<p>Hotter summers are not just uncomfortable, they also changing the odds of getting sick from food. A new analysis links warmer air, higher moisture, specific dewpoint ranges, and longer daylight to spikes in Salmonella infections across two European countries. </p>



<p>The team showed that risk climbs when average temperatures rise above about 50°F and days stretch past 12 to 15 hours.</p>



<p>Lead author <a href="https://www.londonntd.org/research/researchers/laura-c-gonzalez-villeta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Laura C. González Villeta</a> of the University of Surrey’s <a href="https://www.surrey.ac.uk/school-veterinary-medicine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Veterinary Medicine</a><strong> </strong>led work that tied laboratory confirmed Salmonella cases to local weather conditions using a transparent statistical approach.</p>



<p>The bacteria called Salmonella cause <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15697-salmonella" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food poisoning</a> that often brings diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Common symptoms usually start within hours to a few days and most people recover without treatment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmonella-and-the-weather">Salmonella and the weather</h2>



<p>Researchers linked daily case counts from the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Health Security Agency</a> to detailed weather from the <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Met Office</a>, then checked the model with national surveillance data from the Netherlands. </p>



<p>They examined 14 factors, including temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, sunshine, and dewpoint temperature.</p>



<p>Instead of forcing a complex equation to fit the data, the group calculated a conditional incidence that directly describes how often cases occur when specific combinations of weather are present. </p>



<p>That method lets you see which trio of conditions lines up with higher infection counts without hiding the signal inside a black box.</p>



<p>The approach showed consistency when moved from one country to another after accounting for reporting differences. That matters because public <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/to-get-fit-and-stay-healthy-walk-this-exact-distance-every-day/">health</a> tools work best when they travel across borders without losing accuracy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-model-found">What the model found</h2>



<p>Risk rose when average air temperatures topped roughly 50°F, day length sat between 12 and 15 hours, and dewpoint hovered around the mid 40s to about 50°F. The same pattern appeared regardless of location.</p>



<p>Not every weather knob seemed important. Wind speed, air pressure, and sunshine duration had little or no association with reported cases in this dataset.</p>



<p>Seasonal peaks in late summer were reproduced when the model fed on local weather. That gave officials a way to anticipate risk based on last week’s skies rather than waiting for lab reports to trickle in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-weather-boosts-salmonella">How weather boosts Salmonella</h2>



<p>Broader evidence lines up with these findings. A large <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11530612/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meta-analysis</a> of 23 Salmonella studies found about a 5 percent rise in risk for every 1.8°F increase in temperature.</p>



<p>Europe’s outbreak history shows why this topic matters. In 2018, nearly one in three foodborne outbreaks in the European Union were caused by Salmonella, according to an EFSA <a href="https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/salmonella-most-common-cause-foodborne-outbreaks-european-union" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a>.</p>



<p>That baseline risk has not disappeared in recent years. Surveillance summaries still identify Salmonella as a leading cause of foodborne outbreaks across the region, with eggs and mixed foods often involved, as noted in EFSA’s public <a href="https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/7666" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">publication</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-public-health">What this means for public health</h2>



<p>“The study highlights how weather plays a significant role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-overlooked-sources-of-antibiotic-resistant-salmonella/">Salmonella</a> outbreaks and provides a valuable tool for predicting future risks and tailoring interventions, particularly in the context of climate change,” said Dr. Villeta. The work is not just about describing patterns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Weather aware forecasting can help agencies time inspections, target hygiene messaging, and plan surge capacity when the odds of illness tick up. </p>



<p>Food businesses can also adjust cold chain checks, staff training, and consumer advice when riskier conditions line up.</p>



<p>Individuals are not powerless either. Keep cold foods cold, cook poultry and eggs to safe temperatures, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, and wash hands and surfaces, especially when the air is warm and the day runs long.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-tech-forecasting-tools">High-tech forecasting tools</h2>



<p>Most forecasting tools lean on regression or time series fits that struggle with tangled, non linear interactions. </p>



<p>The conditional incidence approach shows how combinations of temperature, humidity, and daylight align with cases, which is easier to interpret and to explain.</p>



<p>That clarity helps separate what drives risk from noise. It also allows public health teams to identify factor combinations that do not explain much, saving effort where it will not pay off.</p>



<p>Model outputs replicated real world peaks and mapped risk at fine spatial scales. That is the level where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childrens-screen-time-shapes-their-mental-health-as-teens/">health</a> departments and food producers make day to day choices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limits-and-next-steps">Limits and next steps</h2>



<p>The model tracks reported cases, which understate total infections. Even so, de trending and validation across two countries suggest the weather signals are real.</p>



<p>Future tests in different climates and income settings would show how far the method travels. Adding data on livestock density, land use, and consumer behavior could sharpen predictions without losing transparency.</p>



<p>Better early warnings do not replace basic food safety, but they can make those steps more timely. That is useful as warmer summers and longer heat seasons become more common.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://www.journalofinfection.com/article/S0163-4453(25)00004-0/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Infection</em></a>.</p>



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



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Warmer weather is impacting global food supply, but not in the way you think

Hotter summers are not just uncomfortable, they also changing the odds of getting sick from food. A new analysis links warmer air, higher moisture, specific dewpoint ranges, and longer daylight to spikes in Salmonella infections across two European countries. The team showed that risk climbs when average temperatures rise above about 50°F and days stretch past 12 to 15 hours. Lead author Dr. Laura C. González Villeta of the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine led work that tied laboratory confirmed Salmonella cases to local weather...

<p>Recent research has revealed a fascinating detail about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollution-smoke-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud</a> formation that might significantly deepen our understanding of climate change. This collaborative study, which utilized global satellite data and direct observations off the California coast, shows that aerosol particles as small as 25-30 nanometers - considerably smaller than previously believed - are crucial for cloud development.</p>



<p>"Clouds in Earth's atmosphere are of fundamental importance for the climate by regulating the reflection of sunlight into space and interacting with thermal radiation from Earth," noted the study authors. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focusing-on-the-behavior-of-cloud-condensation-nuclei">Focusing on the behavior of cloud condensation nuclei</h2>



<p>Clouds, complex and pivotal components of Earth’s atmosphere, present the greatest challenge in accurately predicting climate changes. Their formation is influenced by large-scale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-clouds-may-be-affecting-the-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather</a> systems that span hundreds of kilometers and by interactions at the molecular level.</p>



<p>"Clouds are an essential part of Earth's climate system. At the same time, clouds constitute one of the largest uncertainties in our understanding of climate change," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>The study, focusing on the behavior of cloud condensation nuclei within marine stratus clouds, reveals that the size threshold required for these nuclei to trigger cloud formation is much smaller than the established norm of 60 nanometers. </p>



<p>Cloud formation occurs under two primary conditions: the atmosphere must be supersaturated with water, and there must be a seed particle or nucleus around which water can condense. </p>



<p>Traditionally, it was believed that these nuclei had to be relatively large. However, researchers from The <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark,</a> the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>, and the <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University of Jerusalem</a> have found that even smaller proto-seeds can serve as effective nuclei.</p>



<p>"Here, we show that the supersaturation in marine liquid clouds is significantly higher than in the conventional view. As a consequence, much smaller aerosols can serve as cloud condensation nuclei. This can make cloud formation more sensitive to changes in aerosol properties than previously thought," wrote the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-role-of-smaller-aerosols-in-cloud-formation">Surprising role of smaller aerosols in cloud formation</h2>



<p>Henrik Svensmark, a senior researcher at DTU Space and lead author of the study, emphasized the sensitivity of cloud formation to these smaller aerosols, especially in regions dominated by marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-co2-levels-stratus-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stratus clouds</a>. </p>



<p>"Since the proto seeds can be much smaller than previously thought, cloud formation is more sensitive to changes in aerosols than previously thought, especially in pristine areas," said Svensmark.</p>



<p>This sensitivity arises because smaller aerosols can be activated into cloud droplets in conditions where water is highly supersaturated. </p>



<p>Essentially, the denser the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-vapor-buoyancy-mitigates-climate-warming-in-the-tropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water vapor</a>, the smaller the necessary seed particle. This means that in areas with higher water supersaturation, even minuscule aerosol particles can catalyze cloud formation.</p>



