<p>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. </p>



<p>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.”</p>



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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.</p>



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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>.</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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. </p>



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



<p>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. </p>



<p><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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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. </p>



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



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



<p>“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). </p>



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



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



<p><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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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.</p>



<p>Professor Revital Bookman said that the discovery is fascinating in the worst possible way. </p>



<p>"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. </p>



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



<p>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. </p>



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



<p>“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.”</p>



<p>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. </p>



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



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



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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...

<p>If lakes could talk, they'd probably be telling us they're not feeling so hot. A remarkable new study, the first of its kind, has revealed that nearly half of the world's major lakes are struggling to show resilience and bounce back from the stresses of modern life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-resilience-of-lakes-look-like">What does "resilience" of lakes look like?</h2>



<p>Resilience&nbsp;in this context means the ability of a lake to recover from disturbances. Such disturbances can include pollution, temperature changes, and extreme weather events. A resilient lake can bounce back, maintaining its clarity, health, and ability to support life.</p>



<p>However, when we pour in too much pollution, it becomes difficult for the lake to maintain its health. Pollutants come from various sources like agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and untreated sewage. These contaminants can harm fish and plants, disrupt the ecosystem, and degrade water quality.</p>



<p>Next, consider <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> change. As the planet warms, so do our lakes. Increased temperatures can lead to more algal blooms, which deplete oxygen and can be toxic to aquatic life. Warmer water also holds less oxygen, further stressing the lake's inhabitants.</p>



<p>Lastly, extreme weather events like heavy rains, storms, and droughts can overwhelm even the most resilient lakes. Heavy rains wash in more pollutants, while droughts lower water levels, concentrating harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nitrogen-overlooked-component-eutrophication-lake-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">substances</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-lakes-have-greater-resilience">Some lakes have greater resilience</h2>



<p>Densely populated areas,&nbsp;particularly in eastern North America and northern Europe,&nbsp;are seeing the worst of it.&nbsp;Think of it as a lake's version of city stress - too many people,&nbsp;too much waste,&nbsp;and not enough room to breathe.</p>



<p>But it's not all doom and gloom.&nbsp;The study also found some glimmers of hope.&nbsp;Some high-altitude lakes, which receive increased flow from melting glaciers, are showing greater resilience. </p>



<p>Despite the challenges posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-tsunamis-are-an-emerging-climate-linked-hazard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, these lakes are adapting and improving their ability to recover from disturbances. This finding highlights nature's remarkable capacity to adjust and thrive even in changing conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-lakes-are-approaching-a-tipping-point">Many lakes are approaching a tipping point </h2>



<p>The research didn't just look at a single snapshot in time.&nbsp;They tracked lake health over nearly two decades,&nbsp;from 2000 to 2018.&nbsp;And what they found was a bit of a rollercoaster ride.</p>



<p>In the early 2000s,&nbsp;things seemed somewhat balanced.&nbsp;Roughly the same number of lakes were gaining resilience as losing it.&nbsp;But by the late 2010s,&nbsp;things took a turn for the worse.&nbsp;More lakes were losing resilience than gaining it,&nbsp;a trend particularly pronounced in those densely populated areas we mentioned earlier.</p>



<p>“While we anticipated that human activities would significantly impact lake resilience, the extent of resilience decline - nearly half of the studied lakes - was alarming,” said Ke Zhang, the lead author of the study.</p>



<p>This rapid decline has scientists worried that many lakes might be approaching a tipping point.&nbsp;Once they cross that threshold,&nbsp;there might be no turning back.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wealthier-regions-healthier-lakes">Wealthier regions, healthier lakes</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the study also found a connection between a country's wealth and the health of its lakes. Wealthier regions tended to have more resilient lakes, likely because they invest more in conservation efforts and environmental protection measures. </p>



<p>This underscores that safeguarding our environment often requires substantial financial resources. However, the study suggests that the expense of implementing these protective measures is justified, as the long-term cost of neglecting environmental protection could be much higher. </p>



<p>This highlights the importance of investing in environmental sustainability to ensure the resilience and health of natural ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-action-for-our-lakes">A call to action for our lakes </h2>



<p>This study is more than just a collection of alarming statistics.&nbsp;It's a wake-up call,&nbsp;a reminder that our lakes are not just pretty scenery – they're vital ecosystems that support countless species,&nbsp;including our own.</p>



<p>“This trend is concerning and underscores the urgent need for effective management and restoration efforts to mitigate these impacts,” Zhang said.</p>



<p>But there's hope. By understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-make-your-hometown-feel-like-somewhere-else/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">factors</a> that influence lake resilience, we can develop effective strategies to protect these vital resources. </p>



<p>This finding serves as a call to action for governments, scientists, and everyday citizens to collaborate in safeguarding our lakes. Collective efforts can ensure that our lakes remain vibrant and healthy for future generations. </p>



<p>Such efforts might include stricter pollution controls, habitat restoration projects, and community-led conservation initiatives. By working together, we can make significant progress in maintaining the resilience and health of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essential ecosystems</a>.</p>



<p>After all,&nbsp;a world without healthy lakes is like a life without laughter - a little less vibrant,&nbsp;a little less alive.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL109298" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



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Half of the world's largest lakes are losing their resilience

If lakes could talk, they'd probably be telling us they're...

<p>Over the past two decades, the world has seen a dramatic escalation in the frequency and intensity of extreme wildfires, a trend driven largely by human-induced climate warming.</p>



<p>An extensive analysis of satellite records led by Calum Cunningham, a researcher from the <a href="https://www.utas.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tasmania</a> in Australia, revealed that the occurrence of wildfires with significant "radiative power" increased by more than double from 2003 to 2023.</p>



<p>Even more concerning, the intensity of the 20 most extreme fires each year has also more than doubled - a consistent trend that appears to be accelerating.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-results-of-the-study">Alarming results of the study</h2>



<p>"Climate change is exacerbating wildfire conditions, but evidence is lacking for global trends in extreme fire activity itself," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"Here we identify energetically extreme wildfire events by calculating daily clusters of summed fire radiative power using 21 years of satellite data, revealing that the frequency of extreme events (≥99.99th percentile) increased by 2.2-fold from 2003 to 2023, with the last 7 years including the 6 most extreme." </p>



<p>"Although the total area burned on Earth may be declining, our study highlights that fire behavior is worsening in several regions - particularly the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-changes-what-happens-to-boreal-forests-after-fire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boreal</a> and temperate conifer biomes - with substantial implications for carbon storage and human exposure to wildfire disasters."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-hotspots">Wildfire hotspots</h2>



<p>The geographical spread of extreme fires is extensive, predominantly affecting North America, northern Eurasia, and Australia.</p>



