Plastic may not always float where we expect it. The ocean’s surface might look clean in some places, but far beneath the waves, a different story is unfolding. 



In the southeastern Mediterranean, the deep seafloor is turning into a massive storage ground for plastic packaging, especially bags. A new study shows how this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-retailers-are-replacing-plastic-bags-with-eco-friendly-paper-bags/">waste</a> ends up thousands of feet below the surface, and the answer isn’t as simple as trash just “sinking.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-in-the-deep-sea">Plastic in the deep sea</h2>



Plastic debris has entered every corner of the ocean, but previously, most of the research has concentrated on floating plastic or beach trash. That changed with this latest study, which took a closer look at what is occurring on the ocean floor. 



Scientists discovered that the Levant Basin - a deep section of the eastern <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/two-continents-meet-along-the-mediterranean-coastline/">Mediterranean</a> off the coasts of Israel, Egypt, and Turkey - is among the world's most contaminated deep-sea areas.



“We used trawls to survey the seafloor and we mainly found plastic bags and packaging that dominate the debris,” said Xing-Yu Li from the <a href="https://www.haifa.ac.il/?lang=en">University of Haifa</a>, the study’s lead author.



This raised a question: how does something so light - something meant to float - end up nearly a mile underwater?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-forensic-approach-to-trash">A forensic approach to trash</h2>



To answer that, the team decided to treat each plastic item like a crime scene. Every piece of debris was carefully examined using a method called multi-marker analysis. 



This approach looks at everything about the plastic - size, shape, color, material, surface features, and even what kinds of things are stuck to it, like tar or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-may-adapt-to-climate-change-but-with-hidden-costs/">marine organisms</a>.



“In the multi-marker approach anything that is found on a piece of plastic is an evidence,” said Xing-yu. “We extracted as many evidence as possible from every piece of waste, more than many previous studies, to build a fuller, more detailed view of the bottom waste.”



Instead of just counting how much trash was found, this method helped researchers understand how it got there, why it sank, and where it might have come from.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-some-plastic-doesn-t-sink">Why some plastic doesn’t sink</h2>



Most of the plastics found were <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/everyday-kitchen-tool-that-could-be-leaching-toxins-into-your-food-polypropylene-cutting-board/">polyethylene</a> - the same material used in grocery bags. Normally, this kind of plastic floats. But when additives like calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) are mixed in during manufacturing, the plastic becomes heavier. 



Those with CaCO₃ sank closer to the shore. Others, without these additives, drifted farther out before eventually settling on the seafloor.



The study also revealed that the deep basin at over 3,000 feet deep acts like a trap. Pressure and fine sediments help keep the plastic down. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biofilms-could-change-the-way-we-track-plastic-pollution/">Biofilms</a>, which are slimy layers formed by microbes, usually help weigh plastics down too, but they don’t grow well in this part of the sea. Instead, things like tar, sand, and tiny shells helped plastics stay put.



The scientists noted that these plastic films - while thin and lightweight - are ending up where they can do the most long-term damage. 



Even more troubling, the team found that some of this plastic could become buoyant again if disturbed, but because of how the deep sea works, that rarely happens. Once the plastic settles, it stays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-the-trash-is-coming-from">Where the trash is coming from</h2>



The plastic pollution isn’t only from local beaches. According to the research, land-based sources from Egypt, Israel, and Turkey are a big part of the problem. 



Shipping also plays a role, especially in deeper waters. Surprisingly, fishing was not a major contributor - possibly due to strict Israeli regulations.



For years, scientists noticed high levels of plastic at the seafloor, but they didn’t fully understand why. 



“For years in our monitoring reports we have reported a high concentration of plastic debris in this area. It was an unsolved mystery as we know that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/">plastic debris</a> should remain floating on the sea surface. Now we have a deep understanding of how it happens,” said Dr. Yael Segal from Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR). 



“The Eastern Mediterranean is the most polluted area in the world, and we must take action for the sake of the next generation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-risks-to-marine-life">Long-term risks to marine life</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapevines-could-offer-a-breakthrough-alternative-to-plastic-packaging/">Plastic packaging</a> is cheap, easy to produce, and used globally - but it doesn’t go away. It breaks into smaller pieces and can remain in the environment for hundreds of years. 



Deep-sea habitats are already fragile, and adding plastic into the mix could disrupt food webs, introduce toxins, and harm species that haven’t even been fully studied yet.



“As the head of the national monitoring program, I see firsthand how plastic pollution is impacting the entire sea environment: beaches, water, sea bottom, and even local turtle populations,” said Dr. Segal.



Professor Revital Bookman said that the discovery is fascinating in the worst possible way. 



"The eastern Mediterranean is quietly turning into a deep-sea landfill. Plastics that we use for only a few minutes are ending up trapped for centuries, threatening deep marine ecosystems we barely understand," noted Professor Bookman. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-needs-to-happen-next">What needs to happen next</h2>



According to the researchers, this study changes how we should think about ocean pollution. Plastic doesn’t just float around until it hits a beach. It travels far, interacts with other pollutants like tar, and ends up in hidden places. 



“This previously overlooked dynamic necessitates a broader perspective on pollution processes in marine environments,” said Professor Bookman. 



“Without systematic deep-sea accounting, we risk underestimating the true environmental footprint of plastic pollution and misallocating mitigation efforts by neglecting offshore and deep-sea sinks.”



To deal with this, the experts call for coordinated efforts across the region. Countries that share the sea need to work together on monitoring, cleanup, and prevention. 



Without a shared strategy, plastics will continue piling up, silently choking one of the planet’s most mysterious ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X25009671?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Pollution Bulletin</a>.



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Hidden plastic graveyard uncovered in the deep Mediterranean Sea

Plastic may not always float where we expect it. The ocean’s surface might look clean in some places, but far beneath the waves, a different story is unfolding. In the southeastern Mediterranean, the deep seafloor is turning into a massive storage ground for plastic packaging, especially bags. A new study shows how this waste ends up thousands of feet below the surface, and the answer isn’t as simple as trash just “sinking.” Plastic in the deep sea Plastic debris has entered every corner of the ocean, but...

Hummingbird,Hawk-moth,-,Macroglossum,Stellatarum,-,Sucks,Nectar,With,Its

The life you see around you -- plants, animals, insects, everything -- is all vastly interconnected, functioning like a giant jigsaw puzzle where everything just fits. When that puzzle is vibrant and diverse, filled with different landscapes and habitats and rich in biodiversity, it's more stable, more resilient, and bursting at the seams with life.



It's a thrilling discovery, one that challenges us to rethink how we approach conservation efforts and manage our landscapes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landscape-habitats-and-biodiversity">Landscape habitats and biodiversity</h2>



The <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, a leading hub of research and innovation, has pulled back the curtain on this dynamic world in an exciting new study led by ecologists.



Their findings bring insightful answers to critical questions on conservation and land management. It even shines a light, bright and compelling, on how food chains operate across multiple habitats.



The study was conducted across 30 field sites in the Southwest UK, offering a sweeping, panoramic look at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-energy-biodiversity-wildlife-habitats-delicate-balancing-act/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">varied habitats</a> across the landscape. What the researchers discovered was, to use a colloquial term, pretty awesome.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variety-is-the-spice-of-life">Variety is the spice of life</h2>



You know the old saying, “variety is the spice of life”? Well, it turns out, it holds true for our habitats as well. 



The study unearthed significant differences in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-awakening-arctic-food-webs-are-transforming-from-green-to-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food web structures</a> among landscapes with one, two, or three habitats. The more varied the habitat, the more diverse the species and the more evenly distributed they were.



A landscape peppered with multiple habitats is like a party hosting a bigger crowd, including those who are seasoned party-goers and know how to mix up the fun, leading to a more spirited, vibrant environment. 



In our case, habitat specialists, the ones particular about the party they attend, perk up when they see a multi-habitat landscape, leading to a dramatic increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-monitor-biodiversity-through-animal-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overall biodiversity</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-landscapes-and-habitats">Biodiversity, landscapes, and habitats</h2>



“Conservation and restoration projects increasingly focus on landscape-scale efforts, however, data on species interactions are often limited to specific habitats, such as woodlands, farmland or urban areas,” explained lead author <a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/dr-talya-hackett" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr Talya Hackett</a>, who ran the project from Bristol’s <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Biological Sciences</a> and is currently at <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.  



But landscapes with varied environments displayed a different picture. They showed a tougher resistance to species loss. 