<p>The research utilized measurements from marine stratus clouds gathered in 2014 by Nevada researchers, alongside global data from the MODIS satellite instrument. </p>



<p>These combined observations revealed a consistent pattern of higher-than-expected supersaturation across the globe, which in turn adjusts the scale of critical seed size downwards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-for-climate-modeling">Future implications for climate modeling</h2>



<p>"About half of all cloud condensation nuclei are formed by tens of thousands of molecules clumping together one by one, forming an aerosol particle. That takes time; the longer it takes, the larger the risk of getting lost," explained Svensmark. </p>



<p>"Current models show that due to the growth time, most of the small <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=aerosols&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a> are lost before they grow to the critical size, and thus, cloud formation is rather insensitive to changes in the production of small aerosols. Our results change this understanding as aerosols must grow much less, which is important for modeling clouds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-clouds-influence-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> predictions."</p>



<p>In simple terms, the discovery that smaller aerosols can effectively contribute to cloud formation suggests that climate models need to be recalibrated to account for these dynamics. This could potentially improve our predictions of future climate scenarios and provide a clearer picture of how atmospheric changes are influencing our environment.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the study not only challenges established paradigms in climatology but also opens the door for further investigations into the delicate interplays at the heart of our planet’s climate system.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL108140" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



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Tiny aerosols have a major influence on cloud formation

Recent research has revealed a fascinating detail about cloud formation...

<p>The Arctic has always been a realm of ice and snow, a starkly beautiful counterpoint to the vibrant life further south. But this seemingly pristine wilderness is ground zero for an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-new-clues-about-rapid-arctic-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alarming transformation</a>. The North Pole, the heart of this frozen world, is warming at a breakneck pace that scientists are struggling to fully understand.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-pole-warming-faster-than-we-thought">North Pole warming faster than we thought</h2>



<p>The fact that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-influences-us-weather-patterns-ai-machine-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic is warming</a> several times faster than the global average isn't just a scientific curiosity; it's a red flashing siren indicating major disruption. This intense warming translates into rapid, unpredictable transformations for both the Arctic and the broader planetary systems it influences.</p>



<p>Dr. Barten's research doesn't stop at simply acknowledging the severity of Arctic warming. His work is about dissecting the precise processes that accelerate this change. </p>



<p>Understanding these processes won't tell us <em>if</em> the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-impacts-dust-levels-on-a-global-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> will change drastically – we know that's inevitable – but it will crucially reveal <em>how fast</em> this change will happen.</p>



<p>The speed of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-could-speed-up-global-2c-temperature-rise-by-eight-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic warming</a> is the crucial factor determining our response. Knowing whether we have decades or mere years to adapt makes the difference between a planned transition and full-blown crisis management. </p>



<p>Every fraction of a degree of warming that we can prevent will translate to more time to prepare our infrastructure, protect vulnerable communities, and shift global systems for a changing world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-driving-the-warming">What's driving the warming?</h2>



<p>The Arctic atmosphere is far from the pristine image we might hold. Instead, it's a dynamic mix of various compounds, some of which are now <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-amplification-is-destabilizing-the-delicate-balance-of-the-ecosystem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amplifying warming</a> in an unexpected way. Dr. Barten's research highlights two primary culprits:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ozone-s-unexpected-impact">Ozone's unexpected impact</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ozone-hole-exposes-wildlife-to-harmful-uv-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ozone</a> plays a vital role high in the atmosphere, shielding us from harmful solar radiation. However, closer to the Earth's surface, it acts as a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to the warming of the planet. In the Arctic, unique atmospheric conditions allow ozone to linger longer than anticipated, magnifying its warming effect.</p>



<p>"There, the ozone is absorbed by seawater, snow and ice, but this process is much slower than was assumed. This causes the ozone to remain in the air," explained Dr. Barten.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-intrusions">Warm intrusions</h3>



<p>The Arctic's historically stable, cold air is being increasingly disrupted by warmer air masses from lower latitudes. These warm spells are becoming more frequent and intense due to broader climate change. They transport additional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1987-ozone-treaty-had-an-unexpected-benefit-for-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone</a> into the Arctic and accelerate ice melt through their heat alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-snow-problem-in-north-pole-warming">The snow problem in North Pole warming</h2>



<p>The notion of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-waters-are-emitting-more-carbon-as-they-continue-to-warm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> as a pristine, untouched wilderness is fading fast. The reality is that our industrial activities leave a long shadow, even reaching the farthest corners of the globe. </p>



<p>Microscopic particles called soot, a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion from factories, vehicles, and other sources, travel vast distances on air currents. These tiny, dark specks end up settling on the Arctic's once-pristine snow and ice.</p>



<p>Soot acts like a miniature heat sponge. Unlike the reflective white snow and ice, which bounce sunlight back into space, soot absorbs solar radiation. </p>



<p>This absorption translates into a warming effect, similar to wearing a dark-colored shirt on a hot day. The presence of soot significantly accelerates the melting of Arctic ice, contributing to rising sea levels and disrupting delicately balanced ecosystems.</p>



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



<p>It's easy to dismiss the melting Arctic as a distant concern with little impact on our everyday lives. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. The Arctic plays a crucial role in Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex climate system</a>. Changes in this cold, white expanse have cascading effects way beyond the polar regions. </p>



<p>Every chunk of ice that melts in the Arctic translates directly into higher ocean levels. Coastal communities worldwide are vulnerable to this creeping crisis. We're not just talking about more frequent flooding – we're talking about the long-term displacement of millions and the loss of precious land.</p>



<p>The Arctic plays a crucial role in regulating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-arctic-ice-changing-global-climate-warm-arctic-cold-eurasia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global weather patterns</a>. Think of it as influencing the major currents of air and water that distribute heat and moisture around the planet. As the Arctic's systems are thrown off, we experience effects like:</p>



<ul>
<li>More intense storms in regions accustomed to mild climates.</li>



<li>Prolonged droughts that decimate crops and threaten food supplies.</li>



<li>Heatwaves and temperature swings that push infrastructure (and human bodies) to their limits.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-we-do-about-north-pole-warming">What can we do about North Pole warming?</h2>



<p>While the situation is far from hopeless, it's definitely urgent. The good news is that we have powerful tools to slow and potentially limit the Arctic's transformation. Each choice we make, and every policy change we support, directly impacts the speed and extent of further warming. </p>



<p>Our reliance on fossil fuels is the primary driver of global warming, including the accelerated changes in the Arctic. Prioritizing clean, renewable energy sources, investing in energy efficiency, and rapidly transitioning away from fossil fuel dependance are essential. These aren't abstract goals – they directly impact the fate of the Arctic.</p>



<p>Small acts, when repeated and amplified across millions of people, make a substantial difference. Conserving energy at home, opting for sustainable transportation like public transit or biking, and consciously demanding environmentally responsible practices from businesses all add up.</p>



<p>The Arctic's plight needs to be front and center in climate conversations. Make your concerns heard by leaders, representatives, and businesses. Demand bolder climate action and policies that align with the urgency of the situation.</p>



<p>Read the entire study <a href="https://edepot.wur.nl/640900" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



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

Why the North Pole is warming faster than the rest of our planet

The Arctic has always been a realm of ice and...

