<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapevines-could-offer-a-breakthrough-alternative-to-plastic-packaging/">Plastic</a> bags are everywhere, and too many slip into rivers and onto beaches. A new analysis finds that policies that either charge a small fee per bag or prohibit them outright cut the share of bags found during shoreline cleanups by 25 to 47 percent.</p>



<p>The study combed through hundreds of city, county, and state rules passed between 2017 and 2023. It matched those policies to more than 45,000 volunteer cleanups across the United States to see what actually changed on the ground.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-ran-the-study">Who ran the study</h2>



<p>The research was coauthored by <a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/ceoe/departments/smsp/faculty/kimberly-oremus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kimberly L. Oremus</a> of the University of Delaware’s School of Marine Science and Policy (<a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/ceoe/departments/smsp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UDEL</a>). </p>



<p>Oremus and her collaborator set out to measure litter, not just shopping behavior, so the results speak to what ends up in nature.</p>



<p>The team relied on citizen science, meaning trained volunteers recorded what they collected during beach, river, and lake cleanups. </p>



<p>They drew on <a href="https://www.coastalcleanupdata.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TIDES</a>, a public database that stores those counts in one place so researchers can analyze patterns across time and place.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-plastic-bag-policies">Studying plastic bag policies</h2>



<p>To isolate the effect of bag policies, the authors used a Difference-in-Differences (<a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/research/population-health-methods/difference-difference-estimation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DiD</a>) approach that compares places with and without new laws over the same period. </p>



<p>That design helps rule out unrelated trends that affect everyone, such as national shifts in shopping or packaging.</p>



<p>The headline result is simple. In communities with full bans or fees, the share of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-from-plastic-bottles-linked-to-high-blood-pressure-and-heart-problems/">plastic</a> bags in the litter mix fell relative to similar places without policies, and the decline grew in the years after a law took effect.</p>



<p>State level rules tended to be more reliable in the data than city or county policies. Effects looked similar along coasts and rivers, with hints of larger gains along lakes where winds and currents spread litter differently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-policy-fees-vs-bans">Plastic policy: Fees vs. bans</h2>



<p>Fees change the default at every checkout and discourage taking a bag when you do not need one, which reduces both thin and thicker bag use.</p>



<p>Other <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carrier-bag-charge-summary-of-data-in-england/single-use-plastic-carrier-bags-charge-data-for-england-2024-to-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> points in the same direction outside the United States. England reports an almost 98 percent drop in single use carrier bags at major retailers since its charge began.</p>



<p>Policies that only restrict thin bags often allow thicker <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agricultural-soil-is-now-the-worlds-biggest-plastic-dumping-ground/">plastic</a> labeled as reusable. </p>



<p>Those partial bans showed the smallest and least precise effects in the analysis, which is consistent with shoppers substituting one kind of plastic for another.</p>



<p>Some states also pass preemption <a href="https://www.ncsl.org/environment-and-natural-resources/state-plastic-bag-legislation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laws</a> that block cities and counties from regulating bags at all. When local governments cannot act, the study’s data suggest statewide policies become especially important.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-and-entanglement">Wildlife and entanglement</h2>



<p>The cleanup records include notes on animals found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-99-percent-sea-turtles-organ-tissue-reproductive-system/">entangled in debris</a>. </p>



<p>In areas with bag policies, the presence of entangled animals dropped by roughly 30 to 37 percent, although the authors caution that the estimates are imprecise and more data are needed.</p>



<p>That finding aligns with what we know about <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/stories/single-use-plastics-101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single-use-plastics</a>. Thin bags linger in water and along shorelines, where they can snag, smother, or be eaten by turtles, birds, and fish.</p>



<p>Many studies track what happens at store checkouts, but fewer track what ends up outdoors. Shoreline cleanups offer a window into that last step in the chain from purchase to pollution.</p>



<p>Across the study period, the share of bags among collected items rose overall, but it rose less where bag laws existed. That pattern is exactly what you want to see if policies are slowing the flow of litter into the environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-plastic-policy-steps">Global plastic policy steps</h2>



<p>A small, universal fee is a simple tool that nudges behavior without banning choices. Full bans can work too, and the analysis shows both approaches reduce the share of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glass-bottles-contain-more-microplastics-than-plastic-containers/">plastic</a> bags found during cleanups.</p>



<p>The mix of policies should match local conditions. In places with more bag litter to begin with, impacts were largest, so targeting high problem areas with fast action can deliver quick gains.</p>



<p>Plastic bag rules are only one part of the picture. Negotiators from 175 countries are working toward a plastics treaty under <a href="https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNEP</a> that could standardize action on a wider set of products and chemicals.</p>



<p>The study notes that bottles, caps, and other items did not decline when bag policies passed. That is a signal that targeted rules for other single use products would be needed to curb overall litter.</p>



<p>Adopt a modest fee or a full ban that applies across retail and restaurant settings, and keep the text simple so it is easy to enforce. Pair the policy with clear signs at checkout and with retailer reporting that tracks compliance.</p>



<p>Measure results in the same way the researchers did. Recruit volunteers, log items in TIDES, and watch how the litter mix changes year over year so the policy can be adjusted as needed.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp9274" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Studies confirm that a small tax definitely helps curb plastic pollution

Plastic bags are everywhere, and too many slip into rivers and onto beaches. A new analysis finds that policies that either charge a small fee per bag or prohibit them outright cut the share of bags found during shoreline cleanups by 25 to 47 percent. The study combed through hundreds of city, county, and state rules passed between 2017 and 2023. It matched those policies to more than 45,000 volunteer cleanups across the United States to see what actually changed on the ground. Who ran the study...

<p>Coffee is the fuel that keeps the world running. Whether you prefer a bold espresso or a creamy cappuccino, the chances are that your favorite brew comes from a plant called <em>Coffea arabica</em>. Yet, behind the daily caffeine fix lies an incredible genome story spanning hundreds of thousands of years, continents, and even changing climates. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-coffee-genome">History of coffee genome</h2>



<p>You might not think about it as you sip your morning coffee, but within your cup lies a fascinating genetic story. Scientists at the University of Buffalo (<a href="https://www.buffalo.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UB</a>) have recently created an incredibly detailed map of the DNA of Arabica <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-stimulates-digestion-and-protects-against-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a>. This map, known as a genome, acts like a blueprint for the plant, revealing the complex ancestry of the coffee you enjoy.</p>



<p>“We’ve used genomic information in plants alive today to go back in time and paint the most accurate picture possible of Arabica’s long history, as well as determine how modern cultivated varieties are related to each other,” said study co-author Victor Albert, a professor in the <a href="https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/biological-sciences.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UB Department of Biological Sciences</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It turns out that Arabica coffee isn't the product of a single, isolated lineage. Instead, it's the result of a natural hybridization event between two different coffee species: <em>Coffea canephora</em> (commonly known as Robusta) and <em>Coffea eugenioides</em>. </p>



<p>This unusual event is called allopolyploidization. In this process, the two parent species contributed their full sets of chromosomes, resulting in Arabica inheriting a double set of genetic instructions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-origin">Coffee origin</h2>



<p>The story of Arabica <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dedicated-coffee-drinkers-have-lower-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a> becomes even more intriguing when we consider how it came to be. This remarkable merging of two coffee species wasn't the result of human manipulation in a laboratory or on a carefully controlled plantation. It was an entirely natural event that unfolded within the lush forests of Ethiopia.</p>



<p>Scientists harnessed the power of advanced computer modeling to trace the origins of Arabica <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-with-milk-has-powerful-anti-inflammatory-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a>. These models allowed them to look back through time, pinpointing the birthplace of this unique coffee species. Their findings suggest that this extraordinary hybridization event, where two species became one, occurred an astonishing 600,000 to a million years ago.</p>



<p>To put that in perspective, this was long before the emergence of modern humans, let alone the development of coffee brewing techniques or the rise of coffee shops. Coffee was flourishing in its natural environment, completely independent of human influence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-impact-on-coffee-genome">Climate impact on coffee genome</h2>



<p>The delicate aroma and smooth taste of Arabica <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-before-breakfast-has-a-negative-impact-on-metabolism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a> disguise its surprisingly robust history. While we may think of it as a cultivated plant, Arabica comes from a long lineage that has successfully weathered dramatic environmental changes.</p>



<p>“A detailed understanding of the origins and breeding history of contemporary varieties are crucial to developing new Arabica cultivars better adapted to climate change,” explained Professor Albert.</p>



<p>Earth's climate has fluctuated significantly over the past millennia, experiencing periods of intense glaciation followed by warmer, wetter phases. Scientists studying the Arabica genome were able to trace how these climate shifts impacted the coffee plant populations. Their findings revealed a fascinating correlation between climate and Arabica's abundance.</p>



<p>During harsh periods, particularly extended droughts, the Arabica population numbers dwindled. These challenging times likely resulted in increased competition for resources and reduced breeding success. </p>



<p>However, when the climate shifted towards warmer and wetter conditions, Arabica populations experienced a boom. Favorable growing conditions allowed the plants to thrive and reproduce more readily.</p>



<p>This cyclical pattern of population decline and growth, linked directly to climate change, demonstrates the remarkable resilience of Arabica coffee over hundreds of thousands of years. It highlights the plant's remarkable ability to adapt and survive in a dynamic environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-ancestors">Coffee ancestors </h2>



<p>Coffee plants share an ancestral bond with Eastern Africa, specifically an expansive geological formation known as the Great Rift Valley. This region has served as a natural cradle for coffee's evolution. Interestingly, scientists have observed a distinct geographical divide between the wild coffee plants of the region and the specific varieties that humans have cultivated for our beloved beverages.</p>