In other words, despite life's ups and downs, they tend to bounce back quickly. Besides, a higher variety of habitats also led to better pollination services, a boon for our environment that depends heavily on this critical natural process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiplication-not-addition">Multiplication, not addition</h2>



But the multiple habitats did more than just attract a larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-shaped-plant-biodiversity-for-thousands-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">number of species</a> or provide better pollination. They brought something unique to the table.



If we think of each habitat as a piece of a puzzle, then the complete picture -- the landscape wasn’t merely an addition of these pieces, it was something more.



It showcased properties, like increased buffering against species loss and improved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hornets-are-the-most-important-pollinators-for-some-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination</a>, that you can't predict from looking at individual habitats.



That's what Professor Jane Memmott, the project leader and co-lead author emphasized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shift-in-conservation-strategies">Shift in conservation strategies</h2>



These findings have profound implications for our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation strategies</a>. Historically, our efforts have centered around specific habitats, such as prairie restoration, wetland creation, or connecting similar ecosystems. 



However, the latest research highlights the necessity of a broader approach. To effectively boost biodiversity conservation, we must prioritize preserving landscapes that encompass multiple habitats. 



This holistic view recognizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems and how they support a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-fill-a-150-year-gap-in-biodiversity-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wide variety of species</a>. 



By maintaining diverse landscapes, we can create resilient environments that thrive amidst changing conditions. 



This shift in strategy is vital for ensuring the survival of countless species and promoting overall ecosystem health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-is-bright">Future is bright</h2>



The Bristol team plans to dive deeper into the effects of various habitat combinations and their compatibility.



They also aim to explore other ecological functions -- such as seed dispersal and decomposition -- in multi-habitat landscapes. 



These studies could very well revolutionize agricultural practices, possibly boosting food production and pest control, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintaining ecosystem health</a>.



“Mobile species effectively glue the various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-know-far-less-about-four-footed-animals-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitats</a> together, underscoring the intricate connections that sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services,” concluded Professor Memmott.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07825-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Landscapes with different habitats greatly increase biodiversity

The life you see around you -- plants, animals, insects,...

Picture this: You're standing on the outskirts of Evia, Greece, your heart pounding as you watch a raging wildfire engulf a once lush forest. This is not an apocalyptic movie scene; it's our reality in the age of climate change. A new report from leading experts hints at an even harsher reality: we are relying too much on climate solutions that may not even be feasible.



We are now facing the fallout of dangerous climate change as the world continues to warm. And the belief that we can overshoot our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> targets and then roll back the damage through future technology is nothing short of a risky gamble, according to the experts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-solutions-science-fact-or-fiction">Climate solutions: Science fact or fiction?</h2>



This study was carried out by three renowned researchers - Dr. James Dyke from the Global Systems Institute at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, Professor Sir Robert Watson, Emeritus Professor in Environmental Sciences at the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a> and previous chair of the IPCC and IPBES, and Dr. Wolfgang Knorr of <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lund University</a>. 



In their report, they warn that the proposed solutions to our climate crisis might be based more on science fiction than science fact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-false-promises-and-surreal-pledges">False promises and surreal pledges</h2>



World leaders made a commitment during the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels and "well below" 2 °C. Fast forward to today, and these pledges seem almost "surreal" as we continue to produce fossil fuels and break greenhouse gas emission records.



"Like the proverbial frog in the heating pan of water, we refuse to respond to the climate and ecological crisis with any sense of urgency,” said Dr. Dyke.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-circumventing-the-best-climate-solutions">Circumventing the best climate solutions </h2>



So, what's the solution? Dr. Dyke spells it out for us: we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly from all sectors while boosting energy efficiency.



However, the current policies and pledges seem to be circumventing this straightforward solution. They suggest that we can keep warming the planet, past any amount of climate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">change</a>, and then use future technology to pull us back from the brink.



This, according to our experts, is a dangerous path that not only annihilates any attempt to limit warming to 1.5°C but also dumps the responsibility of fixing our planet on future generations. It hinges on carbon dioxide removal systems and geoengineering solutions that largely exist only on paper.



“The situation demands honesty, and a change of course,” said Professor Watson. Our policies need to be rooted in real-world science and engineering, focused on present-day actions instead of uncertain future technologies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-and-hard-truth">Real and hard truth</h2>



While the idea of overshooting our targets and then deploying carbon removal technology might sound tempting, there is a huge flaw in this plan – it overlooks the immense suffering that will be endured while we wait for this recovery. 



As Dr. Knorr points out, promises of net zero and recovery from overshoots are holding us back. They create a false sense of security that nothing too drastic needs to change right now.



The authors put forth four straightforward suggestions:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Leave it where it is: It's time to cease funding new oil and gas projects and prioritize renewable energy sources. By leaving fossil fuels in the ground, we can combat climate change and promote a sustainable future for generations to come.</li>



<li>Immediate action over future promises: The climate crisis demands immediate action. We cannot promise to balance our carbon budgets decades from now.</li>



<li>In real science we trust: Our climate change policies need to be rooted in credible science and engineering. We cannot gamble our future on speculative carbon-removal approaches.</li>



<li>Get real: The ideas of net zero and overshoots should not be used to argue that our energy-intensive society doesn't need to change.</li>
</ol>



The truth is difficult to swallow. But acknowledging it could be our first step toward making a real difference. 



"Owning up to the failures of climate change <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-have-a-surprising-impact-on-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">policy</a> doesn’t mean giving up. It means accepting the consequences of past failures and not making the same mistakes," said the researchers. "Rather than hoping future generations can undo the damage, we must act now to protect the planet."



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Overshooting climate targets and relying on future solutions is a risky gamble

Picture this: You're standing on the outskirts of Evia, Greece,...

Horizon,Sea,Sky,,Storm,,Tempest,,Sky,Clouded,Over

The Atlantic Ocean is experiencing unprecedented warming, with waters off Florida resembling a hot tub, causing bleaching of the world's third-largest barrier reef. Similarly, extreme heat off Ireland’s coast has been linked to the mass death of seabirds. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-trend-in-the-atlantic-ocean">Warming trend in the Atlantic Ocean</h2>



Historically, the North Atlantic warmed more slowly than other global regions, but it has now not only caught up but surpassed previous records.&nbsp;



Last month, the sea surface temperature there surged to a record 25°C - nearly 1°C higher than the previous record set in 2020 - and the temperatures are expected to rise even further. “This year it’s been crazy,” said Tianle Yuan, an atmospheric physicist at NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a>.



The primary cause of this alarming trend is the increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a> from human activities, which trap heat that the oceans gradually absorb.&nbsp;



Additionally, recent weather patterns, especially stationary high-pressure systems that prevent cloud formation, have allowed the oceans to absorb more sunlight, intensifying the warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-lying-clouds-called-ship-tracks">Low-lying clouds called ship tracks</h2>



Researchers have also identified another contributing factor, which can be seen as an unintended consequence: the reduction of clouds known as ship tracks.&nbsp;



Regulations implemented in 2020 by the <a href="https://www.imo.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations International Maritime Organization</a> (IMO) significantly reduced sulfur pollution from ships by over 80%, improving air quality globally. 



However, this reduction has also diminished the formation of low-lying, reflective clouds that follow in ships' wakes and play a crucial role in cooling the planet. 



“The 2020 IMO rule ‘is a big natural experiment,’” said Duncan Watson-Parris, an atmospheric physicist at the <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a>. “We’re changing the clouds.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-effects-of-human-activities">Warming effects of human activities</h2>



Studies have shown that by drastically reducing the number of ship tracks, the planet has warmed at a faster rate, particularly in the Atlantic, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dramatic-increase-in-shipping-traffic-threatens-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maritime traffic</a> is dense.&nbsp;



In these shipping corridors, the reduced cloud cover has enhanced the warming effect of human carbon emissions by 50 percent. Michael Diamond, an atmospheric scientist at <a href="https://www.fsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida State University</a>, compared the impact to the loss of the cooling effect equivalent to that of a significant volcanic eruption each year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geoengineering-experiment-gone-wrong-nbsp">Geoengineering experiment gone wrong&nbsp;</h2>



This natural experiment created by the IMO rules offers climate scientists a rare opportunity to study a geoengineering scenario - though it's one that’s unfortunately working in the wrong direction.&nbsp;



One such proposed strategy to mitigate global warming, called marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cloud-engineering-can-temporarily-cool-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud</a> brightening, involves ships spraying salt particles into the air to make clouds more reflective.&nbsp;



According to Diamond, the sharp decline in ship tracks demonstrates that humanity could, in theory, significantly cool the planet by brightening clouds. “It suggests pretty strongly that if you wanted to do it on purpose, you could,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-in-the-atlantic-and-beyond">Warming in the Atlantic and beyond</h2>



The influence of pollution on clouds remains one of the largest uncertainties in predicting the rate of global warming, according to Franziska Glassmeier, an atmospheric scientist at the <a href="https://www.tudelft.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delft University of Technology</a>. Progress in understanding these complex interactions has been slow because “clouds are so variable,” she explained.