<p>Specifically, temperate conifer forests in the western United States have witnessed an 11-fold increase in extreme fires, while Earth’s northernmost forests covering regions like Alaska, Canada, and Russia have seen more than a seven-fold rise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-feedback-loop-of-climate-change">The feedback loop of climate change</h2>



<p>The repercussions of energetically extreme fires are vast and multifaceted. As forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, the loss of trees due to fires not only releases stored CO2 back into the air but also exacerbates <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-climate-turns-tundra-from-carbon-sink-to-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>, creating a detrimental feedback loop.</p>



<p>This cycle of destruction and warming continues to dry out landscapes, making them more susceptible to future fires.</p>



<p>In addition to environmental damage, the health implications are severe. The smoke from these fires blankets large regions, leading to significant health issues and premature deaths which far exceed those caused directly by the flames.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-management-and-climate-change">Wildfire management and climate change</h2>



<p>The increasing severity and regularity of wildfires highlight the urgent need for adaptive strategies to cope with a climate more prone to such extremes.</p>



<p>Effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-forests-rapidly-changing-repercussions-looming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest management</a> at the local level is crucial to mitigate the risk and impact of severe fires. This involves not just <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fire-suppression-methods-increase-the-severity-of-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">firefighting strategies</a> but also preventive measures to manage and maintain forest health.</p>



<p>The implications of this study, though alarming, are a call for action. The research is a reminder that the effects of climate change are not a distant threat - but a present reality impacting ecosystems and communities globally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-in-a-hotter-world">Wildfires in a hotter world</h2>



<p>In a hotter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-impacts-are-evolving-due-to-climate-change-but-in-what-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a>, fires will continue to become more frequent and intense. Higher temperatures dry out vegetation, making it more flammable and increasing the likelihood of wildfires. </p>



<p>Prolonged heatwaves and drought conditions further exacerbate the issue, reducing the moisture content in forests and grasslands. Additionally, warmer climates can extend the fire season, leading to longer periods of heightened fire risk. </p>



<p>The combination of these factors means that when fires do ignite, they spread more rapidly and are harder to control, often resulting in larger and more destructive wildfires. </p>



<p>This trend is being observed worldwide, with notable increases in fire activity in regions like California, Australia, and the Mediterranean.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02452-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a></em>.</p>



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Extreme wildfires have doubled in the last 20 years

Over the past two decades, the world has seen a...

<p>The impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> change are increasingly evident worldwide, but how will it specifically affect your hometown? </p>



<p>A new interactive web application from the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a>’s Center for Environmental Science allows users to search 40,581 places and 5,323 metro areas globally to find future climate analogs, comparing expected future climates to current conditions in other locations. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hometown-climate-in-the-coming-years">Hometown climate in the coming years</h2>



<p>This tool provides a relatable forecast of what your city's climate could be like in the coming decades, offering insight into temperature changes and potential scenarios based on emission levels.</p>



<p>For example, to experience the projected 2080 climate of Washington, D.C., you would need to travel to northern Louisiana, where summers are anticipated to be 11.5°F warmer. Similarly, Shanghai’s future climate might resemble that of northern Pakistan by 2080.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-towards-the-equator-nbsp">Moving towards the equator&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“In 50 years, the northern hemisphere cities to the north are going to become much more like cities to the south. Everything is moving towards the equator in terms of the climate that's coming for you,” said Matthew Fitzpatrick, an expert in spatial modeling at the University of Maryland.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“And the closer you get to the equator, there are fewer and fewer good matches for climates in places like Central America, south Florida, and northern Africa. There is no place on Earth representative of what those places will be like in the future.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-changes-in-the-coming-decades-nbsp">Temperature changes in the coming decades&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Fitzpatrick employed climate-analog mapping, a statistical method that matches future climate projections of a location with the current climate of another familiar place, to provide a more tangible understanding of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Using recent data from the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a> (IPCC), the tool illustrates projected temperature changes over 30 years under two different scenarios.</p>



<p>The application provides projections for both high and reduced emissions scenarios, offering results based on several climate forecast models.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-climate-matches-for-your-hometown-nbsp">Exploring climate matches for your hometown&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Users can explore the best climate matches for their city under different scenarios and models, and map the similarity between their city's future climate and current climates elsewhere, based on the average of five forecasts for each emission scenario.</p>



<p>The first scenario assumes very high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>, projecting a global temperature increase of around nine degrees F by the end of this century, making the Earth warmer than it likely has been in millions of years. </p>



<p>The second scenario envisions the effects if nations meet the Paris Climate Accord goals, resulting in about a three degrees F increase by significantly reducing human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<p>“I hope that it continues to inform the conversation about climate change. I hope it helps people better understand the magnitude of the impacts and why scientists are so concerned,” Fitzpatrick concluded.</p>



<p>To take a look at the projected future climate of your hometown, the interactive website can be accessed <a href="https://fitzlab.shinyapps.io/cityapp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-global-warming-impact-human-health">How does global warming impact human health?</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-the-strongest-in-7000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global warming</a> has a profound impact on human health in several ways. Rising temperatures can exacerbate heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be fatal, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. </p>



<p>Additionally, warmer climates contribute to the proliferation of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, by expanding the habitats of mosquitoes and other vectors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Air quality also deteriorates with global warming, as higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> increase the concentration of ground-level ozone and other pollutants, leading to respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases. </p>



<p>Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, become more frequent and severe, resulting in injuries, loss of life, and mental health issues. These events also disrupt healthcare services and infrastructure, making it harder to access medical care when it is most needed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> affects food security by altering agricultural productivity, leading to malnutrition and food borne illnesses. </p>



<p>The combined stress of these health impacts can strain public health systems, especially in low-resource settings, exacerbating existing health inequalities.</p>



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Climate change will make your hometown feel like somewhere else

The impacts of climate change are increasingly evident worldwide, but...

<p>The Great Salt Lake in Utah is drying up, like many inland seas worldwide, due to increased human water use and accelerating climate change. As the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> shrinks, it exposes large areas of dry lakebed.</p>



<p>This desiccation releases harmful dust that pollutes surrounding areas during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storms</a>, posing serious health risks to nearby communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dust-problem-a-growing-concern">The dust problem: A growing concern</h2>



<p>Since the mid-1980s, the Great Salt Lake has been steadily drying, exposing its lakebed to atmospheric weathering and wind. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-impacts-dust-levels-on-a-global-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dust emissions</a> from drying salt lakes produce fine particulate matter (PM2.5), linked to numerous health issues and recognized as the leading environmental cause of human mortality worldwide.</p>



<p>"We know that the dust from these drying lakes is very unhealthy for us, so the question becomes, what does that mean in terms of people's exposure to the dust, and what does it mean in terms of inequalities in exposure to that dust," said study first author and sociologist Sara Grineski of the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a>. "Are some people more likely to have to suffer the consequences to a greater degree?"</p>



