathering of volcanic rocks in what is now Canada actively absorbed atmospheric CO2, further reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. When atmospheric carbon dioxide levels dropped below 200 parts per million – less than half of today's levels – glaciation engulfed the entire planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-implications">Modern climate implications</h2>



Published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>, this research provides crucial insights into Earth's climate system. While geological climate changes occur over millions of years, the study emphasizes that human-induced climate change is happening at a pace ten times faster than previously observed natural changes, highlighting the urgent need to understand our planet's delicate climate balance.



—–



Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.



—–

What caused the planet's longest ice age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY 57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-contrasting-climate-response">A contrasting climate response</h2>



Most coastal towns are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preparing for higher sea levels</a>, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland presents</a> a different scenario during climate change. The ground there is rising at a remarkable rate. Over the past decade, some areas have lifted about 20 centimeters, which translates to roughly 2 meters per century. This rate significantly exceeds current projections for sea level rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-rebound-process-through-climate-change">Geological rebound process through climate change</h2>



The mechanism behind this phenomenon is straightforward. As the ice sheet melts, the immense weight is removed from the bedrock, causing the land to rebound upward. This process resembles the way compressed material springs back when pressure is released.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-monitoring-networks">Scientific monitoring networks</h2>



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> are documenting this uplift using the GNET network, consisting of 61 GPS stations positioned around Greenland's coast. These sensors can detect movement with millimeter precision, providing detailed measurements of the ongoing changes.



The data reveal that current uplift rates exceed the gradual rebound occurring since the last ice age ended approximately 12,000 years ago. This acceleration corresponds directly with increased ice sheet melting rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-transformation">Coastal Transformation</h2>



This uplift is actively reshaping Greenland's coastline. New islands and rocky formations, called "skerries," are emerging as previously submerged land surfaces rise above the water level. This represents a notable contrast to global concerns about rising seas.



The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, demonstrates the varied regional impacts of climate change. While many locations face rising water levels, Greenland's bedrock is literally rising above the surrounding seas.



The full study was recently published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023GL104851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



—–



Like what you saw and read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.



—–

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-agent-training-transforms-the-workplace-fear-factor-into-a-competitive-advantage">AI agent training transforms the workplace 'fear factor' into a competitive advantage</h2>



Organizations that offer comprehensive artificial intelligence training to their workers find remarkable value that extends well beyond basic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-wandering-might-be-more-productive-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity improvements</a>. Emerging research demonstrates that carefully crafted AI training programs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-does-not-replace-human-creativity-but-enhances-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance</a> corporate performance, lower operational costs, and dramatically improve employee psychological well-being by turning workplace uncertainty into professional empowerment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-widespread-ai-anxiety-crisis-among-us">Addressing the widespread 'AI anxiety' crisis among us</h2>



A staggering 53% of employees expressed concern that the use of AI tools to automate work tasks could make them appear disposable to their employers, according to <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft</a>'s 2024 workplace survey. Such pervasive worry about being substituted by machines has caused what researchers have termed "AI technostress" – a psychological state that can result in occupational burnout and poorer mental well-being.



Data published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a> showed that belief in AI learning ability was a moderator in the link between technology adoption and work pressure, and higher confidence significantly lowered negative psychological responses. Workers provided ample training to become competent with AI software have significantly lower stress.



Companies like <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a> have platforms for building what are known as "AI Agents". In essence, AI Agents are simply tools that employees can build for themselves or their teams quickly and inexpensively. MindStudio will even train entire companies, from the CEO on down, at no cost. By letting MindStudio empower employees, companies avoid hiring more IT staff, buying more software, and implementing solutions to problems that do not exist.



MindStudio even has partners locally for companies, like <a href="http://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dominnus</a> with offices in the Carolinas, California, and Denver, to help build AI Agents and support employees as they become resident AI experts for their organization. The training provided by MindStudio is applicable across other AI Agent building platforms as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-productivity-through-focused-learning">Revolutionary productivity through focused learning</h2>



Organizations that implement large-scale AI training programs achieve dramatic outcomes. Employees performed tasks significantly better when they utilized AI support compared to when they didn't, according to <a href="https://www.nngroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nielsen Norman Group</a> research findings. Their study documented productivity increases of 66% for a variety of professional tasks.



Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis research finds workers record 33% higher productivity in time working with generative AI tools. The benefit is equivalent to 5.4% of work time savings for AI users – around 2.2 hours per week for full-time workers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-well-being-benefits-through-ai-competence">Psychological well-being benefits through AI competence</h2>



The emotional transformation when employees are provided with proper technology training is a fundamental transformation from fear to professional confidence. A survey of 600 employees across industries, carried out by ScienceDirect, proved that AI capabilities strengthen work environment commitment and improve job satisfaction.



