<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>



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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...

Electric,Car,On,Charging,Spot,In,Front,Of,Architecture,Office

<p>An atmospheric chemist from the University of California, Berkeley, has established an extensive CO2 monitoring network across the San Francisco Bay Area. The network, consisting of more than 80 sensors, has recorded the first evidence that the adoption of electric vehicles is measurably lowering the area's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-future-is-electric-epa-sets-strictest-ever-vehicle-emission-rules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mastermind-behind-beaco2n">Mastermind behind BEACO2N</h2>



<p>The network of sensors, most of them located in the East Bay, is the brainchild of Ronald Cohen, <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Berkeley</a> professor of chemistry. </p>



<p>Cohen envisions inexpensive, publicly funded pollution and carbon dioxide monitors widely distributed around urban areas to pinpoint emission sources and the neighborhoods most affected. </p>



<p>With an estimated 70% of global CO2 emissions coming from cities, few urban areas have granular data about where those emissions originate.</p>



<p>In 2012, Cohen began setting up the Bay Area sensing network, known as the Berkeley Environmental Air Quality and CO2 Network (<a href="https://beacon.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BEACO2N</a>). </p>



<p>The network has now grown to more than 80 stations, including seven in San Francisco, stretching from Sonoma County through Vallejo and down to San Leandro.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-vehicles-reduced-carbon-emissions">Electric vehicles reduced carbon emissions</h2>



<p>Between 2018 and 2022, 57 of the sensors in BEACO2N recorded a small but steady decrease in CO2 emissions -- about 1.8% annually -- that translates to a 2.6% yearly drop in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/auto-emission-climate-policies-save-children-boost-economies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emission rates</a>. </p>



<p>Naomi Asimow, a graduate student in the Department of Earth and Planetary Science, along with Cohen, concluded that the decrease was due to passenger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-costs-electric-vehicle-tires-emit-20-more-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle electrification</a> based on California data for electric vehicle adoption, which is very high in the Bay Area.</p>



<p>"That's 2.6% less CO2 per mile driven each year," said Asimow.</p>



<p>The study, according to Cohen, demonstrates the utility of an urban network for monitoring and managing federal, state, and city mandates for CO2 reduction.</p>



<p>"We show from atmospheric measurements that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thermal-cloak-keeps-electric-vehicles-cool-in-the-summer-warm-in-winter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adoption of electric</a> vehicles is working, that it's having the intended effect on CO2 emissions," Cohen said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerated-action-desperately-needed">Accelerated action desperately needed</h2>



<p>Despite the good news, the yearly decrease needs to be much greater to meet California and Bay Area carbon reduction goals.</p>



<p>"The state of California has set this goal for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-net-zero-world-will-require-75-trillion-of-investment-and-1-billion-electric-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">net zero emissions</a> by 2045, and the goal is for 85% of the reduction to come from actual reduction of emissions, as opposed to direct removal of CO2 from the atmosphere. What we report is around half as fast as we need to go to get to net zero emissions by 2045," Asimow said.</p>



<p>"We're at 1.8% per year today. To get to the state's goal, we would need 3.7%," Cohen added. "So it's not too much higher than where we are; we're almost half of the way to that goal. But we have to sustain that for another 20 years."</p>



<p>The results emphasize the urgent need for accelerated actions to reduce CO2 in order to achieve the ambitious zero emission targets that cities seek.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-carbon-measurements-in-electric-vehicle-areas">Power of carbon measurements in electric vehicle areas</h2>



<p>One impetus for the study was to see whether the BEACO2N network could detect any downward trend in vehicle emissions since the state set goals for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-chief-fossil-fuel-era-must-end-for-humanitys-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas reduction</a> and the electric vehicle market has blossomed.</p>



<p>"We were curious if our data would show us our progress toward meeting California's emissions goals," Asimow said.</p>



<p>The UC Berkeley team's estimates combined direct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2 measurements</a> with meteorological data to calculate ground-level emissions -- an approach using atmospheric observations that did pick up the modest downturn in CO2 levels. </p>



<p>This method proved more effective than the traditional "bottom-up" method for estimating carbon dioxide emissions, which did not predict the small but significant downward trend.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-widespread-adoption">Potential for widespread adoption</h2>



<p>Cohen argues that his sensors are inexpensive enough -- less than $10,000 per sensor, versus 20 times as much for pollution monitoring stations operated by the <a href="https://www.epa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Protection Agency</a> -- that major cities could afford to install a network to get a more granular view of unhealthy areas and sources of pollution. </p>



<p>The network sensors also measure five critical air pollutants: carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides (NO and NO2), ozone, and particulates (PM 2.5).</p>



<p>"We show that you can make observations and measure changes due to policies of all kinds in a cost-effective and relatively rapid way. The network involves about half a million dollars' worth of equipment — a one-time investment — and a person per year thinking about it," Cohen said. </p>



<p>"One of our goals is to demonstrate, both on the CO2 and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> side of what we do, that this is cost-effective and translatable and easily accessible to the public in a way that nothing else is," he concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synergy-needed-between-ground-and-space-monitoring">Synergy needed between ground and space monitoring</h2>



<p>While satellites could monitor carbon dioxide levels across wide areas and with more granularity in the future, those satellites are not yet available, Cohen said.</p>



<p>"The optimal solution will be some combination of space-based assets and ground-based measurements," he said.</p>



<p>Los Angeles, California; Providence, Rhode Island; and Glasgow, Scotland, have already adopted Cohen's sensors to create their own pollution monitoring networks, paving the way for a cleaner, healthier future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-vehicles-carbon-emissions-and-the-future">Electric vehicles, carbon emissions, and the future</h2>



<p>In summary, the San Francisco Bay Area's pioneering CO2 monitoring network has provided the first evidence that the adoption of electric vehicles is measurably lowering the area's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-carbon-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a>. </p>



<p>This very encouraging study demonstrates the effectiveness of atmospheric measurements in tracking CO2 levels while highlighting the potential for widespread adoption of affordable sensor networks in urban areas. </p>



<p>As cities around the world begin to implement similar monitoring systems, they take a crucial step towards a cleaner, healthier future. However, the results also underscore the need for accelerated efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and meet ambitious carbon reduction goals. </p>



<p>By combining ground-based measurements with future satellite monitoring, we can work towards a more comprehensive understanding of our impact on the atmosphere and take decisive action to combat climate change.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/journal/esthag" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a></em>.</p>



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First evidence that electric vehicles measurably lower regional carbon emissions

An atmospheric chemist from the University of California, Berkeley, has...

<p>The ocean floor harbors up to 11 million tons of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-dropped-into-the-ocean-can-travel-hundreds-of-miles-while-sinking/">plastic debris</a>, according to new findings from <a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSIRO</a>, Australia's national science agency, in collaboration with the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a> in Canada.</p>



<p>With the alarming rate of one garbage truck's worth of plastic being dumped into the ocean every minute, and projections indicating a potential doubling of plastic use by 2040, grasping the dynamics of plastic's journey through marine environments is essential for the preservation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-life-in-the-deep-sea-will-soon-experience-drastic-changes/">marine life</a> and habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-resting-place-for-plastic-pollution-nbsp">A resting place for plastic pollution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We know that millions of tons of plastic waste enter our oceans every year but what we didn’t know is how much of this pollution ends up on our ocean floor,” said co-author Denise Hardesty, a Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We discovered that the ocean floor has become a resting place, or reservoir, for most plastic pollution, with between 3 to 11 million tons of plastic estimated to be sinking to the ocean floor. While there has been a previous estimate of microplastics on the seafloor, this research looks at larger items, from nets and cups to plastic bags and everything in between.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enormous-amount-of-ocean-floor-plastic">Enormous amount of ocean floor plastic</h2>



