<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>



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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>The relentless march of climate change poses an unprecedented challenge to coastal defenses worldwide. Traditional "hard" measures like concrete sea walls, while historically favored for their protective capabilities, are increasingly under scrutiny for their environmental impact and sustainability.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a> suggests that integrating nature-based solutions with conventional coastal defense strategies could provide a more adaptable and sustainable approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salt-marshes-have-reduced-coastal-flooding-for-centuries/">managing coastal risks</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-coastal-defenses-can-t-keep-pace-nbsp">Traditional coastal defenses can't keep pace&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Sea walls, dikes, dams and breakwaters, the so-called traditional hard measures, despite being the most popular coastal defenses globally and with proven track records, are facing challenges to keep pace with increasing climate risks,” explained lead author Lam Thi Mai Huynh, a doctoral student in sustainability science at the University of Tokyo.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These hard structures are expensive to build and require continuous upgrades and repairs as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/">sea level rises</a> and climatic hazards become stronger. Although they are good at mitigating certain coastal disaster risks, they can also cause significant disruption to coastal communities and have adverse environmental effects.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Furthermore, they often significantly alter the seascape and sometimes alienate local communities from nature and the very environment we seek to protect.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assessing-the-efficacy-of-various-coastal-defenses">Assessing the efficacy of various coastal defenses</h2>



<p>In their study, the researchers assessed the efficacy of various coastal defenses by reviewing 304 academic articles. They categorized the defenses into four types: natural environments, soft measures that enhance natural elements, hard measures like concrete barriers, and hybrid solutions that combine elements of the first three categories.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Soft and hybrid approaches were found to be more cost-effective than purely hard solutions, with hybrids offering the greatest hazard reduction in low-risk settings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite the lack of data on their performance during high-risk, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-extreme-weather-impact-marine-ecosystems/">extreme weather</a> events, these findings advocate for the strategic incorporation of natural elements into coastal defense plans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-coastlines-and-their-natural-beauty">Protecting coastlines and their natural beauty</h2>



<p>Japan's struggle to protect its coastlines while preserving natural beauty illustrates the complexity of this challenge.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once renowned for its untouched coastal landscapes, nearly 40% of Japan's coastline had been modified by the early 1990s, trading natural vistas for concrete fortifications in response to the threats of tsunamis, typhoon swells, and rising sea levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-potential-of-hybrid-coastal-defenses-nbsp">The potential of hybrid coastal defenses&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This study underscores the potential of hybrid coastal defenses, which utilize both hard and nature-based solutions, to offer effective risk reduction while preserving environmental integrity. “Our results indicate that among all coastal defense options in lower-risk areas, hybrid measures provide the highest risk reduction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Hybrid measures can harness the advantages of both hard and soft measures. They provide the immediacy of an engineered barrier while largely maintaining the ecological functionality of a permeable vegetated zone,” Huynh explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed-nbsp">Further research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Senior author Alexandros Gasparatos from the Institute for Future Initiatives at the University of Tokyo emphasized the innovative nature of such strategies, though he cautioned that they are not a panacea for all coastal challenges.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team highlighted the importance of further research, particularly experiments in high-risk situations, to better understand the comparative effectiveness of different coastal defense strategies during extreme events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cautious-expansion-of-nature-based-solutions">Cautious expansion of nature-based solutions</h2>



<p>Despite these uncertainties, the researchers advocate for the cautious expansion of nature-based solutions in coastal defense strategies, especially in areas of lower risk. Such approaches not only mitigate climate change impacts and store carbon but also reconnect communities with their natural surroundings and promote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emerging-issues-that-may-impact-marine-biodiversity-are-poorly-understood/">biodiversity</a>.</p>



<p>“I firmly believe that we must think more carefully about the design and function of these barriers in this era of ever-accelerating climate change. Not only can nature-based solutions contribute to risk reduction and climate mitigation in many areas, but they can also help reconnect people with nature and support biodiversity,” said Huynh.</p>



<p>“Greening our coastlines can create spaces which enhance quality of life, foster community well-being and inspire environmental stewardship.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-coastal-defenses">Natural coastal defenses</h2>



<p>The best natural coastal defenses offer protection against coastal erosion, flooding, and storm damage. They enhance the resilience of coastlines while supporting biodiversity and local communities. Here are some of the most effective natural coastal defenses:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mangroves">Mangroves</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-could-help-save-mangrove-forests/">Mangrove forests</a> are highly effective at reducing wave energy, trapping sediments, and stabilizing shorelines. They can absorb more wave energy than constructed seawalls and reduce the height of waves passing through them.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-reefs">Coral reefs</h3>



<p>Acting as natural breakwaters, coral reefs can dissipate up to 97% of wave energy before it reaches the shore. This reduces erosion and protects coastal habitats and communities from storm surges and sea-level rise.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salt-marshes">Salt marshes</h3>



<p>These coastal wetlands are effective at absorbing wave energy and trapping sediments, which helps to stabilize shorelines and reduce coastal flooding. Salt marshes also provide habitat for a variety of wildlife.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seagrass-beds">Seagrass beds</h3>



<p>Seagrasses stabilize the seabed, reduce wave energy, and prevent erosion. They also contribute to carbon sequestration and support marine biodiversity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sand-dunes">Sand dunes</h3>



<p>Dunes act as barriers against storm surges and high waves, protecting inland areas from flooding and erosion. Vegetation on dunes can stabilize them and help in their recovery after storms.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oyster-reefs">Oyster reefs</h3>



<p>Similar to coral reefs, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/self-repairing-oyster-reefs-will-help-protect-coastlines/">oyster reefs</a> can buffer shorelines against wave action, stabilize sediments, and reduce erosion. They also improve water quality by filtering out pollutants.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-46970-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Nature-based solutions improve coastal defenses

The relentless march of climate change poses an unprecedented challenge...

<p>A new study led by an international team of scientists has revealed that peregrine falcons across North America are burdened with a legacy of pollution from flame retardants, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmentally-friendly-flame-retardants/">chemicals</a> added to various consumer products to meet flammability standards. </p>



<p>Despite their intended safety purpose, these chemicals often fail to perform and have a propensity to leach into the environment, posing risks to wildlife and humans alike. According to the experts, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peregrine-falcons-have-a-unique-and-successful-hunting-strategy/">falcons</a> are still accumulating flame retardants that have been discontinued for years.</p>



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



<p>“Our results expose the long-term consequences of adding flame retardants to consumer products,” said senior author Da Chen, a scientist at <a href="https://english.jnu.edu.cn/">Jinan University</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As globally distributed apex predators, the peregrine falcon is the ideal canary in the coal mine for monitoring flame retardant pollution in the environment. Flame retardants phased out a decade ago are still accumulating in these birds and into their eggs, which indicates that the threats of these chemicals to wildlife and people can far outlast their production.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contaminated-peregrine-falcon-eggs">Contaminated peregrine falcon eggs</h2>



<p>The study, the most comprehensive of its kind in terms of both time span and geographical coverage, analyzed peregrine falcon eggs collected from various locations across the US and Canada between 1984 and 2016.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found that polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were not only the most detected flame retardants but also had the highest concentrations in the eggs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the production of major PBDE mixtures ceased in North America well before the study period ended, their presence in falcon populations did not diminish. Similarly, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), another flame retardant phased out since 2012, was found in the majority of eggs, with concentrations showing no signs of decreasing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-persistence-of-flame-retardants-nbsp">Persistence of flame retardants&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The persistence of these chemicals in the environment is attributed to their release from products manufactured before their phase-out and their accumulation through food chains, affecting apex predators like peregrine falcons. The findings underscore the inefficacy of simply ceasing the production of harmful substances without addressing their long-lasting impact.</p>



<p>Although regulated halogenated flame retardants remained prevalent or even increased, the use of non-halogenated and polymeric flame retardants has risen as alternatives. However, these substances appear to be also linked to health and environmental concerns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-species-are-impacted">Many species are impacted</h2>



<p>The issue of flame retardant pollution is not exclusive to peregrine falcons. <a href="https://greensciencepolicy.org/">The Green Science Policy Institute</a> has documented over 150 species worldwide, from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killer-whales-dietary-preferences-expose-them-to-pollutants/">killer whales</a> to red pandas and chimpanzees, contaminated with both old and new flame retardant chemicals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This widespread contamination highlights the urgent need for reevaluating the use of flame retardants in consumer products and the importance of finding safer alternatives to protect both wildlife and human health.</p>