<p>The cultivated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-great-coffee-debate-harmful-or-beneficial/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a> varieties that dominate global production all trace their origins to the eastern side of the Great Rift Valley, the region closer to Yemen. This geographical pattern provides strong support for the historical understanding that Yemen played a pivotal role in the initial domestication of coffee sometime around the 15th century. </p>



<p>It was from this starting point that coffee cultivation practices and the enjoyment of coffee spread outwards, eventually establishing the vibrant global coffee culture we experience today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genome-mapping-reveals-coffee-future">Genome mapping reveals coffee future</h2>



<p>Despite its immense popularity, Arabica coffee faces significant threats. Centuries of selective breeding practices have led to a limited genetic diversity within Arabica populations. This lack of diversity leaves the species highly susceptible to devastating pests and diseases, such as the notorious coffee leaf rust. </p>



<p>Furthermore, the ongoing impacts of climate change, including unpredictable weather patterns and rising temperatures, pose additional challenges to the survival and productivity of Arabica coffee plants.</p>



<p>However, the recent mapping of the Arabica <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-plants-fight-climate-change-with-a-genetic-weapon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> offers a glimmer of hope. This intricate genetic blueprint allows scientists to delve deeper into the coffee plant's inner workings. By analyzing this map, researchers can identify specific genes that might be associated with resistance to diseases or the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. </p>



<p>This newfound knowledge is essential for developing strategies to safeguard the future of Arabica coffee production. It provides a roadmap for researchers seeking ways to breed more resilient coffee varieties, ensuring our continued enjoyment of this beloved beverage.</p>



<p>So, the next time you take a sip of your morning brew, remember this: your coffee carries within it a tale of natural wonder, ancient climates, and the enduring power of plants. From Ethiopia to your cup, the story of coffee is one to savor. </p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.06.556570v2">BioR<em>xiv</em></a>.</p>



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



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



<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>

Coffee genome adapted to climate changes over millennia

Coffee is the fuel that keeps the world running. Whether...

Graphical,Representation,Of,Chemical,Processes,In,Photosynthesis,With,Elements,Placed

<p>A recent study has revealed a significant yet often overlooked component of the Earth’s carbon cycle: soil inorganic carbon (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-of-2c-would-unleash-230-billions-tons-of-soil-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SIC</a>). </p>



<p>Traditionally, discussions about soil carbon have focused predominantly on soil organic carbon (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-soil-sequesters-carbon-from-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SOC</a>), which refers to the decomposed organic matter in soil. </p>



<p>SIC, primarily composed of materials like calcium carbonate, plays a vital role in the global carbon cycle. This role is especially crucial in arid regions with infertile soils, where SIC significantly impacts soil health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-are-disrupting-earths-largest-carbon-storage-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-inorganic-carbon-surpasses-vegetation-carbon">Soil inorganic carbon surpasses vegetation carbon</h2>



<p>The groundbreaking research led by Prof. Huang Yuanyuan from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of the <a href="http://english.igsnrr.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a>, along with Prof. Zhang Ganlin of the <a href="http://english.issas.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Soil Science, CAS</a>, quantifies the global store of soil inorganic carbon (SIC).</p>



<p>Their findings reveal that the amount of SIC exceeds the carbon found in the world's vegetation fivefold. This significant discovery challenges the long-held perception that SIC is less significant than soil organic carbon (SOC).</p>



<p>Specifically, the study published in the journal <em>Science</em> identifies an astonishing 2,305 billion tons of SIC in the top two meters of soil globally. This finding challenges the long-held perception that SIC is less significant than SOC.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fragility-of-carbon-fortresses">The fragility of carbon fortresses</h2>



<p>Prof. Huang highlights the precarious state of this vast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-carbon-buried-deep-beneath-the-forest-is-disrupted-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon store</a>, explaining, "This huge carbon pool is vulnerable to changes in the environment, especially soil acidification. Acids dissolve calcium carbonate and remove it either as carbon dioxide gas or directly into the water.” </p>



<p>Countries like China and India, facing significant soil acidification from industrial activities and intensive farming, are at a particular risk. </p>



<p>Prof. Huang warns, “Without remedial actions and better soil practices, the world is likely to face a disturbance of SIC in the next thirty years.” </p>



<p>SIC degradation impairs the soil’s ability to neutralize acidity, regulate nutrients, support plant growth, and stabilize organic carbon. Essentially, the health of our ecosystems and the efficacy of carbon sequestration strategies heavily depend on the stability of SIC.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lost-soil-inorganic-carbon">Lost soil inorganic carbon</h2>



<p>The study further highlights the annual loss of approximately 1.13 billion tons of inorganic carbon from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-soil-boosts-crop-growth-by-over-50/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soils</a> to inland waters. </p>



<p>Consequently, this significant figure underscores the complexity of carbon transport dynamics among the land, atmosphere, freshwater, and ocean systems. </p>



<p>Thus, the findings suggest that a more nuanced understanding of both types of soil carbon -- organic and inorganic -- is crucial for developing effective climate change mitigation strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-soil-inorganic-carbon-equation">Balancing soil inorganic carbon equation</h2>



<p>The urgency to address both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-soil-plays-a-major-role-in-fighting-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forms of soil</a> carbon in climate initiatives is clear. It is now evident that inorganic carbon deserves equal attention as organic carbon in our efforts to combat climate change. </p>



<p>International efforts like the “4 per mille initiative,” which focuses primarily on enhancing SOC, must also integrate strategies for preserving and augmenting SIC.</p>



<p>By broadening our understanding of soil carbon dynamics, the research team aims to develop more comprehensive strategies. </p>



<p>These strategies are intended to maintain soil health, enhance ecosystem services, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.</p>



<p>This shift could potentially transform soil management practices globally, ensuring they include protections and enhancements for both SOC and SIC.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-securing-carbon-securing-our-future">Securing carbon, securing our future</h2>



<p>This pivotal research not only deepens our understanding of global carbon stores but also emphasizes the critical need for holistic, informed approaches in climate policy and land management. </p>



<p>As the study illustrates, safeguarding our planet’s soil carbon stores, particularly inorganic carbon, is not just about preserving an ecological asset but about securing a sustainable future against the escalating challenges of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-soil-inorganic-carbon">More about soil inorganic carbon</h2>



<p>As discussed above, SIC is a fundamental component of soil that has implications beyond just the carbon cycle; it's crucial for understanding broader environmental and agricultural dynamics. Here’s a bit more about SIC:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-and-types">Formation and types</h3>



<p>SIC can exist in various forms, predominantly as carbonates such as calcium carbonate (limestone) and magnesium carbonate. </p>



<p>These carbonates are often the result of sedimentation and chemical reactions over geological timescales, including the precipitation of carbonates from dissolved ions in water and biological processes involving organisms.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distribution">Distribution</h3>



<p>The distribution of SIC varies significantly with climate, soil type, and local geology. It is more abundant in arid and semi-arid regions due to lower levels of organic matter and higher potential for carbonate formation through evaporation and less leaching by rainfall.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roles-and-functions">Roles and functions</h3>



<p>Soil inorganic carbon contributes to buffering soil pH, which is crucial for plant nutrition and microbial activity in the soil.</p>



<p>It also influences the availability of essential nutrients like phosphorus, which can bind with calcium in calcareous soils. Soils with high SIC content can affect the soil structure and its ability to retain water.</p>



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



<p>SIC serves as a significant carbon reservoir. Its stability or disturbance impacts carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, thus playing a role in climate dynamics. Moreover, soil inorganic carbonates can neutralize acid rain, reducing its harmful effects on ecosystems.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi7918" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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



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



<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>

Hidden pool of global soil carbon alters climate change models

A recent study has revealed a significant yet often overlooked...

<p>Climate change is transforming the very fabric of our ecosystems, and as it progresses, its effects on rainfall patterns have become more pronounced. </p>



<p>April showers, traditionally light and frequent, are increasingly turning into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thunderstorms-are-becoming-more-intense-due-to-climate-change/">heavy downpours</a>. This shift is not limited to just one month; it's a year-round global trend that is leading to more intense but less frequent rainfalls. </p>



<p>A comprehensive study led by the <a href="https://www.umd.edu/">University of Maryland</a> is shedding light on how changing rainfall patterns are affecting plant life across the globe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concentrated-rainfall-and-its-ecological-effects">Concentrated rainfall and its ecological effects</h2>



<p>The study reveals a significant trend. In most regions, over half of the annual rainfall now falls on just 12 days each year. Predictions indicate that future rainfall events will become even more concentrated. This new pattern of longer dry periods punctuated by heavy rains seems to offer mixed blessings. </p>



<p>According to Andrew Feldman, a researcher at the <a href="https://webhost.essic.umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center</a> and the first author of the paper, plants in arid regions like the American West may benefit from these intense downpours. However, plants in naturally wetter areas could suffer under the same conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-plant-responses-to-new-rainfall-regimes">Diverse plant responses to new rainfall regimes</h2>



<p>The response of plants to these changing conditions varies dramatically. Plants in dry ecosystems generally respond better to large bursts of rainfall than those in wetter environments. This sensitivity can shift dominant vegetation types, potentially altering the balance of an ecosystem.</p>



<p>"Typically, more rainfall over a year will make plants happier and allow the ecosystem to support more vegetation," Feldman explained. "But changes in how rain is delivered - shifting from frequent light showers to fewer, heavier events - can adjust a plant's photosynthesis and growth by 10% to 30%, even if the total amount of water they receive remains constant."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-studies-on-plant-responses">Global studies on plant responses</h2>



<p>Research also shows that plants in moderately wet regions, such as the Midwestern United States, are highly susceptible to these shifts. Their functional changes could see as much as a 25% alteration within a year due to changing rainfall patterns.</p>