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



<p>To explore these questions, a team of sociologists, atmospheric scientists, geographers, and biologists used a model to simulate dust pollution scenarios. </p>



<p>The experts investigated how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">dust pollution</a> would change if the lake dried further or if its levels were restored.</p>



<p>"The drying of lakes with no outlets, also called terminal lakes or inland seas, is a major ecological catastrophe of the twenty-first century. As lake beds dry, they become sources of fine dust that harms human health," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"These lake beds are drying, in part due to decreased inflows of water associated with climate change, but mostly due to increasing human demands for water."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-model-simulations-of-dust-exposure">Model simulations of dust exposure </h2>



<p>The model predicted dust levels in three counties surrounding the lake and combined these with demographic data from the 2020 U.S. Census and American Community Survey to analyze exposure disparities.</p>



<p>During typical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sand-and-dust-storms-have-become-unpredictable-and-dangerous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storms</a>, current levels expose residents to 26 μg/m3 of dust PM2.5 on average, which is higher than the World Health Organization's threshold of 15 μg/m3.</p>



<p>If the lake were to dry up completely, exposure could rise to 32 μg/m3, while restoring the lake could reduce exposure to 24 μg/m3.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-justice-and-the-great-salt-lake">Environmental justice and the Great Salt Lake</h2>



<p>The Great Salt Lake serves as a crucial case study, revealing significant disparities in dust exposure among different demographic groups. </p>



<p>Dust exposure is highest among Pacific Islanders and Hispanic people, while white people experience lower levels of exposure. Additionally, those without a high school diploma are more affected by the dust. </p>



<p>Restoring the lake could significantly reduce dust exposure and address these disparities, benefiting everyone in the vicinity and promoting environmental justice.</p>



<p>"People here in Utah are concerned about the lake for a variety of reasons - the ski industry, the brine shrimp, the migratory birds, recreation - and this study adds environmental justice and the equity implications of the drying lake to the conversation," noted Grineski. </p>



<p>"If we can raise the levels of the lake via some coordinated policy responses, we can reduce our exposure to dust, which is good for everyone's health, and we can also reduce the disparity between groups."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoration-of-the-great-salt-lake">Restoration of the Great Salt Lake</h2>



<p>Future research aims to explore how changes in the region's population size and composition might affect dust exposure from the lake. The ultimate goal is to guide local policymakers in prioritizing the restoration of the Great Salt Lake.</p>



<p>"If we were to enact policy and conservation measures to raise the lake, we would benefit not only in terms of decreased dust, but in terms of less dramatic disparities between who is breathing in more of this dust," explained Grineski. </p>



<p>"It's important to consider the environmental justice implications of different choices that we might make in the policy arena when we think about different strategies for adaptation and mitigation to climate change."</p>



<p>Restoring the Great Salt Lake stands as a vital step toward achieving both environmental justice and ecological balance, ensuring a healthier future for all residents in the region.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(24)00249-5?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2590332224002495%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Earth</a></em></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Restoring the Great Salt Lake is a matter of environmental justice

The Great Salt Lake in Utah is drying up, like...

<p>A recent study has revealed that the global carbon stored by plants is shorter-lived and more susceptible to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> than previously believed. </p>



<p>The results indicate that current climate models underestimate the annual global uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) by vegetation and overestimate the amount of time that this carbon remains stored.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-cycling-in-plants">Carbon cycling in plants</h2>



<p>The research, led by Dr. Heather Graven at <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>, has significant implications for understanding nature's role in mitigating climate change, particularly concerning nature-based carbon removal projects like mass tree planting.</p>



<p>“Plants across the world are actually more productive than we thought they were,” noted Dr. Graven. However, while plants absorb carbon faster than expected, they also release it faster.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This means that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-plants-into-carbon-capture-machines-with-cyanobacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> from human activities will be released back into the atmosphere sooner than previously predicted, noted the researchers.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-removal-strategies-nbsp">Carbon removal strategies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Many of the strategies being developed by governments and corporations to address climate change rely on plants and forests to draw down planet-warming CO2 and lock it away in the ecosystem,” said Dr. Graven.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“But our study suggests that carbon stored in living plants does not stay there as long as we thought. It emphasizes that the potential for such nature-based carbon removal projects is limited, and fossil fuel emissions need to be ramped down quickly to minimize the impact of climate change.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-net-primary-productivity-nbsp">Net primary productivity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Until now, the global measure of net primary productivity (NPP) - which represents the rate at which plants use <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> to create new tissues - has been approximated from limited site-specific data. </p>



<p>The lack of comprehensive measurements has made it challenging to accurately calculate net primary productivity on a global scale. </p>



<p>Since the early 1900s, plant productivity has increased, with more CO2 being absorbed by plants than released back into the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Approximately 30% of human CO2 emissions are stored in plants and soils each year, helping to mitigate climate change. However, the stability and future of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-plants-continue-offsetting-our-carbon-emissions-in-a-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a> remain poorly understood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-plant-carbon-usage-nbsp">Global plant carbon usage&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In this study, radiocarbon (14C), a radioactive isotope of carbon, was used alongside model simulations to study global plant CO2 usage. This approach produced valuable insights into the interaction between the atmosphere and the biosphere. </p>



<p>Radiocarbon levels increased due to nuclear bomb testing in the 1950s and 1960s, offering researchers a tool to measure plant uptake rates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By analyzing 14C accumulation in plants from 1963 to 1967, the experts assessed the carbon transfer from the atmosphere to vegetation and its subsequent fate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-models-overestimate-plant-carbon-storage">Models overestimate plant carbon storage</h2>



<p>The findings reveal that current models underestimate global plant productivity and overestimate carbon storage duration in plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These observations are from a unique moment in history, just after the peak of atomic weapons testing in the atmosphere in the 1960s,” noted Dr. Charles Koven from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. </p>



<p>“The observations show that the growth of plants at the time was faster than current climate models estimate that it was.” </p>



<p>“The significance is that it implies that carbon cycles more rapidly between the atmosphere and biosphere than we have thought, and that we need to better understand and account for this more rapid cycling in climate models.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-carbon-cycle-dynamics-nbsp">New insights into carbon cycle dynamics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research underscores the need to improve theories about plant growth and ecosystem interactions and adjust global climate models for better understanding of the biosphere's role in mitigating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-forests-which-tree-species-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Scientists and policymakers need improved estimates of historical land carbon uptake to inform projections of this critical ecosystem service in future decades,” said Dr. Will Wieder from the National Center for Atmospheric Research.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our study provides critical insights into terrestrial carbon cycle dynamics, which can inform models that are used for climate change projections.”</p>



<p>According to the researchers, their work highlights the usefulness of radiocarbon measurements in helping to unravel the complexities of the biosphere.</p>



<p>The study authors included German physicist Ingeborg Levin, a pioneer in radiocarbon and atmospheric research, who passed away in February.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl4443" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Plants release carbon faster than we expected

A recent study has revealed that the global carbon stored...