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



<p>Peregrine falcons are among the most widely recognized birds of prey and are notable for their remarkable speed and agility. These birds are medium-sized falcons that are not only admired for their hunting prowess but also for their breathtaking flying abilities.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Peregrine falcons have a distinctive appearance, characterized by a blue-grey back, barred white underparts, and a black head with large, dark eyes. One of the most striking features of the peregrine falcon is its incredible speed; during a hunting dive, known as a stoop, it can reach speeds over 200 miles per hour, making it the fastest animal in the world.</p>



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



<p>Peregrine falcons are found all over the world, inhabiting a wide range of environments including urban areas, where they nest on tall buildings and bridges, as well as more traditional cliff-side habitats. Their adaptability to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-of-peregrine-falcons-suggests-birds-have-a-migration-gene/">different environments</a> is one reason for their global presence. They feed primarily on other birds, which they catch in mid-air with a stunning display of aerial agility.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-of-peregrine-falcons">Conservation of peregrine falcons </h3>



<p>These falcons have played a significant role in human culture and falconry for thousands of years, revered for their speed, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-falcons-are-highly-intelligent-and-eager-to-show-it/">intelligence</a>, and hunting skills. Conservation efforts in the late 20th century have helped recover peregrine falcon populations that were once threatened by pesticide use, particularly DDT. Today, they are considered a conservation success story, with strong populations in many parts of the world.</p>



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



<p>Peregrine falcons mate for life and are known for their impressive aerial courtship displays. They typically nest in a scrape, usually on cliff edges or, in urban environments, tall structures. The female lays a clutch of eggs, which both parents then incubate and care for once hatched.</p>



<p>The recovery of the peregrine falcon from the brink of extinction is not just a testament to the resilience of this remarkable bird but also a powerful example of how concerted conservation efforts can lead to the recovery of a species.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c10907"><em>Environmental Science &amp; Technology</em></a>.</p>



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Peregrine falcons suffer long-term harm from chemicals in consumer products

A new study led by an international team of scientists...

Wide,Angle,View,Of,Child,Girl,Draws,Planet,Earth,With

<p>You've heard it all before – the planet is heating up, ice caps are melting, and we're all doomed unless we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ipcc-climate-action-urgently-needed-to-end-human-suffering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">act now</a>. But does this "gloom and doom" approach using climate messages actually make people want to help? A surprising new study suggests there might be a better way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-talk-about-the-climate-crisis">How to talk about the climate crisis</h2>



<p>Researchers wanted to find the absolute best ways to spread awareness about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> – the tactics most likely to actually get people to do something. They weren't just interested in theoretical solutions. </p>



<p>They developed an app to test different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/media-coverage-of-climate-change-fails-to-inspire-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication strategies</a> and partnered with a massive international survey including nearly 60,000 people from 63 countries (including Norway). This hands-on approach helped them gather real-world feedback on what messages resonate best.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bad-news-scary-climate-messages-might-backfire">Bad news: Scary climate messages might backfire</h2>



<p>Turns out, those scary "end-of-the-world" <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-takes-a-major-toll-on-childrens-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warnings we hear</a> so often might work for getting folks to share social media posts, but don't always translate into real action. Here's the problem:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lazy-action">Lazy action</h3>



<p>People may feel like they've made a meaningful contribution to the cause simply by sharing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dramatic message</a> online. This requires minimal effort and can create the illusion of having taken significant action when, in reality, it might not lead to any tangible change.</p>



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



<p>Scare tactics can alienate and further discourage individuals who are already skeptical about the severity or urgency of climate change. These messages can be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clear-and-dynamic-visuals-are-important-when-presenting-climate-change-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perceived as manipulative</a> or exaggerated, leading to increased skepticism rather than a sense of shared responsibility.</p>



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



<p>Even when scare tactics do lead to some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-studded-lineup-to-join-march-to-end-fossil-fuels-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">level of engagement</a>, they primarily motivate low-effort actions like social media sharing. They rarely inspire people to make lifestyle changes, support climate-friendly policies, or engage in activities that have a real-world impact, such as planting trees.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alternatives-to-panic-driven-climate-messages">Alternatives to panic-driven climate messages</h2>



<p>The researchers tested <em>many</em> approaches. Here are a few that got more positive (and surprising) results:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-knowledge">The power of knowledge</h3>



<p>In some countries, simply stating the broad agreement among experts ("99% of climate experts believe the planet is getting warmer...") significantly boosted support for climate action. </p>



<p>This approach leverages the human tendency to trust <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-disinformation-is-a-persistent-scourge-in-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">credible sources</a> of information. When presented with evidence of overwhelming consensus among experts, people are more likely to accept the reality of climate change and the need to address it.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dear-future-me">Dear future me...</h3>



<p>Asking people to write a letter to a loved one describing what they did to help the planet in 2055 was effective in many countries. This emotional connection got people thinking. </p>



<p>This strategy works because it forces people to visualize the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-crisis-un-warns-of-unprecedented-emergency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future consequences</a> of their actions (or inaction) today. It fosters a sense of personal responsibility and encourages long-term thinking, making climate change feel more immediate and relevant.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personal-touch">Personal touch</h3>



<p>Messages focused on moral responsibility ("It's up to us to protect the planet") or highlighting how many others are already worried about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protecting-land-is-the-best-tool-to-address-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> often resulted in greater support. These tactics tap into two powerful motivators:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Moral obligation</strong>: Emphasizing our ethical duty to protect the planet can stir a sense of collective responsibility and inspire action.<br></li>



<li><strong>Social proof</strong>: Knowing that others care about climate change creates a sense of social belonging and can reduce feelings of isolation or hopelessness.</li>
</ul>



<p>“Writing a letter to future generations is most effective in increasing political support for climate measures, and in increasing the belief that climate change is a problem. The second most effective measure is to say that almost all climate experts agree,” explained Professor Christian Klöckner of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology-<a href="https://www.ntnu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NTNU</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-messages-in-norway">Climate messages in Norway</h2>



<p>Norwegians were put off by all the doomsday messaging. Instead, they respond best to messages focused on:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Taking action</strong>: Planting trees is seen favorably.<br></li>



<li><strong>Moral duty</strong>: Emphasize our shared responsibility to the planet.<br></li>



<li><strong>Consensus</strong>: Most people here already believe the science – reminding them of this is persuasive.</li>
</ul>



<p>A big takeaway is that people respond differently based on where they live and what they already believe. For instance, what works in Norway is quite different than other parts of the world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ways-to-share-our-message-on-climate-change">Ways to share our message on climate change</h2>



<p>"The findings show that spreading a climate message depends on people's attitudes towards climate change in the first place. Legislators and campaigners must adapt their messaging to the public," says Madalina Vlasceanu, Assistant Professor at New York University (<a href="https://www.nyu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU</a>).</p>



<p>The next time you're discussing climate change, think before you share that panicked post. While there's certainly a time and place to express urgency, consider these study-backed tips:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-know-your-audience">Know your audience</h3>



<p>Are you talking to someone already concerned, or someone who needs convincing? Tailor your message accordingly.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Already concerned</strong>: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-collapse-un-chief-urges-cop28-leaders-to-get-us-out-of-deep-trouble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Focus on action</a>. Share specific ways they can get involved (volunteering, supporting local climate initiatives, changing their own habits) and emphasize that every effort contributes.<br></li>



<li><strong>Needs convincing</strong>: Start with common ground. Do they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">value nature</a>, their children's future, the health of their community? Connect climate change to things they already care about. Avoid overwhelming them with stats; a few key facts can be persuasive.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-on-solutions">Focus on solutions</h3>



<p>What can people do? Provide concrete steps, not just fear. Break it down into manageable actions, from small (changing light bulbs) to larger commitments (advocating for climate-friendly policies).</p>



<p>Highlight positive success stories of individuals or communities already making a difference. This offers a blueprint and combats feelings of helplessness.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-include-local-matters-in-climate-messages">Include local matters in climate messages</h3>



<p>Climate impacts hit different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fishing-communities-cooperate-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communities</a> differently. Bring it closer to home.</p>



<p>Instead of talking about melting glaciers, discuss how climate change might impact your region – increased wildfires, flooding, or threats to local agriculture. Connect these changes to things people value, like outdoor recreation, food security, or the local economy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-over-fear">Hope over fear</h3>



<p>Remind people that working together, we can make a difference. While it's important to be realistic about the challenges, end the conversation with optimism and empowerment.</p>



<p>Emphasize that solutions exist, and that collective action creates momentum. People are more likely to engage when they feel their actions matter.</p>



<p>The full study is published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adj5778" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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



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Can panic-driven climate messages save the planet? Maybe not

You've heard it all before – the planet is heating...