<p>The study, led by Alice Zhu, a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto, reveals that the amount of plastic found on the ocean floor could surpass surface plastic by up to 100 times.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The ocean surface is a temporary resting place of plastic so it is expected that if we can stop plastic entering our oceans, the amount would be reduced. However, our research found that plastic will continue to end up in the deep ocean, which becomes a permanent resting place or sink for marine plastic pollution,” Zhu explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-plastic-on-the-ocean-floor-nbsp">Mapping plastic on the ocean floor&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To quantify and map the distribution of oceanic floor plastic, the research team developed two predictive models, leveraging data from remote operated vehicles (ROVs) and bottom trawls. Findings from ROV data indicate that an estimated 3 to 11 million metric tons of plastic litter the ocean's depths.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the study indicates that plastic tends to aggregate around continental masses, with nearly half (46%) of the estimated plastic mass on the global ocean floor located above 200 m depth, while the remaining 54% is distributed in deeper waters, down to 11,000 meters.</p>



<p>Despite their smaller surface area compared to open oceans (11% versus 56% of the Earth's total area), inland and coastal seas are thought to contain an equivalent amount of plastic mass as the rest of the oceanic floor combined.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-permanent-plastic-sink">Permanent plastic sink</h2>



<p>“The ocean surface is a temporary resting place of plastic so it is expected that if we can stop plastic entering our oceans, the amount would be reduced,” Zhu said. “However, our research found that plastic will continue to end up in the deep ocean, which becomes a permanent resting place or sink for marine plastic pollution.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These findings help to fill a longstanding knowledge gap on the behavior of plastic in the marine environment. Understanding the driving forces behind the transport and accumulation of plastic in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-ocean-temperatures-are-steadily-rising/">deep ocean</a> will help to inform source reduction and environmental remediation efforts, thereby reducing the risks that plastic pollution may pose to marine life,” she concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-ocean-ecosystems-nbsp">Impact on ocean ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Plastic pollution has a profound and multifaceted impact on ocean ecosystems, affecting nearly every level of the marine food web. Here are some of the key ways through which plastic impacts these environments:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-entanglement-and-ingestion">Entanglement and ingestion</h3>



<p>Marine animals, including seals, whales, turtles, and birds, can become entangled in plastic waste like fishing nets, six-pack rings, and plastic bags. This can lead to injury, illness, suffocation, starvation, and even death. Ingestion of plastic particles is also common, which can block digestive tracts, lead to starvation, and introduce toxic substances into the organisms.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxicity">Toxicity</h3>



<p>Many plastics leach harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/4200-harmful-plastic-chemicals-hidden-in-everyday-objects/">chemicals</a>, including bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and other endocrine disruptors, into the water. These chemicals can accumulate in the food chain, affecting reproduction, growth, and survival of marine life. Additionally, plastics in the ocean can adsorb pollutants from the surrounding water, further increasing their toxicity to marine organisms that ingest them.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-disruption">Habitat disruption</h3>



<p>Large accumulations of plastics can alter marine habitats. For instance, floating plastics can block sunlight from reaching photosynthetic algae and seagrasses, crucial sources of oxygen and food for many marine ecosystems. Plastic debris can also smother coral reefs, disrupting the delicate relationships between corals and the myriad of species that rely on coral ecosystems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-nanoplastics">Microplastics and nanoplastics</h3>



<p>As plastics break down into smaller pieces, they create microplastics and nanoplastics, which are especially problematic. These tiny particles can be ingested by a wide range of marine organisms, from plankton to larger fish, often with lethal outcomes. They can also carry harmful bacteria, introducing diseases to coral and other marine life.</p>



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



<p>Beyond ecological damage, plastic pollution affects economic activities like tourism, fishing, and shipping. Beaches littered with plastic waste can deter tourists, while fishing industries suffer when marine life is killed or contaminated by plastics. Shipping routes can also be impeded by large accumulations of floating plastic debris.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2024.104266" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers</em></a>.  </p>



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Ocean floor harbors up to 11 million tons of plastic debris 

The ocean floor harbors up to 11 million tons of...

<p>We all know the weather can be unpredictable, but if you've been out West recently, you might be wondering if things have gone totally haywire. California, in particular, has seen everything from crippling droughts to floods. Could human-caused <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> be behind this roller coaster of weather patterns in Western North America?</p>



<p>A team of researchers led by Professor Jin-Ho Yoon of the <a href="https://www.gist.ac.kr/en/main.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology</a> believes they've uncovered part of the answer. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teleconnections-and-north-america-s-weather">Teleconnections and North America's weather</h2>



<p>The atmosphere is a vast network of flowing air currents that encircle the globe. These aren't gentle breezes; they're powerful patterns influencing our weather.</p>



<p>Scientists have identified key recurring air current patterns within this network, calling them "teleconnection patterns." These large-scale patterns interact and determine where storms develop and move, influencing the type of weather different regions of the world experience.</p>



<p>For winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere, three specific teleconnection patterns play crucial roles:</p>



<ul>
<li>The Pacific North American pattern (PNA)</li>



<li>The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)</li>



<li>The North American winter dipole (NAWD)</li>
</ul>



<p>When shifts happen in how these teleconnection patterns interact or fluctuate, we can witness unusual and often extreme weather events. </p>



<p>Studying these variations helps scientists understand the forces driving the increased severity and frequency of things like heavy rains, droughts, or heatwaves in certain parts of the world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-america-s-extreme-weather">North America's extreme weather</h2>



<p>Professor Yoon's team used advanced climate models to study how human-caused changes to the atmosphere might be affecting the behavior of these teleconnection patterns. Here's what they discovered:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nawd-force-behind-north-america-s-weather">NAWD: Force behind North America's weather</h3>



<p>Research reveals that the North American winter dipole (NAWD) has consistently been the most influential teleconnection pattern within the last 70 years. This means it plays a significant role in dictating winter weather patterns across the continent.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pna-vs-nawd-a-shifting-rivalry">PNA vs. NAWD: A shifting rivalry </h3>



<p>Scientists observe an evolving dynamic between the Pacific North American pattern (PNA) and the NAWD. These two patterns increasingly operate in contrasting modes: if one exhibits a positive phase, the other often shows a negative phase. </p>



<p>Dr. Yoon highlights that this opposition is likely to drive more extreme weather events – think heavy rainfall or intense dry spells – in areas like California.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-jet-stream-factor">The jet stream factor </h3>



<p>The key driver behind these teleconnection pattern changes is the jet stream. This powerful, high-altitude air current influences where and how weather systems form. As the jet stream shifts, it creates a ripple effect, altering patterns like the PNA and NAWD.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-the-greenhouse-gas-connection">Human impact: The greenhouse gas connection </h3>



<p>The central takeaway is that human activity is the culprit. Greenhouse gas emissions cause the jet stream to shift further north. This northward shift disrupts established weather patterns, directly affecting the behavior of teleconnections like the PNA and NAWD.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-from-north-america-s-weather">Implications from North America's weather</h2>



<p>"Climate models consider a range of factors affecting the atmosphere, including changes in greenhouse gas concentrations resulting from human activities. By running simulations with and without the influence of greenhouse gases, we can compare the results and see how they differ," explains Dr. Yoon.</p>



<p>The research paints a clear picture: our actions are directly disrupting the intricate network of air currents that govern our planet's weather systems. This disruption isn't theoretical; it's a tangible consequence we're already experiencing.</p>



<p>The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events – from devastating floods to scorching heatwaves – aren't simply future possibilities. These events are becoming increasingly common, a consequence of the ongoing changes to the atmosphere caused by greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/critical-knowledge-gaps-climate-biodiversity-diseases-earth-polycrisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> isn't a distant threat; it's a present reality with far-reaching consequences. The data from this study underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and implementing solutions that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas production.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-take-action">How to take action</h2>