A <a href="https://www.lut.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LUT University</a> study discovered that AI adoption has no direct effect on workers' well-being but does so indirectly through working conditions like task optimization and safety protocols. Strategically deployed AI that involves correct training can actually increase workplace mental well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-replacement-anxiety-to-partnership-confidence">From 'replacement anxiety' to 'partnership confidence'</h2>



Although 35% of those interviewed in recent McKinsey studies were concerned about workforce displacement, firms with large-scale training initiatives witness such fears dissipate quickly. The World Economic Forum found that two out of three respondents believe AI competencies will enhance their career prospects and job marketability.



This shift from fear to trust has measurable implications for job satisfaction. Applied Sciences research indicates AI can create tailored wellness programs based on individual employee requirements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-benefits-of-increased-retention">Financial benefits of increased retention</h2>



The mental health advantages of AI learning have a direct impact on organizational bottom lines in the form of a positive feedback cycle with high retention of employees. Recent ROI research validates that artificial intelligence learning has a beneficial impact on employee turnover and satisfaction levels.



PriceWaterhouseCoopers' research documents 20% to 30% improvements in productivity, market speed, and revenue in organizations that attempt systematic AI adoption through comprehensive training.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-advantages-of-ai-enabled-teams">Environmental advantages of AI-enabled teams</h2>



AI training has unforeseen environmental benefits as it makes the work environment more efficient. According to a study in Scientific Reports, the carbon footprint in writing and illustrating work is significantly lower when AI performs it compared to humans. AI software produces 130 to 1,500 times less CO2 equivalent per page of text created than human authors.



In addition, AI-driven remote work functionality significantly reduces environmental impact. Research by Cornell University and Microsoft indicates that remote workers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 54% by not commuting daily to offices. Hybrid workers working remotely two to four days a week can reduce their carbon footprint by 11% to 29%.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-organizational-advantages">Cumulative organizational advantages</h2>



The compounding gains of better mental well-being, reduced turnover, increased productivity, and environmental benefits flow to enterprises from the pairing. McKinsey analysis estimates the long-term AI potential at $4.4 trillion in incremental productivity growth opportunity from business use cases.



As of now, 75% of knowledge workers globally utilize generative AI, mirroring widespread adoption patterns. Organizations that provide organized training and assistance see the most favorable results in productivity, worker satisfaction, and ecological sustainability.



The research overwhelmingly indicates that companies that invest in proper AI education, like that offered through <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a>, establish win-win scenarios where employees are both more empowered and less stressed, and companies enjoy the gains of increased productivity, reduced turnover, and improved mental health outcomes throughout their workforce.



For more on MindStudio's free AI training for companies, visit the website's of MindStudio and Dominnus from the links below.



The research was published across a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a>, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence</a>, and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci">Applied Sciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----



MindStudio.AI: <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.mindstudio.ai</a>



Dominnus: <a href="https://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.dominnus.com</a>

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-solution-to-disease-through-crop-modification">A natural solution to disease through crop modification.</h2>



The agricultural industry stands at a crossroads between productivity and environmental responsibility, and crop modification often carries a negative connotation. While chemical pesticides have long been the go-to solution for crop protection, their harmful effects on ecosystems and human health have prompted scientists to seek alternatives. The recent breakthrough by <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> researchers offers a promising path forward through the precise manipulation of plant-associated microbial communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-microbial-partnerships">The science behind microbial partnerships</h2>



Plants naturally harbor diverse ecosystems of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that function as biological allies. These microscopic partners contribute to disease resistance, nutrient absorption, and stress tolerance. However, until now, scientists lacked the tools to deliberately reshape these communities to enhance crop protection.



The Southampton team's approach centered on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modifying lignin biosynthesis genes in rice plants</a>. This strategic intervention altered the plant's metabolic output, creating conditions that favored beneficial bacterial populations while suppressing harmful ones. The result was a living defense system embedded within the plant itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-global-food-security">Implications for global food security</h2>



The successful demonstration against Xanthomonas oryzae, the pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in rice, represents more than a laboratory achievement. Rice feeds nearly half the world's population, and bacterial blight causes devastating crop losses annually. Traditional control methods rely heavily on pesticides that contaminate soil and water systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-disease-resistance">Looking Beyond Disease Resistance</h2>



While disease protection represents the immediate application, the research framework opens doors to broader agricultural improvements. Future developments could engineer microbiomes to enhance nutrient uptake, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This dual benefit addresses both crop productivity and environmental sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h2>



As this technology advances from laboratory to field applications, it promises to reshape sustainable agriculture. The ability to program plants with their own biological defense systems could herald a new era where crops protect themselves naturally, reducing chemical inputs while maintaining yields necessary for global food security.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44335-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4 Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease A natural...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?



The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What was acid rain?</h2>



Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The science behind it</h2>



Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.



While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The crisis at its peak</h2>



During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental devastation</h2>



The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.



By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.



Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Economic impact</h2>



Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The solution: government action and technology</h2>



Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Clean Air Act of 1990</h2>



The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cap-and-trade success</h2>



Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.



The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technology advances</h2>



Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.



The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today">Why we don't hear about it today</h2>



Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Success doesn't make news</h2>



There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mission accomplished</h2>



The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone">Is it really gone?</h2>



The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.



EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What this teaches us</h2>



The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.



Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.



Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.



This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.



Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Sources: This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



1. Is acid rain completely gone? No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.



2. How long did solving take? Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.



3. What made the solution successful? Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.



4. Do other countries have acid rain problems? Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.



5. Could acid rain return? Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.



6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"? The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a>



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. 



Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. 



Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. 



The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.



Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.



Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.



This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. 



The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes the first comprehensive estimate of carbon density in the Saharan, Sahel, and Sudanian zones of Africa. In an effort to measure the amount of carbon stored across these drylands, a team of scientists used high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence to map nearly 10 billion individual trees. 



"The high spatial resolution (50 cm) combined with AI and field measurements used in this study is key to improving tree inventories in drylands," said Pierre Hiernaux, a French researcher working for NASA. "The ever-increasing availability of very high-resolution satellite imagery will make it possible to assess carbon pools and their dynamics at the individual tree level on a global scale."



"This study is exceptional because it is pioneering a type of approach that will revolutionize the monitoring of trees and forests on a global scale: in the short term, it will be possible to map the world's trees from the centre of the Amazon to our schoolyards," said <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en">INRAE</a> researcher Jean-Pierre Wigneron.



"Many fields of application will become much more efficient and accurate, such as tracking carbon stocks, biodiversity, monitoring logging and protection against illegal forest degradation, in near real time.”



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> features a visual dataset of.methane emissions from wetlands across the globe. Atmospheric methane levels have reached record highs in recent years, and wetlands are a major source of these emissions.&nbsp;



"Methane is an important greenhouse gas that contributes substantially to global warming. On a molecule by molecule basis, methane is much more efficient at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, the main driver of warming," says NASA.



"Though human activities, including agriculture, oil and natural gas production and use, and waste disposal, collectively contribute the majority of methane to the atmosphere, about a third of total methane emissions comes from wetlands."&nbsp;



According to NASA, understanding methane emissions from wetlands and other natural sources is critically important for scientists and policymakers who are working to combat climate change by reducing emissions from human activities.



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes how record-breaking heat expressed itself around the world in 2022.



Scientists have determined that 2022 was the 5th warmest year since 1880. Furthermore, the last nine consecutive years have been the warmest on record.



From devastating floods and wildfires to natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, 2022 showed us yet again how a warming climate affects people across the globe.&nbsp;



"As we look back at 20:22 and years past, we see that each year we better understand the challenges we face and how important it is to meet them," says NASA.



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes how Earth is unique in our solar system for its ability to sustain liquid water on its surface. But now, the water cycle is shifting as the climate warms, and scientists must find ways to predict how these changes will affect water availability.



Overall, 96 percent of Earth's water is saltwater, and nearly all of freshwater is found in ice and groundwater. These sources of water are linked as it passes through solid, liquid and gas phases.



In a warmer climate, the water cycle will be transformed. It will be easier for water to evaporate and form clouds, and storms will become more frequent and intense. Some regions will get too much water, while others will be left without enough water. In addition, soil moisture will be lost - which threatens food security.



Scientists are using satellite data from over the last 40 years to track changes that are happening in the water cycle. This will ultimately help us prepare for extreme events and better manage our water resources, according to ESA.



Video Credit: ESA



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Saturn,-,High,Resolution,3d,Images,Presents,Planets,Of,The

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> features images of Saturn from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The photographs capture the start of the mysterious "spoke season" on Saturn - when unexplained features appear on its rings. 



According to NASA, both the cause of the spokes and their seasonal variability have yet to be fully explained by planetary scientists.



"Like Earth, Saturn is tilted on its axis and therefore has four seasons, though because of Saturn's much larger orbit, each season lasts approximately seven Earth years. Equinox occurs when the rings are tilted edge-on to the Sun," explains NASA.



"The spokes disappear when it is near summer or winter solstice on Saturn. (When the Sun appears to reach either its highest or lowest latitude in the northern or southern hemisphere of a planet.) As the autumnal equinox of Saturn's northern hemisphere on May 6, 2025, draws near, the spokes are expected to become increasingly prominent and observable."



Experts believe that the spokes may be a product of the planet's variable magnetic field. When magnetic fields interact with solar wind, an electrically charged environment is created. This phenomenon is visible on Earth as the northern lights.&nbsp;



"Scientists think that the smallest, dust-sized icy ring particles can become charged as well, which temporarily levitates those particles above the rest of the larger icy particles and boulders in the rings," says NASA.



The spokes were first observed in the early 1980s by NASA's Voyager mission. Depending on the angle of the rings, the spokes can appear dark or light.



"Thanks to Hubble's OPAL program, which is building an archive of data on the outer solar system planets, we will have longer dedicated time to study Saturn’s spokes this season than ever before," said NASA senior planetary scientist Amy Simon, head of the Hubble Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program.



"Despite years of excellent observations by the Cassini mission, the precise beginning and duration of the spoke season is still unpredictable, rather like predicting the first storm during hurricane season."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

News coming your way