<p>Research from the <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New South Wales</a> (UNSW) in Australia, in collaboration with international partners, has brought to light the concerning levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. The results of the study reveal that we have underestimated the amount of PFAS in source waters across the globe. </p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/banning-forever-chemicals-may-threaten-us-national-security/">chemicals</a>, numbering over 14,000, have been valued since the 1950s for their remarkable properties, including resistance to heat, water, grease, and stains, leading to their prevalence in a vast array of consumer and industrial products. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forever-chemicals-nbsp">Forever chemicals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>From non-stick pans and waterproof apparel to cosmetics, insecticides, food packaging, and even firefighting foams, PFAS compounds have been integrated into daily life, despite their environmental and health risks.</p>



<p>Labeled as “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-reveals-new-evidence-of-forever-chemicals-in-drinking-water/">forever chemicals</a>” due to their persistent nature, PFAS compounds hardly degrade in the environment or the human body, posing long-term ecological and health risks.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-contamination-in-water-sources">PFAS contamination in water sources</h2>



<p>Now, the UNSW experts have provided a pioneering global assessment of PFAS contamination in surface and groundwater sources, revealing widespread exceedances of established safe drinking water thresholds for these chemicals.</p>



<p>“Many of our source waters are above PFAS regulatory limits,” said senior author Denis O’Carroll, a professor of engineering at UNSW. “We already knew that PFAS is pervasive in the environment, but I was surprised to find out the large fraction of source waters that are above drinking water advisory recommendations. We're talking above five percent, and it goes over 50 percent in some cases.”</p>



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



<p>This comprehensive study, aggregating over 45,000 data points from government reports, databases, and peer-reviewed literature collected over roughly two decades, is the first to quantify the environmental load of PFAS on such a scale.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found high levels of PFAS in various regions, including Australia, particularly in areas historically exposed to firefighting foams, such as military and fire training facilities.</p>



<p>“Drinking water is largely safe, and I don't hesitate drinking it,” O’Caroll said. “I also don’t suggest that bottled water is better, because it doesn’t mean that they’ve done anything differently than what comes out of the tap. But I certainly think that monitoring PFAS levels and making the data easily available is worthwhile.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications-of-pfas">Health implications of PFAS</h2>



<p>In Australia, as well as in numerous other regions globally, it's common for individuals to have trace amounts of PFAS in their system. However, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfas-crisis-humans-are-early-warning-system-for-wildlife-impacts/">health implications</a> of these chemicals remain a topic of debate, with a lack of universal consensus on the extent of their risk.</p>



<p>For instance, an expert health panel in Australia has indicated that the evidence linking PFAS exposure to significant health impacts is minimal to non-existent. However, international health organizations in the US and Europe associate PFAS exposure with a range of negative health effects, including decreased birth weights, elevated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-cholesterol-may-increase-the-risk-of-dementia/">cholesterol</a> levels, diminished kidney functionality, thyroid disorders, changes in sex hormone levels, weaker vaccine efficacy, and an increased risk of liver, kidney, and testicular cancers. Moreover, the <a href="https://www.who.int/">World Health Organisation</a> (WHO) classified PFOA, a variant of PFAS, as a category one human carcinogen in 2023.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controls-on-pfas-usage">Controls on PFAS usage</h2>



<p>While associations between PFAS and various health conditions have been identified, causation has not been definitively established. Nevertheless, due to the enduring presence of these substances and their associated health risks, regulatory agencies worldwide have implemented stricter controls on PFAS usage and established safety limits for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-reveals-new-evidence-of-forever-chemicals-in-drinking-water/">drinking water</a> as a precautionary measure.</p>



<p>"Two forms of PFAS initially raised concerns about 20 years ago: PFOS and PFOA," said O’Carroll. "These chemicals are regulated to different extents around the world. In the US, the proposed drinking water limits for PFOS and PFOA are four nanograms per liter."</p>



<p>In Australia, another PFAS compound, PFHxS, is subject to regulation, with a combined limit for PFOS and PFHxS set at 70 nanograms per liter, significantly exceeding the US's threshold for PFOS and PFOA.</p>



<p>"PFOA, on the other hand, is regulated in Australia at 560 nanograms per liter, which is two orders of magnitude higher than in the US," O’Carroll added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-level-of-pfas-is-safe">What level of PFAS is safe?</h2>



<p>Compared to the regulations in the US, Australia's standards appear more lenient. Yet, when compared with Canada's approach, which aggregates the total of all 14,000 PFAS compounds and caps them at 30 nanograms per liter, both the Australian and US guidelines seem less stringent.</p>



<p>The research revealed that 69 percent of worldwide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/">groundwater</a> samples, lacking known sources of contamination, surpassed <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html">Health Canada</a>'s safety benchmarks for drinking water, while 32 percent exceeded the US's hazard index for drinking water.</p>



<p>“There’s debate about what level PFAS should be regulated to,” O’Carroll added. “Australia has much higher limits than the US, but the question is why. Both health bodies would have different reasoning for that, and there’s not a really strong consensus here.”&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>In light of the findings, the researchers aim to deepen the understanding of PFAS pollution by investigating the environmental impact of PFAS compounds in consumer products and developing new technologies to mitigate PFAS in drinking water systems. Furthermore, predictive models are in development to forecast the distribution of PFAS in the environment and their interaction with biological systems.</p>



<p>As this significant research unfolds, Professor O’Carroll urges manufacturers and consumers to exercise caution and responsibility in the use of PFAS-containing products.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We manufacture and distribute a lot of chemicals without having a full assessment on their potential health impacts. We should have judicious use of some of these chemicals. Just because they’re available, doesn't mean that we should use them,” he concluded.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01402-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Global source water exceeds safe drinking limits of PFAS

Research from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in...

<p>Climate change is casting a long shadow over global security, as new research reveals a significant correlation between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-climate-adaptation-lacks-coordination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental changes</a> and shifts in terrorist activity.</p>



<p>This exploratory study, led by Dr. Jared Dmello from the <a href="https://www.adelaide.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Adelaide</a>'s School of Social Sciences, underscores the complex ways in which climate change directly impacts patterns of terrorism.</p>



<p>Consequently, this marks a critical advancement in our understanding of global security dynamics.</p>



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



<p>The study carefully examined how weather factors like temperature, rainfall, and altitude relate to terrorism in India. </p>



<p>Dr. Dmello explains, "Our suitability analyses show a clear connection between all tested climatological variables and the changing patterns of terrorist activity." </p>



<p>The findings indicate that as cities become more crowded, especially those with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better climates</a>, extremists are forced to leave their traditional areas. These places have become less livable because of changing weather conditions.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the research extends beyond the sites of attacks, indicating that climate change likely impacts other aspects of extremist behavior. Consequently, environmental changes also affect the choice of locations where they train.</p>



<p>"The average <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-heatwaves-from-climate-change-endanger-indias-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures in India</a> hit record highs during our study, providing a comprehensive backdrop to assess the intersection of climate change and extremism," Dr. Dmello remarks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-terrorist-relocation-due-to-climate-change">Terrorist relocation due to climate change</h2>



<p>The intensity of climate change contributed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-forensic-intelligence-tool-will-help-combat-terrorism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrorists</a> relocating to new areas. Additionally, this shift in terrorist activity also followed a seasonal pattern.</p>



<p>Dr. Dmello stresses the broader implications of this correlation: "This research shows that stopping the damaging effects of climate change is not just an environmental issue but one that is directly tied to&nbsp;national security&nbsp;and defense."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-security-and-social-equity">Global security and social equity</h2>



<p>This research is crucial for grasping the complex factors like climate change driving terrorist activity. It also plays a key role in shaping global security strategies, including those of Australia.</p>



<p>Despite experiencing lower levels of terrorism compared to India, Australia faces its challenges with radicalization. </p>



<p>Dr. Dmello points out, "Addressing radicalization in Australia necessitates tackling broader societal issues such as homelessness, food and water security, and social equity to create a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fewer-number-of-outdoor-days-in-our-lives-as-global-climate-continues-to-warm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safer environment</a>."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-climate-change-and-terrorism">Linking climate change and terrorism</h2>



<p>Recently joining the University of Adelaide in early 2024, Dr. Dmello has achieved significant milestones. He has co-edited a book on security in the Arctic and plans to delve deeper into how resource inequities affect radicalization.</p>