<p>It's easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with a problem as huge as climate change. But this research makes something clear: to get the weather back to "mostly boring" we need to drastically cut our greenhouse gas emissions. Here's where you fit into the story:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spread-the-word">Spread the Word</h3>



<p>Conversations can be a catalyst for change. Discuss this research with friends, family, and your community. Share facts about climate change and the connection to extreme weather to raise awareness and spark discussion.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assess-your-impact">Assess your impact</h3>



<p>Reflect on your lifestyle and identify areas where you can reduce your environmental impact. Consider:</p>



<ul>
<li>Energy consumption: Can you switch to energy-efficient appliances, or reduce electricity use?</li>



<li>Transportation: Are there opportunities to walk, bike, or use public transport instead of driving?</li>



<li>Waste and consumption: Can you minimize food waste, shop sustainably, or choose products with less packaging?</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-demand-action">Demand action</h3>



<p>Support businesses that prioritize sustainability and actively work to reduce their carbon footprint. Vote for politicians who advocate for climate policies and hold them accountable for taking action on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate crisis</a>.</p>



<p>Let's hope the changing weather serves as a wake-up call to the kind of extremes that could become our new normal if we don't get serious about climate solutions.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-024-00608-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Npj Climate and Atmospheric Science</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Human activity is rapidly changing weather in North America

We all know the weather can be unpredictable, but if...

<p>When you think of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-ringed-octopus-a-master-of-deception-inspires-new-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopus</a>, you'll likely conjure up images of a creature camouflaging seamlessly into its surroundings or slipping out of an impossibly small escape route. These abilities – to hide, to hunt, to survive – depend heavily on their extraordinary vision. But sadly, climate change is threatening the incredible vision of octopus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-octopus-eyes-wonders-of-the-animal-world">Octopus eyes: Wonders of the animal world</h2>



<p>To understand the threat, we must first appreciate just how fantastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-can-octopus-brains-tell-us-about-human-brains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopus</a> eyes are. Humans have complex visual systems and dedicate a significant portion of our brains to processing what we see. However, octopuses surpass us with a remarkable 70% of their brain dedicated to vision. </p>



<p>This incredibly sophisticated system isn't just about seeing, but is integral to every aspect of an octopus's existence.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopuses-social-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Octopuses</a> interact with the world in a uniquely visual way. Their ability to camouflage, changing skin color and texture, depends on accurately perceiving their surroundings. They use their eyes to expertly judge distances and depths, allowing them to precisely target their prey. </p>



<p>Additionally, they have a complex language of visual cues and signals that they use to communicate with each other.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-impair-octopus-vision-proteins">Climate change impair octopus vision proteins</h2>



<p>Recent research uncovered a critical problem: rising ocean temperatures directly impact the fundamental components of octopus vision. Within their eyes, specialized proteins are responsible for maintaining clear lenses and adapting to different light levels. </p>



<p>"We found several proteins important for vision that were affected by thermal stress," said Dr. Qiaz Hua, a recent Ph.D. graduate from the <a href="https://www.adelaide.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Adelaide</a>'s School of Biological Sciences.</p>



<p>Sadly, warmer ocean conditions cause these proteins to malfunction. For an octopus, impaired vision, whether blurry or an inability to adjust to light changes, has dire consequences in their underwater environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unhatched-eggs">Unhatched eggs</h2>



<p>Unfortunately, impaired eyesight isn't the only concern as temperatures rise. Even slight temperature increases of just a few degrees could be disastrous for octopus populations.</p>



<p>"We found a high mortality rate under future warming conditions. Out of three replicate octopus broods, none of the eggs hatched for two of them and less than half of the eggs hatched for the remaining brood," said Dr. Hua.</p>



<p>The tragedy extends beyond the unhatched eggs. The octopus mothers themselves died while their eggs were still developing. This is because octopuses are incredibly dedicated parents. They invest significant time and energy into protecting and nurturing their eggs. </p>



<p>The stress of warmer oceans takes a heavy toll on the mothers. This stress triggers a devastating chain of events within their bodies, ultimately leading to their deaths and leaving no new generation of octopuses to take their place.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptability-and-octopus-vision">Adaptability and octopus vision</h2>



<p>Octopuses are widely known for their remarkable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-identify-cold-adaptations-in-nervous-system-of-antarctic-octopus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptability</a>. Countless stories showcase their problem-solving skills and Houdini-like escapes from seemingly impossible situations. </p>



<p>However, the threat posed by climate change is unlike anything they've faced before. It operates on a microscopic level, disrupting the very building blocks of their survival – their vision. </p>



<p>Climate change alters the chemistry within their bodies, specifically affecting the proteins essential for proper vision. This unseen attack undermines their ability to see clearly, navigate their environment, and ultimately, survive.</p>



<p>"Our study shows that even for a highly adaptable taxon like octopuses, they may not be able to survive future ocean changes," said Dr. Hua.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-impact-of-octopus-vision-impairment">Broader impact of octopus vision impairment</h2>



<p>The impairment of octopus vision due to ocean warming is not just a singular issue affecting a species; it unveils a looming crisis with far-reaching ecological consequences. Octopuses, known for their intelligence and adaptability, play a pivotal role in marine ecosystems. </p>



<p>They are apex predators in many environments, controlling populations of crustaceans, fish, and other marine creatures. Thus, their decline could trigger an imbalance in marine biodiversity, leading to unpredictable shifts in the ecosystem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fundamental-behaviors-disrupted">Fundamental behaviors disrupted</h2>



<p>The impact of vision impairment on octopuses extends beyond their survival; it disrupts their fundamental behaviors, such as hunting and evading predators. This disruption could lead to a decrease in their population numbers, affecting the marine food web. </p>



<p>Species that rely on octopuses for food might face starvation, while species octopuses prey on could overpopulate, causing further ecological imbalances.</p>



<p>Moreover, octopuses have a unique role in the marine environment due to their behaviors, such as their interactions with their surroundings and other species. They are known to be ecosystem engineers in some contexts, altering their habitat in ways that can benefit other marine life. </p>



<p>A decline in octopus populations could lead to the loss of these beneficial impacts, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of marine species and the cascading effects of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-the-octopus">The future of the octopus </h2>



<p>While the situation is serious, there's still hope for the future of octopuses. We have the power to change their fate, but it demands a concerted global effort. Dr. Hua's research is crucial in raising awareness and inspiring further investigation into the wide range of threats faced by octopuses. </p>



<p>These threats include not only rising temperatures but also ocean acidification and diminishing oxygen levels. This study serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate connections within our planet's ecosystems. Even seemingly small changes can ripple outward, causing devastating, unforeseen consequences.</p>



<p>Imagine the profound loss to our world if octopuses, masters of vision and camouflage, were suddenly unable to perceive their surroundings clearly. Their unique abilities and role in the delicate balance of ocean life make them irreplaceable. </p>



<p>Their plight highlights the urgent need to understand and address the impact of climate change on our planet's extraordinary biodiversity.</p>



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



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Warming seas impair octopus vision to a critical extent

When you think of an octopus, you'll likely conjure up...