<p>In a focused effort to reduce carbon emissions across the U.S. to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-pricing-will-help-achieve-net-zero-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">net zero</a>, researchers have united from various Department of Energy national laboratories. </p>



<p>This comprehensive initiative is led by teams at the <a href="https://www.ornl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oak Ridge National Laboratory</a> and includes collaboration from Pacific Northwest, Brookhaven, Argonne, Lawrence Berkeley, Ames, and <a href="https://www6.slac.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SLAC National Accelerator laboratories</a>. Together, the experts are targeting some of the most carbon-intensive sectors of the economy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovering-carbon-from-existing-processes">Recovering carbon from existing processes </h2>



<p>Traditionally, efforts to mitigate carbon emissions have focused on capturing or sequestering carbon - known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decarbonizing-worlds-industrial-emissions-possible-with-current-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decarbonization</a>. </p>



<p>However, a new strategy, which the researchers refer to as "defossilization," seeks to minimize the need for extracting new fossil fuels. Instead, it emphasizes recovering and repurposing carbon from existing processes and products. </p>



<p>Stephen Streiffer, the director of ORNL, highlighted the importance of this collaborative effort: "Carbon is a vital part of many of today’s products and processes, and we must be creative in how to address its use in the face of global climate change," said Streiffer.</p>



<p>The proposed "circular economy" would aim to reclaim much of the carbon already present in areas like power generation and materials difficult to recycle, such as biomass, municipal waste, biomethane, carbon dioxide, and plastics. </p>



<p>By reusing carbon where possible, this approach could significantly reduce new emissions, particularly in sectors like transportation and industry, which together account for over 50% of the U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-carbon-footprint-urban-farms-and-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon footprint</a> and are notoriously hard to transition to electricity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Need for defossilization&nbsp;to reduce carbon emissions </h2>



<p>“Electrifying with carbon-free energy sources will be a critical component of decarbonization. However, several segments of our economy, including the manufacturing of chemicals and polymeric materials, will continue to need carbon,” wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>“In addition, segments of our transportation economy will also be difficult to electrify due to the size and weight of the batteries that would be needed, including aviation, long-haul, heavy-duty, and marine transportation. Together, these ‘hard-to-electrify’ segments contribute to ~20% of the overall US greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Although efforts are being made to decarbonize parts of these segments, they are unlikely to completely transition from carbon. We can reduce carbon use by increasing efficiency and reducing waste, but that approach alone will not be sufficient to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We therefore posit that defossilization, or removing fossil fuels while still using carbon in our economy, is a critical part of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions for difficult-to-electrify sectors.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-translating-discoveries-into-applications">Translating discoveries into applications</h2>



<p>Achieving the ambitious goal of a circular carbon economy requires a rapid advancement in scientific and technological innovation.</p>



<p>Michelle K. Kidder, a distinguished researcher and program manager at ORNL, emphasized the urgency of this task. "Maintaining today’s 15- to 20-year discover-design-develop-deploy cycle will not allow us to slow, stop, or even reverse climate impacts in time to meet aggressive 2030 and 2050 U.S. targets," said Kidder. </p>



<p>"We must instead find new ways to approach fundamental advancements in science and more quickly translate discoveries into applications that can make significant impact on emissions reductions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-barriers-to-reduce-carbon-emissions">Overcoming barriers to reduce carbon emissions</h2>



<p>Hundreds of scientists and technical experts from across the national laboratory system are diligently working to overcome longstanding scientific and technological barriers.</p>



<p>ORNL's research, for instance, combines advanced tools such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-pinpointed-a-catalyst-for-co2-conversion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> and machine learning with chemistry to develop new materials. </p>



<p>This effort is bolstered by Frontier, the world’s fastest supercomputer, which supports essential high-performance computations for developing new energy technologies. These include advanced nuclear reactors and potential fusion solutions aimed at reducing carbon emissions.</p>



<p>As these scientific endeavors progress, it is crucial to integrate techno-economic and lifecycle analyses. This approach is vital for identifying the potential environmental and social impacts of new technologies, ensuring that solutions are not only effective but also equitable. </p>



<p>"Even as we look for alternatives to reusing and keeping carbon in play, defossilization must allow equitable and ecological solutions for everyone," explained Kidder. "If we can bring this vision to fruition at the urgent pace needed, we also can reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> and its consequent impact on the environment while ensuring that no community is left behind."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-collaborative-effort-to-reduce-carbon-emissions">A collaborative effort to reduce carbon emissions</h2>



<p>The roadmap laid out by these researchers offers a promising path toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. By fostering collaboration and accelerating the pace of innovation, there is hope for significantly reducing the U.S. carbon footprint, closing the carbon cycle, and achieving the net-zero emissions necessary to combat climate change effectively. </p>



<p>This ambitious endeavor not only seeks to safeguard the planet but also to ensure a healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41570-024-00587-1.epdf?sharing_token=PUggHP_nq8r_hrAIep2o49RgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0PYLMGfmgLY4H7W4X3IBUuVZbR3_VV9dyRQYLo943vVN07-OKCQlFHAYuzHwW5rjH0CQqN5e6fVhv6iQLUZrR7rs3u9ESakdwiIyGOA5oTrFv9bwv6bcAjrqOc8Q-sq6yw%3D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Reviews Chemistry</a></em></em>.</p>



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Circular economy needed to reduce America's carbon emissions

In a focused effort to reduce carbon emissions across the...

<p>Precipitation may hold the key to the future of the Colorado River, a crucial water source for millions that has faced a persistent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colorado-river-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> spanning decades. </p>



<p>Recent findings from a comprehensive modeling study suggest that precipitation could play a crucial role in shaping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colorado-river-basin-has-lost-enough-water-to-fill-lake-mead/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river’s future</a>. This marks a significant shift from previous models, which primarily focused on the impact of warming temperatures. </p>



<p>The new study incorporates both temperature and precipitation patterns in the river’s headwaters. The results reveal that precipitation is likely to be the dominant factor influencing the river’s flow over the next quarter-century.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factoring-precipitation-into-colorado-river-predictions">Factoring precipitation into Colorado River predictions</h2>



<p>This optimistic scenario is backed by extensive data analysis and climate projections by researchers affiliated with the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES). The experts, who utilized projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), present a nuanced view. </p>



<p>"Yes, the temperature is warming, but that’s not the full story - you add precipitation and you get a fuller picture," explained CIRES Fellow and study co-author Balaji Rajagopalan.</p>



<p>Martin Hoerling, the study's lead author, elaborated on the findings: "We find it is more likely than not that Lee Ferry flows will be greater during 2026-2050 than since 2000 as a consequence of a more favorable precipitation cycle." </p>



<p>This means that despite the warming temperatures, increased precipitation could compensate, potentially mitigating some of the negative effects on the river's flow.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>“Of concern to Colorado River management, as operating guidelines post-2026 are being considered, is whether water resource recovery from low flows during 2000–2020 is possible,” wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>“Here we analyze new simulations from the sixth generation of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) to determine plausible climate impacts on Colorado River flows for 2026–2050 when revised guidelines would operate.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We constrain projected flows for Lee Ferry, the gauge through which 85% of the river flow passes, using its estimated sensitivity to meteorological variability together with CMIP6 projected precipitation and temperature changes.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-perspective-on-river-flows">Historical perspective on river flows</h2>



<p>The analysis confirmed that natural fluctuations in precipitation have historically dictated the river's flow patterns, causing periods of both abundance and scarcity. </p>



<p>The most recent drought, which started in 2000, has been primarily due to reduced precipitation, leading to significantly lower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-may-have-altered-river-flow-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river flows</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-projections-and-policy-considerations">Future projections and policy considerations</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, the research team used the latest climate models to predict future conditions. They discovered a promising 70 percent chance of increased precipitation in the Colorado River's headwaters - regions that contribute the majority of the river's water. </p>



<p>This increase could partially offset the effects of rising temperatures. "Depending on the river’s temperature sensitivity, this wet signal compensates some, if not all, of the depleting effects from basin warming," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>However, the team also cautions policymakers about the inherent uncertainties. Although the outlook is generally positive, there remains a 4 percent chance that river flows could decline further, a scenario that could exacerbate the current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-water-crisis-could-spiral-out-of-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water crisis</a>. </p>



<p>"Decision makers are confronted with a more optimistic vision of the available supply in coming decades than might have generally been foreseen previously, but they must also consider a small, but perhaps unacceptable, risk for historically low flows," said Hoerling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precipitation-insights-for-colorado-river-management">Precipitation insights for Colorado River management</h2>



<p>As the deadline to set new guidelines for managing the Colorado River approaches, these findings offer a glimmer of hope but also a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. </p>



<p>The study underscores the importance of considering both temperature and precipitation in water management strategies, ensuring that policies are robust enough to handle potential extremes. This balanced, informed approach could help safeguard the river's health and secure water resources for future generations.</p>



<p>The analysis not only sheds new light on the dynamics of the Colorado River but also provides valuable insights for policymakers as they plan for the coming decades. </p>



<p>By acknowledging the full spectrum of potential scenarios, from optimistic to cautionary, stakeholders can better prepare for the future, ensuring that the river continues to sustain the vast region it serves.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><em><a href="https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/clim/aop/JCLI-D-23-0617.1/JCLI-D-23-0617.1.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Climate</a></em></em>.</p>



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



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Can precipitation help the Colorado River recover from decades of drought?