<p>"My recent projects aim to dissect the factors influencing radicalization in Australia, aiming to foster collaboration with the government and law enforcement to deter extremist ideologies," he shares. This statement signals his commitment to expanding this vital research on a global scale.</p>



<p>Dr. Dmello's work illuminates the complex link between climate change and terrorist activity. It advocates for a comprehensive approach to national security, one that encompasses environmental stewardship, social equity, and international cooperation.</p>



<p>Consequently, this is a call to action for governments worldwide to rethink their strategies for the dual challenges of climate change and terrorism. It highlights the importance of integrated approaches to secure a safer future for everyone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-climate-change-and-terrorism-link">Implications of climate change and terrorism link</h2>



<p>The study led by Dr. Dmello on the interconnection between climate change and terrorist activity offers several crucial implications:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-national-security-planning">National security planning</h3>



<p>It highlights the need for security strategies to incorporate climate change as a significant factor influencing terrorism, suggesting that traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/developed-countries-counterterrorism-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">counter-terrorism</a> approaches might need reevaluation and adaptation.</p>



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



<p>The findings advocate for policies that address both climate change and terrorism together, rather than in isolation, emphasizing integrated approaches that can tackle the root causes of both issues.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-cooperation">International cooperation</h3>



<p>The global nature of climate change and its impact on terrorism underline the importance of international collaboration. Countries can share intelligence, strategies, and technologies to combat these intertwined challenges effectively.</p>



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



<p>The research underscores the role of environmental stewardship in preventing radicalization and terrorism. This could lead to increased investment in sustainable development, renewable energy, and climate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-global-temperature-exceeded-2c-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience efforts</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-awareness-and-education">Public awareness and education</h3>



<p>By establishing a link between climate change and terrorist activity, the study calls for increased public awareness and education. Understanding these connections can drive public support for policies that address both environmental protection and security.</p>



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



<p>The implications for future research are significant, encouraging further investigation into how climate-related factors influence other forms of conflict and security issues. It also opens avenues for developing new technologies and methodologies to predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change on global security.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-societal-well-being">Societal well-being</h3>



<p>Addressing the societal issues that lead to radicalization, such as homelessness, food and water security, and social equity, as mentioned by Dr. Dmello, is crucial. This holistic approach can lead to a more stable and peaceful society by tackling the underlying issues that fuel discontent and extremism.</p>



<p>Overall, the study calls for a rethinking of how societies view and deal with the challenges of climate change and terrorism, advocating for integrated solutions that address the environmental, social, and political dimensions of these global issues.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19361610.2024.2322238" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied Security Research</a></em>.</p>



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



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Terrorists are relocating rapidly due to climate change

Climate change is casting a long shadow over global security,...

Pfas,Contamination,Of,Drinking,Water,-,Alertness,About,Dangerous,Pfas

<p>"Forever chemicals", or PFAS, are the subject of a pivotal study by Stockholm University's Department of Environmental Science. This research uncovers a neglected route through which PFAS cycle back to land from the ocean.</p>



<p>It challenges the common belief, showing PFAS do not simply dilute in the ocean but follow a cyclical journey.</p>



<p>The study reveals that ocean waves launch these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creators-of-forever-chemicals-covered-up-the-toxic-dangers-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxic substances</a> into the air, where they then settle back onto land, posing potential risks to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-pfas-forever-chemicals-released-by-dupont-and-chemours-caused-significant-harm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human health</a> and the environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-a-persistent-threat">PFAS: a persistent threat</h2>



<p>PFAS, short for Per- and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skiers-are-spreading-pfas-forever-chemicals-around-the-worlds-mountains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polyfluoroalkyl Substances</a>, represent a vast group of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-so-green-hidden-chemicals-found-in-paper-straws/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synthetic chemicals</a>.</p>



<p>Due to their ability to resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water, PFAS are prevalent in many products. This includes non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, certain firefighting foams, and various grease-, water-, and oil-resistant items.</p>



<p>However, PFAS have earned the moniker "forever chemicals" for their durability and tendency to persist in the environment and accumulate over time.</p>



<p>Such persistence, evident in both the environment and living organisms, has sparked health concerns. Specifically, potential risks associated with PFAS exposure include an increased likelihood of cancer, hormone disruption, and adverse effects on the immune system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-research-at-ocean">PFAS research at ocean</h2>



<p>The research team undertook extensive field experiments across the Atlantic Ocean. This team included Bo Sha, a post-doctoral researcher, and Jana Johansson, a former researcher at the Department who is now at <a href="https://liu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Linköping University</a>.</p>



<p>Their innovative approach featured a custom-built sea spray simulator aboard a research vessel. Over two months, they conducted multiple experiments using this setup.</p>



<p>Subsequently, the startling results showed that air particle concentrations of PFAS exceeded those in seawater by over 100,000 times, highlighting ocean spray's efficiency in reintroducing these chemicals into the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-boomerang-effect-on-land-and-ocean">PFAS 'boomerang effect on land and ocean</h2>



<p>Ian Cousins, a professor at the <a href="https://www.su.se/department-of-environmental-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Environmental Science</a> and a co-author of the study, emphasized the significance of their findings.</p>



<p>"Contrary to the common belief that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/banning-forever-chemicals-may-threaten-us-national-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> are merely washed away from the land into the ocean, our research shows that there's a 'boomerang effect.' Some of these chemicals are re-emitted into the air, transported over long distances, and then deposited back onto land," Cousins explained. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-concerning-discovery">A concerning discovery</h2>



<p>Bo Sha noted the dual nature of their research. She states, "Our findings, while scientifically impactful, are also disconcerting."</p>



<p>Furthermore, the study not only contributes to the scientific understanding of PFAS distribution. In essence, this also sparks concern among scientists, regulators, and the general public, given the widespread presence and persistence of these chemicals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-implications-of-pfas-ocean-pollution">Global implications of PFAS ocean pollution</h2>



<p>Matthew Salter, a co-author and researcher at the Department of Environmental Science, highlighted supporting evidence from Denmark. There, scientists pinpoint the sea along the west coast as a primary PFAS source.</p>



<p>Salter remarked, "This aligns with our expectations, as our study predicts that coastal regions are the most impacted." He underlined the global significance of their findings.</p>



<p>Thus, Stockholm University's study represents a critical advancement in understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfas-crisis-humans-are-early-warning-system-for-wildlife-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS pollution</a> in the ocean. It illuminates the complex and unforeseen pathways these chemicals navigate in our environment.</p>



<p>The findings stress the immediate necessity for more research, regulatory action, and mitigation efforts to combat the widespread and enduring threat of PFAS. This is particularly vital for coastal areas, where their effects are most acute.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimizing-pfas-pollution-in-oceans-and-beyond">Minimizing PFAS pollution in oceans and beyond</h2>



<p>Reducing PFAS in the environment and minimizing exposure is critical due to their persistence and potential health risks. Here are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-invention-turns-toxic-forever-chemicals-pfas-into-harmless-molecules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategies</a> to reduce PFAS:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">At the regulatory level</h3>



<ol>
<li><strong>Stricter regulations</strong>: Governments can implement tighter controls on the production, use, and disposal of PFAS-containing products.<br></li>



<li><strong>Clean-up efforts</strong>: Invest in cleaning up contaminated sites, including water bodies and land areas, using advanced remediation technologies.<br></li>



<li><strong>Monitoring and research</strong>: Enhance monitoring of PFAS in the environment and fund research into safer alternatives and remediation methods.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">In industry</h3>



<ol>
<li><strong>Developing alternatives</strong>: Industries should research and adopt PFAS-free alternatives for products and processes.<br></li>



<li><strong>Better manufacturing practices</strong>: Implementing practices that reduce PFAS emissions and contamination during production.<br></li>



<li><strong>Product stewardship</strong>: Encouraging producers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products to ensure they minimize environmental impact.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">At the consumer level</h3>



<ol>
<li><strong>Informed purchasing</strong>: Consumers can choose products free of PFAS, such as non-stick cookware alternatives and PFAS-free clothing.<br></li>



<li><strong>Reducing use of disposable products</strong>: Many disposable products, like food packaging, contain PFAS. Opting for reusable items can reduce demand.<br></li>



<li><strong>Community action</strong>: Engaging in community efforts to pressure local governments and industries to adopt PFAS-free practices and policies.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Waste management</h3>



<ol>
<li><strong>Proper disposal</strong>: Ensuring that products containing PFAS are disposed of properly to prevent leaching into the ocean and other environments.<br></li>



<li><strong>Recycling innovations</strong>: Developing recycling methods that can safely break down PFAS materials without releasing them into the environment.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lifestyle Changes</h3>



<ol>
<li><strong>Water filtratio</strong>n: Using water filters certified to reduce PFAS levels can minimize exposure through drinking water.<br></li>



<li><strong>Home gardening practices</strong>: Avoiding PFAS-containing pesticides and soil treatments in home gardens.</li>
</ol>



<p>Reducing PFAS requires concerted efforts across all levels of society, from individual actions to global regulatory frameworks. </p>



<p>By making informed choices and advocating for change, we can collectively reduce the presence of these persistent chemicals in our environment.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adl1026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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Ocean waves send harmful PFAS forever chemicals back to land

"Forever chemicals", or PFAS, are the subject of a pivotal...