<p>Five hundred million years ago, the Cambrian “SPICE” event led to a significant drop in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cautionary-tale-todays-ocean-oxygen-levels-may-have-cascading-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oceanic oxygen</a> levels. Researchers from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> have now explored how large-scale ocean anoxia developed during this event and its potential modern implications. </p>



<p>The study identified a phosphorus recycling chain reaction from ocean sediments as a key factor in oxygen loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-amplifying-feedback-loop-nbsp">Self-amplifying feedback loop&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Under anoxic conditions, phosphorus is released more efficiently from sediments, which further depleted oxygen levels and expanded anoxia at the global scale,” explained senior author Tais W. Dahl, an associate professor of geobiology at the University of Copenhagen.</p>



<p>“This self-amplifying loop led to a rapid and prolonged marine anoxia. The study warns that the feedback loop is still looming in today's oceans, where human activities might influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excess-nutrients-are-creating-ocean-dead-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient</a> dynamics in ways that increase the risk of setting off cascading anoxic conditions." </p>



<p>"Coastal zones, in particular, could be susceptible to anoxia that might propagate on a larger scale.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-immediate-threat-nbsp">No immediate threat&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While global-scale anoxia is not an immediate threat today due to limited phosphorus resources and high atmospheric oxygen levels, the study highlights the importance of understanding nutrient dynamics and sedimentation processes, particularly in coastal zones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These insights are crucial for managing the health of marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-turbidity-helps-protect-coastal-ecosystems/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> and their resident animal species.</p>



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



<p>By comparing ancient and modern marine systems, this study provides valuable insights into the potential evolution of ocean chemistry today.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Emphasizing the importance of historical context, the research aims to improve predictive models and guide policy decisions to safeguard <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-are-threatened-by-low-oxygen-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> and ensure their resilience in the face of ongoing environmental changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-a-future-tipping-point-nbsp">Preventing a future tipping point&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The SPICE event exemplifies how oxygen loss in marine ecosystems cascaded shoreward, passing a tipping point resulting in lasting harm to animal ecosystems, altering the carbon cycle,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These insights emphasize the importance of understanding marine nutrient dynamics and the need to improve forecasting models to guide policy, ensure marine health, and prevent conditions that could cause self-cascading oceanic damage.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-oxygen-loss-nbsp">Cascading oxygen loss&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Cascading oxygen loss in the ocean refers to a process where deoxygenation spreads from one part of the ocean to another, creating a chain reaction.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrient-runoff">Nutrient runoff</h3>



<p>This phenomenon typically begins in areas with high nutrient runoff, such as coastal regions with heavy agricultural or urban pollution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Excess nutrients stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, which, after dying, sink and decompose. This decomposition consumes oxygen, leading to hypoxic (low oxygen) or anoxic (no oxygen) conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expansion-of-low-oxygen-conditions-nbsp">Expansion of low-oxygen conditions&nbsp;</h3>



<p>As these hypoxic or anoxic zones expand, they affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>, causing die-offs of species that cannot survive in low-oxygen environments. </p>



<p>The loss of these species further disrupts the marine ecosystem, altering food webs and reducing biodiversity. Additionally, as the affected waters circulate and mix with other ocean areas, the low-oxygen conditions can spread, exacerbating the problem.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-interplay-nbsp">Complex interplay&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Cascading oxygen loss also interacts with other stressors, such as rising ocean temperatures and acidification, making marine environments even more inhospitable.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This complex interplay of factors can lead to widespread and persistent deoxygenation, significantly impacting ocean health and the services it provides to human societies, such as fisheries and carbon sequestration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-oxygen-loss-impact-marine-species">How does oxygen loss impact marine species?</h2>



<p>Oxygen loss in marine environments significantly impacts marine animals by reducing the availability of a critical element needed for their survival.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As oxygen levels decrease, many marine species experience stress, which can lead to decreased growth rates, impaired reproductive success, and increased susceptibility to diseases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This hypoxic condition forces marine animals to either adapt, migrate to areas with higher oxygen levels, or face potential mortality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, oxygen depletion can disrupt food chains, as both predator and prey species are affected, leading to broader ecological consequences in marine ecosystems.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.05.011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>One Earth</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Cascading oxygen loss is endangering ocean life

Five hundred million years ago, the Cambrian “SPICE” event led...

<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-germinate-seeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants</a> are extremely adaptable organisms that have evolved remarkable strategies to survive in various environments. One such strategy is seed dormancy, which prevents seeds from germinating even under optimal conditions, reducing the risk to seedlings during adverse periods.</p>



<p>In Mediterranean climates like Cyprus, summers can be extremely hot and dry, posing a significant threat to young seedlings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A subspecies of <em>Aethionema arabicum</em> in Cyprus has evolved a unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seed-germination-is-controlled-by-an-internal-thermometer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation</a> to avoid germination during these harsh months. In a recent study, experts investigated the molecular basis of this adaptation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-suppression-of-germination-nbsp">Long-term suppression of germination&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Previously, researchers discovered that direct light exposure inhibits the germination of <em>Aethionema arabicum</em> seeds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The new study explored whether light exposure could also induce long-term suppression of germination, known as secondary dormancy. The investigation revealed that the length of daily light exposure was crucial in establishing secondary dormancy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This mechanism makes a lot of sense: day length is a much more stable condition than temperature or humidity, which may vary significantly from one day to the next,” said lead author Zsuzsanna Mérai, a postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://www.oeaw.ac.at/gmi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gregor Mendel Institute</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-the-seedlings">Protecting the seedlings</h2>



<p>As days lengthen in summer, seeds exposed to longer light periods avoid germinating, thereby preventing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orchid-parents-nurture-seedlings-through-fungal-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seedlings</a> from facing lethal conditions.</p>



<p>The researchers demonstrated that exposing seeds to 16 hours of light per day resulted in long-term suppression of germination, even when the seeds were later placed in darkness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Even if we put the seeds back to dark conditions, they will not germinate because they will remember that the conditions were not good for sprouting,” Mérai explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triggers-nbsp-of-seed-dormancy">Triggers&nbsp;of seed dormancy </h2>



<p>While secondary dormancy has been observed before, its molecular triggers were not well understood. By screening a library of mutated seeds unable to establish secondary dormancy, the researchers identified RGL2 as the primary regulator.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Seeds with mutations in the RGL2 gene are still inhibited by light, but only short term. Lacking RGL2, secondary dormancy induction fails,” Mérai said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, the analyses revealed that RGL2 regulates over 3,300 genes associated with secondary dormancy, affecting both pro-dormancy and dormancy-repressing genes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecular-basis-of-secondary-dormancy-nbsp">Molecular basis of secondary dormancy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Previous research has shown that seed dormancy results from the balance between abscisic acid (ABA), a dormancy-promoting hormone, and gibberellin (GA), a dormancy-repressing hormone.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study showed that RGL2 suppresses GA production and enhances ABA synthesis in seeds exposed to light.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the scientists discovered that only the reduction of GA levels, not the increase of ABA levels, was essential for inducing secondary dormancy.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-germination-patterns">Adapting germination patterns </h2>