Some basic principles are well understood: particles like sulfate or salt can seed clouds by providing nuclei around which water vapor condenses into droplets. These seeds also brighten clouds by increasing the number of smaller droplets. However, the effects don't stop there, according to Robert Wood, an atmospheric scientist at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>.&nbsp;



Smaller droplets are less likely to merge, potentially reducing rainfall, which could enlarge clouds and further increase their reflectivity. However, larger clouds may mix with dry air, which could decrease their brightness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ship-tracks-decreased-by-more-than-50-percent-nbsp">Ship tracks decreased by more than 50 percent&nbsp;</h2>



Even before the IMO regulations, ship tracks were a focus for testing these ideas. With their striking visual appearance, these linear clouds were prime candidates for artificial intelligence-based image recognition.&nbsp;



By employing such techniques and analyzing 20 years of calibrated imagery from NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites, Yuan and his colleagues identified ten times more ship tracks than had previously been documented manually.&nbsp;



The study, published last year in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abn7988" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, revealed that ship tracks in major shipping corridors decreased by more than 50% after the IMO regulations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extent-of-warming-in-the-north-atlantic-nbsp">Extent of warming in the North Atlantic&nbsp;</h2>



In subsequent research, Yuan's team took this analysis further, calculating the cooling effect associated with the brightening of these clouds and the pollution’s impact on cloud longevity.&nbsp;



The researchers concluded that the IMO rules have caused a warming of 0.1 watts per square meter - double the warming impact caused by changes to clouds from airplanes, as detailed in a paper currently under review.&nbsp;



This impact is especially pronounced in heavily trafficked areas like the North Atlantic, where the disappearance of clouds is a “shock to the system,” according to Yuan. The increase in sunlight, exacerbated by a lack of reflective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saharan-dust-can-intensify-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saharan dust</a> over the ocean this year, “can account for most of the warming observed” in the Atlantic this summer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-cools-the-climate">Air pollution cools the climate</h2>



Watson-Parris and his colleagues approached the problem differently, starting with ship location data and combining it with weather records to project where ship pollution traveled.&nbsp;



The experts compared clouds at these locations with nearby clouds unaffected by ship pollution. In <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05122-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> last year, they reported that these “invisible” ship tracks not only enhanced low-lying marine clouds but also significantly increased the volume of higher-altitude cumulus clouds, which were previously thought to be unaffected by ship pollution.&nbsp;



The findings suggested that air pollution could be causing clouds to cool the climate at nearly twice the previously estimated strength.



However, their follow-up study on the effect of the IMO rules on these invisible tracks delivered a surprise: the reduction in pollution did not reduce the puffiness of the cumulus clouds, according to a new preprint in the journal <a href="https://egusphere.copernicus.org/preprints/2023/egusphere-2023-813/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics</a> (ACP). This suggests that these clouds have a saturation point, beyond which additional pollution has little effect on their development.&nbsp;



“We removed 80% of the aerosols, but that’s still not taking us close to the preindustrial state,” Watson-Parris said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-ship-pollution-on-clouds-nbsp">Impact of ship pollution on clouds&nbsp;</h2>



Another approach to understanding the impact of ship pollution on clouds involves zooming in on specific ocean regions where winds align with shipping lanes, concentrating the pollution.&nbsp;



One such region is off the coast of Angola in the southeast Atlantic. Observing this area with the Terra satellite, Diamond found that with reduced pollution, cloud droplet sizes had increased to their largest in two decades.&nbsp;



Based on these findings, Diamond estimates in a recent paper in <a href="https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/23/8259/2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACP</a> that the IMO rules have caused warming globally at levels comparable to those observed by Yuan.



Later this year, Diamond, Yuan, and other researchers will begin comparing their methods for studying the interaction of pollution and clouds under the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a>’s small geoengineering research program. “After a few more years, we’re really going to have something to say about these cloud adjustments,” Wood concluded.



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'We're changing the clouds': Unintended geoengineering test is warming the Atlantic

The Atlantic Ocean is experiencing unprecedented warming, with waters off...

What once stood as a shield against the harsh impacts of climate change, Africa's montane forests, are under threat. The latest danger to these forests involves a largely unknown consequence of deforestation: cloud level rise.



Known for their spectacular biodiversity and water-trapping properties, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loss-of-mountain-forests-accelerating-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">montane forests</a> are lifelines for millions of people in Africa.



In an era where climate change is a reality, these forests are sadly diminishing at an alarming rate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disappearing-forests-and-cloud-level-rise">Disappearing forests and cloud level rise</h2>



In the span of just two decades, a staggering 18% of these "water towers" have disappeared due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a>.



The impact? A two-fold increase in warming and cloud-level rise compared to that caused by climate change.



The air temperature has spiked by 1.4 centigrade, and the cloud level has ascended by a startling 230 meters in the past 20 years.



Professor Dirk Zeuss of the <a href="https://www.uni-marburg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Marburg</a> noted that these changes have strong consequences for water resources and biodiversity. But what exactly does this mean?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-cloud-level-rise">Consequences of cloud level rise</h2>



As the cloud level ascends, water harvesting takes a significant hit. Clouds, when they touch the forest canopy, deposit fog (water) onto the plant and land surfaces. This natural phenomenon, however, becomes obsolete if the cloud base is higher than the forest canopy.



It is crucial for mountaintops to have ample forest cover - not only to augment the surface area of the land cover - but also to increase water storage in trees and soil.



The study sites were located in the highlands of Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Africa, including the Taita Hills of Kenya. 



According to Professor Petri Pellikka, director of Taita Research Station, the team found that 20% more water was landing on the ground in forested mountain tops compared to open areas. 



"This is due to fog deposited on the trees, which drips on the ground as droplets. This is additional to the rainfall. If the clouds remain higher and do not touch the forests, this phenomenon does not take place anymore," said Pellikka.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-the-forests-fade-so-does-life">When the forests fade, so does life</h2>



It’s not just the Taita Hills where deforestation has wreaked havoc. Kenya's most critical water towers - Mt. Kenya, the Mau Forest, the Aberdare Mountains, Mt. Elgon, the Cherangani Hills, and even Mt. Kilimanjaro - are all bearing the brunt of deforestation.



Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain located in Tanzania, is a prime example. This mountain has seen a striking loss of 50% of its forest since 1880, according to Dr. Andreas Hemp from the University of Bayreuth, who has spent three decades researching in Kilimanjaro.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-and-elevation">Temperature and elevation</h2>



Deforestation has far-reaching impacts. As the study reveals, the negative relationship between temperature and elevation means the impacts of warming due to deforestation can decrease with increasing elevation.



However, mass deforestation can counteract this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-measures-the-cooling-effect-of-shade-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooling effect</a>, causing comparable warming at higher elevations in African montane forests. This adds another layer of complexity to the crisis.



Temesgen Abera is a visiting scholar from the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a> and a postdoctoral researcher at Philipps University of Marburg, 



"In Africa, montane deforestation induced by cropland expansion and logging poses serious threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as water supply," said Abera.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-our-life-supporting-forests">Preserving our life-supporting forests</h2>



These findings highlight the urgent need for preserving the forests that play such a pivotal role in maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global biodiversity</a> and the climate.



The research offers critical lessons for all regions globally facing similar challenges. It's time to take action against deforestation, for our own survival and that of our planet.



The study represents a significant step towards understanding the environmental risks of deforestation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-socio-economic-impact-of-montane-forest-loss">The socio-economic impact of montane forest loss</h2>



The disappearance of montane forests doesn't only affect the environment but also has significant socio-economic repercussions for the communities that depend on them. 



Many Indigenous and rural populations rely on these forests for their livelihoods, deriving resources such as fuelwood, medicinal plants, and food. As a result of deforestation, these resources become scarce, pushing communities towards poverty and forcing them to seek unsustainable alternatives.



Moreover, these forests play a crucial role in supporting local agriculture. They regulate microclimates and provide essential ecosystem services like pollination and pest control. As forests dwindle, agricultural productivity can suffer, threatening food security in already vulnerable regions.