<p>Global studies also reflect diverse reactions. While 42% of cases showed plants struggling under new rainfall regimes, 35% indicated improvement. Meanwhile, 23% saw no significant change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-rainfall-the-broader-climate-change-context">Beyond rainfall: the broader climate change context</h2>



<p>This nuanced picture underscores the complexity of plant responses to rainfall variability. This variability is a critical factor influencing everything from crop yields to the absorption of carbon emitted by human activities.</p>



<p>"Plants are responsible for the largest flux of carbon on global land," Feldman noted, emphasizing the broader implications of these findings. "Understanding how they respond to daily rainfall variability is crucial, as it affects agricultural productivity and our planet's ability to sequester carbon."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-road-ahead-future-research-directions">The road ahead: Future research directions</h2>



<p>The research team, including experts from the <a href="https://twin-cities.umn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Minnesota</a>, <a href="https://www.montana.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montana State University</a>, <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a>, the <a href="https://www.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>, and NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Spaceflight Center</a>, is expanding their studies. </p>



<p>The experts are preparing a global analysis to examine how plants respond to intense, sporadic rainfall through satellite measurements.</p>



<p>In addition, Feldman and his colleagues aim to identify the optimal rainfall frequencies that maximize photosynthesis and growth in plants. </p>



<p>"To accurately predict the impact of increasingly extreme rainfall on plant life, we must invest in understanding the soil and plant processes that are influenced by individual rainstorms and the subsequent dry periods," said Feldman.</p>



<p>As challenges evolve, the urgency for detailed, continuous research highlights the complex interplay between climate change and the natural world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rising temperatures and intense rainfall</h2>



<p>The link between rising temperatures and intense rainfall is primarily due to the increased capacity of warmer air to hold moisture. Here’s how it works:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Increased water vapor</h3>



<p>As temperatures rise due to global warming, the amount of evaporation from the Earth's surface also increases. Warmer air can hold more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sci-fi-inspired-scenarios-illustrate-our-impact-on-earths-water-cycle/">water vapor</a> than cooler air. For every 1°C rise in temperature, the air's capacity to hold water vapor increases by about 7 percent.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Convection and instability</h3>



<p>Warmer temperatures often lead to greater atmospheric instability. This instability occurs because warm, moist air rises more readily. As this air rises, it cools and the water vapor condenses into cloud droplets, eventually leading to precipitation. The stronger and more rapid this rising motion (convection), the more intense the resulting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-rising-impact-of-tropical-cyclones-in-a-warming-world/">storms</a> can be.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Increased rainfall intensity</h3>



<p>With more moisture in the atmosphere, when rain does occur, it can be more intense. This is because as the water vapor condenses into liquid or ice, it releases latent heat, which in turn fuels the storm, making it stronger and potentially more capable of producing heavy bursts of rain.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Climate patterns and changes</h3>



<p>Climate change also alters various climate patterns and systems like jet streams and ocean currents, which can further affect weather systems, potentially leading to more frequent and intense storms.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-024-00534-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Reviews Earth &amp; Environment</em>.</a></p>



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



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



<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>

How changing rainfall patterns impact plants worldwide

Climate change is transforming the very fabric of our ecosystems,...

<p>A fascinating new discovery reveals that violent summer storms have a secret role in keeping things in balanced in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cautionary-tale-todays-ocean-oxygen-levels-may-have-cascading-impacts/">ocean</a>.</p>



<p>The ocean depths teem with a mysterious world unknown to most of us land-dwellers. But this delicate ecosystem is under threat. </p>



<p>Warmer waters caused by climate change hold less oxygen. It's a crisis for marine life, which needs oxygen to survive – just like us. But where does the deep sea even get its oxygen, and why is it running out?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-sea-oxygen-problem">Deep sea oxygen problem</h2>



<p>"There is growing concern for the health of our coastal oceans as the climate warms because warmer water holds less oxygen," explains Professor Tom Rippeth of <a href="https://www.bangor.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bangor University</a>. </p>



<p>"Living creatures in the ocean are reliant on oxygen to survive in the same way as animals on land are. Oxygen is also used up as rotting matter decomposes in the depths of the ocean. This creates a summer oxygen deficit in the deep seas around the UK. Unfortunately, as our climate warms, this deficit is forecast to grow."</p>



<p>In the summer months, the sun's energy warms the surface layers of the ocean. Warmer water is naturally less dense than colder water. This difference in density creates a barrier that hinders mixing between the two layers.</p>



<p>This process where water masses with different properties form layers is called stratification. It's a bit like oil and water separating in a glass – they don't readily mix due to density differences.</p>



<p>The warmer, less dense top layer of the ocean interacts with the atmosphere, absorbing oxygen for use by marine life. However, this oxygen-rich water stays near the surface due to stratification - the natural separation of the ocean's water into horizontal layers by density. </p>



<p>The deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-ocean-oxygen-loss-may-ultimately-reverse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> layer, cut off from the surface and the atmosphere, can't replenish its oxygen. Additionally, biological processes like the decomposition of organic matter further consume the existing oxygen within this deep layer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summer-storms-and-ocean-mixing">Summer storms and ocean mixing</h2>



<p>You might not think of storms as helpful, but scientists from Bangor University, the <a href="https://www.liverpool.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liverpool</a>, and the National Oceanography Center have found they play an unexpected role.</p>



<p>At first glance, storms seem destructive. However, the powerful winds and waves associated with summer storms significantly churn the ocean's surface. This turbulence disrupts stratification.</p>



<p>The energy of the storm doesn't just impact the surface. It penetrates deeper, forcing the mixing of the oxygen-rich surface water with the oxygen-depleted layers below. This mixing helps replenish the oxygen in the deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-oxygen-levels-global/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>, combating the natural oxygen decline that occurs during summer.</p>



<p>Just how effective is this? The research shows that these storms can slow the worsening of deep-sea oxygen shortages by a whopping 50 percent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summer-storms-and-oceans-a-complex-balance">Summer storms and oceans: A complex balance</h2>



<p>This discovery underscores how seemingly isolated events, like storms far out at sea, are intricately connected to the health of deep-sea ecosystems. </p>



<p>It demonstrates that changes in weather patterns and storm intensity, likely influenced by climate change, have a direct bearing on the well-being of a vast marine environment and the life within it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-renewable-energy-sources">Renewable energy sources</h2>



<p>The study also raises some thought-provoking questions and highlights the importance of careful planning as we look to harness renewable energy sources.</p>



<p>As we explore sustainable solutions like floating wind farms, this research highlights the need to understand their potential impact on ocean dynamics like mixing and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-ocean-oxygen-levels-are-affected-by-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen</a> distribution. This understanding will aid in making informed decisions about the best placement and design of such structures.</p>



<p>The need for renewable energy is clear, but this research reminds us that our actions can have far-reaching effects. It stresses the importance of thoroughly studying how our interventions interact with natural cycles in order to maintain healthy oceans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summer-storms-and-the-ocean-s-breath">Summer storms and the ocean's breath</h2>



<p>Speaking of renewable energy, there's another twist to this story. The development of floating wind farms has the potential to further aid the ocean's health.</p>



<p>"The tidal flow passed from the proposed floating wind turbines will generate a turbulent wake which will mix down oxygen in the summer. This positive impact will improve ocean health," says Professor Rippeth.</p>



<p>But wait, turbines mixing the ocean? Here's the idea: the very structures of floating wind farms could act as giant mixers, further circulating oxygenated water. However, Professor Rippeth cautions that we need to carefully consider how these farms are designed and placed to get the balance right.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-actions-have-consequences">Actions have consequences</h2>



<p>The study draws attention to the fact that even when we aim to do something positive, like transitioning to clean energy, there can be unintended consequences within complex systems like our planet. </p>



<p>This highlights the need to invest in thorough scientific research and the development of comprehensive models. A deep understanding of how various natural systems, including the atmosphere and vast oceans, interact is crucial. Only then can we anticipate and hopefully mitigate potential negative consequences of our actions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-towards-a-sustainable-planet">Towards a sustainable planet</h2>



<p>As we work towards a greener future, it's vital to understand the intricate workings of natural systems. Our pursuit of a more sustainable planet cannot be separated from our effort to understand the complex web of interactions that govern it. Scientific exploration isn't just a side project – it's integral to making informed choices that promote genuine long-term environmental welfare.</p>



<p>This small glimpse into the deep sea's hidden world shows us just how much we still have to learn about the incredible planet we call home.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47548-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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



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



<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>

Summer storms stir oxygen into the deep ocean

A fascinating new discovery reveals that violent summer storms have...