Precipitation may hold the key to the future of the...

<p>In the quest to resolve longstanding disputes over the Nile River's resources, a novel approach has emerged, emphasizing energy trades as a potential pathway to peace. </p>



<p>The Nile River, spanning over 11 countries in East Africa, is not only one of the world's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-longest-rivers-free-flowing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longest rivers</a> but also a crucial source of water, energy, and cultural wealth. </p>



<p>Traditionally, the competition for water has fueled tensions among these nations, particularly as the demands for water, energy, and food continue to rise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-water-system-for-nile-river-resources">Energy-water system for Nile river resources</h2>



<p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Manchester</a>, in collaboration with regional bodies, recently conducted a study that unveils an innovative solution. The research advances beyond the conventional water-centric strategies that have dominated discourse.</p>



<p>It presents a sophisticated simulation of the combined energy-water system, demonstrating how international energy trades could significantly mitigate conflicts over Nile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-scarcity-trigger-conflict/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water resources</a>.</p>



<p>"Traditionally, water disputes in transboundary river basins like the Nile have been approached through a water-centric viewpoint," said study first author Dr. Mikiyas Etichia. "However, sharing benefits of water resources, such as hydro-generated electricity, crops, and fisheries can result in a win-win situation."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-core-of-the-conflict">Core of the conflict</h2>



<p>At the heart of the ongoing dispute is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), located on the Blue Nile River in Ethiopia. This monumental hydroelectric dam project is designed to significantly boost Ethiopia's electricity production capabilities, which in turn could support the country's ambitions to become a major electricity exporter to neighboring nations. </p>



<p>However, the dam's construction and Ethiopia's plans for its operation have ignited serious disagreements with Sudan and Egypt, both of which rely heavily on the Nile's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/california-drought-affects-states-oldest-water-rights-holders-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waters</a> for their own agricultural and domestic needs. </p>



<p>The contention centers around how the dam's operations will affect downstream water availability in these countries, leading to a complex tri-nation dispute over the equitable allocation and management of the Nile River's resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-solutions">Simulating solutions</h2>



<p>The research team employed open-source technology to develop a simulator that encompasses 13 East African countries, including nations in the Nile Basin. The tool models potential energy trade agreements between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt, offering a blueprint for cooperation. </p>



<p>By increasing electricity trade, these nations could concurrently address <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-shortages-reservoir-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water shortages</a>, augment hydropower output, minimize energy curtailment, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<p>"In the Nile Basin, energy-river basin benefit-sharing projects have been implemented in the past on a small scale," noted Dr. Mohammed Basheer, a professor at the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>. "But detailed tools like the one presented in the paper can help create actionable large-scale proposals."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-energy-trade-for-nile-river">Significance of energy trade for Nile river</h2>



<p>"The energy trades tested in this study provide the countries a range of solutions that are likely in their national interest," explained study co-author Professor Julien Harou.</p>



<p>The research emphasizes the importance of conducting additional assessments from governance and legal standpoints to effectively translate the proposed energy trade solutions into practical and sustainable resource management strategies. </p>



<p>This involves exploring the regulatory, policy, and legal frameworks that govern the use and sharing of resources among the countries in the Nile Basin. By addressing these critical aspects, it is possible to develop a comprehensive approach that not only leverages the benefits of shared energy resources but also ensures equitable and fair resource distribution. </p>



<p>Such strategies are essential for fostering long-term cooperation and stability in the region, as they help to mitigate potential conflicts and build a collaborative framework for managing the Nile's vital resources.</p>



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



<p>The researchers are optimistic about the potential uptake of their analytical tools, and the results thereof, in ongoing negotiations. </p>



<p>"We are hopeful the new analytical tools or their results will be taken up by the negotiating parties," concluded Professor Harou, envisioning a future where these innovative approaches pave the way for lasting peace and cooperation in the Nile Basin.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44221-024-00222-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Water</a></em>.</p>



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Energy trades could resolve longstanding Nile River disputes

In the quest to resolve longstanding disputes over the Nile...

<p>As dusk falls at the end of a hot day, the air is typically filled with the melodious chirping of crickets - a sound as familiar as it is enchanting. Yet, this natural concert is increasingly being drowned out by the pervasive noise produced by human activity. </p>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.du.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Denver</a> have begun to unravel the extent to which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-pollution-is-increasingly-disrupting-whale-migration/">noise pollution</a> impacts the survival and reproduction of crickets. </p>



<p>The research team has dedicated three years to studying the effects of human-generated noise on field crickets, which make up a significant part of the terrestrial ecosystem. Despite invertebrates constituting over 95% of all animal species, they are seldom the focus of ecological noise research. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-noise-pollution-is-a-growing-threat">Noise pollution is a growing threat</h2>



<p>"Noise pollution is a ubiquitous anthropogenic stressor that accompanies expanding urbanization. We tested whether the amplitude of traffic noise influences a suite of fitness-related traits (e.g. survival, life history, reproductive investment, immunity) and whether that depends on the life stage at which the noise is experienced (juvenile or adult)," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"Our treatments mimic the conditions experienced by animals living in urban roadside environments with variable vehicle types, but continuous movement of traffic. We used the Pacific field cricket, an acoustically communicating insect that was previously shown to experience some negative behavioral and life history responses to very loud, variable traffic noise, as a model system."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crickets-exposed-to-noise">Crickets exposed to noise</h2>



<p>The team exposed the crickets to four levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mating-crickets-lower-their-standards-when-exposed-to-traffic-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic noise</a> that they might encounter in their natural habitats: complete silence, 50 decibels, 60 decibels, and 70 decibels. To put this into perspective, 55 decibels is akin to the sound of constant rainfall, while 70 decibels can be compared to a busy street or the hum of a vacuum cleaner. </p>



<p>The results were telling: crickets subjected to 70 decibels of noise had a 35% lower survival rate into adulthood compared to those raised in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cricket-song-silent-without-action-iucn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silence</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-subtle-language-of-crickets">The subtle language of crickets</h2>



<p>"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-health-ai-can-identify-insects-based-on-their-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insects</a> that communicate through sounds, like field crickets, are particularly vulnerable to noise pollution. These crickets use their airborne songs to communicate and are commonly found near urban areas, where noise is ever-present," explained Professor Robin Tinghitella, the study's principal investigator.</p>



<p>This backdrop of constant human noise, according to the study, acts as a stressor, significantly impacting their ability to survive and reproduce.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cricket-responses-to-noise">Cricket responses to noise</h2>



<p>While the study found a definite impact on survival and reproductive rates, it's interesting to note that 13 other measured traits in crickets remained unchanged despite the noise. This indicates a possible adaptation to the chronic presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-pollution-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human noise</a>.</p>



<p>“We found that juvenile traffic noise treatment impacted the percent of crickets that survived to eclosion, and the interaction between a female’s traffic noise experience during juvenile and adult life stages affected her reproductive success,” noted the researchers.</p>



<p>“However, the consistent traffic noise treatments (50dBA, 60dBA, 70dB) did not impact the other 13 fitness-related traits we investigated, irrespective of noise level and whether traffic noise was experienced by crickets during development only, at adulthood only, or during both life stages.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-study-insights">Valuable study insights </h2>



<p>Mark Mitchell, a professor of Zoological Medicine at Louisiana State University, praised the study for its comprehensive approach and its importance in understanding how traffic noise affects the physiological traits of invertebrates. </p>



<p>"This research provides valuable insights into the effects of anthropogenic activities on invertebrates, offering a foundation for future ecological planning and conservation efforts," said Professor Michell.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-quieter-coexistence-is-needed">A quieter coexistence is needed</h2>



<p>This pioneering research underscores a critical need for awareness and action concerning the ecological impacts of human noise. As we continue to encroach upon natural habitats, understanding and mitigating our auditory footprint on wildlife becomes not just beneficial but essential for sustaining biodiversity. </p>



<p>"Our result that juvenile survival under noisy conditions is reduced is especially relevant for conservation and management decisions, and future work should clarify consequences in natural settings with varying noise characteristics and the generalizability across insects," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>The survival of crickets may seem like a minor concern in the grand scheme of environmental issues, but it is a poignant reminder of the pervasive impact of human activities on the planet.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://bmcecolevol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12862-023-02190-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMC Ecology and Evolution</a></em>.</p>



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Many juvenile crickets cannot survive the strain of human noise

As dusk falls at the end of a hot day,...