<p>These findings reveal how some plants adapt their germination patterns to avoid harsh summer conditions, differing from the traditional view that light induces germination.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Some plants seem to have tweaked germination to adapt to specific climates,” Mérai said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study also showed that summer heat and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-crisis-un-warns-of-unprecedented-emergency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> trigger the end of dormancy, preparing seeds for favorable conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research">Ongoing research</h2>



<p>The researchers plan to investigate if similar mechanisms exist in other plants, which could have significant implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-can-help-make-crops-more-resilient/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop resilience</a> in warming climates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our findings could be applied to make new crops that are better adapted to warmer climates and the continuously rising temperatures,” Mérai concluded.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-plants-use-seed-dormancy">Which plants use seed dormancy?</h2>



<p>Seed dormancy is a survival strategy that is used across a wide range of plant species, each adapted to their unique ecological niches.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees">Trees</h3>



<p>Trees such as oak, pine, and maple exhibit seed dormancy to ensure germination at the optimal time for growth.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grasses">Grasses</h3>



<p>Several grass species, including wild grasses and some cultivated varieties like wheat and barley, also use seed dormancy to avoid germination under unfavorable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-a-way-of-telling-us-what-climate-they-can-survive-in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legumes-nbsp">Legumes&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Plants in the legume family, such as peas, beans, and clovers, often have hard seed coats that contribute to dormancy.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildflowers">Wildflowers</h3>



<p>Many wildflower species, like lupines and poppies, exhibit seed dormancy to ensure they germinate when conditions are ideal for survival.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrubs-nbsp">Shrubs&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Various shrubs, including those in the genus Rosa (roses) and Rubus (blackberries and raspberries), also use seed dormancy to synchronize germination with favorable environmental conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.05.043" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Plant seeds go dormant to avoid harsh conditions

Plants are extremely adaptable organisms that have evolved remarkable strategies...

<p>Air pollution, a pervasive and often <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-composition-of-us-air-pollution-has-changed-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invisible threat</a>, has been literally brought to light through an innovative collaboration between researchers and artists.</p>



<p>By combining digital light painting with low-cost air pollution sensors, a team has created striking photographic evidence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-air-pollution-levels-have-dropped-but-not-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution levels</a> in cities across Ethiopia, India, and the UK.</p>



<p>This project not only highlights the health risks posed by this environmental hazard but also sparks crucial discussions within local communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visible-air-pollution-in-images">Visible air pollution in images</h2>



<p>Photographs from the "Air of the Anthropocene" project have fostered dialogue about the impacts of air pollution. The project was created by photographer Robin Price and Professor Francis Pope, an environmental scientist at the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>.</p>



<p>"Air pollution is the leading global environmental risk factor," noted Professor Pope. "By painting with light to create impactful images, we provide people with an easy-to-understand way of comparing air pollution in different contexts - making something that was largely invisible visible."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-meets-science">Art meets science</h2>



<p>The team used low-cost air pollution sensors to measure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-farming-and-wildfires-is-more-likely-to-cause-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particulate matter</a> (PM) concentrations.</p>



<p>The real-time signals of the sensors controlled a moving LED array, programmed to flash more rapidly as PM concentrations increased. This innovative approach turned data into visual art.</p>



<p>"By providing a visual understanding of air pollution that is accessible to people who don’t necessarily have a scientific background, the light painting approach can demonstrate that managing air pollution levels can have a significant impact on people’s day-to-day lives," noted Price.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-striking-comparisons-across-continents">Striking comparisons across continents</h2>



<p>The project revealed stark differences in air pollution across various locations:</p>



<ul>
<li>In Ethiopia, indoor PM2.5 concentrations in a kitchen using biomass stoves were up to 20 times higher than nearby outdoor levels.</li>



<li>In India, PM2.5 values in a rural playground in Palampur were at least 12.5 times lower than those in an urban playground in Delhi.</li>



<li>In Wales, PM2.5 concentrations around the Port Talbot steelworks varied between 30-40 mg/m3, compared to an hourly average of 24 mg/m3.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engaging-the-public-through-art">Engaging the public through art</h2>



<p>"Air of the Anthropocene creates spaces and places for discussion about air pollution, using art as a proxy to communicate and create dialogues about the issues associated with air pollution," said Professor Pope.</p>



<p>Study co-author Carlo Luiu from the University of Birmingham emphasized the power of images in provoking emotions, fostering awareness, and encouraging action to tackle this environmental threat.</p>



<p>The photos have been exhibited at gallery shows in Los Angeles, Belfast, and Birmingham. </p>



<p>The project has also been used to raise air pollution awareness by UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), and UN-Habitat - which commissioned four pollution light paintings and texts to be displayed in Kampala, Uganda.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-air-pollution-crisis">Global air pollution crisis</h2>



<p>Air pollution is a major environmental and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health threat</a>, responsible for millions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tens-of-thousands-of-premature-deaths-linked-to-human-ignited-fires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">premature deaths</a> annually.</p>



<p>The World Health Organization estimates that 99% of the global population breathes polluted air, causing around seven million deaths each year.</p>



<p>The issue is particularly severe in Asia and Africa, where rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to significant air quality deterioration.</p>



<p>Particulate matter is the primary pollutant responsible for health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and cancers. The innovative approach of the "Air of the Anthropocene" project shines a light on this invisible killer, urging communities and policymakers to take action.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications">Study implications</h2>



<p>The study has significant implications for both public health and environmental policy. By making particulate matter visible through digital light painting, the harsh reality of air pollution becomes tangible and accessible to the general public.</p>



<p>This innovative approach can enhance public awareness of the health risks associated with pollution, potentially leading to increased community engagement and advocacy for cleaner air. Policymakers can use the visual data to support stricter air quality regulations and promote sustainable practices.</p>



<p>The project also highlights the global nature of air pollution, encouraging international cooperation to address this widespread issue. </p>



<p>By comparing pollution levels across diverse regions, the research underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions in areas with the highest pollution levels.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01409-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Robin Price </p>



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'Painting with light' project makes air pollution visible

Air pollution, a pervasive and often invisible threat, has been...