Community-based forest management has emerged as a potential solution, empowering local populations to take part in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. 



By involving community members in sustainable forest practices, these initiatives not only help preserve forests but also ensure economic benefits are returned to the local people. This approach shows a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to more sustainable use and protection of forest resources.



As we strive to safeguard Africa's montane forests, integrating socio-economic considerations into conservation strategies is essential. Ensuring that local communities benefit from forest preservation is key to creating lasting solutions that protect these vital ecosystems while supporting human well-being.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51324-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Cloud level rise: The hidden threat of deforestation

What once stood as a shield against the harsh impacts...

Cozying up to Earth's inner core, beneath a formidable expanse of soil and rock, lies an enigmatic layer of ancient ocean floor that holds secrets from a time long past.



This hidden layer, formed millions of years ago, is composed of sediment and minerals that tell the story of the Earth’s geological history.



Imagine the pressure and heat it endures, creating a unique environment <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ringwoodite-mineral-confirms-vast-ocean-exists-400-miles-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">where unusual minerals thrive</a>. Amazed? Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg.



The mysteries of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-rotation-has-begun-moving-backwards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our planet’s depths</a> continue to intrigue scientists, hinting at what else might be lurking beneath the surface.



This serendipitous discovery comes courtesy of <a href="https://geo.ua.edu/people/samantha-hansen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Samantha Hansen</a>, a seasoned geophysicist from the <a href="https://www.ua.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alabama</a> and the lead author of the study that's shining a new light on the underbelly of our world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-earth-s-interior-structure">Understanding Earth's interior structure</h2>



The Earth's core is a fascinating structure made up of two distinct layers: the outer core and the inner core. Located beneath the Earth's mantle, the outer core is a swirling mass of molten iron and nickel. 



This liquid layer is extraordinarily hot, with temperatures soaring between 4,500 and 6,000 degrees Celsius. Have you ever wondered how this intense heat contributes to our planet's magnetic field? 



The movement of these molten metals in the outer core generates Earth's magnetic field through a process known as the geodynamo. 



This dynamic layer is crucial for shielding our planet from harmful solar radiation, constantly in motion and creating magnetic forces that influence everything from compass directions to the behavior of charged particles in the atmosphere.



Beneath this fiery outer core lies the solid inner core -- a dense sphere of iron and nickel. Interestingly, even though temperatures here can also reach up to 6,000 degrees Celsius, the immense pressure keeps these metals from melting, ensuring the core remains solid. 



Spanning approximately 1,220 kilometers in radius -- about the size of the Moon -- this inner core grows slowly as the Earth cools over time. It, too, plays a role in generating Earth’s magnetic field, although scientists are still uncovering the details of its influence.



Together, these two cores form the heart of our planet, driving many processes that sustain life on Earth. As we explore these layers, we can appreciate the complexity and wonder of our planet's inner workings. Isn’t it intriguing to think about how such dynamics impact our daily lives?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-the-long-lost-ocean">Discovering the long-lost ocean</h2>



Imagine the Earth's beefy crust as a colossal jigsaw puzzle of tectonic plates moving, colliding, and sinking into the belly of our planet. 



Over the years, some of these submerged plates -- once remnants of the ocean floor -- settled at the core-mantle boundary, forming what scientists have now recognized as an ultra-low velocity zone (ULVZ). 



Albeit only tens of kilometers thick, this ULVZ layer is significantly denser than the surrounding mantle.



"As seismic investigators," Dr. Hansen explains, "Our work is like a high-resolution snapshot of the Earth's inner structure, and boy, is it more complex than we ever thought!"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-core-mantle-boundary">Earth's core-mantle boundary</h2>



The peculiar activity at the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-hole-drilled-into-earths-mantle-scientific-goldmine-magma-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">core-mantle boundary</a> has baffled scientists for decades. Seismic waves, the audacious trespassers they are, slow to a crawl upon hitting this region. 



However, the breadth and intricacy of these zones remained elusive until Dr. Edward Garnero, a geophysicist at <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a>, and his team analyzed a whopping number of seismic recordings from Antarctica.



This high-definition imaging led to a staggering discovery: gigantic 'mountains' at the core, some towering up to five times the height of Mount Everest. 



Mind you, these aren't your garden-variety mountains. They're clusters of ancient oceanic crust compacted and densified over the ages. This dense material slows down passing seismic waves, hence the term 'ultra-low velocity zone.'



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-earth-s-submerged-ocean">Implications of Earth's submerged ocean</h2>



What does this mean for our understanding of the Earth? For starters, it offers a crucial glance into our planet's heat escape mechanisms -- pivotal for <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">operating its magnetic field</a>. 



The subducted ocean floors, now forming ULVZs, might be playing a significant role in this heat regulation.



Moreover, these layers could be instrumental in forming mantle plumes or columns of hot rock rising from the core-mantle boundary to the Earth's surface. 



Predicting future volcanic activity could become a cakewalk if we understand these plumes' origin and their interaction with subducted material. 



Dr. Garnero champions the cause of continued research, stating, "It's incredible how much we can unravel about our Earth by simply listening to the whispers of earthquakes."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-core-is-a-furnace-of-activity">Earth's core is a furnace of activity</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-map-shows-75-percent-of-the-u-s-at-risk-of-damaging-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic imaging advancements</a> equipping scientists to eavesdrop on the Earth's interior deserve a round of applause here.



The seismic waves, born from earthquakes and travelling at varying speeds, offer a wealth of data about our Earth and its innards.



The three-year data haul from Antarctic seismic stations, analyzed using high-resolution imaging techniques, revealed the complex structure of the core-mantle boundary.



Our Earth's core, a marvel of iron and nickel, is home to a solid inner core and a liquid outer core. The scorching 10,800 degrees Fahrenheit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solid-metal-ball-discovered-within-earths-inner-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature at the core</a>, coupled with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-ice-caps-changing-earths-rotation-need-negative-leap-second/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's rotation</a>, conjures the Earth's magnetic field, our invisible shield against harmful cosmic particles.



Understanding how the core's heat traverses the Earth is integral to decoding geological processes, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-deep-earth-research">Future of deep Earth research</h2>



This revelation has certainly blown open the doors of deep earth research but we're far from knowing it all. The exact composition of the ULVZs and their rapport with the surrounding mantle is an area that needs further investigation.



As technology makes strides forward, expect to peer even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theia-ancient-planet-buried-inside-of-earth-may-be-the-origin-of-our-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deeper into the Earth's interior</a>, revealing more breathtaking discoveries. 



The undercurrent of interdisciplinary research -- combining geophysics, seismology, and geology -- bolsters the complexity of our planet's structure.



So, as we venture deeper into our planet, brace yourself for more surprises and revelations. The Earth, an ever-changing canvas, continues to astound us. 



The ancient ocean floors resting at the core-mantle boundary only serve to remind us of the planet's nuanced and enthralling history.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.add4838" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Ancient sunken ocean discovered beneath our feet at Earth's core

Cozying up to Earth's inner core, beneath a formidable expanse...

Wildfires often evoke powerful images of destruction and chaos, but not all wildfires are created equal. While the immediate thought of a wildfire might bring to mind the devastation of homes, landscapes, and lives, there exists a lesser-known narrative about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-ultimately-benefit-plant-and-animal-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">positive impacts</a> of certain types of wildfires. According to research from the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a>, low-severity wildfires play a crucial role in protecting our forests.



These milder fires, unlike their more destructive counterparts, can act as nature's own defense mechanism, reducing the intensity and spread of future wildfires.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-protective-power-of-low-severity-wildfires">The protective power of low-severity wildfires</h2>



The study has revealed that low-severity wildfires have the potential to reduce the intensity of future wildfires for up to two decades, provided the right climatic conditions prevail.



By burning under controlled or less extreme conditions, these fires remove accumulated fuel loads such as dead wood and dense underbrush, which are often the culprits in more severe wildfires.



Study lead author Claire Tortorelli is an ecologist at the U.S. Forest Service who conducted the research while a postdoctoral scholar at UC Davis. 



Tortorelli emphasized the importance of understanding these dynamics: "Some previous fires can have moderating effects on future fire behavior. It’s important to understand how past wildfires are going to affect what happens in the future."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-low-severity-wildfires">Benefits of low-severity wildfires</h2>



The researchers examined more than 700 reburn fires over the past 50 years across the western United States. By taking a long-term view and leveraging modern technology, they aimed to quantify the protective effects that less severe fires can provide over time.