<p>A remarkable advancement at <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a> is redefining the future of sustainable fashion with the development of vegan leather.</p>



<p>This innovative material, completely free from animal products and plastics, is the result of cutting-edge genetic engineering techniques. Remarkably, it possesses the unique capability to dye itself.</p>



<p>Consequently, this breakthrough represents a major leap towards more sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-fashion-toll-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fashion</a> practices. It also broadens the horizons for environmentally conscious production methods, setting a new standard for the industry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eco-friendly-solution-to-dye-pollution">Eco-friendly solution to dye pollution</h2>



<p>The fashion industry, historically notorious for its heavy environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-fashion-rayon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">footprint</a>, especially in fabric dyeing processes, is at the cusp of a revolution. </p>



<p>Synthetic dyes, particularly black used in leather production, are among the most polluting aspects of fashion manufacturing. </p>



<p>The research team from Imperial College London embarked on a mission to tackle this issue head-on, leveraging the power of biology to create a viable, eco-friendly alternative.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-in-vegan-leather-production">Bacteria in vegan leather production</h2>



<p>Their research, published in the prestigious <em>Nature Biotechnology</em> journal, showcases a method that could transform the textile industry. </p>



<p>By engineering bacteria to simultaneously produce a durable material and its pigment, they've unlocked the potential for fabrics. These materials are not only diverse in color and pattern but also significantly less harmful to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-fashion-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>.</p>



<p>Subsequently, professor <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/t.ellis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Ellis</a>, leading Imperial College's Department of Bioengineering team, views this breakthrough as a monumental step for both synthetic biology and sustainable fashion. </p>



<p>He underscores the stark environmental differences between traditional leather production and their bacterial cellulose-based alternative.</p>



<p>Unlike its conventional and plastic-based counterparts, this new material requires far fewer resources --such as carbon emissions, water, and land use. Importantly, it does not depend on petrochemicals, guaranteeing safe and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-breakthrough-plastics-that-wont-make-us-sick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-toxic biodegradation</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designers-using-vegan-leather">Designers using vegan leather</h2>



<p>The development of this vegan leather wasn't confined to lab experiments. It was brought to life through unique collaborations with designers.</p>



<p>Subsequently, the researchers engineered a bacteria species to produce microbial cellulose, a substance valued for its strength, flexibility, and malleability. Furthermore, they integrated the ability to directly generate the pigment eumelanin into the material. </p>



<p>This innovative approach yielded not only the upper part of a shoe but also a sleek, black wallet, demonstrating the practical application and versatility of the material.</p>



<p>Expanding on these initial prototypes, the research team explored the potential for dynamic coloration. They modified bacteria to react to blue light, allowing the material to develop colors or patterns in targeted areas. </p>



<p>This method could transform design processes by integrating intricate patterns and logos directly into the fabric as it grows.</p>



<p>Building on this, Dr. Kenneth Walker, a study co-author, highlights the crucial collaboration between scientists and designers in advancing sustainable fashion. He emphasizes the technique's scalability and its potential to combine aesthetics with eco-friendly practices, merging innovation with sustainability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charting-the-future-of-sustainable-fashion">Charting the future of sustainable fashion</h2>



<p>Armed with £2 million in funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (<a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/bbsrc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBSRC</a>), part of UK Research and Innovation (<a href="https://www.ukri.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UKRI</a>), the research team is now poised for expansion.</p>



<p>Beyond vegan leather, the team now aims to extend their innovations beyond black dye. They are delving into a range of pigments that the material-growing microbes can produce. This exploration could revolutionize the palette of sustainable fashion.</p>



<p>Moreover, the team's efforts extend beyond just creating sustainable vegan leather materials; they aim to tackle the environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fur-free-fashion-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issues prevalent</a> in fashion production. This includes addressing the hazardous use of chromium in leather processing.</p>



<p>As they continue to innovate, the researchers are keen to engage with the fashion industry at large, aspiring to integrate their materials into mainstream fashion production.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovation-and-sustainability">Innovation and sustainability</h2>



<p>The vegan leather project undertaken by the team at Imperial College London epitomizes the intersection of innovation and sustainability. </p>



<p>By combining synthetic biology's capabilities with fashion design's creative vision, they've charted a path towards a future in which fashion not only aligns with environmental stewardship, but actively promotes it.</p>



<p>As the fashion industry addresses its environmental impact, this research offers hope, presenting a solution that blends aesthetics with ecological responsibility. The collaboration between scientists and designers in this project models how sustainable fashion is not only necessary but achievable.</p>



<p>Moving forward, the team's collaboration with the wider fashion industry is crucial. Their efforts highlight the need to reconsider the materials and processes behind our fashion choices. </p>



<p>Embracing these innovations could markedly lessen the industry's environmental impact, steering fashion towards a future that values both style and sustainability.</p>



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



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



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Eco-friendly vegan leather could transform the fashion industry

A remarkable advancement at Imperial College London is redefining the...

Baby,Loon,Riding,On,Its,Parent's,Back

<p>Have you ever heard the haunting, beautiful cry of the Common Loon echoing across a northern lake? It's a sound that evokes the wild spirit of untouched nature. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-are-struggling-to-adapt-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> is subtly altering Common Loon habitats, and they might not have enough time to adapt. Unfortunately, this majestic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-common-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> faces an uncertain future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-loons-water-clarity-and-climate-change">Common loons, water clarity and climate change</h2>



<p>A new study by <a href="https://www.chapman.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chapman University</a> professor Walter Piper reveals something alarming: declining water clarity is wreaking havoc on Common Loon populations. </p>



<p>These stunning black and white <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-severely-impact-birds-by-2080/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>, known for their gorgeous plumage and eerie calls, rely on crystal-clear water to hunt for fish, their primary food source.</p>



<p>"Few animals on Earth are at once so beloved and so poorly understood as Common Loons," says Piper. "This partnership between a loon behaviorist and lake ecologists who collect satellite data on water clarity has given us a unique and powerful window onto foraging efficiency and the loon population as a whole that might help us conserve the species."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-water-clarity-on-loons">Impact of water clarity on loons</h2>



<p>Picture this: a loon gracefully dives underwater, its sleek form disappearing beneath the surface. With its exceptional underwater eyesight, the loon scans the lakebed for the glint of scales – the telltale signs of small fish. </p>



<p>When it spots a target, the chase begins. A successful hunt is essential, especially when loons have hungry chicks demanding food back at the nest.</p>



<p>Cloudy water fundamentally disrupts this process. Imagine the lake floor obscured by suspended silt, algae, or debris. </p>



<p>The loon's ability to see clearly is drastically reduced. Finding those small fish becomes incredibly difficult. This reduced visibility makes it much harder for loons to provide for their young. </p>



<p>The result? Chicks that receive less food end up with with lower body weights and face a much higher risk of not surviving.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-impact-on-loons-environment">Climate change impact on loons environment </h2>



<p>Professor Piper's research points directly to a concerning culprit: increased rainfall. Over the past two and a half decades, a trend of heavier precipitation (strongly linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-climate-change-happening-too-fast-for-birds-to-keep-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>) has emerged. </p>



<p>This isn't just about a few more rainy days here and there. These heavier rain events act like a giant flush, washing a significant amount of unwanted materials into lakes and waterways. The influx of these materials is what directly reduces water clarity.</p>



<p>How it works isn't entirely understood yet. It could be:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dissolved-organic-matter-dom">Dissolved organic matter (DOM)</h3>



<p>Rainwater, as it travels over the ground, picks up leaves, soil, decaying plants, and other organic debris. These materials contain natural compounds that, when washed into lakes and rivers, act like a giant teabag. </p>



<p>Over time, they leach into the water, giving it a brownish or yellowish hue. This discoloration reduces light penetration, making it more difficult for loons to see their prey.</p>



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



<p>Excess rainfall washes various pollutants into waterways. Fertilizers used on lawns and fields contain nutrients that fuel algae blooms, causing a murky green color that obscures visibility.</p>



<p>Moreover, animal waste from pets or livestock contains harmful bacteria and other contaminants that directly reduce water quality.</p>



<p>Faulty septic systems can leak sewage into the environment, introducing harmful bacteria, chemicals, and excess nutrients into the water system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-july-climate-change-a-crucial-time-for-loons">July climate change: A crucial time for loons</h2>



<p>The evidence collected over the past 25 years reveals a disturbing trend. Water clarity in the areas where loons live and raise their young has been consistently decreasing. </p>



<p>Concurrently, scientists have observed a decline in the average weights of both adult loons and, crucially, their chicks. This isn't a coincidence.</p>