<p>Anyone living along a coastline knows the threat of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricanes-will-increase-in-frequency-on-the-gulf-coast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane</a>. These swirling storms of destruction pack incredible wind, torrential rain, and perilous storm surges. People constantly worry about the damage coastal hurricanes can do. </p>



<p>Unfortunately, a new study led by the <a href="https://www.energy.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Energy</a>'s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (<a href="https://www.pnnl.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNNL</a>) reveals that hurricanes are changing – and not in a good way. Since 1979, coastal hurricanes around the world have been intensifying faster and they're only going to get worse thanks to climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-causing-hurricanes">Factors causing hurricanes</h2>



<p>A hurricane is a massive, rotating storm system characterized by intense low pressure, powerful winds, and heavy rainfall. Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator in several stages. </p>



<p>Warm ocean water evaporates, creating hotter, moist air that rises rapidly into the atmosphere. As this air rises, it cools and condenses, forming massive storm clouds and releasing huge amounts of energy. This energy powers the hurricane's destructive winds.</p>



<p>Due to the Earth's rotation (called the Coriolis effect), this rising air begins to swirl in a giant, rotating pattern. At the center of this swirling storm system is the "eye" of the hurricane – a deceptively calm area of low pressure. The strongest winds and heaviest rain occur in the "eyewall" surrounding the eye.</p>



<p>Several key factors play a role in how strong a hurricane becomes:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Ocean temperatures:</strong>&nbsp;The warmer the ocean water, the more evaporation occurs, providing more fuel and energy to the storm.</li>



<li><strong>Atmospheric moisture:</strong>&nbsp;Hurricanes thrive in areas of high humidity. The more moisture in the air, the more potential for heavy rainfall and storm intensification.</li>



<li><strong>Wind shear:</strong>&nbsp;Wind shear refers to changes in wind speed and direction at different altitudes of Earth's atmosphere. Low wind shear allows a hurricane to maintain its organized structure, promoting strengthening.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-changing-with-hurricanes">What's changing with hurricanes?</h2>



<p>The PNNL study has revealed several worrying facts:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-pace-of-coastal-hurricanes">Alarming pace of coastal hurricanes</h3>



<p>Hurricanes, particularly those close to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-areas-major-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastlines</a>, are now intensifying at an alarmingly fast rate. In the past, a hurricane might have increased its wind strength gradually. Today, a hurricane can become significantly more powerful within a very short period.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-threat">A global threat</h3>



<p>This rapid intensification isn't just happening in one part of the world. Coastal areas across the globe are facing the escalating risk of rapidly intensifying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/definitive-link-found-between-intensity-of-early-hurricanes-and-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-climate-change">The role of climate change </h3>



<p>Scientists have determined that the primary driver of this dangerous trend is climate change. As the planet continues to warm due to human activities, the conditions that favor rapid hurricane intensification become more prevalent and severe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-intensification-of-coastal-hurricane">Rapid intensification of coastal hurricane</h2>



<p>Let's make this clearer with an example. Before the year 2000, a typical hurricane might begin with a certain wind speed and then intensify by around 1.5 knots (nautical miles per hour) over a 24-hour period. After 2000, that same hurricane could increase its wind speed by a worrying 4.5 knots during the same time frame.</p>



<p>"We're not talking about intensification out in the middle of the ocean," said study lead author and climate scientist Karthik Balaguru. "We're talking about it happening right at the coastline, where it matters most."</p>



<p>This rapid intensification near the coast is terrible news because it gives people less time to prepare and evacuate. The potential for devastating damage from high winds, flooding, and brutal storm surges increases dramatically.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-are-coastal-hurricanes-getting-worse">Why are coastal hurricanes getting worse?</h2>



<p>The scientists behind this study point to two critical factors behind the increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricanes-will-continue-to-become-more-intense/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane</a> intensification:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-humidity">Increased humidity</h3>



<p>As the atmosphere warms due to climate change, the air's capacity to hold water vapor increases. This leads to higher levels of humidity in hurricane-prone regions.</p>



<p>Hurricanes essentially use moisture as fuel. This excess moisture in the air gets absorbed by the storm system, and when it condenses, it releases massive amounts of energy. The released energy intensifies the hurricane's destructive winds and increases its rainfall potential.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weakened-wind-shear">Weakened wind shear</h3>



<p>Wind shear describes the difference in wind speeds and directions at varying altitudes in the atmosphere. Think of it as layers of air moving at different speeds or in different directions.</p>



<p>Strong wind shear can disrupt the organized structure of a hurricane, essentially tearing it apart and limiting its intensification. However, climate change is causing wind shear to weaken across the globe, particularly near coastlines.</p>



<p>This diminishing wind shear allows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/akara-rare-tropical-storm-develops-off-the-coast-of-brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a> to maintain their structure and intensify more easily. It's essentially removing a natural barrier that would have otherwise helped limit the hurricane's strength.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-worrying-forecast">A worrying forecast</h2>



<p>"This work holds profound implications for people living on the coast, as well as operational forecasters and decision-makers," said study co-author and Earth scientist Ruby Leung. "The rising intensification rates we observed could mean that landfalling hurricanes are on track to grow stronger and thus more destructive. It's important that we understand how the risks posed by these storms could change as our climate changes."</p>



<p>There's positive news on the scientific front. Researchers are diligently working to improve our understanding of these changes in hurricane behavior. This includes refining climate models to predict future hurricane activity and developing more sophisticated forecasting techniques to provide earlier and more accurate warnings.</p>



<p>However, the reality remains concerning. The data suggests a clear trend – coastal areas are becoming increasingly vulnerable to more powerful hurricanes. While advancements in forecasting are crucial, we must acknowledge this heightened risk.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, for those living in hurricane-prone areas, the potential consequences of these stronger storms are significant. It's vital for individuals and communities to take proactive steps to prepare for these potential threats. This includes creating comprehensive emergency plans, assembling disaster kits, and staying informed about local weather advisories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-not-just-coastal-hurricanes">It's not just coastal hurricanes</h2>



<p>Another recent study led by PNNL's Karthik Balaguru investigated surprising links between hurricanes and wildfires. </p>



<p>While it might seem strange that these two disasters could be connected, the research showed that hurricanes originating in the Eastern Pacific Ocean could sometimes dampen wildfire risk in the Southwestern United States by bringing much-needed rain and moisture. </p>



<p>Unfortunately, climate change might reduce the frequency of these storms, increasing the risk of wildfires in the region.</p>



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



<p>Facing the growing threat of more intense hurricanes, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, the most important thing is awareness and preparedness. This means:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Know Your Risk:</strong>&nbsp;Find out if you live in a hurricane-prone area. Local authorities will usually have excellent information available.</li>



<li><strong>Have a Plan:</strong>&nbsp;Prepare an emergency plan for your family, including how you'll communicate and where you might evacuate.</li>



<li><strong>Prepare an Emergency Kit:</strong>&nbsp;Stock up on supplies for if you must stay home during or after a storm.</li>



<li><strong>Stay Informed:</strong>&nbsp;Pay attention to weather forecasts and warnings issued by the authorities.</li>
</ul>



<p>Studies like the one conducted by PNNL scientists can improve our ability to model and predict increasingly powerful hurricanes and help save lives with more accurate forecasts.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF004230" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's Future</a></em>.</p>



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Coastal hurricanes are intensifying faster due to climate change

Anyone living along a coastline knows the threat of a...