Using satellite remote sensing, the research team found that the extent of reduced severity of these "reburns" and the duration of their moderating effect varies depending on factors like climate and forest type. 



The study not only highlights the immediate benefits of these fires but also emphasizes how their effects can persist, continuing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-an-unexpected-ally-in-forest-regeneration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protect forests</a> even as environmental conditions evolve.



Climate change is leading to more frequent and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-wildfires-have-doubled-in-the-last-20-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intense wildfires</a>, making the findings of this research particularly relevant for future forest management strategies.



"We’re living in a time with increasing wildfire, which poses challenges for our communities and landscapes," noted Tortorelli.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-climate-and-forest-type">The role of climate and forest type</h2>



The findings reveal that forests along the California coast and Southwest exhibit longer-lasting resilience than those in the Sierra and Cascades. 



This geographical variability is key to understanding how different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-and-boreal-ecosystems-are-becoming-increasingly-unstable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> respond to fire and what management practices can be most effective in each region. 



The study shows that the benefits of these low-severity fires are not uniform but are instead shaped by the unique characteristics of each forest. "It’s all about the vegetation and fuels that are coming back after fire," said Tortorelli.



The research highlights the importance of local conditions in determining how effective initial fires are in reducing the severity of future fires.



The reduced severity could last up to 20 years in some systems, but the effect diminishes over time, requiring follow-up treatments such as prescribed burns or mechanical thinning to prolong the benefits.



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



The findings could play a key role in helping land managers decide where to focus risk reduction efforts while adapting to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-attribute-extreme-heat-and-wildfires-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changing climate</a>.



The researchers also found that even in areas experiencing high-severity wildfires, there are often zones that burn with low to moderate severity.



Study co-author Andrew Latimer is a professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis.



"It opens this window of opportunity to keep forests in good shape," said Latimer, emphasizing the widespread impact of low-severity fires as a significant form of fuel reduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-and-future-strategies">Wildfires and future strategies</h2>



As our understanding of wildfires evolves, so too must the strategies we employ to manage them. The research suggests that low-severity fires should be integrated into long-term forest management plans.



By recognizing the role these fires play in reducing future fire intensities, land managers can develop proactive strategies that harness their beneficial impacts. This includes implementing controlled burns and mechanical thinning to maintain reduced fuel loads and support forest resilience.



As wildfires become increasingly frequent and intense, leveraging these insights is crucial in adapting to a changing climate and safeguarding our communities and ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eap.3023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecological Applications</a>.



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Low-severity wildfires help protect future forests

Wildfires often evoke powerful images of destruction and chaos, but...

Water,Pollution,And,Global,Warming,Concept,,Microplastics,In,Food,And

An invisible enemy is gradually threatening the health of our water, our planet, and all of its residents -- one that many of us may not even be aware of: nanoplastics.



Far tinier than an average human hair, these minuscule plastics are far too small for the naked eye to detect. 



Alarmingly, they have been linked to various cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and are accumulating steadily in our water sources.



Here lies the crux of the fight against nanoplastics. A cost-effective, efficient solution is needed to remove these almost invisible particles from water while leaving it clean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-removing-nanoplastics-from-water">Removing nanoplastics from water</h2>



The <a href="https://missouri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Missouri</a>, recognized as Mizzou, is making significant strides in this battle. A team of researchers there recently developed a liquid-based solution with unprecedented efficiency. 



This innovative method eliminates more than 98% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-oceans-often-go-undetected-due-to-their-tiny-size/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiny plastic</a> particles, offering promising new possibilities for water purification.



One of the team members, Piyuni Ishtaweera, said, "Nanoplastics can disrupt <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic ecosystems</a> and enter the food chain, posing risks to both wildlife and humans. In layman's terms, we're developing better ways to remove contaminants such as nanoplastics from water."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wonder-of-the-liquid-solution">Wonder of the liquid solution</h2>



Unlike conventional methods, this new approach uses water-repelling solvents made from natural ingredients. 



These solvents designed by the scientists themselves, act like plastic magnets, absorbing the nanoplastics from a significant volume of water.



Initially, the solvent sits on the water's surface the way oil floats on water. Once the solvent is mixed with the water and then separated again, it floats back to the surface, but now carrying the nanoplastics within its molecular structure.



In the laboratory, the execution is straightforward: the nanoplastic-laden solvent is simply removed using a pipette, leaving behind clean, plastic-free water.



"We aim to determine the maximum capacity of the solvent," said Gary Baker, an associate professor in Mizzou's Department of Chemistry and the study's corresponding author. "Additionally, we will explore methods to recycle the solvents, enabling their reuse multiple times if necessary."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nanoplastics-and-water-contamination">Nanoplastics and water contamination</h2>



Notably, this new method works with both fresh and saltwater, showing its universal applicability.



Moreover, because these solvents are manufactured from safe, non-toxic components that repel water, they prevent further <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-drinking-water-often-contains-unsafe-levels-of-toxic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contamination of water</a> sources.



The capability to deal with diverse water sources reflects the high sustainability of this solution. 



"From a scientific perspective, creating effective removal methods fosters innovation in filtration technologies, provides insights into nanomaterial behavior, and supports the development of informed environmental policies," said Ishtaweera.



Their results tower over those of previous studies. The Mizzou team tested five different sizes of polystyrene-based nanoplastics, a common type of plastic used in the production of Styrofoam cups.



This contrasts with earlier work that only focused on a single size of plastic particles.



With this breakthrough, the researchers at the University of Missouri are on the vanguard of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-develop-an-eco-friendly-material-to-purify-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water purification</a> technology, heralding a more hopeful future in the fight against nanoplastic water contamination.



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



As the urgency surrounding environmental issues continues to mount, the implications of Mizzou's breakthrough extend far beyond the laboratory. 



The innovative solvent technology not only heightens the effectiveness of water purification but also paves the way for a new wave of research and development within the field of nanomaterial assessment and contamination mitigation. 



With growing awareness of the pervasive nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-contaminate-all-lakes-and-freshwater-environments-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics in our ecosystems</a>, this method serves as a model for future innovations in environmental technology.



Furthermore, the potential for scalability cannot be overlooked. To effectively combat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-water-resources-are-becoming-increasingly-polluted/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water pollution at a global level</a>, mechanisms for deploying this solvent-based technology in various settings -- from municipal water treatment facilities to remote communities -- must be explored.



Engaging policymakers and stakeholders early in the development process will be crucial to ensure that these findings are translated into practical applications that can benefit diverse populations. 



Thus, as researchers continue to refine their methods and explore avenues for wider implementation, the hope for cleaner water, free from the threats posed by nanoplastics, grows stronger.



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New solution removes over 98% of nanoplastics from water

An invisible enemy is gradually threatening the health of our...

Imagine a summer evening with the California air charged with anticipation. It's August 16, 2024 at 20:56 CEST, and at Vandenberg Space Force Base, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to lift off, carrying Europe's latest cubesat, Φsat-2 (PHsat-2). 



Much more than just another satellite, Φsat-2 marks a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthcare-satellite-will-reveal-the-climate-effects-of-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">revolutionary stride</a> in Earth observation, packed with advanced AI technology.



The project was led by Nicola Melega, <a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>'s Φsat-2 Technical Officer. 



"<a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Phsat-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Φsat-2 mission</a> showcases how advanced AI technology can transform our ability to monitor and respond to changes on Earth, making space data more actionable and impactful than ever before,” shared Melega.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-satellite-in-the-sky">AI satellite in the sky</h2>



Unlike traditional satellites, Φsat-2 is like <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ai-satellite_Phsat-2_launched_orbit_earth-observation_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a super-smart detective</a>: it's designed to analyze and process imagery while in orbit. 



This is invaluable when it comes to quick decision-making for environmental protection, disaster response, and maritime monitoring, among other critical applications.



"This mission heralds a new era of actionable insights from space, promising smarter and more efficient ways of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-based-data-centers-could-transform-satellite-capabilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monitoring our planet</a>,” said Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introducing-φsat-2-from-launch-to-orbit">Introducing Φsat-2: From launch to orbit</h2>



Φsat-2's journey to space began aboard a <a href="https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/falcon-9/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket</a>, integrated by Exolaunch. The cubesat safely entered into orbit and began sending back signals on the same night, received by the Svalbard ground station in Norway.