<p>The month of July stands out as a critical period for loon chicks. This is their peak growth stage, demanding a significant amount of food for proper development. </p>



<p>Research has clearly demonstrated that adequate water clarity during this time is a vital factor in whether adult loons can successfully hunt and provide enough fish for their chicks. </p>



<p>When water clarity is poor in July, the ability of loons to meet the needs of their growing chicks suffers significantly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wider-consequences-of-climate-change-beyond-loons">Wider consequences of climate change beyond loons</h2>



<p>Common Loons hold a unique position within their ecosystem, making them sensitive to environmental changes. Because they sit at the top of the aquatic food chain, relying on abundant and healthy fish populations, any disruption to the delicate balance of the system will show up in their health and reproductive success.</p>



<p>The challenges faced by loons don't affect them in isolation. Declining water clarity, for example, likely impacts a wide variety of aquatic life, from the fish loons eat to the insects and plants those fish rely on. </p>



<p>When we see a decline in loon populations, it's a red flag, a warning sign that the entire ecosystem might be under stress. Changes in loon numbers can be an early indicator of wider ecological problems that necessitate attention and conservation efforts.</p>



<p>However, Professor Piper isn't giving up hope. He's currently establishing a second study on another loon population in Minnesota to see if the same factors are responsible for population declines observed there. This research could unlock the next key step in protecting these beloved birds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-we-do-something-to-save-loons-from-climate-change">Can we do something to save loons from climate change?</h2>



<p>While the science continues, there are things individuals can do to help loons and the lakes they love:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduce-runoff">Reduce runoff</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Eco-friendly lawn care</strong>: Opt for natural fertilizers that release nutrients slowly, reducing the risk of excess runoff into waterways during heavy rain. Avoid pesticides and herbicides that can harm aquatic life. Plant native grasses and groundcover that require less water and maintenance.<br></li>



<li><strong>Septic system maintenance</strong>: Have your septic system inspected and pumped regularly by a professional. This ensures that the system functions properly, preventing leaks of harmful pollutants that can contaminate water sources.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-is-more">Less is more</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Minimize harsh cleaners and chemicals</strong>: Many household cleaners contain ingredients that can disrupt aquatic ecosystems when washed down the drain. Look for eco-friendly alternatives or even make your own cleaning solutions using vinegar, baking soda, and natural soaps. This applies indoors and out – think twice before using harsh chemicals to pressure-wash your driveway or deck.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spread-the-word">Spread the word</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Share your knowledge</strong>: Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about the importance of protecting loons and the lakes they inhabit. Explain how individual actions can make a collective difference in safeguarding water quality and the health of these iconic birds.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-common-loons">More about the common loons</h2>



<p>As discussed above, Common loons, known for their striking black-and-white plumage and haunting calls, are a fascinating species of waterbird primarily found in North America. </p>



<p>They are symbols of wilderness and are often associated with the pristine lakes of Canada and the northern United States, especially during their breeding season. Here’s a closer look at their diet, behavior, and other interesting traits:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Diet</h3>



<p>Common loons are skilled hunters, primarily feeding on fish. They dive underwater to catch their prey, using their sharp beaks to grasp fish. </p>



<p>Apart from fish, their diet can include crustaceans, insect larvae, and occasionally small amphibians. Their ability to dive deep (up to 200 feet) allows them to access a wide variety of aquatic life, making them top predators in their aquatic ecosystems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Behavior</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Diving and swimming</strong>: Loons are excellent divers, propelling themselves underwater with their powerful legs positioned at the back of their bodies. This anatomical feature, while making them agile swimmers, renders them clumsy on land. They can only take off from water, needing a lengthy "runway" to gain enough speed for flight.<br></li>



<li><strong>Vocalizations</strong>: Loons are known for their varied and complex calls, which include wails, yodels, and hoots. Each type of call has specific meanings, ranging from signaling location to expressing distress or defending territory.<br></li>



<li><strong>Breeding and nesting</strong>: They are monogamous and return to the same breeding grounds yearly. Nests are built close to the water's edge, and both parents share duties in incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.<br></li>



<li><strong>Migration</strong>: Common loons migrate to coastal waters in the winter. They shed their striking summer plumage for a duller gray, blending into the winter seascape. The journey is long, and they rely on specific stopover sites to rest and feed.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fun Facts</h3>



<ul>
<li>Loons can live for more than 20 years in the wild.</li>



<li>They have solid bones, unlike most birds, which helps them dive deep.</li>



<li>The red eyes of the common loon might help with underwater vision, although their exact purpose remains a topic of debate among scientists.</li>
</ul>



<p>Understanding and protecting the common loon and its habitat is crucial for preserving the biodiversity of North America’s freshwater ecosystems. Their presence and health are indicators of clean, unpolluted water bodies.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.4291" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a></em>.</p>



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Common Loons are threatened by climate change and pollution

Have you ever heard the haunting, beautiful cry of the...

Watering,Rice,Fields,With,Free,Electricity,In,India,-,Water

<p>Groundwater, a critical water resource around the globe, has been largely unstudied in its importance and role in sustaining ecosystems, especially in dry regions. However, a new study highlights the vital relationship between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a> and ecosystems.</p>



<p>The research team used satellite imagery and groundwater monitoring data to identify thresholds of groundwater depth and seasonal change that can support sensitive ecosystems throughout California under the state's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act framework.</p>



<p>The study, led by Dr. Melissa Rohde from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (<a href="https://www.esf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESF</a>), in partnership with the University of California Santa Barbara (<a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSB</a>), <a href="https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardiff University</a>, and Desert Research Institute (<a href="https://www.dri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DRI</a>), was recently published in Nature Water. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundwater-s-role-in-nature-and-ecosystems">Groundwater's role in nature and ecosystems</h2>



<p><a href="https://rohdeenvironmental.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Rohde</a> emphasizes the importance of groundwater, stating, "A vast majority of our planet's freshwater is groundwater, but we don't acknowledge or manage it sustainably, resulting in serious consequences for humans and natural ecosystems." </p>



<p>She continued, "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pumping-too-much-groundwater-affects-earths-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Groundwater</a> is critical for many ecosystems, but water agencies and conservationists rarely account for their water requirements. To reconcile that, our study provides a simple and practical approach to detect ecological thresholds and targets that practitioners can use to allocate and manage water resources."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vegetation-health-and-groundwater-depth">Vegetation health and groundwater depth</h2>



<p>The study examined impacts on key plant communities using 38 years of Landsat satellite images (1985–2022) and statewide groundwater well data. </p>



<p>The team applied a common data transformation method in a new way to identify thresholds of vegetation greenness and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-is-a-keystone-ecosystem-vital-for-our-planets-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a> depth over time, helping to inform decisions about water use and planning.</p>



<p>Dr. John Stella, study co-author and Vice President for Research at ESF, explained the importance of groundwater-dependent ecosystems. </p>



<p>"Groundwater-dependent ecosystems such as wetlands, floodplains, and riparian zones have very outsized importance on biodiversity. Upwards of 80 to 90 percent of species in a general region may be dependent on these ecosystems in some form or another," Stella said.</p>



<p>"We applied a simple statistical approach to very large data sets to identify warning signs and conservation targets for a great diversity of ecosystem types," he noted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drought-refugia-and-the-role-of-groundwater">Drought refugia and the role of groundwater</h2>



<p>The vast geographic scope and long timeline covered by the study allowed the team to evaluate how large-scale systems respond to major climate shocks. </p>



<p>These included the historical California drought from 2012–2016, and where individual groundwater-dependent ecosystems can serve as resilient drought refugia.</p>



<p>Co-author Dr. Christine Albano from DRI noted, "A key takeaway from this study is that we can use what we know about how deep the roots of different types of plants tend to be to approximate what groundwater levels are needed to maintain ecosystem health."</p>