<p>Picture this: a tropical paradise teeming with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-changes-social-behavior-in-monkeys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">playful monkeys</a>, lush foliage providing ample shade from the Caribbean sun. But then, disaster strikes. A devastating hurricane rips through the island, stripping away the trees and leaving the monkeys exposed to the harsh elements. </p>



<p>What happens next? Do they fight over the remaining scraps of shade, or do they band together and share?</p>



<p>A recent study reveals a surprising twist: the monkeys actually became&nbsp;<em>more</em> tolerant of each other in the wake of the storm. This unexpected turn of events offers valuable insights into how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rhesus-monkeys-quickly-learn-that-patience-is-rewarding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals adapt to environmental challenges</a> and the power of social connections in times of crisis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-storm-that-changed-everything">The storm that changed everything</h2>



<p>In 2017,&nbsp;Hurricane Maria,&nbsp;a powerful Category 4 storm,&nbsp;made landfall in Puerto Rico,&nbsp;leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.&nbsp;The storm's impact was not limited to the mainland; the nearby island of Cayo Santiago,&nbsp;a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico,&nbsp;was also severely affected.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Cayo Santiago,&nbsp;often referred to as "Monkey Island," is home to a well-established population of rhesus macaques that have been the subject of scientific research for over 80 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The hurricane decimated the island's ecosystem,&nbsp;stripping away 63% of its vegetation.&nbsp;This loss of foliage significantly reduced the availability of shade,&nbsp;a crucial resource for the monkeys to cope with the intense tropical heat.&nbsp;The monkeys were suddenly confronted with a drastically altered environment and limited options for shelter from the sun.</p>



<p>“In response to the drastic changes caused by the hurricane, macaques persistently increased tolerance and decreased aggression towards each other,”&nbsp;said Dr. Camille Testard from the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pennsylvania</a>.&nbsp;This change in behavior wasn't just a temporary blip; it persisted for years after the storm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooperation-on-monkey-island-after-hurricane">Cooperation on Monkey Island after hurricane</h2>



<p>Why did the monkeys suddenly become more cooperative? The answer lies in the concept of "selection pressure." </p>



<p>In the pre-hurricane <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-hurricanes-are-intensifying-faster-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>, where shade was plentiful, there was no evolutionary advantage to being tolerant of others. But after the storm, the ability to share shade became a matter of life or death. Monkeys who were more tolerant were more likely to survive and pass on their genes, leading to a shift in the overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-proboscis-monkeys-use-big-noses-attract-mates-nasalis-larvatus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social dynamics</a> of the population.</p>



<p>“Before the hurricane, tolerating others had no impact on risk of death. Afterwards, macaques that displayed more than average social tolerance - and were therefore better able to share shade - were 42% less likely to die than those that were less tolerant,”&nbsp;explained Dr. Testard.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-social-order-on-monkey-island">A new social order on Monkey Island</h2>



<p>The study revealed that the monkeys' newfound tolerance extended beyond just sharing shade. They also spent more time grooming each other and engaging in other affiliative behaviors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Macaques that began sharing shade also spend time together in the mornings, before the day’s heat forces them to seek shade. In effect, the hurricane changed the rules of the game in the monkeys’ society,”&nbsp;said Dr. Testard.</p>



<p>This remarkable transformation challenges the traditional view of rhesus macaques as aggressive and competitive. It demonstrates their surprising flexibility and resilience in the face of adversity. </p>



<p>“We were surprised the macaques’ social behavior was so flexible, making them resilient to this environmental change, but some species may not display this same flexibility,” stated Professor Lauren Brent from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-a-changing-world">Lessons for a changing world</h2>



<p>The implications of this research extend beyond the monkey island's adaptation to hurricanes and into the broader context of our changing world. As climate change intensifies,&nbsp;numerous species will encounter environmental pressures like those experienced by the Cayo Santiago macaques.</p>



<p>By studying how animals adapt to such challenges,&nbsp;we can gain valuable insights into the mechanisms of resilience and apply this knowledge to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/red-colobus-monkeys-are-threatened-by-poachers-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Understanding how social behavior can act as a buffer against environmental stress can inform strategies for protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining biodiversity in the face of climate change.</p>



<p>The remarkable adaptability of the Cayo Santiago macaques,&nbsp;who transformed adversity into an opportunity for increased cooperation and survival,&nbsp;serves as a beacon of hope.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their story underscores the potential for resilience and adaptation even in the most challenging circumstances,&nbsp;reminding us that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, the possibility for positive change and a brighter future remains.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk0606" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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Hurricane on Monkey Island made macaques more socially tolerant

Picture this: a tropical paradise teeming with playful monkeys, lush...

<p>The significant role of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-southern-ocean-could-become-seven-times-hotter-this-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Ocean</a> in global biological processes and the carbon cycle has been reconfirmed by a recent study published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh8199" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>. The research reveals the overlooked importance of inorganic zinc particles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zinc-and-dissolved-silica-nbsp">Zinc and dissolved silica&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Southern Ocean significantly contributes to global phytoplankton productivity, absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Zinc, although present in trace amounts in seawater, is a crucial micronutrient - especially for polar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phytoplankton-resilient-nutrient-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a> blooms. When phytoplankton blooms die off, zinc is released, playing a critical role in ocean processes.</p>



<p>Historically, scientists have noted a puzzling disconnection between zinc and phosphorus, despite both nutrients being co-located in phytoplankton regions. Instead, they discovered a strong and unexplained correlation between zinc and dissolved silica.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-ocean-s-zinc-cycle-nbsp">Understanding the ocean’s zinc cycle&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Alakendra Roychoudhury from <a href="https://www.sun.ac.za/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stellenbosch University</a>, a co-author of the study, argued that scientists can now confidently explain the biogeochemical processes driving the ocean’s zinc cycle. </p>



<p>Since 2013, Roychoudhury's team has participated in expeditions on South Africa’s polar research vessel, the SA Agulhas II, collecting sea water and sediment samples across the Southern Ocean.</p>



<p>“Processes occurring in the Southern Ocean are imprinted on water masses which are then transported to the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans,” said co-lead author Ryan Cloete, a scientist at LEMAR in France. Collaborating with a team of international researchers, the scientists used X-ray spectroscopic techniques to analyze samples at the atomic and molecular levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-replenishment-of-dissolved-zinc">Replenishment of dissolved zinc</h2>



<p>The findings indicate that higher productivity in summer increases the availability of zinc in the surface ocean’s organic fraction for phytoplankton uptake. However, they also found high concentrations of zinc associated with debris from rocks, earth, and atmospheric dust.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This interplay between zinc’s association or dissociation from particles is crucial for replenishing dissolved zinc to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>.</p>



<p>“In winter, poor growing conditions cause zinc particles to be ‘scavenged’ by inorganic solids like silica, iron, and aluminum oxides, explaining the strong association between zinc and silica in the oceans,” Cloete explained.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coupling-between-biochemical-processes">Coupling between biochemical processes</h2>