<p>When Marcus Jones and his business partner, Akunna Olumba, decided to establish a pizzeria in Detroit, their vision was clear: to integrate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-technology-is-urgently-needed-to-save-the-climate/">sustainable technologies</a>, including solar panels, a high-efficiency tankless water heater, and a stormwater collection system on the roof. However, when they approached traditional banks to finance their clean energy projects, they encountered skepticism. </p>



<p>"The lenders thought we were crazy,” Jones said. The banks were hesitant to fund such green initiatives, doubting their financial viability due to a lack of precedent in lending for clean energy projects or efficiency upgrades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainability-in-business-operations">Sustainability in business operations</h2>



<p>Faced with this challenge, Jones and Olumba turned to a specialized financial institution, a green bank, designed to support projects aimed at reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-energy-biodiversity-wildlife-habitats-delicate-balancing-act/">environmental impact</a>. This decision placed them at the forefront of a burgeoning movement that prioritizes sustainability in business operations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This movement is set to receive a significant boost, with the Biden administration announcing a $20 billion investment, which Vice President Kamala Harris has described as “the largest investment in financing for community-based climate projects in our nation’s history.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clean-energy-grants">Clean energy grants</h2>



<p>This groundbreaking initiative by the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/">Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) aims to distribute grants, varying from $500 million to $6.9 billion, to eight non-profit organizations. These funds are earmarked for projects that advance clean energy solutions, especially in underprivileged communities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The scope of these projects ranges from assisting families in acquiring electric induction stoves to constructing energy-efficient housing for low-income residents.</p>



<p>“We’re putting an unprecedented $20 billion to work in communities that for too long have been shut out of resources to lower costs and benefit from clean technology solutions,” explained EPA administrator Michael S. Regan.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critics-of-the-initiative-nbsp">Critics of the initiative&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Yet, this initiative has not been without its critics. Republicans have condemned the funding as a “greendoggle,” questioning EPA's capability to manage a program of this magnitude. </p>



<p>Despite these criticisms and attempts to repeal the program, the administration is pressing forward, with hopes that the initiative will leverage an additional $150 billion in private capital. </p>



<p>This ambitious goal reflects a belief that federal dollars can act as a catalyst, drawing private investment into the clean energy sector at a ratio of about $7 for every federal dollar spent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grants-intended-to-reduce-carbon-emissions">Grants intended to reduce carbon emissions</h2>



<p>The grants are part of the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/inflation-reduction-act-guidebook/">Inflation Reduction Act</a>, a cornerstone of President Biden’s climate policy, which allocated $27 billion to what is known as the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/greenhouse-gas-reduction-fund">Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund</a>. </p>



<p>Among the largest recipients of this funding are the <a href="https://weareclimateunited.org/">Climate United Fund</a> and the <a href="https://coalitionforgreencapital.com/">Coalition for Green Capital</a>, with grants intended to reduce carbon emissions significantly over the next seven years.</p>



<p>The concept of a green bank is not new, having been proposed over two decades ago as a means to drive private investment into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-utilities-may-be-100-percent-renewable-energy-by-2060/">renewable energy</a> projects and other environmental initiatives. </p>



<p>However, EPA's approach diversifies this concept by distributing funds across various nonprofit groups, allowing them to function as lenders for community-focused projects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-income-communities-and-clean-energy">Low-income communities and clean energy</h2>



<p>Senator Chris Van Hollen, an early advocate for a national green bank, highlighted the importance of this funding in enabling low-income communities to participate in the clean energy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-energy-transition-may-boost-job-opportunities-in-the-u-s/">transition</a>. He pointed out that federal tax incentives for clean energy technologies often remain out of reach for individuals lacking the upfront capital for such investments.</p>



<p>Examples of the program’s potential impact are already visible in communities like De Soto, Georgia, where non-profit organizations have facilitated home appliance upgrades and energy-efficiency improvements for families. Mildred Carter, a beneficiary of such a program, shared her relief at receiving a grant for a new electric heat pump after her water heater failed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-model-for-community-level-clean-energy-financing">New model for community-level clean energy financing</h2>



<p>In Detroit, the success story of Detroit Pizza Bar, supported by a green loan for its sustainable technologies, underscores the tangible benefits of green financing for small businesses. </p>



<p>Jones noted that while customers might not initially notice the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-solar-panels-appealing/">solar panels</a> or rain barrels, the restaurant's commitment to sustainability is a point of pride and distinction.</p>



<p>As the Biden administration moves to announce these awards, the initiative represents a significant step toward inclusive, sustainable development, offering a new model for community-level clean energy financing. </p>



<p>Through such efforts, the administration aims to ensure that the benefits of clean technology are accessible to all, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and equitable future.</p>



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



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EPA awards $20 billion in grants for clean energy projects

When Marcus Jones and his business partner, Akunna Olumba, decided...

<p>Coral reefs are like the bustling cities of the ocean that house a quarter of all marine species, including countless microbes. These reefs boost economies by supporting tourism and fisheries that adds billions to global economies.</p>



<p>However, these vital ecosystems are currently facing unparalleled threats. The combined pressures of climate change, disease, and various stressors have contributed to their consistent decline.</p>



<p>In response to this crisis, researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (<a href="https://www.whoi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>) have embarked on a remarkable study. The experts have turned their attention to an unexpected ally for real-time monitoring of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-can-mislead-scientists-about-reef-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef health</a>: the microbes inhabiting these aquatic environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-role-in-coral-reef-survival">Microbes role in coral reef survival</h2>



<p>Cynthia Becker, a recent graduate of the MIT-WHOI Joint Program, led the research, which uncovers the critical role microbes play within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fishing-levels-can-destroy-or-save-coral-reef-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reef ecosystems</a>.</p>



<p>Microbes are essentially minuscule life forms that are invisible to the naked eye. They inhabit virtually every corner of our planet. This includes the air we breathe, the soil beneath our feet, the bodies of water that surround us, and even the internal recesses of our own bodies.</p>



<p>Within the intricate ecosystems of coral reefs, these microscopic organisms undertake the vital task of recycling organic substances and nutrients. The recycling process carried out by microbes goes beyond merely breaking down materials; it acts as a lifeline for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-some-corals-more-resilient-to-climate-change-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a>. This process provides corals with the essential nourishment they need to thrive.</p>



<p>Moreover, microbes lay the foundation for a diverse web of life that thrives on coral reefs. They support a vast array of species that depend on these vibrant underwater cities for survival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-shifts-in-coral-reefs">Microbial shifts in coral reefs</h2>



<p>For seven years, the researchers closely studied microbial communities around eight reefs in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Their findings showed major changes in these communities due to hurricanes and disease outbreaks.</p>



<p>"Coral reefs have been declining for decades… It is important for us to monitor changes in coral reefs as they are happening, and the microbes in their environment can really help us do that,” said Becker. </p>



<p>The study documents the effects of major events, including hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. It also covers the onset of the stony coral tissue loss disease outbreak in 2020.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the research details the significant changes within the microbial community resulting from these disturbances. This includes a notable 34% decline in Prochlorococcus, a critical photosynthetic bacteria, illustrating the profound impact these events have on the ecosystem's microbial balance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microscopic-monitoring-with-edna">Microscopic monitoring with eDNA</h2>



<p>The research highlights a shift from traditional macro-level studies of coral reefs to a focus on the microscopic level. </p>



<p>"A lot of how we study coral reefs is done on a macroorganismal level. This makes it difficult to track the health of these vulnerable reefs in real time," explained study co-author Amy Apprill, a microbial ecologist at WHOI. </p>