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> have developed an innovative biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), commonly used in products like footwear and memory foam. </p>



<p>This new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bioplastics-are-just-as-toxic-as-traditional-plastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioplastic</a>, which incorporates bacterial spores capable of decomposing the material at the end of its life cycle, represents a significant advancement in efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the plastic industry. According to the experts, this development could transform the way commercial plastics are viewed in terms of environmental sustainability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodegradable-living-plastic">Biodegradable living plastic</h2>



<p>Thermoplastic polyurethane is valued for its soft yet durable properties, but its resistance to natural decomposition poses environmental challenges. The scientists aimed to address this issue by embedding spores from the bacterium <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> into the plastic. These spores can break down polymer materials, a feature that the team capitalized on.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s an inherent property of these bacteria. We took a few strains and evaluated their ability to use TPUs as a sole carbon source, then picked the one that grew the best,” said Jon Pokorski, a nanoengineering professor at the UC San Diego.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkably-biodegradable-plastic-nbsp">Remarkably biodegradable plastic&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The process involved feeding <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> spores and TPU pellets into a plastic extruder, where they were mixed and melted at 135 degrees Celsius and then extruded as thin strips.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To test the material’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-breakthrough-plastics-that-wont-make-us-sick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodegradability</a>, these strips were placed in both microbially active and sterile compost environments maintained at 37 degrees Celsius. The water and nutrients in the compost activated the spores, which facilitated the plastic's degradation. Remarkably, the strips achieved 90% degradation within five months. </p>



<p>“What’s remarkable is that our material breaks down even without the presence of additional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-microbes-from-earth-could-survive-the-conditions-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a>. Chances are, most of these plastics will likely not end up in microbially rich composting facilities. So this ability to self-degrade in a microbe-free environment makes our technology more versatile,” Pokorski said.</p>



<p>The safety of the degradation process is supported by the benign nature of <em>Bacillus subtilis</em>, which is not only used in probiotics but is also generally regarded as safe for humans and animals and beneficial to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/big-data-plant-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant health</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-the-bacterial-spores-nbsp">Adapting the bacterial spores&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Addressing the durability and safety of the process, the researchers adapted the bacterial spores to withstand the high temperatures necessary for plastic production using adaptive laboratory evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We continually evolved the cells over and over again until we arrived at a strain that is optimized to tolerate the heat,” explained co-senior author Adam Feist, a bioengineering research scientist at UC San Diego.</p>



<p>Moreover, the spores serve a dual function by also acting as a strengthening filler within the plastic, which is comparable to how rebar reinforces concrete.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Both of these properties are greatly improved just by adding the spores,” Pokorski said. “This is great because the addition of spores pushes the mechanical properties beyond known limitations where there was previously a trade off between tensile strength and stretchability.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scaling-up-the-technology">Scaling up the technology</h2>



<p>While the research currently focuses on laboratory-scale production, the team is actively working to scale up the technology for industrial application and extend it to other types of plastics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There are many different kinds of commercial plastics that end up in the environment - TPU is just one of them. One of our next steps is to broaden the scope of biodegradable materials we can make with this technology,” concluded Feist.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-biodegradable-plastic">More about biodegradable plastic</h2>



<p>Biodegradable plastic is a type of plastic designed to decompose naturally in the environment under the action of living organisms, primarily bacteria.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike traditional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to break down and can leave harmful residues, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-breakthrough-plastics-that-wont-make-us-sick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodegradable</a> plastics are made from natural materials such as corn starch, sugarcane, or other plant-based substances. These materials enable the plastic to break down more quickly and safely when exposed to natural elements like heat, moisture, and microorganisms.</p>



<p>The production and use of biodegradable plastics are seen as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics because they are derived from renewable resources and are intended to reduce the accumulation of waste in landfills and oceans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the effectiveness of biodegradation depends on specific conditions such as temperature and the presence of microbes, which can vary widely in different environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This means that while these plastics are designed to degrade in industrial composting facilities, they may not break down as efficiently in cooler, less active composting settings or in natural environments, leading to potential misunderstandings about their environmental benefits.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47132-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Biodegradable ‘living plastic’ contains bacterial spores that break it down

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed...

<p>In a world where coral reefs are under constant threat from various stressors, scientists are searching for effective ways to protect and preserve these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vital ecosystems</a>. A recent study has shed light on a promising approach: targeted surveillance and culling of crown-of-thorns starfish (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crown-of-thorns-starfish-are-natures-ultimate-coral-predators-and-they-are-winning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CoTS</a>).</p>



<p>The research, conducted by scientists from the <a href="https://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority</a> reveals that timely and sufficient control efforts during CoTS outbreaks can lead to a significant reduction in starfish numbers and a substantial increase in coral cover across impacted regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are crown-of-thorns starfish?</h2>



<p>The crown-of-thorns starfish (<em>Acanthaster cf. solaris</em>) is a large, predatory starfish that inhabits <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-discover-huge-expanse-of-earths-coral-reefs-that-were-previously-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a> in the Indo-Pacific region. It gets its name from the venomous spines that cover its upper surface, resembling a crown. These starfish can grow up to 40 cm in diameter and have up to 21 arms.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Feeding habits</h3>



<p>Crown-of-thorns starfish feed on coral polyps, using their extrudable stomachs to digest the coral tissue. A single starfish can consume up to 6 square meters of coral per year. </p>



<p>In normal populations, these starfish play a role in maintaining coral diversity by preying on faster-growing coral species. However, when their populations reach outbreak levels, they can cause significant damage to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-superhighway-connects-remote-coral-reefs-seychelles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threat-posed-by-crown-of-thorns-starfish">Threat posed by crown-of-thorns starfish</h2>



<p>Crown-of-thorns starfish (<em><em>Acanthaster</em> cf. <em>solaris</em></em>) are native to coral reefs, as mentioned previously, but their outbreaks pose a major threat to coral health and resilience. </p>



<p>These outbreaks, along with other stressors such as coral bleaching, cyclones, and anthropogenic disturbances, contribute to the decline and degradation of coral reefs worldwide.</p>



<p>A single crown-of-thorns starfish, measuring a meter in diameter, can consume up to 10 square meters of coral annually. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Factors contributing to outbreaks</h3>



<p>Several factors can contribute to crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Nutrient enrichment</strong>: Runoff from agricultural and urban areas can increase nutrient levels in the ocean, promoting the growth of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a>, which serves as food for crown-of-thorns starfish larvae.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Overfishing</strong>: The removal of natural predators, such as triton snails and humphead wrasse, can allow crown-of-thorns starfish populations to grow unchecked.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Larval survival</strong>: Environmental conditions that favor the survival and settlement of crown-of-thorns starfish larvae can lead to increased recruitment and population growth.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-targeted-culling">Power of targeted culling</h2>



<p>To address this issue, the research team focused their efforts on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Barrier Reef</a>, engaging in a culling program from 2012 to 2022. </p>



<p>They targeted 500 out of the park's 3,000 reefs, identifying individual crown-of-thorns starfish and injecting them with vinegar or ox bile, which not only killed the starfish but also prevented them from releasing larvae.</p>



<p>The results of this targeted culling were remarkable. In the areas where culling was conducted, the researchers observed a 44% increase in coral reef coverage. In contrast, nearby parts of the reef where no culling had occurred continued to experience unabated coral loss.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the team discovered that culling starfish in specifically targeted areas dramatically reduced the spread of larvae, effectively preventing outbreaks in other reefs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pest-management-approach-to-crown-of-thorns-starfish">Pest management approach to crown-of-thorns starfish</h2>



<p>The researchers describe their effort as similar to pest management. As human activities have allowed starfish populations to explode, the need has arisen to cull them to protect the health and resilience of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-nurseries-need-protection-equal-to-that-of-established-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a>.</p>



<p>"Anthropogenically-driven disturbances are superimposing additional stressors upon the natural cycles of decline and recovery inherent to coral reef ecosystems," the researchers wrote in their paper. "Major drivers of coral mortality on Indo-Pacific coral reefs are cyclones, coral bleaching events, and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish."</p>



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



<p>The test program conducted by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has demonstrated that culling crown-of-thorns starfish can be an effective tool in helping to save not only the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-finds-chlamydia-like-bacteria-in-great-barrier-reef-corals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Barrier Reef</a> but also other reefs around the world.</p>



<p>The study found that "timely and sufficient control efforts during CoTS outbreaks resulted in a sixfold reduction in starfish numbers and a 44% increase in coral cover across impacted regions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desperate-times-desperate-measures">Desperate times, desperate measures</h2>



<p>In summary, the targeted surveillance and culling of crown-of-thorns starfish have proven to be a powerful tool in the fight to save coral reefs from destruction. </p>



<p>By proactively identifying and eliminating these coral-consuming predators, scientists have demonstrated that they can significantly reduce starfish numbers, prevent the spread of larvae, and promote the recovery of coral reefs. </p>



<p>As we continue to face the challenges posed by climate change and human activities, this research offers a glimmer of hope for the future of these vital ecosystems. </p>



<p>It is now up to us to support and expand these efforts, working together to protect and preserve the beauty and biodiversity of our world's coral reefs for generations to come.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0298073" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS One</a></em>.</p>



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Killing crown-of-thorns starfish could save the Great Barrier Reef

In a world where coral reefs are under constant threat...