<p>In recent decades, the U.S. wheat market has shown remarkable stability despite facing the growing challenges of climate change and extreme weather conditions. </p>



<p>A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/">University of Southampton</a> delves deep into the wheat sector's resilience and the broader theme of food security in developed countries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wheat-market-forces-weather-economic-shifts">Wheat market forces weather economic shifts</h2>



<p>The research highlights the crucial role of market forces in maintaining price stability in the food market. Even under the pressures of varying climate conditions, this stability has persisted over the past half-century.</p>



<p>According to lead author Dr. Vincenzo De Lipsis, the study reveals significant shifts in what influences <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wheat-prices-will-spike-as-climate-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wheat prices</a> in the United States. </p>



<p>"Before the mid-70s, oil was the dominant driver of wheat price fluctuations in the US, but after this point, we see a much stronger influence coming from a wider set of factors that includes weather and food consumption," said Dr. De Lipsis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-climate-on-global-agriculture">Impact of climate on global agriculture</h2>



<p>The study points out an increase in extreme weather events worldwide. Events such as droughts and floods have become more frequent and intense due to climate change.</p>



<p>Dr. De Lipsis emphasized the importance of understanding these changes. "Understanding the impact of this variability on food commodity prices is crucial, as it could have serious implications for food security," he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agricultural-resilience-in-the-face-of-climate-variability">Agricultural resilience in the face of climate variability</h2>



<p>Despite the potential for weather fluctuations to adversely affect wheat prices, the research found minimal impact on the market. Such fluctuations have not significantly disturbed the market's stability.</p>



<p>Accordingly, we attribute this stability to the resilience and flexibility of the agricultural sector. Farmers and industries have successfully smoothed out supply chain disruptions.</p>



<p>"The market system around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-heat-is-threatening-wheat-and-the-global-food-supply/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wheat</a> has remained competitive, functioning well and adapting to the new uncertain climate conditions," Dr. De Lipsis explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investments-strengthen-wheat-market-stability">Investments strengthen wheat market stability</h2>



<p>Substantial investments have further supported the stability in wheat prices and associated goods. These investments include storage facilities, modern infrastructure, and efficient transport links.</p>



<p>Consequently<strong>,</strong> these developments help buffer the supply of grain to retailers and consumers, reducing the market shocks that poor harvests might cause.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-market-strength-for-climate-adaptation">Harnessing market strength for climate adaptation</h2>



<p>Dr. De Lipsis outlined several takeaways for policymakers: "We have shown that market forces provide a powerful stabilizing mechanism to counter the increased variability in weather and harvest observed in the last half a century." </p>



<p>He noted that effective adaptation to climate challenges involves several key components. These include a competitive market, modern infrastructure, sufficient storage capacity, and a liquid futures market.</p>



<p>However, Dr. De Lipsis cautioned that while the U.S. system has proven robust, predicting its future effectiveness is challenging. These mechanisms may face unprecedented levels of weather variability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-us-wheat-market-s-blueprint-for-global-food-security">US wheat market's blueprint for global food security</h2>



<p>The resilience demonstrated by the U.S. wheat sector serves as a benchmark for other regions, especially developing countries.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of prioritizing investments in key areas to ensure a reliable and secure food supply globally.</p>



<p>However, while stability is more readily achieved in affluent nations, developing regions face a different reality. They are encouraged to enhance their infrastructure and market systems to safeguard against future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungal-infections-are-threatening-global-food-security/">food security</a> challenges.</p>



<p>As the world grapples with climate change and rising food demand, this study offers invaluable insights. It provides a roadmap for boosting food security with strategic investments and strong market mechanisms, preparing nations to manage the unpredictability of global agriculture. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-wheat-market-in-the-u-s">Significance of wheat market in the U.S</h2>



<p>The wheat market in the USA holds considerable significance for several key reasons:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-impact">Economic impact </h3>



<p>Agriculture is a major sector in the U.S. economy, and within this sector, wheat stands out as one of the top produced grains. The cultivation, harvesting, processing, and distribution of wheat generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the national GDP. </p>



<p>Wheat production also supports ancillary industries, including manufacturing (for farm equipment and machinery), transportation, and export services.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-security">Food security</h3>



<p>Wheat is a fundamental component of the American diet, used in a wide variety of foods such as bread, pasta, cereals, and other staple goods. Ensuring a stable supply of wheat is critical for maintaining food security. </p>



<p>The U.S. government, through policies and subsidies, often aims to stabilize wheat production to prevent market disruptions that could lead to price spikes or shortages, affecting millions of consumers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-influence">Global influence</h3>



<p>The United States is one of the world's leading wheat exporters, making its wheat market significant not just domestically but globally. </p>



<p>Changes in U.S. wheat production can have ripple effects on global wheat prices and availability. This means that U.S. wheat farmers and policymakers play a crucial role in global food security, especially in countries dependent on wheat imports.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-and-development">Research and development</h3>



<p>The U.S. invests heavily in agricultural research and development, including in the wheat sector. Innovations in crop genetics, pest management, and farming techniques developed in the U.S. can lead to higher yields, better disease resistance, and greater environmental sustainability. </p>



<p>These advancements not only benefit U.S. farmers but also have the potential to improve wheat production worldwide.</p>



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



<p>As climate change poses increasing challenges to <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=Agriculture%20&amp;start=0">agriculture</a>, the U.S. wheat market's adaptability becomes even more crucial. </p>



<p>Research and practices in sustainable farming, water management, and crop rotation developed in the U.S. contribute to the resilience of the wheat market against environmental stresses. This not only ensures steady production but also serves as a model for other countries dealing with similar issues.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165188924000150?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control</a></em></em>.</p>



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



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



<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>

U.S. wheat market has been remarkably resilient amid climate change

In recent decades, the U.S. wheat market has shown remarkable...

Close,Up,Melting,Iceberg,On,Waters,Of,Southern,Ocean,To

<p>The pristine world of Antarctica, a kingdom of ice and snow, is facing a hidden danger: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean currents</a>. Its massive ice shelves, those vast floating platforms of ice, are destabilizing at an alarming rate. </p>



<p>As they melt away, they threaten to unleash the glaciers held back behind them, leading to a catastrophic rise in global sea levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-shelves-antarctica-s-critical-gatekeepers">Ice shelves: Antarctica's critical gatekeepers</h2>



<p>Picture ice shelves as colossal frozen extensions of the Antarctic continent, floating out over the ocean. These shelves form when massive glaciers flow from the land and out onto the ocean surface. Their immense size and thickness allow them to buttress the glaciers behind them, slowing their flow. </p>



<p>This buttressing effect is critical; it regulates the pace at which ice from the interior of Antarctica reaches the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-circumpolar-current-speed-increasing-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>. If these ice shelves vanish or weaken significantly, the glaciers they hold back lose their restraint. </p>



<p>Consequently, the massive glaciers accelerate their flow into the ocean, resulting in a rise in global sea levels that will directly impact our coastlines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-usual-suspect-wind">The usual suspect: Wind</h2>



<p>For years, scientists attributed the primary cause of Antarctic ice shelf melt to strong winds swirling around the Southern Ocean. </p>



<p>The prevailing theory posited that these winds generated ocean currents capable of transporting warm water towards the underside of the ice shelves. </p>



<p>This warm water would then interact with the ice, causing significant melting from below and weakening the overall structure of the shelves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-currents-melt-antarctica-s-ice-shelves">Ocean currents melt Antarctica's ice shelves</h2>



<p>A new discovery that challenges the long-held understanding of Antarctic ice shelf melt. It reveals that meandering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-surface-temperatures-are-speeding-up-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean currents</a> play a more significant role in the melting process than the previously emphasized role of winds.</p>



<p>The key finding lies in how these currents interact with the topography of the ocean floor. Variations in seabed shape influence the movement of ocean currents, causing them to twist and turn. </p>



<p>This complex movement can generate a force called 'upwelling' that pushes warmer water from deeper layers upwards towards the base of the ice shelves. </p>



<p>This warm water then erodes the ice shelves from below, a process that can be far more destructive than melting driven by wind-forced currents alone.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>"The intensity and trajectory of ocean currents encircling the ice shelves directly govern the influx of warm water, thereby intricately shaping their rate of melting," explained Taewook Park, <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korea Polar Research Institute.</a></p>
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effect-of-ocean-currents-melting-antarctica-s-ice">Effect of ocean currents melting Antarctica's ice</h2>



<p>The Antarctic holds enough ice to raise sea levels by a staggering 58 meters if it all melted by factors such as ocean currents. </p>



<p>While a complete meltdown is an extreme, worst-case scenario, even a much smaller rise would have devastating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/relationship-between-ocean-currents-and-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global consequences</a>. </p>



<p>A sea level increase of just a few meters would displace millions of people living in low-lying coastal areas, inundating homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land. </p>



<p>Major cities and economic hubs around the world would face escalating risks of flooding, storm surges, and erosion. </p>



<p>The faster those ice shelves melt, the sooner this threat becomes a harsh reality, forcing difficult choices about adaptation and relocation for countless communities.</p>



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



<p>This new discovery necessitates a reevaluation of our current understanding of the complex interactions between the Southern Ocean currents and the Antarctica ice sheet. Prior models primarily focused on wind patterns as the driver of ice shelf melt. </p>



<p>This new research highlights the crucial role of ocean currents and seabed topography in influencing the movement and upwelling of warm water towards the ice shelves. </p>



<p>Consequently, climate models used to predict future sea level rise will require significant adjustments to incorporate these newly discovered dynamics. </p>



<p>“Our findings challenge conventional wisdom," explained Yoshihiro Nakayama from <a href="https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hokkaido University</a>. </p>



<p>By integrating this information, scientists can develop more accurate and nuanced projections of how much global sea levels might rise due to Antarctic ice melt.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>"Our study underscores that the interplay between meandering ocean currents and the ocean floor generates upwelling velocity, bringing warm water to shallower depths. Subsequently, this warm water reaches the ice-ocean interface, accelerating ice shelf melting." Nakayama explains.</p>



<p>"This internal oceanic process driving ice shelf melting introduces a novel concept. With this in mind, we have to reevaluate winds driving Antarctic ice loss, which can significantly impact future projections," he concludes.</p>
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-takeaway">Key takeaway</h2>



<p>The recent Antarctica's ice shelf melt and currents research underscores the immense complexity and power of the ocean. Our understanding of its influence on Earth's most sensitive regions, like Antarctica, is still evolving. </p>



<p>This discovery highlights a crucial point: climate change isn't just a matter of rising air temperatures. It's a cascade of interconnected effects that ripple throughout Earth's various systems. </p>



<p>The ocean plays a far more significant role than previously thought, and its dynamic interactions with ice sheets and currents can have profound consequences for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global sea levels</a>. </p>