<p>She continued, "We found that vegetation was healthier where groundwater levels were within about 1 meter of maximum root depth, as compared to where groundwater was deeper."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-informing-water-management-decisions">Informing water management decisions</h2>



<p>The research team hopes that their approach and findings can help inform water management decisions in California and beyond.</p>



<p>"This study arms groundwater managers with an intuitive, site-specific measure that can provide a data-driven foundation to guide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biden-administration-proposes-water-rationing-to-save-the-colorado-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water allocation</a> and ecosystem restoration efforts," said Co-author and professor Kelly Caylor from UCSB.</p>



<p>"Globally, there are increasing efforts to manage groundwater resources for multiple purposes, not only to support drinking water needs or high-value agriculture," Co-author Prof. Michael Singer from Cardiff University added. </p>



<p>"Our work provides a sound basis on which to develop clear guidelines for how to manage groundwater to support a wide range of needs within drainage basins in California and beyond," he concluded.</p>



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



<p>This important research has provided a powerful tool for understanding and managing groundwater resources to support ecosystems. </p>



<p>By identifying critical thresholds and targets, this study empowers water managers to make informed decisions that balance the needs of humans and nature. </p>



<p>As we face the growing challenges of climate change and water scarcity, it is imperative that we act now to protect our precious groundwater resources and preserve the life they sustain. </p>



<p>This research serves as a call to action, urging us to recognize the vital role of groundwater in our ecosystems and to manage it wisely for the benefit of all.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44221-024-00221-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Water</a></em>.</p>



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



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Groundwater plays a critical role in ecosystem health

Groundwater, a critical water resource around the globe, has been...

<p>Researchers have discovered that a plant-based plastics release significantly fewer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/contamination-crisis-microplastics-found-in-88-of-protein-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> than its conventional counterpart when exposed to sunlight and seawater. </p>



<p>The findings highlight the potential of bio-based plastics as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-derived plastics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-plastics-vs-conventional-plastics">Plant-based plastics vs. conventional plastics</h2>



<p>The research, led by Professor <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/hom-dhakal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hom Dhakal</a> from the University of Portsmouth's <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/organisational-structure/our-academic-structure/faculty-of-technology/school-of-mechanical-and-design-engineering" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Mechanical and Design Engineering</a> and experts from the Flanders Marine Institute (<a href="https://www.vliz.be/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VLIZ</a>) in Belgium, compared the breakdown of two types of plastic under extreme conditions. </p>



<p>The study subjected a bio-based plastic made from natural feedstocks and a conventional plastic made from petroleum derivatives to intense UV light and seawater for 76 days, simulating 24 months of sun exposure in central Europe.</p>



<p>"Bio-based plastics are gaining interest as alternatives to conventional plastics, but little is known about their potential source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-embedded-in-tissues-of-whales-and-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> pollution in the marine environment," explained Professor Dhakal, a member of Revolution Plastics. </p>



<p>"It's important to understand how these materials behave when they're exposed to extreme environments, so we can predict how they'll work when they're used in marine applications, like building a boat hull, and what impact they might have on ocean life," Dhakal continued.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes-of-microplastics-pollution">Causes of microplastics pollution</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/contamination-crisis-microplastics-found-in-88-of-protein-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastic pollution</a> has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. These tiny plastic particles, measuring less than 5mm in size, infiltrate marine ecosystems, posing a severe threat to aquatic life and potentially entering the human food chain. </p>



<p>To effectively combat this growing problem, we must first understand the primary causes behind the proliferation of microplastics in our oceans.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Plastic waste tsunami</h3>



<p>The primary culprit behind the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-discovered-in-every-human-placenta-tested-after-birth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics crisis</a> is the staggering amount of plastic waste that enters our oceans daily.</p>



<p>This relentless influx of plastic debris, ranging from single-use packaging to discarded fishing gear, sets the stage for the formation of microplastics.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fragmentation of plastic waste</h3>



<p>When exposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-clouds-may-be-affecting-the-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental stressors</a> such as UV radiation, wind, and waves, larger plastic items begin to degrade and fragment into smaller pieces. </p>



<p>This process of physical breakdown is accelerated by the harsh conditions found in marine environments. As a result, once-intact plastic waste gradually disintegrates into countless microplastic particles that contaminate the oceans.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Primary microplastics</h3>



<p>In addition to the fragmentation of larger plastic debris, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-uncover-microplastics-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> can also enter the oceans directly in their microscopic form. </p>



<p>Known as primary microplastics, these particles are intentionally manufactured for various applications, such as cosmetic exfoliants, industrial abrasives, and synthetic clothing fibers. </p>



<p>When these products are used or washed, the microplastics they contain can easily find their way into waterways and, ultimately, the oceans.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Microplastics' impact on marine life</h3>



<p>Once microplastics enter the marine environment, they pose a significant threat to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic organisms</a>. Many marine species, from tiny zooplankton to majestic whales, inadvertently ingest these plastic particles, mistaking them for food. </p>



<p>This ingestion can lead to malnutrition, digestive blockages, and even starvation. Moreover, microplastics can act as vectors for harmful chemicals, introducing toxins into the marine food web.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nine-times-less-microplastics-from-plant-based-plastics">Nine times less microplastics from plant-based plastics</h2>



<p>The study's results showed that the plant-based plastic material released nine times less microplastics than the conventional plastic. </p>



<p>According to the <a href="https://plasticoceans.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plastic Oceans International Organization</a>, a truckload of plastic waste is dumped into the oceans every minute, contributing to the growing problem of microplastic pollution.</p>



<p>"By knowing the effect of different types of plastics on the environment, we can make better choices to protect our oceans," Professor Dhakal emphasized.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pla-vs-polypropylene">PLA vs. polypropylene</h2>



<p>The researchers compared polypropylene, a non-biodegradable and difficult-to-recycle conventional industrial polymer, with polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polymer. </p>



<p>While the PLA released fewer microplastics, Professor Dhakal cautioned, "Although our findings show that the PLA released less microplastics, which means using plant-based plastics instead of oil-based ones might seem like a good idea to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean, we need to be careful as microplastics are still clearly being released and that remains a concern."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-stressors-favor-plant-based-plastics">Environmental stressors favor plant-based plastics</h2>



<p>The study also revealed that the size and shape of the released <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-linked-to-risk-of-stroke-and-heart-attack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> varied depending on the type of plastic. The conventional plastic released smaller pieces and had fewer fiber-like shapes compared to the plant-based plastic.</p>



<p>"Overall our research provides valuable insights into the behavior of different plastic types under environmental stressors, which is important for our future work to tackle plastic pollution," Professor Dhakal said. </p>



<p>"There is a clear need for continued research and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems," he concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-plastics-offer-hope-for-the-future">Plant-based plastics offer hope for the future</h2>



<p>In summary, the fight against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic pollution</a> in our oceans continues, and the development of new plant-based plastics offers a glimmer of hope. </p>



<p>While this study shows that plant-based plastics release less microplastics than conventional plastics, the presence of these tiny particles in our oceans remains a concern. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-groups-and-centres/revolution-plastics-institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Revolution Plastics</a> initiative, of which Professor Dhakal is a member, plays a crucial role in driving research, informing policies, and contributing to the global effort to end plastic pollution. </p>



<p>As we move forward, it is essential to continue exploring innovative solutions, raising awareness, and taking proactive measures to protect our marine ecosystems from the detrimental effects of microplastics.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651324000563?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety</a></em>.</p>



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Plant-based plastics drastically reduce microplastic pollution

Researchers have discovered that a plant-based plastics release significantly fewer...