<p>Zinc bound to organic ligands is easily absorbed by marine life, whereas zinc in mineral form is not readily available, leading to its eventual sinking to the deep ocean and becoming inaccessible to phytoplankton.</p>



<p>“A warmer climate increases erosion, leading to more atmospheric dust and more scavenging of zinc particles, reducing zinc availability for marine life,” noted Roychoudhury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Cloete, such an approach to studying the oceanic zinc cycle opens the door to investigating other micronutrients, like copper, cadmium, and cobalt, which could also experience climate-induced changes.</p>



<p>“Our findings are a prime example of the coupling between biochemical processes at the molecular level and global processes like planetary warming,” Roychoudhury concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-zinc-important-to-marine-life">Why is zinc important to marine life?</h2>



<p>Zinc is a vital micronutrient that supports numerous physiological and biochemical functions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-ocean-dna-study-uncovers-mysteries-of-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>.</p>



<p>Zinc is involved in the activity of over 300 enzymes, many of which are critical for the metabolism and overall health of marine organisms.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protein-synthesis">Protein synthesis</h3>



<p>Zinc plays a crucial role in the synthesis and stabilization of proteins. It helps in the formation of structural proteins, enzymes, and other important molecules.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-expression">Gene expression</h3>



<p>Zinc is involved in the regulation of gene expression by influencing the activity of transcription factors. This regulation is vital for cellular functions and responses to environmental changes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-function-nbsp">Immune function&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Zinc is important for the proper functioning of the immune system. It helps <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-may-adapt-to-climate-change-but-with-hidden-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine organisms</a> resist infections and recover from illness.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growth-and-reproduction-nbsp">Growth and reproduction&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Adequate zinc levels are necessary for the growth and reproductive health of marine organisms. Zinc deficiency can lead to stunted growth and reproductive issues.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antioxidant-defense">Antioxidant defense</h3>



<p>Zinc contributes to the antioxidant defense system by protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-development">Development</h3>



<p>Zinc is crucial during the development stages of marine organisms, influencing everything from embryonic development to the growth of larvae and juveniles.</p>



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Zinc plays an overlooked role in ocean processes

The significant role of the Southern Ocean in global biological...

City,View,And,Sky,Show,Smog,Air,Pollution,Smog,City

<p>Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution between 1980 and 2020 has been linked to an estimated 135 million premature <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-pollution-claims-more-than-one-million-lives-per-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deaths</a> globally.</p>



<p>This alarming statistic comes from a recent study, highlighting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-composition-of-us-air-pollution-has-changed-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">devastating impact</a> of air pollution on human health.</p>



<p>Published in Environment International, the study led by researchers from Nanyang Technological University (<a href="https://www.ntu.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NTU</a>), Singapore, defines premature deaths as those occurring earlier than expected due to preventable or treatable causes such as diseases and environmental factors.</p>



<p>The researchers found that climate variability phenomena like El Niño-Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole, and North Atlantic Oscillation significantly worsened the impact of PM2.5 pollution, leading to a 14 percent increase in premature deaths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-pm2-5-air-pollution">Understanding PM2.5 air pollution</h2>



<p>PM2.5 refers to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breast-cancer-incidence-linked-to-high-particulate-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particulate matter</a> that measures 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. These tiny particles float in the air, often invisible to the naked eye. Their small size allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sources-and-health-impacts">Sources and health impacts</h3>



<p>Both natural phenomena and human activities generate PM2.5. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tens-of-thousands-of-premature-deaths-linked-to-human-ignited-fires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildfires</a>, dust storms, and volcanic eruptions release these particles naturally. </p>



<p>Human sources include vehicle emissions, industrial processes, power plants, and agricultural practices. The burning of fossil fuels and biomass contributes heavily to PM2.5 levels, especially in urban areas.</p>



<p>Inhaling PM2.5 can cause serious health problems. These particles irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and can lead to respiratory issues like coughing and shortness of breath. </p>



<p>Long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions face higher risks from PM2.5 pollution.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-effects">Environmental effects</h3>



<p>PM2.5 pollution affects the environment in various ways. These particles reduce visibility, creating haze in cities and scenic areas. They contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rocky-mountains-are-gradually-recovering-from-acid-rain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acid rain formation</a>, harming ecosystems and damaging buildings. PM2.5 also influences climate change by affecting the Earth's radiation balance.</p>



<p>Air quality monitors measure PM2.5 concentrations in micrograms per cubic meter of air. Many countries have established air quality standards for PM2.5 levels to protect public health. Real-time monitoring and forecasting help inform the public about air quality conditions and potential health risks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigation-strategies">Mitigation strategies</h3>



<p>Reducing PM2.5 pollution requires comprehensive action. Governments implement stricter emissions standards for vehicles and industries. </p>



<p>Cities promote clean energy sources and improve public transportation to decrease reliance on fossil fuels. </p>



<p>Individuals can contribute by using energy-efficient appliances, carpooling, and avoiding activities that generate smoke or dust.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-patterns-and-pm2-5-air-pollution">Climate patterns and PM2.5 air pollution</h2>



<p>Researchers utilized satellite data from NASA, disease statistics from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and climate pattern information from the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> to understand the link between PM2.5 pollution and mortality rates.</p>



<p>They discovered that during certain climate events, increased temperatures, altered wind patterns, and reduced precipitation led to stagnant air conditions, causing higher concentrations of harmful PM2.5 particles.</p>



<p>The global scope of the study, analyzing over 40 years of data, provided fresh insights into how specific climate patterns affect air pollution in different regions.</p>



<p>The study estimated that a third of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tens-of-thousands-of-premature-deaths-linked-to-human-ignited-fires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">premature deaths</a> were linked to stroke (33.3%), another third to ischemic heart disease (32.7%), with the remaining deaths associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections, and lung cancer.</p>



<p>This comprehensive analysis highlighted the complex relationship between climate and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/">air quality</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regional-impact-and-health-consequences">Regional impact and health consequences</h2>



<p>Asia experienced the highest number of premature deaths due to PM2.5 pollution, with China and India accounting for 49.0 million and 26.1 million deaths, respectively. </p>



<p>Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Japan also reported significant numbers of pollution-attributable premature deaths.</p>



<p>The study found that the simultaneous occurrence of the three major weather phenomena resulted in approximately 7,000 additional global premature deaths annually. </p>



<p>The Indian Ocean Dipole had the most significant impact, followed by the North Atlantic Oscillation and El Niño.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-public-health-and-policy">Implications for public health and policy</h2>



<p>The researchers emphasize the need for policymakers to prioritize public health when developing air quality strategies. </p>



<p>Instead of solely focusing on pollutant levels, governments should consider the health effects of air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/safe-air-pollution-levels-can-elevate-heart-attack-risk-within-one-hour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>, especially during specific weather conditions.</p>