<p>Methane emissions from landfills, urban areas, and across several U.S. states are substantially underestimated by the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA). This is the conclusion of a study by researchers at the <a href="https://seas.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences </a>(SEAS).</p>



<p>The experts used advanced satellite data from 2019 combined with an atmospheric transport model to create a detailed map of methane <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wetland-methane-emissions-have-surged-at-high-latitudes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> across the United States. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underestimated-methane-emissions">Underestimated methane emissions</h2>



<p>The analysis showed that emissions from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landfills-emit-exorbitant-amount-methane-into-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landfills</a> were 51% higher than EPA estimates for the same year. In addition, methane emissions from urban areas were 39% higher, while those from the ten highest methane-emitting states were 27% higher compared to EPA estimates.</p>



<p>“Methane is the second largest contributor to climate change behind carbon dioxide so it’s really important that we quantify methane emissions at the highest possible resolution to pinpoint what sources it is coming from,” said lead author Hannah Nesser, a former PhD student at SEAS and currently a NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) Fellow in the Carbon Cycle &amp; Ecosystems Group at the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underreporting-in-methane-emissions-nbsp">Underreporting in methane emissions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study reveals a significant underreporting in methane emissions, particularly from landfills, which the EPA ranks as the third-largest source of human-caused methane emissions in the United States.</p>



<p>The EPA's method relies on self-reported data from facilities that emit high levels of greenhouse gasses and uses a formula based on the volume of trash received to estimate emissions. This bottom-up approach is often inconsistent with top-down observational data gathered from atmospheric measurements.</p>



<p>“Our research shows that these facilities are losing more methane than they think,” Nesser said. “The EPA uses 75% efficacy as the default for methane collection, but we find that it’s actually much closer to 50%.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discrepancies-in-epa-models">Discrepancies in EPA models</h2>



<p>Moreover, the scientists found that occasional events like construction or temporary leaks at landfill sites, which can significantly increase methane emissions, are not adequately accounted for in the EPA’s models.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study also highlighted discrepancies at the state level, particularly in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Oklahoma, which are among the top methane emitters. Notably, Texas alone is responsible for 21% of U.S. anthropogenic methane emissions, largely due to its extensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/methane-leaks-in-us-oil-and-gas-hit-10-billion-in-economic-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oil and gas industry</a>.</p>



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



<p>The scientists also discovered that methane emissions in the 10 cities with the highest levels of urban methane output are, on average, 58% greater than what was previously estimated. These cities include New York, Detroit, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Miami, and Philadelphia.</p>



<p>“All of these places have a different profile of emission sources, so there’s no one thing driving the methane underestimate across the board,” Nesser said.</p>



<p>“This research highlights the importance of understanding these emissions,” added senior author Daniel Jacob, a professor of atmospheric chemistry and environmental engineering at SEAS. “We plan to continue to monitor U.S. emissions of methane using new high-resolution satellite observations, and to work with the EPA to improve emission inventories.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-study-implications-nbsp">Broader study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The implications of these findings are significant, urging a reevaluation of how methane emissions are estimated and reported. Accurate data is crucial for effective environmental policy-making and for strategies aimed at mitigating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. </p>



<p>By refining how methane emissions are measured, researchers hope to foster better regulatory practices and more effective mitigation strategies to combat this potent greenhouse gas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangers-of-methane-nbsp">Dangers of methane&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, considerably more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, especially in the short term. Its significant impact on global warming makes it a critical concern for climate change.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Methane emissions come from a variety of sources, including the decay of organic waste in landfills, agriculture (especially from the digestive processes of grazing animals), and the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas.</p>



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



<p>One of the dangers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> is its ability to rapidly accelerate climate change. It has a much higher heat-trapping capability per molecule compared to carbon dioxide, so even small amounts can have a significant effect on atmospheric temperatures. </p>



<p>This contributes to the increasing global temperatures, which can lead to more severe weather events, melting polar ice, rising sea levels, and disrupting ecosystems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ground-level-ozone">Ground-level ozone</h3>



<p>Furthermore, methane contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant. Exposure to ozone can lead to serious respiratory health issues and other health problems in humans and animals. It also affects crops and other vegetation, potentially reducing agricultural yields.</p>



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



<p>The short atmospheric lifetime of methane - about 12 years - compared to carbon dioxide, however, means that taking action to reduce methane emissions can quickly benefit the atmosphere. Thus, addressing methane leaks and emissions is seen as a crucial and effective strategy for slowing the rate of global warming in the near term.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Efforts to capture methane from sources like landfills and livestock operations can not only mitigate the effects on climate change but also harness methane as a source of energy, providing a cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5069-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Methane emissions are greatly underestimated by the EPA

Methane emissions from landfills, urban areas, and across several U.S....

<p>The insidious reach of plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> extends far beyond our oceans and landfills. Disturbing new research reveals that with every breath we take, we might be inhaling tiny fragments of plastic in air known as microplastics and nanoplastics. </p>



<p>A recent study led by Dr. Suvash Saha at the <a href="https://www.uts.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Technology Sydney</a> uncovers the path these minuscule pollutants take within our bodies and the potential health risks they pose.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-micro-and-nanoplastics">Micro and nanoplastics</h2>



<p>Microplastics are tiny pieces of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-win-the-battle-of-planet-vs-plastic-drastic-changes-are-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> that measure less than 5 millimeters in size (think of a sesame seed for comparison). They originate from two primary sources. </p>



<p>First, larger plastic products like bottles, bags, and other packaging can break down over time due to sunlight, heat, and general wear and tear. This process creates smaller and smaller plastic fragments. </p>



<p>In addition, microplastics are sometimes intentionally manufactured and added to products such as cosmetics (think of those tiny microbeads in face washes) and certain industrial materials.</p>



<p>Nanoplastics are substantially smaller than microplastics. They're so incredibly tiny that they are measured in nanometers, which are equivalent to one-billionth of a meter. Their minuscule size makes nanoplastics particularly challenging to detect and study. Scientists are still actively investigating the specific origins of nanoplastics. </p>



<p>Some potential sources include the continued breakdown of microplastics into even smaller pieces or release during specific manufacturing or waste disposal processes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-is-present-in-every-breath">Plastic is present in every breath</h2>



<p>"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-treaty-talks-slow-progress-yet-restored-hope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plastic</a> particle air pollution is now pervasive and inhalation ranks as the second most likely pathway for human exposure," said Dr. Saha. </p>



<p>It is an indiscriminate problem, meaning it affects environments everywhere, not just specific locations. Research has shown that contamination with microplastics and nanoplastics is widespread in both indoor and outdoor settings. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indoor-environments">Indoor environments </h3>



<p>Synthetic fibers from clothing, carpets, and furniture can easily shed tiny plastic particles into the air. Additionally, personal care products containing microplastics, or the breakdown of other plastic items within the home, also contribute to indoor plastic pollution.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdoor-environments">Outdoor environments</h3>



<p>The outdoors is exposed to a wide range of plastic pollution sources. Microplastics can be carried by wind and water from landfills and other waste disposal sites. Tire wear from vehicles releases plastic particles into the air. Plus, larger plastic debris exposed to the elements can fragment into microplastics and nanoplastics over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-plastic-presence-and-breathing">Modeling plastic presence and breathing</h2>



<p>Since directly observing the movement of micro and nanoplastics inside the human body is incredibly difficult, the UTS research team created advanced computer models. These models meticulously replicate the complex structure and function of the respiratory system (nose, throat, lungs, etc.). By simulating how air and particles flow through these virtual lungs, the models provide valuable insights into:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Deposition patterns:</strong>&nbsp;Where the inhaled plastic particles are likely to become lodged within the respiratory system.</li>