<p>As we delve deeper into climate science, it's becoming increasingly clear that a holistic approach is necessary to understand the intricate web of cause and effect that drives environmental change on our planet.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, ccean currents are like rivers flowing within the ocean, playing a crucial role in the global climate system and marine ecosystems. </p>



<p>They are complex movements of ocean water driven by a variety of factors, each contributing to the currents' characteristics and effects such as Antarctica ice melt. </p>



<p>Here's a more detailed look at what drives these currents, their types, and their impact on our planet:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Factors driving ocean currents</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Wind</strong>: Surface currents, which make up about 10% of all the water in the ocean, are primarily driven by the wind. These currents are directly influenced by the pattern of the wind in the different Earth’s climate zones and can be swift and powerful, like the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Coriolis effect</strong>: As the Earth rotates, it imparts a force known as the Coriolis effect, which causes currents to veer to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This effect is crucial in determining the direction of ocean currents.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Temperature and salinity</strong>: Variations in water density affect its movement. Cold, salty water is denser than warm, fresh water. This difference causes vertical movements—warmer water rises, and colder water sinks, creating a conveyor belt-like motion known as thermohaline circulation.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Tides and gravitational pull</strong>: Tidal currents are produced by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. These are more predictable and can create significant water movements, especially near coastlines.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Bathymetry</strong>: The topography of the ocean floor (bathymetry) can influence the flow of ocean currents. Underwater features such as continental shelves, ridges, and trenches can direct and channel ocean currents.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Types of ocean currents</h3>



<ol>
<li><strong>Surface currents</strong>: Surface currents primarily exist in the upper 400 meters of the ocean and wind mainly drives them. They follow the major wind belts of the world and the Coriolis effect also affects them.<br></li>



<li><strong>Deep water currents</strong>: Deep water currents are heavily influenced by water density. This density depends on temperature and salinity levels. Together, these factors create a global conveyor belt. This conveyor belt is crucial for regulating Earth's climate as it distributes heat around the planet.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact of ocean currents beyond Antarctica's ice melt</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Climate regulation</strong>: Ocean currents distribute heat around the planet, thereby regulating weather and climate. For example, the Gulf Stream carries warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to the North Atlantic, making climates in Northern Europe milder.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Marine life</strong>: Currents carry nutrients and warm water, providing the basis for some of the world’s richest marine ecosystems. They also influence the migration patterns and distribution of marine life forms.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Navigation and human activity</strong>: Currents impact navigation routes for ships, especially in chokepoints like the Panama and Suez canals. Fishing industries and offshore operations are also influenced by current patterns.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Environmental impacts</strong>: Currents can carry pollutants, plastic debris, and organisms to different parts of the ocean, affecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity.</li>
</ul>



<p>Understanding ocean currents is crucial for predicting weather patterns, studying climate change, and managing marine resources effectively. They are integral to the Earth's system, influencing not just the oceans but the planetary environment as a whole.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-47084-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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



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



<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>

Antarctic ice shelves are melting faster due to ocean currents

The pristine world of Antarctica, a kingdom of ice and...

<p>A recent study from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a> brings exciting news: cloud engineering might cool our planet more than we thought.</p>



<p>The researchers highlight the significant role of increased cloud cover in cooling the Earth, suggesting that marine cloud brightening (MCB) could be a powerful tool against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geoengineering-program-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloud-engineering-a-potential-painkiller">Cloud engineering: A potential "painkiller"</h2>



<p>Think of cloud engineering as a potential way to temporarily lower the Earth's temperature. It won't directly address the root cause of global warming – the excess greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. </p>



<p>However, it could offer some short-term cooling, providing valuable time to implement the essential long-term solution of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<p>The concept involves injecting tiny particles (aerosols) into the atmosphere. The particles would act as additional "seeds" for water droplets within clouds, leading to denser and brighter clouds. This increased brightness would reflect more sunlight back into space, resulting in a cooling effect on the planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-cloud-engineering-work">How does cloud engineering work?</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-aerosols-can-significantly-cool-down-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clouds</a> are a collection of tiny water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. But how exactly do these droplets form? It all boils down to microscopic particles called cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). </p>



<p>These CCN act as like tiny platforms or seeds that water vapor can cling to and condense upon. The more CCN present, the easier it is for water vapor to condense and form those visible water droplets or ice crystals that make up clouds.</p>



<p>This is where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-clouds-influence-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud</a> engineering comes in. The idea is to introduce more CCN into the atmosphere, specifically over the vast areas of ocean where many marine clouds reside. By introducing these additional CCN (often in the form of tiny sea salt particles or aerosols), the theory goes that more water vapor will condense around them, forming a greater number of cloud droplets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-denser-brighter-clouds">Denser, brighter clouds</h2>



<p>The additional droplets would create denser clouds. Imagine a fluffy white <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysteries-in-the-sky-how-trees-impact-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud</a> compared to a thick, gray storm cloud. The denser cloud has more water droplets packed together, giving it a more substantial appearance. In cloud engineering, the goal is to create more clouds with this denser characteristic.</p>



<p>Now, here's the key part: why would denser clouds help cool the planet? Clouds have a particular property – they reflect sunlight. Think about how much brighter a cloudy day feels compared to a sunny one. </p>



<p>The denser a cloud is, with more water droplets packed together, the more sunlight it reflects. This reflected sunlight gets sent back out towards space, preventing it from reaching Earth's surface and heating it up. </p>



<p>In essence, cloud engineering aims to create more reflective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollution-smoke-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clouds</a>, like giant mirrors in the sky, to deflect sunlight and produce a cooling effect.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-kilauea-volcano-study">The Kilauea volcano study</h2>



<p>Volcanoes naturally release large amounts of aerosols into the atmosphere. Scientists seized a unique opportunity to study the real-world effects of these aerosols on clouds by focusing on Hawaii's Kilauea volcano. </p>



<p>Initially, the researchers collected historical satellite and weather data from periods when the volcano was both active and inactive. They then used advanced machine learning techniques to build a model. This model could simulate how clouds would have behaved naturally if the volcano hadn't been erupting.</p>



<p>By comparing actual observations during volcanic eruptions to their model's predictions (what would have likely happened without the volcano), they could pinpoint the direct impact the volcanic aerosols had on cloud formation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-findings-supporting-cloud-engineering">Findings supporting cloud engineering</h2>



<p>The study revealed these significant results. When the volcano was actively erupting, cloud cover in the region increased by an impressive 50%. This suggests the volcanic aerosols were acting as additional "seeds" (CCN) for water vapor, leading to the formation of more clouds in the area.</p>



<p>The increased cloud cover produced a substantial cooling effect within the region, measured at up to -10 watts per square meter (W/m²). </p>



<p>To put this in context, the scientists estimate that doubling the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere would lead to a global average warming of approximately +3.7 watts per square meter. This comparison highlights the potential of cloud engineering strategies to counteract some degree of warming.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-benefits-and-risks">Potential benefits and risks</h2>



<p>The results of the Kilauea volcano study hint that cloud engineering might be a more powerful tool for temporary cooling than previous models suggested. This is a significant finding, but it's important to emphasize that the approach is far from a simple solution to climate change.</p>



<p>Currently, our understanding of the potential full-scale global impacts and risks associated with cloud engineering remains limited. </p>



<p>For example, intentionally altering cloud brightness could unintentionally disrupt rainfall patterns, potentially leading to droughts or floods in certain regions. We urgently need extensive research to fully grasp these potential consequences.</p>



<p>It's crucial to stress that cloud engineering does not address the underlying problem of global warming: the excessive amounts of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. </p>



<p>This technology, even if successful, would only offer a temporary reduction in temperature. The essential task remains drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions to achieve long-term climate stability.</p>



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



<p>The Kilauea study has fueled global interest in cloud engineering. Research programs across the UK and the US are investigating the possibilities and risks of the technology. The goal is to provide policymakers with solid scientific evidence to make informed decisions about this potential tool.</p>



<p>Could spraying particles into the atmosphere help combat global warming? The short answer is that it might have some potential. However, it's far too early to say whether it's a safe and effective solution, as much more research is needed. </p>



<p>The key message is that reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains our most urgent and essential task in tackling the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionizing-aerodynamics-airplane-emissions-ai-deep-learning-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> crisis.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01427-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a></em>.</p>



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



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



<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>

Cloud engineering can temporarily cool our planet

A recent study from the University of Birmingham brings exciting...