<p>Associate Professor Steve Yim of NTU's <a href="https://www.ntu.edu.sg/ase" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian School of the Environment</a> and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine emphasized the significant impact of climate patterns on air pollution levels. </p>



<p>"Our findings show that changes in climate patterns can make air pollution worse," Yim stated. </p>



<p>He further explained that climate phenomena like El Niño can exacerbate PM2.5 pollution, potentially leading to increased premature deaths. Yim stressed the importance of incorporating climate pattern analysis into air pollution mitigation strategies to effectively safeguard public health worldwide.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educating-health-workers-about-pm2-5">Educating health workers about PM2.5</h2>



<p>"Our study highlights how climate patterns affect air pollution, and this is crucial for health care professionals because it directly impacts public health," stated Distinguished University Professor Joseph Sung, NTU's Senior Vice President (Health and Life Sciences) and Dean of NTU's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. </p>



<p>He emphasized that understanding these climate-pollution relationships enables medical professionals to anticipate and prepare for potential surges in patients with pollution-related health issues. </p>



<p>Professor Sung also stressed the need for preventive strategies to combat pollution and its health consequences, suggesting that such measures could significantly reduce the strain on healthcare systems and improve overall community well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-air-pollution-research-and-policy">Advancing air pollution research and policy</h2>



<p>The research team plans to conduct more detailed studies to gain a deeper understanding of local air pollution patterns and further elucidate the mechanisms behind how climate patterns influence the formation and reduction of PM2.5. </p>



<p>This continued research will be crucial in developing effective strategies to combat air pollution and protect public health globally.</p>



<p>By focusing on the intersection of climate patterns and air quality, this study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies that address the multifaceted nature of air pollution and its far-reaching impacts on human health.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024001739?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environment International</a></em></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Over 135 million people died prematurely due to air pollution

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution between 1980 and 2020...

<p>Researchers at the University of Virginia <a href="https://engineering.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Engineering and Applied Science</a> have discovered how to scale up the production of a highly efficient “wonder material,” MOF-525, for large-scale applications. </p>



<p>This material, part of the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) class, has unique properties that allow it to capture <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-capture-technology-faces-uncertainty-despite-heavy-investment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> and convert it into valuable chemicals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-wonder-material-works">How the wonder material works</h2>



<p>The breakthrough was achieved by Gaurav Giri's lab group, which developed a method called solution shearing to fabricate large membranes of MOF-525. This technique involves mixing MOF components in a solution and spreading it across a substrate with a shearing blade.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As the solution evaporates, the MOF forms a thin film on the substrate, creating an all-in-one membrane for carbon capture and conversion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-membranes-for-carbon-capture-nbsp">Membranes for carbon capture&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“If you can make these MOFs cover large areas, then new applications become possible, like making a membrane for carbon capture and electrocatalytic conversion all in one system,” Giri explained. Electrocatalytic conversion links <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-must-be-doubled-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a> sources to chemical synthesis, bypassing fossil fuel combustion.</p>



<p>MOFs have ultra-porous, crystalline structures with nanoscale cavities, creating vast internal surface areas that trap various chemical compounds. The team's method allows for scaling up the production of MOF-525 membranes, enhancing surface area and reaction efficiency.</p>



<p>“With this process, you can increase the shearing blade width to whatever size you need,” said lead author Prince Verma, a PhD graduate from Giri’s lab.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-capture-and-conversion-nbsp">Carbon capture and conversion&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers targeted carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion to demonstrate their approach. Traditional carbon capture methods reduce industrial emissions but have minimal financial return.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In contrast, MOF-525, with minimal energy input, can convert CO2 into carbon monoxide (CO), a valuable chemical for manufacturing fuels, pharmaceuticals, and other products.</p>



<p>This innovative approach offers a promising solution to carbon capture and conversion, addressing both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and energy needs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-carbon-capture-nbsp">More about carbon capture&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Carbon capture is a technology aimed at reducing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere from industrial and energy-related sources.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The process involves capturing CO2 emissions at their source, such as power plants or factories, and then transporting and storing them underground in geological formations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This method prevents the captured CO2 from contributing to global warming and climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-capture-techniques">Carbon capture techniques</h3>



<p>There are various techniques for carbon capture, including pre-combustion capture, post-combustion capture, and oxy-fuel combustion.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Each method involves different ways of separating CO2 from other gases produced during industrial processes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-plants-into-carbon-capture-machines-with-cyanobacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">captured CO2</a> can also be used in other applications, such as enhanced oil recovery, where it is injected into oil fields to increase the extraction of oil. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-challenges-nbsp">Ongoing challenges&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Despite its potential, carbon capture technology faces <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-capture-technology-faces-uncertainty-despite-heavy-investment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenges</a> related to cost, efficiency, and the need for extensive infrastructure to transport and store CO2 safely. </p>



<p>It is seen as a crucial part of the strategy to mitigate climate change, especially in industries where reducing emissions is particularly difficult.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-carbon-capture-so-important">Why is carbon capture so important?</h2>



<p>Carbon capture is crucial because it addresses the pressing issue of rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, which contribute significantly to climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-global-warming-nbsp">Reducing global warming&nbsp;</h3>



<p>By capturing and storing carbon emissions from industrial processes and power generation, we can mitigate the greenhouse effect and reduce global warming.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This technology not only helps in meeting international climate goals but also supports the transition to a low-carbon economy.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-negative-emissions">Negative emissions</h3>



<p>Negative emissions are considered essential for limiting global warming to 1.5°C or 2°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.</p>



<p>Carbon capture can enhance the viability of renewable energy sources by providing a bridge during the transition period and can be used in combination with bioenergy to achieve negative emissions.</p>



<p>There are also other methods that may be used in efforts to achieve negative emissions, including afforestation and reforestation, ocean fertilization to boost the ocean's ability to absorb CO2, and enhancing the capacity of soils to capture and store carbon through agricultural practices.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c12011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Applied Materials and Interfaces</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>-----</p>



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‘Wonder material’ can extract value from captured carbon 

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and...

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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>These findings, published in <em><a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a></em>, 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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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."</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>Published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a></em>, 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.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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<p>—–</p>

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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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%.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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>.</p>



<p id="block-9bd989d6-2fd3-4580-957f-6cacce134f08">-----</p>



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<p id="block-43e218f4-0391-477c-8396-eb777c8c80a3">Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p id="block-1f9a227a-ec37-4140-81b8-ffa4a7cc6689">-----</p>



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



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

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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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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...

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



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



<p>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?</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>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.</em></p>



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



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> 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.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> 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.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> 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.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> 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></p>



<p>-----</p>



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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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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

<p>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. </p>



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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).</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>“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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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;</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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. </p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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.”</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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



<p>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."</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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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<p>Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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. </p>



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



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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