Highly,Detailed,Epic,Sunrise,Over,World,Skyline.,Planet,Earth,Europe

<p>As the world grapples with the far-reaching consequences of climate change, from the global refugee crisis to worsening allergy seasons, a new twist has emerged: the potential need for a "negative leap second" to keep our clocks in sync with the planet's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-timekeeping-climate-change-has-slowed-earths-rotation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changing rotation</a>.</p>



<p>Scientists have unraveled the intricate dance between Earth's melting polar ice caps and the shifting spin of its core, revealing a startling impact on the very fabric of time itself. </p>



<p>Jacqueline McCleary, assistant professor of physics at <a href="https://www.northeastern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northeastern University</a>, sheds light on this fascinating phenomenon. </p>



<p>"For almost as long as there's been organized society, we've been trying to keep track of time, or at least days or seasons," McCleary explains. </p>



<p>"The core, the crust, oceans, climate change, glacial isostatic adjustment -- all of these factors [are] contributing to a change in the Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-rotation-is-shifting-toward-a-25-hour-day/">rate of</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-rotation-is-shifting-toward-a-25-hour-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-rotation-is-shifting-toward-a-25-hour-day/">rotation</a> at a measurable pace, something that would accumulate a second per year or something like that," she continued.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-coordinated-time-vs-international-atomic-time">Universal coordinated time vs. International atomic time</h2>



<p>To understand the significance of this discovery, it's essential to delve into the two primary methods of timekeeping: Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) and International Atomic Time (TAI). </p>



<p>UTC, also known as astronomical time, has long been the global standard for clocks and timekeeping, based on Earth's rotation and position among the stars. </p>



<p>However, as McCleary points out, Earth's rotation is far from a steady drumbeat, constantly influenced by the gravitational forces of the sun, moon, and Earth itself, as well as tides and the rotation of its core.</p>



<p>Enter atomic time, or TAI, a far more exacting standard that varies so little it might as well be static. In 1958, the international timekeeping community agreed to synchronize both UTC and TAI. </p>



<p>But by 1972, scientists noticed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pumping-too-much-groundwater-affects-earths-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's rotation</a> was beginning to slow down ever so slightly, causing the two timekeeping methods to diverge. To keep them in sync, the "leap second" was born.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-melt-and-polar-ice-melt">Glacial melt and polar ice melt</h2>



<p>McCleary identifies several factors responsible for the declining pace of Earth's rotation, including tidal locking. </p>



<p>"The moon pulls on Earth, Earth pulls on the moon and over time the effect of that is for the Earth to slow down in a minuscule -- like one part in 10 billion -- but non negligible way," she said.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-arctic-ice-changing-global-climate-warm-arctic-cold-eurasia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glacial melt</a> since the Ice Age and, more recently, polar ice melt stemming from human made climate change have also played a role. </p>



<p>As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-is-melting-faster-in-greenland-and-slower-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meltwater</a> disperses, creating a mass of water around the equator, the land previously trapped under ice at the poles springs back up, making it more difficult for the Earth to rotate and lengthening the UTC day.</p>



<p>"As the glaciers melt and as Earth slowly springs back and as mass that was once at the poles gets redistributed to the equators -- because liquid spreads more easily, liquid responds to being spun -- the rotation rate of the Earth slows down," McCleary elaborates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-core-is-a-hidden-player-in-the-timekeeping-game">Earth's core is a hidden player in the timekeeping game</h2>



<p>However, recent findings have revealed a surprising twist: Earth is not slowing down anymore. In fact, it's starting to speed up ever so slightly. </p>



<p>While leap seconds were added almost every year between 1972 and 1999 to adjust for Earth's slowing rotation, only four have been added in the last 23 years, with the last one in 2016.</p>



<p>Scientists have discovered that while climate change is "applying the brakes," as McCleary puts it, the liquid part of Earth's core is also slowing down, affecting the speed of the planet's surface spin.</p>



<p>"The core of the Earth, the liquid part, rotates too, and it sometimes just experiences random changes, random fluctuations. Right now, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-ancient-ocean-floor-surrounds-the-earths-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">core of the Earth</a> in the last few decades has randomly slowed down and by a complicated series of interactions between the liquid part of the core and the mantle and the crust, or the solid part of the Earth, the crust is spinning faster," McCleary explains. </p>



<p>"This random change in the core's rotation, specifically a slowing down in the rate of rotation, translates into a speeding up of the Earth's surface rotating, which would have the effect of shortening days," she noted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-negative-leap-second-a-timely-adjustment">Negative leap second: A timely adjustment</h2>



<p>In a few years, this could result in the implementation of a negative leap second to keep atomic and astronomical time in sync, although the impacts of polar ice melt could end up delaying the need to shift the clocks from 2026 to 2029.</p>



<p>While adjusting the clocks by a second may seem insignificant, McCleary emphasizes the potential impact on global systems. </p>



<p>"Although our computer infrastructure is equipped to handle positive leap seconds, essentially none of our networks or web services are equipped for negative leap seconds," McCleary warns. </p>



<p>"They don't know how to go from 12:00:03 to 12:00:02. This is essentially on par with the Y2K bug where you had to reprogram everything to allow for four-digit years," she concluded.</p>



<p>Much like the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_2000_problem" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Y2K bug</a>, McCleary believes that a negative leap second likely wouldn't cause catastrophe. However, it could impact the precision timekeeping community and atomic time. </p>



<p>In the end, she suggests that the alternative to letting "a couple of seconds float" is "reprogramming the internet," and in that case, a little lost time might not be such a bad thing after all.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-ice-shifting-time-and-negative-leap-seconds">Melting ice, shifting time, and negative leap seconds</h2>



<p>In summary, as we navigate the complexities of a changing planet, we must recognize the intricate dance between Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting ice caps</a>, shifting core, and the very concept of time. </p>



<p>The potential need for a negative leap second serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching impacts of climate change and underscores the importance of understanding the delicate balance that governs our world. </p>



<p>While adjusting our clocks by a mere second may seem trivial, it represents a significant challenge for the precision timekeeping community and the global systems that rely on accurate time. </p>



<p>As we move forward, we must embrace the chaos and find innovative solutions to adapt to the shifting sands of time, ensuring that our technological infrastructure keeps pace with the ever-changing rhythms of our planet.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07170-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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Melting ice caps are changing Earth's rotation, causing the need for a 'negative leap second'

As the world grapples with the far-reaching consequences of climate...

Arctic,Region,On,Planet,Earth,From,Space,With,Moon,And

<p>Dr. Shengping He and his team from the <a href="https://www.uib.no/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bergen</a> have uncovered how the Arctic's changing ice landscape influences winter temperatures around the world. The findings illuminate the intricate relationship between ice, ocean, and climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-arctic-cold-eurasia">Warm arctic, cold eurasia</h2>



<p>Scientists have been puzzled by a strange pattern in recent decades. The Arctic is warming incredibly fast – about three to four times faster than the rest of the planet. </p>



<p>But at the same time, regions like East Asia have been experiencing unusually harsh winters. One prime suspect: shrinking Arctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-may-be-ice-free-sooner-than-we-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a>. </p>



<p>Over the past four decades, we've lost a jaw-dropping 12.2% of our summer sea ice every ten years. It's tempting to connect the dots: less ice up north, colder winters down south. But is that the full story?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-artic-ice-and-climate-change">Melting artic ice and climate change</h2>



<p>To isolate the influence of shrinking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-sea-ice-extent-hit-a-record-low-this-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a>, the researchers turned to sophisticated climate models. These models are like virtual Earths, where scientists can manipulate specific variables – in this case, sea ice cover. </p>



<p>By running simulations with reduced sea ice and holding everything else constant, they could effectively "turn down the engine noise" and pinpoint the unique effects of sea ice loss on East Asian winter temperatures. This approach allowed them to separate the signal (sea ice impact) from the noise (natural variability).</p>



<p>The diminishing Arctic sea ice played a key role in driving the 'Warm Arctic, Cold Eurasia' climate mode. However, nature is full of random ups and downs that can muddy the waters. </p>