<p>To bridge the gap, the team utilized environmental DNA (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/measure-coral-reef-health-water-samples/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eDNA</a>) techniques to examine microbial DNA, providing a noninvasive method for assessing reef health. This approach allows for almost instantaneous health evaluations of the reefs, offering a crucial advantage in conservation efforts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stages-in-edna">Stages in eDNA</h2>



<p>The technique starts with collecting water samples from the coral reefs, each containing approximately 1 million microbes per milliliter.</p>



<p>After collection, the microbial DNA within these samples is sequenced to analyze the present microbial communities.</p>



<p>Subsequently, this method provides a snapshot of the microbial community's composition, offering an insight into the reef's health in near real-time.</p>



<p>"Microbes are the hidden engines of coral reefs. By sampling the water, we can see the immediate impacts of disturbances and intervene to support the reefs before the situation potentially worsens,” noted Apprill.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-towards-a-future-of-healthy-reefs">Towards a future of healthy reefs</h2>



<p>Understanding the composition of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-bacteria-vital-to-coral-reef-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy reef</a> microbial community is crucial for assessing the overall health of the ecosystem.</p>



<p>Consequently, this knowledge can complement visual assessments, providing a fuller picture of a reef's condition and informing conservation strategies.</p>



<p>As the challenges facing these ecosystems intensify, the study offers a beacon of hope, leveraging the power of modern genomics to safeguard the future of our planet's coral reefs.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://enviromicro-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1462-2920.16610" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Microbiology</a></em>.</p>



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



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Microbes reveal the health of coral reefs in real time

Coral reefs are like the bustling cities of the ocean...

<p>Get ready for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/total-solar-eclipse-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celestial showdown</a>! On April 8th, a total <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-to-make-your-plans-to-see-the-annular-solar-eclipse-on-october-14/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar eclipse</a> is set to cast a dramatic shadow on the natural world. </p>



<p>As the moon blocks the sun, plunging parts of North America into midday darkness, scientists are scrambling to understand how birds, bats, and insects – creatures exquisitely tuned to light levels – will react to this unexpected blackout.</p>



<p>For instance, birds migrating north for the spring, their internal clocks set to navigate by daylight, may suddenly find themselves confused. Will they mistake the eclipse for nightfall and seek a place to roost? Will insects stop their buzzing? </p>



<p>This is not just idle speculation – it's science in the making, offering insights into how animals perceive and respond to changes in light.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-total-solar-eclipse">What is a total solar eclipse?</h2>



<p>When the moon glides between the Earth and the sun, a solar eclipse unfolds. This event casts the moon's shadow across the Earth, dimming the sun's light completely or in part over certain regions. The usual daylight fades into a unique twilight, creating moments of wonder that last briefly.</p>



<p>This phenomenon is not just a rare spectacle; it's a journey into the shadows that only a select portion of the Earth's surface, known as the "path of totality," gets to experience firsthand. </p>



<p>During this upcoming eclipse, the path of totality carves a route starting in Mexico, slicing through the heart of Texas, and continuing its arc northeastward to Maine. </p>



<p>Those situated within this narrow corridor are the fortunate audience to a dramatic display of nature's grandeur, where day briefly transforms into night, unveiling stars and planets against a darkened sky. The sun's corona - a fiery halo - becomes visible in a mesmerizing celestial show.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-navigation-during-total-solar-eclipse">Bird navigation during total solar eclipse</h2>



<p>Birds, with their unparalleled mastery of long-distance migration, have long fascinated scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. They possess an extraordinary array of navigational tools, a testament to nature's ingenuity. </p>



<p>From the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/importance-solar-eclipses-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient art</a> of celestial navigation - using the sun by day and stars by night to sense the Earth's magnetic field - birds have developed a sophisticated understanding of the world around them to guide their epic journeys across continents.</p>



<p>However, there's a compelling twist in their story. These avian travelers surprisingly undertake their lengthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geomagnetic-disturbances-throw-nocturnal-birds-off-course/">migrations</a> predominantly under the cloak of night. </p>



<p>This nocturnal strategy raises intriguing questions about how sudden environmental changes, such as the abrupt darkness of a total solar eclipse, might affect their intricate navigation systems. </p>



<p>Will the sudden darkness disorient them, or will they adapt seamlessly? The answers hold clues to their navigational abilities and the adaptability of wildlife amidst change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-2017-eclipse">The 2017 eclipse</h2>



<p>This isn't the first time researchers have studied the effects of a solar eclipse on wildlife. During the total eclipse of 2017, Cornell Lab of Ornithology scientists used weather radar to track how animals reacted. The results were intriguing.</p>



<p>"During the 2017 eclipse, we saw a decrease in flying insects, flying birds - but we didn't see anything like the typical pattern of movement when it gets dark at night," said Andrew Farnsworth, senior researcher at the <a href="https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell Lab of Ornithology</a>.</p>



<p>Normally, as the sun sets, there's a flurry of activity – insects and bats emerge, birds seek out places to rest. During the 2017 eclipse, this transition didn't unfold in the same way. Birds didn't completely go into nighttime mode, suggesting a level of confusion triggered by the unusual darkness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-grand-experiment-on-april-8th-2024">The grand experiment on April 8th 2024</h2>



<p>The April 8th eclipse presents a unique follow-up opportunity, with key differences that might illuminate new behavioral details. Here's what makes this one special:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spring-migration">Spring migration</h3>



<p>Unlike the 2017 eclipse, which happened in August during fall migration, this one hits during peak northward spring migration. With birds intensely motivated to reach their breeding grounds, any dramatic behavioral changes might be easier to detect.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-totality">Longer totality</h3>



<p>This time, the period of totality – when the sun is fully blocked – will last longer, giving scientists more time to collect data.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tech-advances">Tech advances</h3>



<p>BirdCast, a tool allowing people to track nightly migration right down to their county, has been launched since the 2017 eclipse. Combining radar data with tools like this will provide richer details.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-scientists-hope-to-discover">What the scientists hope to discover</h2>



<p>The phenomenon of a solar eclipse offers a rare experimental condition on a grand scale, allowing researchers to observe and analyze how birds react to an abrupt interruption in daylight. </p>



<p>It's here, in these moments of unexpected nightfall, that scientists see a unique opportunity for discovery. Such questions are at the heart of ongoing scientific investigations. </p>



<p>Researchers eagerly anticipate these natural experiments, hoping to uncover deeper insights into avian cognition, sensory perception, and adaptability. </p>



<p>"By seeing how animals react to the total eclipse, we can get clues to how they perceive and use light under normal circumstances. Birds and insects might use cues from light differently, for example," said Cecilia Nilsson, lead author of the 2017 study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-join-the-total-solar-eclipse-project">Join the total solar eclipse project</h2>



<p>While scientists analyze complex radar data, you can become a citizen scientist.</p>



<p>Observe animal behavior in your own backyard during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/annular-solar-eclipse-casts-a-shadow-over-north-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eclipse</a>. Do the birds seem confused? Do insects change their activity? Share your observations on platforms like <a href="https://ebird.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eBird</a>, where researchers access this valuable data.</p>



<p>Whether the results are wildly dramatic or reveal subtle changes, studying this eclipse is about more than just bird behavior. </p>



<p>It's a reminder of the balance between the natural world and cosmic events – a powerful illustration of how a little change in light can create fascinating ripples of effect.</p>



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



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Experience wildlife in shadow of today's total solar eclipse

Get ready for a celestial showdown! On April 8th, a...