<p>Over a century ago, the U.S. government set aside 23 million acres of Alaska's North Slope to serve as an emergency oil supply. This vast, remote region, known as the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (<a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/oil-and-gas/about/alaska/NPR-A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NPR-A</a>), has long been viewed as a major growth opportunity for the oil and gas industry. However, President Joe Biden is now moving to block Arctic oil drilling and gas development across roughly half of this territory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-aspects-of-arctic-oil-drilling">Key aspects of Arctic oil drilling</h2>



<p>Arctic oil drilling is a complex and controversial subject due to the extreme conditions, environmental concerns, and geopolitical implications involved. Here are its various aspects:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Geography and reserves</h3>



<p>The Arctic region encompasses the area around the North Pole, extending into territories of several countries including the United States (Alaska), Canada, Russia, Norway, and Greenland (Denmark). This region is believed to hold a significant portion of the world's undiscovered oil and natural gas reserves. </p>



<p>The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the Arctic holds about 13% of the world's undiscovered conventional oil resources and 30% of its undiscovered natural gas.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Technical challenges</h3>



<p>Drilling for oil in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ocean-found-to-be-a-biological-treasure-trove/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> is technologically challenging and expensive. The extreme cold, ice coverage, and remote locations complicate every aspect of exploration and production. </p>



<p>Winter darkness and severe weather conditions restrict operations to a limited part of the year. Special equipment and techniques are required to deal with the freezing temperatures and to minimize environmental impact.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental impact</h3>



<p>The environmental risks of Arctic oil drilling are significant. The Arctic ecosystem is fragile, and its wildlife, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-bears-are-struggling-to-survive-longer-summers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bears</a>, seals, and various bird species, are susceptible to disturbance. </p>



<p>Oil spills pose a severe threat due to the difficulty of carrying out effective clean-up operations in icy waters. The slow degradation rates in cold climates mean that oil can persist longer in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-biodiversity-will-get-a-boost-from-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>, exacerbating its impact.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Indigenous communities</h3>



<p>Many indigenous communities in the Arctic depend on the natural environment for their subsistence and cultural practices. Oil drilling and the accompanying industrial activity can affect the land and wildlife resources that these communities rely on. </p>



<p>There are concerns about the social and economic impacts on indigenous peoples, including changes to traditional lifestyles and potential benefits such as employment opportunities.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Regulatory and political landscape</h3>



<p>Arctic oil drilling is subject to intense regulatory scrutiny to manage environmental risks. Countries have different regulations and levels of enforcement. International agreements and national policies also influence the extent and nature of drilling activities. Political decisions about drilling rights and environmental protections can lead to significant shifts in the operational landscape.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Climate change considerations</h3>



<p>The role of Arctic drilling in contributing to climate change is a key issue in global discussions about energy production. Burning fossil fuels extracted from the Arctic contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. </p>



<p>Moreover, the Arctic is warming significantly faster than the rest of the planet, leading to melting ice and changing habitats, which further complicates the environmental calculus of drilling operations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biden-s-conservation-efforts">Biden's conservation efforts </h2>



<p>The Biden administration's proposed initiative, set to be finalized within days, marks one of the most sweeping efforts yet by the president to limit oil and gas exploration on federal lands. </p>



<p>This move aligns with Biden's broader campaign which promises to boost land conservation and fight climate change. As he seeks a second term, Biden is doubling down on his commitment to protecting the environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-industry-concerns-regarding-arctic-oil">Industry concerns regarding Arctic oil</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the changes wouldn't affect ConocoPhillips's controversial 600-million-barrel Willow oil project in the NPR-A. However, oil industry leaders say the plan is more expansive than initially anticipated and threatens to make it nearly impossible to build another megaproject in the region.</p>



<p>This has sparked concerns from companies with holdings in the NPR-A, which was once viewed as a promising growth area for the industry. In recent years, interest in the region has surged again due to major discoveries, and tapping into its reservoirs could yield decades of oil production.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-sensitive-ecosystems">Protecting sensitive ecosystems</h2>



<p>The proposed regulation would limit future oil development in some 13 million acres (20,000 square miles) of designated "special areas" within the reserve, including territory currently under lease. There would also be an outright prohibition on new leasing in 10.6 million acres.</p>



<p>The administration argues that these changes are necessary to balance oil development with the protection of sensitive landscapes that provide habitat for polar bears, migratory birds, and the 61,500-strong Teshekpuk caribou herd. </p>



<p>As Interior Secretary <a href="https://www.doi.gov/secretary-deb-haaland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deb Haaland</a> stated, "We must do everything within our control to meet the highest standards of care to protect this fragile ecosystem."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-arctic-oil-development">The future of Arctic oil development </h2>



<p>The proposed rule would also create a formal program for expanding protected areas at least once every five years, making it difficult to undo those designations. Additionally, it would raise the bar for future development elsewhere in the reserve.</p>



<p>While the Interior Department has stated that the regulation wouldn't affect existing leases, the proposed rule text doesn't offer a similar, explicit assurance. Instead, it proposes to give the government broad authority to limit or bar access to existing leases, "regardless of any existing authorization." </p>



<p>This has oil companies and Alaska lawmakers increasingly concerned, as they believe the measure could thwart oil and gas development across much of the reserve, even on existing leases.</p>



<p>Opponents argue that the plan would shift the role of the reserve from oil development to conservation, contrary to its congressional intent. </p>



<p>"The current statute says that the primary purpose is to increase domestic oil supply as expeditiously as possible, but the rule takes a completely different premise," said Kara Moriarty, president of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-management-of-arctic-oil-drilling">Management of Arctic oil drilling</h2>



<p>Despite these concerns, environmentalists and some Alaska Natives have widely praised Biden for setting aside territory for conservation. </p>



<p>"These are resources that once they're gone, they're gone forever, and we can't wait until they have disappeared to go and get them back," said Rachael Hamby, policy director for the <a href="https://westernpriorities.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Western Priorities</a>. "We need to manage now to protect those resources and values for present and future generations."</p>



<p>The fate of Arctic oil development hangs in the balance as the Biden administration moves forward with its sweeping plan to limit drilling in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. </p>



<p>While the Willow project remains unaffected, the broader implications of this initiative could have significant consequences for the industry and the delicate ecosystems of the region.</p>



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



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



<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>

Biden policy aims to block Arctic oil drilling for conservation

Over a century ago, the U.S. government set aside 23...

3d,Illustration,Of,Burning,Meteors,Shower,Falling,To,Earth.,Asteroid

<p>Scientists warn that climate change is causing thousands of meteorites to disappear in Antarctica, where the majority of these cosmic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-meteorite-impacts-formed-the-earths-continents/">treasures</a> are found.</p>



<p>By 2050, we may lose up to a quarter of the estimated 300,000 to 800,000 meteorites in Antarctica. This alarming trend outpaces collection efforts fivefold, highlighting a desperate need for intensified recovery operations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteorites-and-their-importance">Meteorites and their importance</h2>



<p>Meteorites aren't just rocks that fell from space. They are remnants of celestial bodies like asteroids, comets, or even pieces broken off from other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meteorites-life-outside-earth/">planets</a> like Mars or the Moon. These fragments endured a fiery journey through Earth's atmosphere, leaving them as precious survivors carrying secrets of the universe.</p>



<p>Meteorites contain materials that date back to the earliest days of our solar system. By analyzing their composition, scientists can piece together a timeline of how a swirling cloud of dust and gas eventually coalesced into the planets, moons, and asteroids we see today. It's like having a fossilized record of the solar system's birth.</p>



<p>Meteorites hold the clues to the ingredients that formed planets, including our own. Their composition reveals the types of elements and compounds that existed in the early solar system. </p>



<p>These elements formed minerals, which clumped together, eventually assembling into larger and larger bodies – the planets. Studying meteorites is like examining the individual bricks that built the house of our solar system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-life-on-earth">Origins of life on Earth</h2>



<p>Meteorites offer a tantalizing link to the question of how life began on Earth. The discovery of complex organic molecules, including amino acids, within some meteorites raises intriguing possibilities. </p>



<p>Did these molecules form in the vast expanse of space, suggesting that the building blocks of life are common in the cosmos? </p>



<p>Perhaps meteorites acted as delivery vehicles, bombarding early Earth and seeding it with the ingredients necessary for life to emerge. </p>



<p>Further, could the energy from meteorite impacts have helped jumpstart the chemical reactions that transformed those ingredients into the first life forms?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-meteorites-hold-secrets">Antarctica meteorites hold secrets</h2>



<p>Scientists are meticulously analyzing these space rocks to find answers. By studying the isotopes within organic molecules, they can trace their origins. </p>



<p>The discovery of specific biomolecules, like DNA components, would strongly suggest that life's building blocks came from elsewhere in the solar system. </p>



<p>Lab experiments that simulate early Earth conditions and meteorite impacts can help determine if those events could have triggered the development of life. </p>



<p>The findings of this research could change our understanding of life in the universe. If meteorites directly contributed to life on Earth, it suggests the potential for life to exist elsewhere, carried by meteorites to other worlds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-s-meteorite-collection">Antarctica's meteorite collection</h2>



<p>Antarctica's unique environment makes it a remarkably effective meteorite collector. Here's how it works:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-glacier-conveyor-belt">The glacier conveyor belt</h3>



<p>Glaciers are massive, slow-moving rivers of ice. As they flow across the landscape, they entrain anything in their path, including meteorites. </p>



<p>Over time, the movement of glaciers carries these meteorites towards specific regions where factors like wind and ice ablation cause them to become concentrated in what are known as "meteorite stranding zones."</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-easy-detection">Easy detection</h3>



<p>Meteorites generally have a dark coloration. These dark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bizarre-shape-meteorites/">objects</a> stand out distinctly against Antarctica's vast expanses of white snow and ice, making them relatively easy for scientists to spot during search expeditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-proven-track-record">A proven track record</h3>



<p>The combined effect of these factors explains why the overwhelming majority of Earth's discovered meteorites were found on the Antarctic continent. This icy wilderness acts as a natural collection and preservation system for these cosmic treasures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-disappearing-antarctic-meteorites">Climate change and disappearing Antarctic meteorites</h2>



<p>The preservation of meteorites on Antarctica's ice sheets is under direct threat from rising temperatures associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. While the disappearance of these cosmic treasures may seem surprising, the physical processes behind it are relatively straightforward:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Heat collectors</strong>: The typical dark coloration of meteorites means they absorb a significant amount of solar radiation. This absorbed sunlight is converted into heat energy, efficiently warming the meteorite itself.<br></li>



<li><strong>Localized melting</strong>: The heat from the meteorite radiates outward, directly warming the ice in contact with it. This localized warming leads to the formation of a small meltwater pool beneath the meteorite.<br></li>



<li><strong>Sinking into the depths</strong>: The meteorite, being denser than liquid water, begins to sink into this meltwater pool. However, as temperatures drop (particularly at night or during colder seasons), the meltwater refreezes. This traps the meteorite, now embedded within the ice.<br></li>