Zipping around Earth at an altitude of 510 km, Φsat-2 is equipped with a multispectral camera that can image Earth in seven different bands in the visible to near-infrared parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-features-and-capabilities-of-the-ai-satellite">Features and capabilities of the AI satellite</h2>



Φsat-2 houses a set of extraordinary features, thanks to some outstanding AI apps that run on the 6U Cubesat platform, designed and developed by <a href="https://www.open-cosmos.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenCosmos</a>.



Being remotely operable from Earth, these apps revolutionize how we gather environmental data, setting a new benchmark in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soho-satellite-captures-massive-earth-solar-storm-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space-based</a> AI technology.



The satellite's applications range from cloud detection and street map generation to maritime vessel detection and on-board image compression and reconstruction. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ai-satellite_Phsat-2_earth-observation_integrated-for-launch_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ai-satellite_Phsat-2_earth-observation_integrated-for-launch_ESA_1m.webp" alt="ESA’s Φsat-2 is a dedicated Artificial Iintelligence (AI) mission which will fully explore the benefits and capabilities of utilising extended onboard processing and further demonstrate the benefits of using AI for innovative Earth observation. Credit: ESA/OpenCosmos" class="wp-image-1942124"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">ESA’s Φsat-2 is a dedicated Artificial Iintelligence (AI) mission which will fully explore the benefits and capabilities of utilising extended onboard processing and further demonstrate the benefits of using AI for innovative Earth observation. Credit: ESA/OpenCosmos</figcaption></figure>



For instance, one of the onboard apps developed by KP Labs, enables Φsat-2 to classify clouds and only transmit unobscured, usable images back to Earth.



Then there's Sat2Map application, developed by CGI, which transforms satellite imagery into street maps. This data proves invaluable during emergencies, allowing response teams to identify accessible roads during disasters such as floods or earthquakes.



And let's not forget the maritime vessel detection application, developed by CEiiA. By leveraging machine learning techniques, the app can detect and classify vessels in specified regions, aiding on-sea security measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-societal-impact-of-φsat-2-s-data">Societal impact of Φsat-2's data</h2>



As Φsat-2 orbits our planet, its advanced capabilities promise to usher in a new era of data-driven decision-making. 



By providing timely and precise information, the satellite can significantly enhance our response to natural disasters. 



For instance, through real-time imaging and analysis, emergency management teams will be better equipped to allocate resources and respond effectively in crisis situations.



Additionally, the implications extend to environmental monitoring, where the ability to track deforestation, urban sprawl, and pollution levels fosters greater awareness and engagement. 



This kind of actionable data can support both policymakers and local communities, enabling them to take informed steps toward sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-prospects">Future prospects</h2>



The launch of Φsat-2 is just the beginning of a broader vision for integrating artificial intelligence into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-m9-5-flare-region-3654-strong-solar-activity-causes-radio-blackouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space exploration</a> and Earth observation. 



As the technology matures, we can anticipate a network of smart satellites that work collaboratively to share data and insights, amplifying the capabilities of each unit. 



The potential applications of such advancements are virtually limitless -- from enhancing agriculture through precision farming practices to improving global health by tracking emerging diseases via environmental conditions.



Furthermore, with the growing emphasis on collaborative international space efforts, Φsat-2 serves as a beacon for future partnerships focused on utilizing AI for the greater good, setting the stage for innovation that transcends borders and enhances life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pushing-boundaries">Pushing boundaries</h2>



To widen the scope of its functionalities and contributions, two more apps will be uploaded to Φsat-2 now that it's in orbit.



First, is the marine anomaly detection app by IRT Saint Exupery Technical Research. Like a hawk's eye over the ocean, this app spots abnormalities such as oil spills, harmful algae blooms and heavy sediment discharges.



Then there's the wildfire detection system by Thales Alenia Space. This tool provides real-time data to help firefighters locate wildfires, track fire spread and identify potential hazards.



With Φsat-2 in our skies, we've taken a giant leap in Earth observation and AI applications in space. But let's remember, this is just the beginning of a new era in actionable insights from space. 



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Take a glimpse at Earth's new AI observation satellite

Imagine a summer evening with the California air charged with...

Despite significant progress in clean energy, global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2 emissions</a> continue to rise. This highlights the need for a more integrated approach that combines technological advancements with strong institutional capacities to formulate effective policies to reach global climate goals. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://iiasa.ac.at/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis</a> (IIASA) have contributed to a new international study that emphasizes this crucial integration as essential for meeting the ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co2-emissions-on-the-rise">CO2 emissions on the rise</h2>



The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C, a target that requires rapid reductions in CO2 emissions and a greater focus on reducing non-CO2 greenhouse gases.&nbsp;



However, despite advancements in clean energy technologies, global CO2 emissions have been on the rise for the past three years, reversing the temporary decline observed during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-pandemic-shows-us-how-to-tackle-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 pandemic</a> in 2020.



Published in <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-02073-4">Nature Climate Change</a>, the study was led by the <a href="https://cgs.umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Global Sustainability</a> (CGS) at the University of Maryland, in collaboration with the IIASA-led <a href="https://iiasa.ac.at/projects/engage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ENGAGE project</a> (Exploring National and Global Actions to reduce Greenhouse gas Emissions). This global consortium brings together leading research groups from various disciplines to address the complex challenges of climate change.



“These new insights highlight the critical challenges in meeting the Paris Agreement's long-term goals given recent global climate-damaging emissions trends,” said Bas van Ruijven, a co-author of the study and coordinator of the ENGAGE project.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feasible-pathways-to-climate-goals">Feasible pathways to climate goals</h2>



The researchers aimed to generate knowledge that could inform the design of cost-effective, technologically viable, and socially and politically feasible pathways to achieve the Paris Agreement's objectives.&nbsp;



Using eight advanced multi-regional and process-based global integrated assessment models (IAMs) and analyzing 20 different feasibility scenarios, the researchers found that the institutional dimension - specifically, the capacity of countries to implement effective climate regulation - plays the most significant role in determining feasible peak temperatures.



“Through rigorous analysis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worst-case-climate-scenarios-are-no-longer-plausible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate scenarios</a> across eight different models, our research underscores the importance of accounting for the varying capacities of countries as well as regional differences,” explained Christoph Bertram, an associate research professor at CGS and lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approach-to-climate-goals">New approach to climate goals</h2>



The study demonstrates that when institutional constraints are considered alongside technological and socio-cultural factors, the most feasible pathways to achieving the Paris climate goals differ significantly from the cost-effective benchmarks that are often used.



“From an international fairness perspective, this also means that today's affluent countries like the US and the EU not only need to reach their net-zero targets, but they need to think about multilateral collaborations to enhance governance and institutional capacity in vulnerable regions,” added Keywan Riahi, co-author of the study and director of the Energy, Climate, and Environment Program at IIASA.



By incorporating region-specific governance indicators, the study showcases the varying capacities of regions to implement climate mitigation policies effectively.&nbsp;



This approach builds on earlier work conducted under the ENGAGE project, which assessed the feasibility of transformation pathways for achieving the Paris Climate Agreement and served as a foundation for developing the new scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-institutional-capacity-across-different-regions-nbsp">Institutional capacity across different regions&nbsp;</h2>



The tools and methodologies developed as part of the ENGAGE project to explore the multidimensional feasibility of decarbonization pathways have been made available to decision-makers in a Summary for Policymakers.&nbsp;



The new study adds a nuanced framework that can be used in future research to represent institutional capacity across different regions and over time.



“These new scenarios explore the implications of having many countries that potentially lack the institutional capacity to implement ambitious climate policies,” said Elina Brutschin, a co-author of the study and researcher in the IIASA Transformative Institutional and Social Solutions Research Group.&nbsp;



“With additional strategies such as rapid demand-side transformation (especially in affluent countries) combined with fast electrification, it could still be possible to limit peak temperature to below 1.7°C.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-feasibility-of-climate-neutrality">Technological feasibility of climate-neutrality</h2>



Study co-author Gunnar Luderer leads the Energy Systems Group at the <a href="https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research</a> (PIK) and is a professor of global energy systems analysis at the <a href="https://www.tu.berlin/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Berlin</a>. 



Luderer noted that thanks to the latest advances in low carbon technology deployment such as solar, wind, or electric vehicles, the technological feasibility of climate-neutrality is no longer the most crucial issue. “It is much more about how fast climate policy ambition can be ramped up by governments.”



The research underscores the critical need to balance technological advancements with institutional capabilities when formulating effective climate policies. It demonstrates that inadequate institutional capacity could hinder the achievement of even a 2°C target, while improved global institutional support could increase the likelihood of meeting the 1.6°C target by up to 45 percent.