Recycle,Your,Denim,Jeans,Concept.,Close-up,On,A,Pair,Of

<p>Okay, let's rip the band-aid off: that favorite pair of jeans in your closet might be contributing to a major environment pollution. You don't even need to drive – scientists say simply putting on "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-fashion-toll-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fast fashion</a>" jeans is as bad as driving over six miles in a gas-guzzling car. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-cost-of-blue-jeans">Environmental cost of blue jeans</h2>



<p>Researchers at <a href="https://english.gdut.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guangdong University of Technology</a> decided to track the environmental impact of a classic pair of jeans – from the cotton fields to the landfill. What they found is pretty shocking:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-jeans-lifespan-big-impact-on-environment">Short jeans lifespan, big impact on environment</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-fashion-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fast fashion</a> jeans differ critically from traditional jeans in their quick disposal. Their low quality and emphasis on fleeting trends lead to them being worn only a few times before being tossed.</p>



<p>Each time a fast fashion item is manufactured and transported, it generates a significant amount (2.5 Kg) of CO2. That's 11 times bigger of a carbon footprint than jeans you actually wear out over time.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hidden-cost-of-cheap">The hidden cost of "cheap"</h3>



<p>To keep prices low, fast fashion companies rely on a few key unsustainable practices:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Low-quality materials</strong>: Clothes are made from synthetic fabrics derived from fossil fuels, adding to pollution during production. The fabrics wear out quickly, leading to faster replacement cycles.<br></li>



<li><strong>Unethical labor</strong>: To cut costs, many companies exploit workers in overseas factories where labor is cheap and regulations are lax.<br></li>



<li><strong>Air transport</strong>: To keep up with trends, companies often ship clothes via air rather than sea, which releases vastly more emissions.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-difference-with-traditional-jeans">Difference with traditional jeans</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Higher quality means longer wear</strong>: Classic jeans are built to last. They're made from more durable materials which can withstand frequent wear, washing, and time itself.<br></li>



<li><strong>Focus on timeless style</strong>: Traditional brands often favor classic styles that don't quickly go out of fashion, again encouraging longer wear.<br></li>



<li><strong>Potential for ethical &amp; sustainable production</strong>: While issues exist within all garment manufacturing, companies with higher prices often have more opportunities to ensure ethical production and explore sustainable material choices like organic cotton.</li>
</ul>



<p>"The humble wardrobe staple – a pair of jeans – has a significant impact on the environment," notes Dr. Ya Zhou, the study's lead author. That's not what most of us think about when we check out the latest styles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jeans-trends-and-environmental-waste">Jeans, trends, and environmental waste</h2>



<p>The problem with fast fashion isn't the jeans themselves. It's how we buy and discard them. Here's the hard truth:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-illusion-of-need">The illusion of need</h3>



<p>Fast fashion isn't just about selling clothes – it's about creating an artificial sense of need for more. With constantly rotating trends, lightning-fast production cycles, and social media hype, brands actively create and then fulfill a feeling that you're missing out if you aren't always buying the latest items.</p>



<p>"Changing fashion trends induce people to purchase clothing frequently and use them short-lived to keep following the latest trends," explains Dr. Zhou. "Such overconsumption has led to a significant increase in resource and energy consumption in the clothing industry."</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manipulating-value-perception">Manipulating value perception</h3>



<p>By keeping prices deceptively low, fast fashion makes buying seem inconsequential. You might grab three t-shirts, but don't feel the impact like you would with a single higher-quality item. </p>



<p>This disconnect between the cost and the true value (environmental, social) makes us more likely to over-consume without much thought.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planned-obsolescence">Planned obsolescence</h3>



<p>Fast fashion garments often have a built-in expiration date due to their shoddy construction and trend-focused designs. This encourages the mentality that clothes are inherently disposable – they aren't meant to become well-loved staples of your wardrobe but rather replaceable objects.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-global-trash-can">The global trash can</h3>



<p>The problem doesn't end once we throw out our fast fashion items. Much of this clothing isn't recycled, nor does it naturally <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eco-friendly-vegan-leather-could-transform-the-fashion-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodegrade</a> well due to its synthetic composition. </p>



<p>Instead, it becomes a problem for countries burdened with mountains of secondhand clothes they can't manage, creating health and environmental hazards that persist long after the garments go out of style.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-jeans-work-for-the-environment">Making jeans work for the environment</h2>



<p>The study didn't just expose the problem, it offered some powerful ways we can change how we shop:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buying-second-hand">Buying second-hand</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Extending a garment's lifespan</strong>: The most significant environmental benefit of buying pre-loved jeans is that it gives a new life to a garment already made. You're preventing the need for a brand new pair to be manufactured (with its accompanying emissions), and instead extending the usefulness of existing resources.<br></li>



<li><strong>Uniqueness and creativity</strong>: Shopping secondhand fosters individual style and creativity. Rather than choosing from a mass-produced rack, you're going on a treasure hunt to find those one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to you. The added bonus is this often encourages learning basic mending and alterations, keeping your clothes in use even longer.<br></li>



<li><strong>Affordability and accessibility</strong>: Secondhand shopping is often a win for both the environment and your wallet. Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and even clothing swaps with friends open up access to quality garments at a fraction of their original price.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rent-the-trend">Rent the trend</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Fashion without ownership</strong>: Clothing rental addresses the issue of wanting to try the latest trends without the long-term commitment. You can enjoy variety and experimentation without those new garments ever needing to take up permanent space in your closet or end up in a landfill.<br></li>



<li><strong>Reduced production pressure</strong>: The popularity of rental services takes pressure off the system that demands the constant production of new apparel. When fashion trends can be experienced by multiple people via a single garment, there's less incentive for companies to churn out such enormous collections at breakneck speed.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recycle-and-repurpose">Recycle and repurpose</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Minimizing landfill waste</strong>: While this is less impactful than extending the wear of a pair of jeans, it's absolutely better than throwing them in the trash. Textile recycling programs, though not perfect, can turn old fabrics into new materials, diverting them from harmful landfills.<br></li>



<li><strong>Reviving the denim</strong>: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recycle-upcycle-used-clothing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upcycling</a> your truly worn-out jeans is another way to squeeze those last drops of usefulness out. Denim is a surprisingly versatile material that can be transformed into bags, quilts, even insulation.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buy-new-jeans-but-consider-the-environment">Buy new jeans but consider the environment</h2>



<p>Choosing second-hand or recycling can cut emissions by 90%. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, but here's the thing – consumer choices matter. </p>



<p>Every time you say "no" to fast fashion and take a more sustainable approach, you're sending a message. Think of it as your own mini-protest wrapped in a stylish pair of pre-owned jeans.</p>



<p>Let's turn those polluting trends around and make fashion something we can feel good about – for the planet and our closets. </p>



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



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Why fast fashion jeans are bad for the environment

Okay, let's rip the band-aid off: that favorite pair of...

<p>A recent study reveals that deep-rooted crops, AI, and gene editing significantly enhance soil carbon storage. Soil carbon enhancement is crucial in the battle against climate change, a fact underscored by the agricultural sector's significant contribution to global carbon emissions.</p>



<p>In 2020 alone, agriculture was responsible for emitting a staggering 16 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, marking a 9% increase since 2000. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (<a href="https://www.fao.org/home/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FAO</a>) has highlighted these figures, pointing to the urgent need for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agricultural-technologies-can-reverse-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">innovative agricultural solutions</a>. </p>



<p>In this context, a recent article titled "Going deep: Roots, carbon, and analyzing subsoil carbon dynamics," offers a promising strategy. </p>



<p>Written by Angela Fernando and her team at the <a href="https://alliancebioversityciat.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT</a>, the article highlights soil carbon enhancement as a versatile solution. It improves food production, aids in achieving net-zero agricultural emissions, and tackles climate change effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-roots-in-soil-carbon-storage">Deep roots in soil carbon storage</h2>



<p>Fernando's mission is clear: to compile existing methodologies and insights in a singular, comprehensive resource for experts to leverage effectively. </p>



<p>At the core of their findings is the significance of deeper root systems in crops. Traditional practices often result in carbon release into the atmosphere, due to deep tillage and the decomposition of shallow roots. In contrast, Fernando supports the use of crop varieties that have deeper roots.</p>



<p>She metaphorically describes soil organic carbon as "a cushion hidden in the soil," emphasizing its resilience against microbial decomposition at depths around two meters and its vital role as a nutrient and water reservoir, especially during droughts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-root-s-dro1-gene-in-soil-carbon">Deep root's DRO1 gene in soil carbon</h2>



<p>The discovery of the DRO1 gene, responsible for controlling root angle, represents a significant breakthrough. This advancement allows for the creation of crop and forage varieties with roots that extend downwards to a meter or more.</p>



<p>"There's no new biomass; the roots are simply oriented to grow vertically down, thus safeguarding soil carbon," said Fernando.</p>



<p>Joe Tohme, director of the Alliance's Americas Hub, shares this excitement, calling the DRO1 discovery a major leap forward. He highlights its importance for adapting food crops to withstand water stress by tapping into deeper subsoil moisture.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-shift-to-ai-and-remote-sensing">The shift to AI and remote sensing</h2>



<p>Yet, the quest to harness soil's carbon sequestration potential encounters significant hurdles, primarily in its measurement. </p>



<p>Michael Gomez Selvaraj, a digital agriculture scientist at the Alliance, highlights the drawbacks of traditional soil core analysis for large-scale studies, noting its labor intensity and limited representation. He advocates for combining remote sensing and artificial intelligence (AI) for quicker, more accurate soil carbon assessments across extensive areas.</p>