<li><strong>A cycle of disappearance</strong>: With repeated cycles of daytime melting and refreezing at night, the meteorite sinks deeper and deeper into the ice sheet. Eventually, it becomes buried beyond the reach of scientific recovery, effectively vanishing from the surface.</li>
</ul>



<p><em>Key point</em>: The greater the degree of warming caused by climate change, the faster and more extensive this process of meteorite loss becomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-climate-change-on-antarctic-meteorites">Impact of climate change on Antarctic meteorites</h2>



<p>Scientists have established a direct link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and the rate at which meteorites are disappearing in Antarctica. </p>



<p>For every mere 0.1 degrees Celsius increase in average global temperature, an estimated 9,000 meteorites are lost each year due to increased melting and sinking within the ice. This is an astounding number, highlighting the urgency of the situation.</p>



<p>As discussed, if current climate trends continue, it's estimated that we could lose a staggering quarter of the meteorites currently accessible on Antarctica's ice sheets by the year 2050. That translates into tens or even hundreds of thousands of meteorites vanishing, removing them from the reach of scientific study.</p>



<p>Under a worst-case scenario, where global warming accelerates, the losses could be even more devastating. Researchers project the potential disappearance of up to three-quarters of the remaining meteorites by the end of the 21st century.</p>



<p>Veronica Tollenaar from <a href="https://www.ulb.be" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Université Libre de Bruxelles</a>, co-author of the study, highlights, "Losing Antarctic meteorites is a loss of scientific data, much like when ice cores disappear from vanishing glaciers. It means losing some of the secrets of the universe."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-antarctic-meteorites-from-climate-change">Saving Antarctic meteorites from climate change</h2>



<p>While the situation is serious, there's still a chance to preserve a significant portion of Antarctica's meteorites. Scientists emphasize the need for immediate action:</p>



<ul>
<li>We must dramatically increase the scale and frequency of meteorite recovery missions across Antarctica. Every year that passes leads to the loss of thousands more meteorites.<br></li>



<li>Advances in satellite imagery, remote sensing, and data analysis can help pinpoint promising "meteorite stranding zones," including unexplored regions and areas of blue ice where meteorites are often found.<br></li>



<li>Ultimately, the most effective way to slow and eventually reverse meteorite loss is to curb greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the worst effects of climate change. This underscores the interconnectedness of scientific discovery and environmental action.</li>
</ul>



<p>Losing these cosmic treasures is a huge setback for our understanding of the universe. Meteorites spark awe and help answer fundamental questions about where we came from.</p>



<p>It's crucial that we support projects to recover these valuable space rocks and do everything in our power to reduce the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. The future of our knowledge about the universe depends on it.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-01954-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a></em>.</p>



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



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



<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>

Meteorites are disappearing in Antarctica due to melting ice

Scientists warn that climate change is causing thousands of meteorites...

<p>In a recent study from <a href="https://www.unm.edu/">The University of New Mexico</a>, researchers David Tan and Nicholas Freymueller reveal that blue light significantly increases the risk of building collisions for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-exposes-migrating-birds-to-toxic-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">night-migrating birds.</a> </p>



<p>The research illuminates a crucial but previously underexplored factor contributing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-is-luring-birds-to-their-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian fatalities</a> in urban environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-global-context-of-bird-building-collisions">The global context of bird-building collisions</h2>



<p>Each year, hundreds of millions of birds perish in North America alone due to building collisions. A significant portion of these incidents involve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-is-a-growing-issue-for-migratory-birds/">migratory species</a>.</p>



<p>Although well-documented in North America, the bird collisions issue also casts a shadow across tropical regions. This is particularly true within Asian and African cities, where substantial gaps in knowledge persist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-to-studying-urban-bird-fatalities">A new approach to studying urban bird fatalities</h2>



<p>The researchers adopted a unique methodology. By expanding their study across Singapore - a densely populated city-state with over 100,000 buildings - they utilized ecological niche modeling. This approach helped predict collision hotspots by identifying a "death niche" for the city’s birds.</p>



<p>"It’s a counterintuitive way to think about niche models, but if we can use environmental factors like temperature and rainfall to predict where living animals occur, it makes sense that the same methods can also be used to predict where birds might die from building collisions since these collisions are strongly affected by the urban environment," explained Tan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illuminating-findings-the-crucial-insights-and-their-implications">Illuminating findings: the crucial insights and their implications</h2>



<p>The study authors analyzed nearly 225 bird-building collision records from 2013-2020. They found that migratory pittas and resident pigeons were most affected. Pittas were particularly sensitive to blue light, showing increased collision frequencies.</p>



<p>"These results confirm what we previously suspected about pittas from bird banding studies conducted in the 1960s – that pittas are strongly attracted to light when they migrate at night," said Tan. "This is the first time anyone has demonstrated a specific attraction to blue light in this group of birds."</p>



<p>The researchers also noted that non-migratory birds like green pigeons and emerald doves often collide with buildings near forest edges. This is likely due to their movement through the urban landscape as they navigate between fragmented forest patches.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-measures-for-urban-planning">Proactive measures for urban planning</h2>



<p>Drawing on their findings, the researchers identified potential future collision hotspots in Singapore. They linked these hotspots to planned developments near forests and high blue light pollution areas.</p>



<p>"One of the benefits of working in Singapore is that the government tends to plan everything well ahead of time," noted Tan. </p>



<p>"Because of this, we were able to use long-term land-use plans published by the Singapore government to predict where future collision hotspots might occur, which will in turn allow urban planners and developers to incorporate bird-friendly measures into building designs even before the first foundations are laid."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommendations-for-mitigating-bird-collisions">Recommendations for mitigating bird collisions</h2>



<p>The research underscores a key environmental issue and provides practical insights for urban planning and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/best-habitats-bird-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird conservation</a> strategies.</p>



<p>To mitigate the identified risks of collisions, the experts recommend using bird-safe architectural elements. These include bird-friendly glass and shading devices, especially in forest-adjacent high-risk areas.</p>



<p>Additionally, they suggest using warmer LED lighting and shielding to reduce light spill. This can lessen the negative effects of blue <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-exposes-migrating-birds-to-toxic-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a> on migratory birds.</p>



<p>"Our discovery that blue light pollution increases the building collision risk of night-migrating birds in tropical Asia adds to the small but growing number of studies worldwide showing that blue light pollution attracts migratory birds," Tan concluded. "Reducing blue light emissions at night during the migratory months could help reduce the number of bird deaths in cities, especially in tropical Asia."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about light pollution and bird collisions</h2>



<p>Light pollution significantly contributes to bird collisions, especially affecting migrating birds. Many species of birds migrate at night and rely on natural light cues from the moon and stars for navigation. </p>



<p>Artificial lights, such as those from buildings, street lamps, and other infrastructure, can disorient these nocturnal migrants, leading to what is often referred to as "fatal light attraction."</p>



<p>When birds encounter intense artificial light, particularly in cloudy or foggy conditions, they can become disoriented and circle the light sources until they collide with an object or exhaust themselves. </p>



<p>This phenomenon is particularly observed in cities with skyscrapers and during events like the "Tribute in Light" in New York, where beams of light have been known to attract and disorient large numbers of birds.</p>



<p>Efforts to reduce these collisions include initiatives such as "Lights Out" programs in various cities, where building owners turn off or dim non-essential lights during peak migration periods in the spring and fall. </p>



<p>These programs aim to decrease the risks to birds by minimizing the attractions and distractions caused by artificial lights, thereby helping to ensure safer migration paths for these species.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.14255" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Biology</a></em>.</p>



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



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



<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/">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Blue light in cities increases risk of bird collisions with buildings

In a recent study from The University of New Mexico,...

<p>The spectacular sights of large flocks of flamingos around East Africa’s lakes, immortalized in films like "Out of Africa" and David Attenborough’s "A Perfect Planet," might soon become a thing of the past, according to new research from <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King’s College London</a> (KCL).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study indicates that the lesser flamingo of East Africa is at risk of losing its historical feeding grounds due to rising water levels, which are diminishing their main food source, with potentially grave implications for the species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flamingo-feeding-lakes-in-east-africa-nbsp">Flamingo feeding lakes in East Africa&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers used satellite earth observation data to analyze all significant flamingo feeding lakes in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania over two decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The analysis revealed that increasing water levels are curtailing the availability of food for these birds. This situation may force the flamingos to migrate to new, unprotected areas, particularly with expected higher rainfall from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/safety-on-frozen-lakes-declining-due-to-climate-change/">climate change</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coordinated-conservation-efforts-are-needed">Coordinated conservation efforts are needed</h2>



<p>The scientists involved in the study are now urging for coordinated conservation efforts across borders, enhanced monitoring, and more sustainable land management practices around key flamingo habitats.</p>



<p>“Lesser flamingos in East Africa are increasingly vulnerable, particularly with increased rainfall predicted for the region under climate change. Without improved lake monitoring and catchment management practices, the highly specialized species found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-on-earth-may-have-first-sparked-in-shallow-soda-lakes/">soda lake</a> ecosystems – including lesser flamingos - could be lost,” said study lead author Aidan Byrne, a PhD student at KCL.</p>



<p>The study is the first to use satellite data to assess all 22 essential flamingo feeding soda lakes in East Africa, while also including climate records and bird observation data spanning more than two decades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-degradation-of-flamingo-habitats-nbsp">Degradation of flamingo habitats&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Emma Tebbs, a co-author from King’s College London, noted the inherent adaptability of flamingos but expressed concern over the degradation of their habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“East African populations could potentially move north or south away from the equator in search of food resources. And whilst six study lakes increased in habitat suitability from 2010 to 2022, only three of those have some level of conservation protection. Increases in water levels could lead to lesser flamingos becoming more reliant on lakes that are unprotected, outside of current nature reserves and protected sites, which has implications for conservation and ecotourism revenues,” explained Dr. Tebbs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-characteristics-of-the-soda-lakes">Shifting characteristics of the soda lakes</h2>