As the global community intensifies its efforts toward the 1.5°C goal, it is imperative to identify pathways that enhance the feasibility of climate actions and reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/calculating-cost-climate-change-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon costs</a>. 



The study's findings offer valuable insights for guiding ongoing climate policy discussions and future scenario assessments, thereby supporting informed decision-making on global climate ambitions.



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Capable countries must take the lead on climate goals

Despite significant progress in clean energy, global CO2 emissions continue...

We can often find the stunning beauty and fascination that nature has to offer right in our own backyard. However, could there be a plant lurking in your outdoors that's not quite as benign as it appears? 



Recently, researchers delved into the dark side of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant world</a> where a (commonly found) toxic specimen is causing quite a stir -giant hogweed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-hogweed-the-toxic-plant">Giant hogweed: The toxic plant</h2>



Giant hogweed, a plant that comfortably sprouts 10 to 20 feet high, seems like just another pretty flora - striking in appearance and sporting a radiant white bloom in summer.



As it turns out, this attractive facade conceals a weapon - sap laden with toxins. This sap can cause painful blisters, but it doesn't stop there. 



The sap amalgamates with your skin's DNA. The UV rays from the sun then aid in the demolition of these DNA molecules. So, while your eyes enjoy the spectacle, your DNA suffers an onslaught.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-invasive-giant-hogweed">Understanding invasive giant hogweed</h2>



Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) has thick, hollow stem usually sports dark reddish-purple spots and can grow up to 4 inches in diameter, covered in fine white hairs that make it stand out in any landscape.



The plant boasts massive leaves that can stretch up to 5 feet wide. These deeply lobed and sharply serrated leaves form a rosette pattern at the base, adding to its imposing presence. 



In late spring to early summer, giant hogweed bursts into bloom with expansive, umbrella-shaped clusters of small white flowers, known as umbels. Each plant has the potential to produce thousands of seeds, showcasing its impressive reproductive capabilities.



The seeds themselves are light brown, oval-shaped, and flat, featuring ridged edges. A single plant can generate up to 50,000 seeds, which get dispersed by wind, water, or even human activity. They can linger in the soil for several years, complicating efforts to control this invasive species.



Unfortunately, its rapid growth and large size enable it to outcompete native plants, threatening biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems. Its deep roots can also destabilize soil, increasing the risk of erosion, especially near waterways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-concern-of-toxic-plants">Growing concern of toxic plants</h2>



This is not some isolated, once-in-a-blue-moon occurrence. The spread of giant hogweed has triggered warnings in several regions, including New York. The impact of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a> on public health and the environment is profound.



When you brush against this plant, your skin can experience an intense reaction such as blisters, burns, and even DNA damage.



The repercussion of this exposure is immediate and discomforting. Burn-like marks show up within a day, followed by swellings filled with fluid. 



Although the irritation subsides over time, the UV sensitivity of the affected areas might persist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-invader-in-the-united-states">Invisible invader in the United States </h2>



Is that the end of the horror tale? Unfortunately, no. On a microscopic level, the toxins infiltrate your skin cells, causing DNA and cell destruction. This ghastly process results in the burn-like blisters synonymous with the giant hogweed encounter.



This toxic terror is a foreign <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/economic-time-bomb-costs-of-invasive-species-are-greatly-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a>. Giant hogweed has its roots in the Caucasus Mountains, nestled between Asia and Europe, and Central Asia.



However, its journey to the United States began when it was sown in a New York City garden in 1917. Since then, it has invaded the Northeast, the Great Lakes region, and even Washington and Oregon.



Being <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-plants-that-change-colors-when-toxic-chemicals-are-present/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxic</a> is not the only claim to fame for the giant hogweed. It's also exceptionally fertile, as each plant is capable of producing up to 100,000 seeds.



This fertility makes it incredibly challenging to remove. Despite the best efforts of the <a href="https://dec.ny.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Department of Environmental Conservation</a>, these plants are holding their ground in more than a thousand sites across the state.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-battling-toxic-and-invasive-giant-hogweed">Battling toxic and invasive giant hogweed</h2>



As the giant hogweed continues to assert its dominance, concerted efforts to manage its spread have become paramount. 



Various methods have been employed to combat this invasive species, ranging from mechanical removal to the use of herbicides.



Mechanical removal, while effective, demands caution and protective gear, as the risk of exposure to its toxic sap persists. 



Alternatively, herbicides can be used strategically to target the plant while minimizing impact on surrounding ecosystems. However, timing and application must be meticulously controlled to ensure success.



Education plays a vital role in these efforts. Increasing public awareness can help in early identification and reporting, thereby curtailing the plant's spread.



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



Looking ahead, the battle against giant hogweed requires collective action from communities, policymakers, and environmentalists.



Continued research into effective control strategies is necessary, alongside the collaboration of local agencies to monitor and address outbreaks systematically. 



As we continue to enjoy our green spaces, it is crucial to remain informed about local flora and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-plants-can-be-easily-confused-with-edible-ones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report concerning sightings</a>.



By fostering a deeper understanding of our environment and being proactive in our approach to invasive species, we can help preserve the integrity of our natural landscapes for future generations. 



The beauty of our surroundings should not come at a hidden cost, and together, we can work to ensure that the tale of giant hogweed concludes with a resounding victory over this botanical intruder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-should-you-do">What should you do?</h2>



Considering this alarming scenario, what's your best line of defense if you encounter giant hogweed? First off, report it to the authorities.



In addition, do not try to remove it yourself. If you do come into contact with the plant, wash off the sap immediately, avoid any sunlight exposure, and keep the area covered.



The next time you spot a large plant with spiky leaves and white blossoms, the story of giant hogweed should spring to mind. 



This cautionary tale serves to remind us that no matter how alluring, nature has its own rules. Approach with knowledge, respect, and, most importantly, a safe distance.



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Rapidly spreading invasive plant alters DNA and causes severe burns

We can often find the stunning beauty and fascination that...

Over 700 million years ago, our planet experienced a deep freeze known as Snowball Earth. During this time, ice nearly covered the entire globe, setting the stage for life as we know it. 



Recent research from University College London (UCL) has revealed a significant rock formation that may hold the most complete record of this icy chapter in Earth's history.



The Port Askaig Formation spans across Ireland and Scotland, with rock layers reaching up to 1.1 kilometers thick. 



These rocks likely formed during the Sturtian glaciation, one of the planet's most severe ice ages, which occurred between 662 and 720 million years ago. This period is thought to have been crucial for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-snowball-earth-conditions-drove-evolution-complex-multicellular-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of complex, multicellular life</a>.



Researchers believe these ancient rocks could signal the beginning of the Cryogenian Period. In geology, this important marker is known as a Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP), often symbolized by a "golden spike" embedded in the rock.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-the-snowball-earth-record">Glimpse into the Snowball Earth record</h2>



One exposed outcrop of the formation, found on the Scottish islands known as the Garvellachs, is unique as it shows the transition into Snowball Earth from a previously warm, tropical environment. 



Other rocks formed at a similar time, such as those in North America and Namibia, are missing this critical transition.



“These rocks record a time when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-was-a-giant-snowball-700-million-years-ago-and-now-scientists-know-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth was covered in ice</a>. All complex, multicellular life, such as animals, arose out of this deep freeze, with the first evidence in the fossil record appearing shortly after the planet thawed,” explained Senior Author Professor Graham Shields, of <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/earth-sciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL Earth Sciences</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-warm-seas-to-ice-age">From warm seas to Ice-age</h2>



The layers of rock exposed on the Garvellachs are globally unique. 



Beneath the rocks laid down during the frigid Sturtian glaciation, 70 meters of older carbonate rocks formed in tropical waters showcase a time of flourishing cyanobacterial life that gradually cooled, ending a billion-year span of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/summers-seasons-warm-faster-than-winters-earths-climate-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's temperate climate</a>. 



“Most areas of the world are missing this remarkable transition because the ancient glaciers scraped and eroded away the rocks underneath, but in Scotland, by some miracle, the transition can be seen,” said Elias Rugen, the study's first author and a PhD candidate at UCL Earth Sciences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowball-earth-and-the-cryogenian-period">Snowball Earth and the Cryogenian period</h2>



The Sturtian glaciation, which lasted approximately 60 million years, was one of two big freezes during the Cryogenian Period (635 to 720 million years ago). 



For billions of years before this period, life consisted only of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organisms-called-protosterol-biota-lived-1-6-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single-celled organisms</a> and algae. 