<li><strong>Factors influencing deposition:</strong>&nbsp;How characteristics like particle size, shape, and breathing patterns affect where the particles end up.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-in-plastics-in-air">Breathing in plastics in air</h2>



<p>The study revealed several important insights:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-patterns-play-a-role-in-plastic-deposition">Breathing patterns play a role in plastic deposition</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Fast breathing:</strong>&nbsp;When you breathe rapidly, air moves quickly through your nose and throat. This can cause larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastic-pollution-has-become-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> particles to get 'caught' in the upper respiratory tract, preventing them from going deeper into the lungs.</li>



<li><strong>Slow breathing:</strong>&nbsp;Slower breathing allows smaller plastic particles, especially nanoplastics, more time to travel further into the respiratory system and potentially reach the delicate structures deep within the lungs.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shape-influences-deposition">Shape influences deposition</h3>



<p>Plastic particles come in various shapes, not just spheres. Research suggests that irregularly shaped plastic fragments may be better at slipping past the body's natural filtering mechanisms within the respiratory system. This could allow them to reach more sensitive areas deep in the lungs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accumulation-hotspots">Accumulation hotspots</h3>



<p>The computer models used in the study helped identify specific locations within the respiratory system where inhaled plastic particles are prone to accumulate. This is important because the buildup of plastic in these areas could eventually lead to health problems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-health-hazards-of-breathing-plastic">Potential health hazards of breathing plastic</h2>



<p>Dr. Saha stresses that research is increasingly pointing towards a connection between breathing in plastic particles and a higher risk of various lung problems. Here's a breakdown of the conditions mentioned:</p>



<p><strong>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):</strong> A group of long-term lung diseases that make breathing difficult. COPD often includes emphysema (damaged air sacs in the lungs) and chronic bronchitis (long-term inflammation of the airways).</p>



<p><strong>Asthma:</strong> A condition where the airways narrow and swell, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.</p>



<p><strong>Lung fibrosis:</strong> A condition where lung tissue becomes scarred and thickened, making breathing increasingly difficult.</p>



<p><strong>Unexplained "frosted glass nodules":</strong> These are abnormal spots seen on lung scans that resemble hazy ground glass. Their exact cause is often unclear, but they may indicate inflammation or early stages of lung disease.</p>



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



<p>This study highlights the urgency of understanding the full extent of the health risks posed by breathing in microplastics and nanoplastics. While further research is critical, here's what you can do now:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Increase Awareness:</strong>&nbsp;Educate yourself about the sources of these plastic particles in your daily life.</li>



<li><strong>Advocate for Change:</strong>&nbsp;Support initiatives that promote reduction of plastic production and responsible waste management.</li>



<li><strong>Demand Further Research:</strong>&nbsp;Urge investment in studies that will help us understand the long-term consequences of plastic inhalation and develop mitigation strategies.</li>
</ul>



<p>These findings provide essential insights for the development of targeted strategies to mitigate potential risks and ensure effective health interventions. This knowledge is crucial to safeguarding our health and the well-being of our planet.</p>



<p>Small steps, like opting for reusable products and supporting sustainable practices, can collectively make a significant difference in protecting our lungs and the air we breathe.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666765724000437?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Advances</a></em>.</p>



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Plastic can silently enter our body with every breath we take

The insidious reach of plastic pollution extends far beyond our...

<p>Recent research has shed light on a pressing environmental issue: the impact of abrupt permafrost thaw, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-identifies-thermokarst-areas-at-risk-of-releasing-greenhouse-gases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thermokarst</a>, on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from soil. </p>



<p>A significant finding from the study is that soil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-reached-unprecedented-highs-in-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2 emissions</a> are more sensitive to climate warming in areas where permafrost has collapsed than in regions where it remains intact.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-depths-of-permafrost-carbon">Exploring the depths of permafrost carbon</h2>



<p>Permafrost regions, particularly those at high latitudes and altitudes, store about half of all below-ground organic carbon. </p>



<p>These areas are crucial in maintaining the balance of our climate system. However, with rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperatures</a>, permafrost is thawing rapidly. </p>



<p>Thermokarst, the sudden collapse of permafrost due to melting ice within the soil, affects roughly 20% of the northern permafrost region. </p>



<p>This type of thaw can drastically alter the land's morphology and the properties of the soil, potentially leading to significant changes in ecosystem carbon cycling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-warming-and-soil-co2-flux">Climate warming and soil CO2  flux</h2>



<p>Both thermokarst and non-thermokarst areas are experiencing ongoing warming, yet the effects on soil CO2 flux in these regions are markedly different. </p>



<p>This discrepancy has prompted a group of researchers led by Professor YANG Yuanhe from the <a href="http://english.ib.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> to delve deeper into the phenomenon. </p>



<p>Through field and laboratory studies, the team discovered that the warming-induced increase in soil CO2 release was approximately 5.5 times higher in thermokarst areas compared to adjacent non-thermokarst regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mechanisms-of-soil-co2-release">The mechanisms of soil CO2 release </h2>



<p>The team employed multiple scientific techniques, including soil physicochemical analyses, solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, and metagenomic sequencing. The researchers identified over 30 potential factors influencing the warming effects on soil carbon release. </p>



<p>They found that the greater response in thermokarst areas is primarily due to the lower quality of soil substrates and a higher abundance of microbial genes related to the decomposition of organic carbon.</p>



<p>Further analysis involved incubating soils from six additional thermokarst-affected sites along a 550-km permafrost transect. </p>



<p>Results from these experiments showed that thermokarst formation significantly increases the temperature sensitivity of soil carbon release, suggesting a stronger response of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australias-warming-climate-transforms-soil-into-a-carbon-emitter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil CO2</a> to warming in these landscapes.</p>



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



<p>Professor YANG highlighted the broader significance of these findings: "As a preliminary exploration of its global importance, extrapolating the warming response of soil CO2 flux to all upland thermokarst regions in the Northern Hemisphere, there could be an additional 0.4 Pg C year-1 of soil carbon release." </p>



<p>This amount represents about a quarter of the projected permafrost soil carbon losses by the end of the 21st century.</p>



<p>Consequently, these insights are vital for accurately projecting future trajectories of permafrost carbon-climate feedback. </p>



<p>Understanding how thermokarst influences CO2 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-emissions-cost-us-economy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> can help scientists and policymakers develop more effective strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-permafrost-dynamics-and-global-warming">Permafrost dynamics and global warming </h2>



<p>The study provides compelling evidence that soil CO<sub>2</sub>&nbsp;loss becomes stronger upon abrupt permafrost thaw. This means that thermokarst areas are significantly more vulnerable to climate-induced increases in soil CO2 emissions than their non-collapsed counterparts. </p>



<p>The research is critical for enhancing our understanding of permafrost dynamics and their impact on global warming, paving the way for more informed environmental decision-making in the face of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-permafrost-thaw-and-co2-release">Impacts of permafrost thaw and CO2 release </h2>



<p>Permafrost thaw can lead to significant changes in an ecosystem, affecting the plants and animals adapted to permafrost environments. In addition, the infrastructure built on permafrost, like roads and buildings, faces increased risk of damage as the once-stable ground becomes unstable.</p>



<p>Moreover, permafrost contains vast amounts of organic carbon that have been frozen for millennia. When permafrost thaws, this carbon is exposed to bacteria and fungi that convert it into carbon dioxide and methane, potent greenhouse gases that further contribute to global warming. </p>



<p>This creates a feedback loop where warming leads to more thawing, which leads to more emissions, which leads to further warming.</p>



<p>The process and impacts of permafrost thaw are being intensely studied as they present critical challenges not only to local communities but also to global efforts in managing climate change impacts and maintaining sustainability.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01440-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a></em>.</p>



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Abrupt permafrost thaw releases more CO2 than expected

Recent research has shed light on a pressing environmental issue:...

<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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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>



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

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

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



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



<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>



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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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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-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>



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



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

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.

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



<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>



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



<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

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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

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

<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>



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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>

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>



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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>

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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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>



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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>

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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