<p>Soda lakes are among the most extreme environments on the planet, characterized by high salinity and alkalinity. Nonetheless, various species, including flamingos and their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phytoplankton-resilient-nutrient-stress/">phytoplankton</a> prey, have adapted to flourish under these conditions. Flamingos, for instance, utilize their specialized, sieve-like beaks to filter these microscopic plants from the water.</p>



<p>The study revealed that increasing water levels are diluting the typical saline and alkaline characteristics of the region’s soda lakes, which is leading to a reduction in phytoplankton populations. This decrease was quantified by measuring the levels of chlorophyll-a, a photosynthetic pigment found in the lakes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-in-phytoplankton-levels-nbsp">Decline in phytoplankton levels&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Over the 23 years covered by the study, the researchers observed a consistent decline in phytoplankton levels, correlating this trend with the expanding surface areas of these lakes during the same timeframe.</p>



<p>The most significant declines in phytoplankton biomass were recorded in the equatorial lakes of Kenya - specifically, the popular tourist destinations of Lakes Bogoria, Nakuru, and Elmenteita, as well as in the northern Tanzanian lakes that experienced the greatest increases in surface area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viable-breeding-sites-for-flamingos">Viable breeding sites for flamingos</h2>



<p>Lake Nakuru, a crucial feeding site for over one million flamingos historically, saw its surface area swell by 91% between 2009 and 2022, while the average concentration of chlorophyll-a in the lake dropped by half.</p>



<p>Lake Natron in Tanzania, the primary regular breeding ground for lesser flamingos in East Africa, has also seen a drop in productivity coinciding with the rising water levels in recent years. Should this decline in phytoplankton biomass persist at Lake Natron and other adjacent feeding lakes, these areas may no longer be viable as breeding sites for the flamingos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-lesser-flamingos-of-east-africa-nbsp">More about lesser flamingos of East Africa&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Lesser flamingos are one of the most interesting and vibrant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pink-flamingos-once-thrived-in-the-australian-outback/">bird species</a> found in East Africa. They are smaller than their relative, the greater flamingo, and are noted for their stunning pink feathers which gain their color from the carotenoid pigments in their algae-based diet.</p>



<p>A significant characteristic of lesser flamingos is their dependence on alkaline or saline lakes for breeding. They are highly gregarious birds, forming large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flamingos-of-a-feather-flock-together/">flocks</a> that can number in the thousands, which helps reduce the threat of predation.</p>



<p>East Africa hosts some of the world’s most important habitats for these birds, including Lake Natron in Tanzania and Lake Bogoria in Kenya. The conservation status of lesser flamingos is of concern due to habitat degradation and water pollution affecting their food supply and breeding sites.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00302-6?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982224003026%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">Current Biology</a></em>.</p>



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



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



<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.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Africa’s flamingos at risk due to rising lake levels

The spectacular sights of large flocks of flamingos around East...

<p>A new study led by <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth College</a> has revealed that frequent seafood eaters may be at increased risk for exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-source-water-exceeds-safe-drinking-limits-of-pfas/">PFAS</a>), a group of persistent, synthetic chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals.” </p>



<p>As a consequence, the experts emphasize the need for stricter public health policies to define safe levels of seafood consumption to minimize exposure to PFAS. </p>



<p>This is particularly critical in coastal regions like New England, where longstanding industrial activity and PFAS contamination intersect with a strong cultural affinity for seafood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-benefit-trade-off-for-seafood-consumption-nbsp">Risk-benefit trade-off for seafood consumption&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Our recommendation isn't to not eat seafood - seafood is a great source of lean protein and omega fatty acids. But it also is a potentially underestimated source of PFAS exposure in humans,” said senior author Megan Romano, an associate professor of epidemiology at Dartmouth.</p>



<p>“Understanding this risk-benefit trade-off for seafood consumption is important for people making decisions about diet, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant people and children.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-concentrations-in-commonly-consumed-seafood">PFAS concentrations in commonly consumed seafood</h2>



<p>The research included an analysis of PFAS concentrations in commonly consumed seafood in New Hampshire, complemented by a statewide survey on eating habits. </p>



<p>Given that inhabitants from New Hampshire and the broader New England rank among the highest seafood consumers nationally, this region provided a perfect setting for studying PFAS exposure through marine diets.</p>



<p>“Most existing research focuses on PFAS levels in freshwater species, which are not what people primarily eat. We saw that as a knowledge gap in the literature, especially for a New England state where we know people love their seafood,” Romano said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-and-impacts-of-pfas-in-seafood">Origins and impacts of PFAS in seafood</h2>



<p>The scientists also examined extensive data from New Hampshire concerning the origins and impacts of PFAS, chemicals widely used in consumer products like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-containers-may-release-forever-chemicals-into-food/">plastics</a> and nonstick coatings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In humans, PFAS have been linked to several health issues, including cancer, fetal abnormalities, and disorders affecting the thyroid, liver, and reproductive systems. </p>



<p>They have permeated environments worldwide, accumulating in soil, water, and wildlife, with nearly all Americans showing detectable levels in their blood.</p>



<p>“PFAS are not limited to manufacturing, fire-fighting foams, or municipal waste streams—they are a decades-long global challenge,” explained co-author Jonathan Petali, a toxicologist at the <a href="https://www.des.nh.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services</a>. </p>



<p>“New Hampshire was among the first states to identify PFAS in drinking water. We're a data-rich state due to years spent investigating the impacts of PFAS and trying to mitigate exposure.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highest-pfas-concentrations-found-in-shrimp-and-lobster">Highest PFAS concentrations found in shrimp and lobster</h2>



<p>The analysis measured 26 types of PFAS in several marine species - including cod, haddock, lobster, salmon, scallop, shrimp, and tuna - all purchased fresh from a market in coastal New Hampshire and sourced from various regions. </p>



<p>The highest PFAS concentrations were found in shrimp and lobster, with certain compounds reaching up to 1.74 and 3.30 nanograms per gram, respectively.</p>



<p>The widespread presence of PFAS in the environment complicates efforts to trace how these chemicals infiltrate the marine food chain. </p>



<p>Certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shellfish-consumed-by-humans-are-ironically-more-resistant-to-extinction/">shellfish</a> might be more susceptible to accumulating PFAS due to their feeding habits and habitat on the seafloor, coupled with their closeness to coastal PFAS sources. </p>



<p>In a similar vein, larger marine species could absorb PFAS by consuming smaller creatures that tend to accumulate these chemicals in their bodies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evaluation-of-pfas-consumption-levels-from-seafood">Evaluation of PFAS consumption levels from seafood</h2>



<p>The experts carried out a survey involving 1,829 residents from New Hampshire to assess seafood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dietary-shift-to-forage-fish-could-prevent-millions-of-deaths/">consumption</a> levels in the state, which proved to be substantial. </p>



<p>The results revealed that men in New Hampshire consume slightly more than one ounce of seafood daily, while women consume slightly less than one ounce. </p>



<p>These figures surpass those recorded for men and women in the Northeast by the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey</a> and are over 1.5 times the national average for both genders. </p>



<p>For children aged 2 to 11 in New Hampshire, the daily seafood intake was around 0.2 ounces, placing them at the upper limit nationally.</p>



<p>Approximately 95% of the adults surveyed indicated they had eaten seafood within the last year, with 94% of them having consumed fish or shellfish in the month prior to the survey. Over two-thirds of this group had eaten seafood in the week before the survey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seafood-consumption-varies-by-region">Seafood consumption varies by region</h2>



<p>However, seafood consumption varies across New Hampshire. Over half of the individuals who consumed seafood the week before the survey resided along the state’s coastal areas or near the Massachusetts border. </p>



<p>More than 60% of residents with household incomes below $45,000 per year reported eating seafood at least weekly, in contrast to those with higher incomes, who reported less frequent consumption.</p>



<p>Among the seafood tested for PFAS, shrimp, haddock, and salmon were eaten by more than 70% of adults who consumed seafood at least once a month. Lobster was on the menu for just over 54% of these adults. Among children, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-salmon-can-help-lower-your-cholesterol/">salmon</a>, canned tuna, shrimp, and haddock were the most commonly eaten.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-establishing-consumption-advisories">Establishing consumption advisories</h2>



<p>According to co-author Celia Chen, a biologist at Dartmouth, despite existing federal guidelines that regulate mercury and other contaminants in seafood, no such guidelines are in place for PFAS. </p>



<p>“Top predator species such as tuna and sharks are known to contain high concentrations of mercury, so we can use that knowledge to limit exposure. But it's less clear for PFAS, especially if you start looking at how the different compounds behave in the environment,” she said.</p>



<p>Lead author Kathryn Crawford, an assistant professor of environmental studies at <a href="https://www.middlebury.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Middlebury College</a>, stressed the importance of establishing consumption advisories tailored for those most vulnerable to pollution.</p>



<p>“Seafood consumption advisories often provide advice for those individuals that is more conservative than for the rest of the population. People who eat a balanced diet with more typical, moderate amounts of seafood should be able to enjoy the health benefits of seafood without excessive risk of PFAS exposure,” she concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12403-024-00640-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Exposure and Health</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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



<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.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Seafood is an underestimated source of PFAS exposure in humans

A new study led by Dartmouth College has revealed 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=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>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

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>



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p id="block-eff5dea3-a9bb-40b5-a923-e5a9978bc0e2">Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<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>



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



<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>

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>



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



<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>

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...

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



<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...

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



<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...

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



<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...

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



<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...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



<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...

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



<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>



<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>

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>



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



<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>



<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>

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

News coming your way