<p>Gomez describes the Alliance's efforts to fine-tune an AI model for precise <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-carbon-stored-underground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic carbon</a> measurement across large areas. "We are on the cusp of revolutionizing how we measure soil carbon," he says, envisioning deeper, non-intrusive methods in the pipeline.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-merging-genetics-ai-and-sustainability">Merging genetics, AI, and sustainability</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, the researchers are optimistic about the broader implications of their work. Enhanced soil carbon measurement techniques could facilitate farmers' entry into carbon markets. Specifically, this is achieved by providing the accuracy necessary for carbon certification.</p>



<p>Moreover, creating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deeper-plant-roots-could-boost-soil-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-rooted crops</a> and forage varieties could increase carbon storage in the soil. Gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR, are key to speeding up the development of these resource-efficient plants. </p>



<p>This innovative approach blends genetic discoveries with AI and remote sensing technologies. It meets global climate goals and brings real advantages to farmers globally - setting the stage for a future of sustainable, carbon-efficient farming.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-rooted-crops-and-soil-carbon-measurement">Deep-rooted crops and soil carbon measurement </h2>



<p>The research heralds a new era in agriculture, promising tangible benefits for farmers and the environment. Here's how these innovations could manifest in real-world agricultural settings:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drought-resistance-and-reduced-water-usage">Drought resistance and reduced water usage</h3>



<p>Deep-rooted crops can access water from deeper soil layers, making them more resilient during drought conditions. This trait could significantly reduce the need for irrigation, lowering water usage and costs for farmers in arid and semi-arid regions. </p>



<p>The adoption of these crops can ensure stable yields even in challenging weather conditions, securing food production and farmers' livelihoods.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-health-and-fertility">Soil health and fertility</h3>



<p>By promoting the growth of crops with deeper root systems, farmers can enhance soil structure and fertility. Deep roots help in aerating the soil, reducing erosion, and facilitating the cycling of nutrients. This natural process can diminish the reliance on chemical fertilizers, leading to healthier soils and reduced input costs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-sequestration-and-financial-incentives">Carbon sequestration and financial incentives</h3>



<p>The use of advanced soil carbon measurement techniques can accurately quantify the carbon sequestered in farmlands. This precision opens doors for farmers to participate in carbon markets, earning carbon credits for their sustainable practices. </p>



<p>By providing a financial incentive for adopting carbon-friendly farming methods, this approach not only combats climate change but also enhances farmers' income streams.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.14.011028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em><em>Molecular Plant</em></em></a>.</p>



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Deep-rooted crops can significantly improve soil carbon storage

A recent study reveals that deep-rooted crops, AI, and gene...

<p><a href="https://www.colostate.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a>'s Dr. Patrick Keys, an expert in climate and social change, has teamed up with water scientists and artists for a unique project. They've created compelling scenarios that explore what the future of Earth's water management might look like if we continue to meddle with the processes that make up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperature-fluctuations-have-reshaped-earths-water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water cycle</a>. </p>



<p>It's a remarkable approach, using sci-fi inspired narratives to ignite discussions around an extremely urgent issue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-earth-s-water-cycle">What is Earth's water cycle?</h2>



<p>Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/water-cycle/#">water cycle</a> is a complex process that involves the continuous movement of water as it changes forms</p>



<p>The sun's heat causes water to evaporate from the surface of oceans, lakes, rivers, and even from the ground, transforming it into an invisible gas called water vapor. </p>



<p>Warm, moist air ascends into the atmosphere where it cools down. This cooling causes water vapor to turn into small water droplets or ice crystals, creating clouds. Once clouds are full, the droplets or crystals get too heavy to float and come down as rain, snow, hail, or sleet.</p>



<p>A significant portion of falling precipitation seeps into the Earth, refilling groundwater reserves. Meanwhile, some of the water travels across the surface as runoff. This runoff gathers in rivers, lakes, and oceans over time. </p>



<p>This ongoing cycle ensures the distribution and renewal of Earth's freshwater resources, making life on our planet possible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-humans-are-changing-earth-s-water-cycle">How humans are changing Earth's water cycle</h2>



<p>Human activities are disrupting the delicate balance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-water-cycle-is-changing-much-faster-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water cycle</a> in ways we're only beginning to fully understand. Here are some key areas of concern:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-altered-landscapes">Altered landscapes</h3>



<p>Deforestation, urbanization, and other land-use changes affect how water interacts with the land surface. This alters evaporation rates, influences how clouds form, and disrupts established rainfall patterns. For example, removing trees reduces the amount of water returning to the atmosphere through transpiration, potentially leading to drier conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-control">Weather control</h3>



<p>Cloud seeding, a technique where substances are introduced into clouds to encourage rainfall, is becoming increasingly sophisticated. While this technology could be helpful in drought-prone areas, it also raises questions about long-term impacts on weather patterns and the potential for conflicts over limited water resources, especially if used by multiple countries.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unintended-consequences">Unintended consequences</h3>



<p>Our interventions in the water cycle, even if well-intentioned, may have unforeseen consequences that we haven't fully grasped yet. Could intensified storms, unpredictable flooding patterns, or long-term shifts in weather systems be an unexpected outcome of our attempts to manage water resources? Scientists are urgently trying to understand these potential long-term effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-fiction-explains-earth-s-water-cycle">Science fiction explains Earth's water cycle</h2>



<p>Dr. Key's project employs a unique method: envisioning possible futures several decades ahead, where manipulating the atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-a-major-influence-on-the-global-water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water cycle</a> has become commonplace. Here's a deeper dive into the scenarios experts imagined:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloud-wars">Cloud wars </h3>



<p>In this scenario, advanced technologies allow nations to manipulate weather patterns to their advantage. This could lead to conflicts or even outright battles as countries compete for control of rainclouds, potentially diverting precipitation away from their neighbors and causing water scarcity in other regions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ethics-of-weather-control">The ethics of weather control</h3>



<p>With the power to control rainfall, questions of ethics and governance become paramount. If cloud seeding, for example, becomes a widely available tool, who has the authority to decide which regions receive rain and which ones don't? The potential for manipulation for political gain or even as a form of weaponization raises serious ethical concerns.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-consequences">Unexpected consequences </h3>



<p>Changing the natural course of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-accelerating-the-water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water cycle</a> may result in widespread, unforeseen effects. Scientists caution that our actions could unintentionally cause severe weather, including stronger storms and floods. These changes might also alter weather patterns over time, posing serious risks to various parts of the world.</p>



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



<p>"These scenarios have an ability to raise interesting questions about policy, regulation and enforcement - what those all may look like," said Dr. Keys. "This approach can also help us recognize some of the aspects we may not be paying attention to and make better sense of it all."</p>



<p>Crucially, this project isn't about creating a sense of doom and gloom. Instead, it aims to stimulate critical thinking and provoke proactive responses. Here's why this approach is so vital:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-big-picture">Understanding the big picture</h3>



<p>Scientific research and data provide the foundation for understanding the water cycle and its potential disruptions. However, stories help us translate that knowledge into real-world consequences. They illuminate the potential economic upheavals, political conflicts, and social disruptions that could arise from a world where control of the weather is wielded unequally.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sparking-action">Sparking action</h3>



<p>These scenarios create a sense of urgency. They challenge us to confront difficult questions about policies, regulations, and international cooperation on weather modification technologies before we're caught unprepared. This foresight could be crucial in developing timely solutions for water management challenges the world may face.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiring-solutions-for-changing-earth-s-water-cycles">Inspiring solutions for changing Earth's water cycles</h3>



<p>By imagining both the positive and negative possibilities, we open up space for innovation. We can envision not only the problems but also the potential for developing new technologies, governance structures, and collaborative approaches to ensure a sustainable and equitable future where precious water resources are managed responsibly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-on-earth-s-water-cycle">Human impact on Earth's water cycle</h2>



<p>The blend of science, art, and speculative storytelling makes this project both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The striking visuals of possible futures drive home the potential impact of our actions in a way that scientific data alone cannot.</p>



<p>Dr. Keys hopes these scenarios will generate much-needed conversations around water management. After all, water is essential for life. How we manage this precious resource in the face of climate change and technological advancements will shape the very world we leave for generations to come.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/sus.2024.9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Sustainability</a></em>.</p>



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Sci-fi inspired scenarios illustrate our impact on Earth's water cycle

Colorado State University's Dr. Patrick Keys, an expert in climate...

<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>



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<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>



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<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>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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