After this period, complex life emerged rapidly, with most animals today similar in fundamental ways to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-behavior-earth-first-sea-creatures-stirring-water-drove-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life forms that evolved</a> over 500 million years ago.



One theory is that the extreme cold may have prompted the emergence of cooperation among single-celled organisms, leading to the formation of multicellular life. 



“The retreat of the ice would have been catastrophic. Life had been used to tens of millions of years of deep freeze. As soon as the world warmed up, all of life would have had to compete in an arms race to adapt. Whatever survived were the ancestors of all animals,” Professor Shields added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-the-port-askaig-formation">Legacy of the port Askaig formation</h2>



For the new study, the research team collected samples of sandstone from the 1.1km-thick Port Askaig Formation and the older, 70-meter-thick Garbh Eileach Formation underneath. 



They analyzed durable minerals called zircons within the rock, which contain the radioactive element uranium. 



By examining the decay of uranium to lead, the researchers precisely dated the rocks to between 662 and 720 million years ago.



The researchers believe these new age constraints may support the case for the site to be declared a marker for the start of the Cryogenian Period. 



Such markers, known as Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) or 'golden spikes,' often attract international visitors and can even lead to the establishment of museums at these geological landmarks.



A group from the International Commission on Stratigraphy, part of the International Union of Geological Sciences, visited the Garvellachs in July to assess the potential for a golden spike on the archipelago. Currently, these islands are accessible only by chartering a boat or by sailing or kayaking to them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowball-earth-s-past-holds-the-key-to-earth-s-future">Snowball Earth's past holds the key to Earth's future</h2>



To sum it all up, the discovery of the Port Askaig Formation highlights one of Earth’s most amazing periods, giving us a rare look at a time when our planet was completely frozen. 



This formation shares a story of survival and how complex life emerged from tough conditions. As researchers keep exploring this site, they’re uncovering insights that help us understand life's resilience and adaptability.



If the Port Askaig Formation gets designated as a golden spike, it could put this remote Scottish spot on the map internationally. This recognition would not only secure its place in the geological record but also remind us of the importance of preserving and studying our planet’s ancient past. 



In a time when we’re facing rapid environmental changes, these insights serve as a reminder of the delicate balance that supports life on Earth and the significant effects climate shifts can have on our future.



The study involved researchers from UCL, the <a href="https://en.unimib.it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Milano-Bicocca</a>, Italy, and <a href="https://www.bbk.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birkbeck University</a> of London. The work was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://chooser.crossref.org/?doi=10.1144%2Fjgs2024-029" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the Geological Society</a>.



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'Golden spike' discovered in rock formation reveals when Earth became a snowball

Over 700 million years ago, our planet experienced a deep...

Life on Earth was once ruled by the small, single-celled organisms swimming in the vast oceans. For an epoch, these tiny powerhouses were the kings and queens of the world, dominating for well over a billion years. Then came the period known as "Snowball Earth" that changed everything.



The reign of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cyanobacteria-may-shed-new-light-on-the-history-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single-celled organisms</a> was seemingly endless, until Snowball Earth turned all known models of life upside down, roughly 700 million years ago.



This icy era was no ordinary winter. The entire globe was ensnared in such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-was-a-giant-snowball-700-million-years-ago-and-now-scientists-know-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme glaciation conditions</a> that even the equator may have been blanketed in ice. 



However, it was during this frigid epoch that a marvel of evolution occurred -- the birth of multicellular organisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multicellular-life-and-the-oxygen-paradox">Multicellular life and the oxygen paradox</h2>



One of the biggest enigmas in biology is the sudden emergence and dominance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular life</a>. Imagine a world where single-celled eukaryotes (organisms with intricate cells containing a nucleus) were the unrivaled rulers. 



Then, in the wink of a geological eye, multicellular life blossomed amid the frosty reign of Snowball Earth. The prevailing theory suggests that oxygen levels had to reach a critical point before single cells could band together, forming multicellular colonies. 



However, this theory falls short of explaining why the ancestors of today's animals, plants, and fungi all popped up simultaneously during this icy epoch.



The answer to this billion-year-old riddle has led researchers to delve deeper into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snowball-earth-may-not-have-been-frozen-solid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unique conditions</a> of Snowball Earth. 



One such scientist is William Crockett, a former Undergraduate Complexity Researcher at <a href="https://www.santafe.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa Fe Institute</a>, who put forward a compelling new model.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowball-earth-and-the-viscosity-factor">Snowball Earth and the viscosity factor</h2>



Crockett's study sheds light on the Snowball Earth mystery. The research team suggests that the physical conditions during this icy period, such as the increased viscosity of the oceans and scarcity of resources, might have led to the rise of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannibalism-cellular-level-common-across-various-life-forms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular life</a>.



During this glaciated period, oceans were choked with ice, inhibiting sunlight, and hindering photosynthesis. These conditions led to a significant reduction in nutrients, creating a struggle for survival. 



According to the study, larger organisms, capable of filtering more water and seizing scarce resources, would have had a significant edge over their smaller, single-celled counterparts.



Crockett observes, "It seems almost counterintuitive that these really harsh conditions, this frozen planet, could actually select for larger, more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rewrite-the-textbooks-life-on-earth-did-not-arise-due-to-increased-oxygen-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex organisms</a>, rather than causing species to go extinct or reduce in size."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-of-the-largest-early-animals-thrive">Survival of the largest: Early animals thrive</h2>



By developing scaling theories, the researchers modeled how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organisms-called-protosterol-biota-lived-1-6-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">different organisms</a> would have fared during these harsh conditions. 



The findings indicated that early ancestors of animals, similar to modern-day swimming algae that consume prey instead of relying on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>, would have prospered in this freezing environment. 



In stark contrast, single-celled organisms that depend on diffusion for movement and feeding, such as bacteria, may have shrunk in size. 



These findings highlight the selective pressure of environmental conditions during Snowball Earth, favoring larger, more complex organisms, and paving the way for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-exist-today-ediacaran-period-earth-weak-magnetic-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular life’s emergence</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-glaciers-to-greatness">From glaciers to greatness</h2>



The melting of Snowball Earth’s icy grip marked a new era for the newly evolved multicellular organisms. Liberated from the icy world's constraints, they diversified, leading to the wide variety of life we see today.



"The world is different after Snowball Earth because there's a new form of life on the planet," explains SFI Professor Christopher Kempes, the senior author of the study. 



"Our research suggests that these pivotal moments in Earth's history are not random occurrences, but rather predictable outcomes of planetary evolution." 



By understanding these patterns, scientists can gain insight into the fundamental processes that shape life's journey from simple beginnings to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rna-world-unraveling-mysteries-life-origin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex ecosystems</a> and even intelligent civilizations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowball-earth-scavenger-hunt">Snowball Earth scavenger hunt</h2>



The study provides a new framework for interpreting Earth's past, offering hypotheses for ancestor organism features to hunt for in the fossil record. 



The team also believes their work could aid in the search for extraterrestrial life, helping identify conditions that might foster complex organisms' emergence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-may-exist-on-one-of-jupiters-moons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on other planets</a>.



The period of Snowball Earth was undoubtedly a time of extreme hardship, but it also served as a catalyst for life's greatest innovation: the transition from single cells to complex, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weak-magnetic-field-may-have-set-the-stage-for-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular organisms</a>.



In unearthing the secrets of this ancient era, we better appreciate the resilience and adaptability of life on Earth, gaining insight into the transformative forces that have sculpted our planet’s rich tapestry of biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-snowball-earth-shaped-multicellular-life">How Snowball Earth shaped multicellular life</h2>



In summary, this remarkable research opens a new window into understanding the complex journey from single-celled organisms to the diverse, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-behavior-earth-first-sea-creatures-stirring-water-drove-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular life</a> that fills our world today. 



It is a story of survival, adaptation, and ultimately, evolution, shaped by the most inhospitable conditions our planet has ever experienced during a period of time known as Snowball Earth. 



In the face of adversity, life finds a way to thrive and diversify, which indeed is the greatest wonder of evolution.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2023.2767" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Past 'Snowball Earth' conditions drove evolution of complex multicellular life

Life on Earth was once ruled by the small, single-celled...

<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.



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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.



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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.



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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>.



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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>.



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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>.



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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<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>



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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.

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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>.



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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.



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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...

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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



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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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;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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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;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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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



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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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



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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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;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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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



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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...

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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;



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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

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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



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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

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

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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;



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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

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