<p>Interestingly, those chilly effects on East Asia can easily get hidden or boosted by all that random atmospheric noise. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-winter-ice">New winter ice</h2>



<p>The changes in the Arctic don't stop at shrinking ice cover. As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-dipole-the-atmospheric-pattern-shaping-our-future-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures rise</a>, a seemingly contradictory effect comes into play. </p>



<p>Warmer air means more areas of open water remain during the winter, providing space for new ice to form. This freshly formed ice has very different properties than the thick, multi-year ice that's rapidly disappearing. </p>



<p>Young ice is thinner and less reflective, absorbing more sunlight rather than bouncing it back into space. This influences heat distribution, and we have yet to fully understand its impact on our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-amplification-is-destabilizing-the-delicate-balance-of-the-ecosystem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather patterns</a>.</p>



<p>Dr. He's team investigated this phenomenon using their models to look into the Arctic's future. They found that under varying emissions scenarios, this new winter ice is expected to continue increasing until approximately mid-century. Beyond that, the path becomes less clear. </p>



<p>If we make significant strides in reducing emissions, the amount of newly formed ice may stabilize. However, in a high-emissions world, even this young ice could eventually start to decline.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-climate-due-to-melting-arctic-ice">Global climate due to melting Arctic ice</h2>



<p>The "Warm Arctic, Cold Continents" effect is a fascinating, but concerning, example of how climate change can rewrite the rules of our weather systems. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ocean-is-getting-foggy-as-ice-disappears/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> acts as a giant thermostat for the planet, reflecting sunlight back into space and keeping global temperatures in check. </p>



<p>But as warming temperatures melt away sea ice, this reflective surface shrinks, leading to more heat absorption by the ocean. This disrupts atmospheric circulation patterns. The result? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weather anomalies</a> and extremes across the globe.</p>



<p>The "Warm Arctic, Cold Continents" effect isn't the only example of this climatic domino effect. A warmer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-will-soon-vanish-during-the-summer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> can weaken the jet stream, a high-altitude band of strong winds that steers weather systems. </p>



<p>A wobbly jet stream can bring scorching heat waves to some regions while unleashing bitter cold snaps and intense precipitation on others. </p>



<p>Melting glaciers and ice sheets disrupt ocean currents that carry heat around the planet, potentially leading to unpredictable shifts in regional climates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-we-address-arctic-ice-melt-and-climate-change">How do we address Arctic ice melt and climate change?</h2>



<p>To address the far-reaching impacts of Arctic ice melt and climate change effectively, a detailed strategy is necessary:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Individual action</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Energy efficiency</strong>: Individuals can make significant contributions by making their homes more energy-efficient, using LED lighting, energy-saving appliances, and reducing water waste.<br></li>



<li><strong>Transport choices</strong>: Opting for public transportation, carpooling, biking, or electric vehicles reduces carbon emissions.<br></li>



<li><strong>Sustainable consumption</strong>: Choosing products with minimal environmental impact, such as those with reduced packaging or made from sustainable materials, helps decrease waste.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Policy advocacy</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Renewable energy support</strong>: Lobbying for policies that support the transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, can accelerate the reduction of fossil fuel dependence.<br></li>



<li><strong>Carbon pricing</strong>: Advocating for carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems can incentivize companies to reduce emissions.<br></li>



<li><strong>Environmental legislation</strong>: Support for stricter environmental regulations on pollution, deforestation, and ocean protection can help preserve natural carbon sinks.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Support for arctic research</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Funding initiatives</strong>: Encouraging government and private sector investment in Arctic research can provide scientists with the resources they need to study climate impacts and solutions.<br></li>



<li><strong>Citizen science</strong>: Participating in or supporting citizen science projects related to climate change can augment professional research efforts.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Corporate responsibility</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Green business practices</strong>: Companies can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting sustainable practices, such as recycling, using renewable energy, and minimizing waste.<br></li>



<li><strong>Sustainable supply chains</strong>: Businesses should ensure their supply chains are sustainable, minimizing environmental impacts from sourcing to delivery.<br></li>



<li><strong>Environmental reporting</strong>: Transparent reporting on environmental impact helps hold corporations accountable and encourages improvements.</li>
</ul>



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



<ul>
<li><strong>Climate education</strong>: Integrating climate change education into school curricula can raise awareness from a young age.<br></li>



<li><strong>Public campaigns</strong>: Awareness campaigns that illustrate the impact of individual and collective actions on the climate can motivate change.<br></li>



<li><strong>Community engagement</strong>: Organizing local events, such as tree planting or clean-up activities, can foster a sense of community responsibility for the environment.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-sea-ice-and-earth-s-climate-future">Arctic sea ice and Earth's climate future</h2>



<p>In summary, Dr. Shengping He and his international research team have made significant strides in unraveling the complexities of the "Warm Arctic, Cold Eurasia" climate phenomenon. </p>



<p>Their study quantifies the direct impact of Arctic sea ice loss on winter temperatures and reveals an increasing trend in winter Arctic newly formed ice. </p>



<p>These findings provide crucial insights into the evolving climate of the "new Arctic" era and underscore the importance of continued research to better understand and predict the far-reaching consequences of rapid changes in the Arctic climate.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00376-023-3006-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advances in Atmospheric Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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



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How shrinking Arctic ice is changing our global climate

Dr. Shengping He and his team from the University of...

<p>A disturbing new study reveals that scientists are missing a huge piece of the puzzle. Very few researchers are looking at the overlap between infectious diseases, biodiversity loss, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, placing Earth in a polycrisis. </p>



<p>That means we're probably delaying (or even missing!) solutions that could create win-win-win scenarios for our planet and its people.</p>



<p>For example, consider some current problems: species disappearing at an alarming rate, a global pandemic that keeps dragging on, and record-breaking heatwaves and droughts year after year. It feels overwhelming, right? </p>



<p>Traditionally, those problems might even seem like they belong to separate worlds. But what if they're actually deeply connected, making each threat even worse?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-studies-on-infectious-diseases-biodiversity-loss-and-climate-change">Missing studies on infectious diseases, biodiversity loss, and climate change</h2>



<p>"When we began to look into it, we had suspicions the number of studies would be low, but not that low,” says Dr. Jonathan Davies, a researcher with the University of British Columbia’s (<a href="https://www.ubc.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UBC's</a>) Biodiversity Research Centre.</p>



<p>Dr. Davies' team dove into the world of scientific publications, combing through over 1.8 million studies from the last decade. </p>



<p>What they found was an overwhelming focus on tackling these crises separately, not together. When you consider how interconnected these problems are, that's a pretty big red flag.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-this-a-polycrisis">What makes this a "polycrisis"?</h2>



<p>It's tempting to think that the solution is just to fix each problem one at a time. The truth is these problems don't happen in a vacuum. They feed into each other, creating a vicious cycle. Let's look at a classic example: malaria.</p>



<p>Climate change directly influences the ideal conditions for mosquitoes that carry malaria. Rising temperatures expand their potential range, while altered rainfall patterns can either create more breeding grounds or concentrate mosquitoes in limited water sources. </p>



<p>Further complicating matters, cyclical climate events like El Niño and La Niña lead to unpredictable shifts in suitable habitats. Meanwhile, human actions create a parallel crisis. Deforestation eliminates natural mosquito controls and can alter rainfall. </p>



<p>Dam construction often establishes vast new breeding grounds in still water. Even urbanization plays a role, with discarded containers and warmer city temperatures aiding mosquito populations.</p>



<p>This complex combination doesn't guarantee more malaria cases everywhere. However, it creates a chaotic landscape where outbreaks become harder to predict. </p>



<p>This forces experts to focus on reactive measures instead of proactive control, potentially increasing the burden of this deadly disease on affected areas around the world.</p>



<p>All of this means the disease pattern changes – potentially making it worse in some areas, and expanding it into new ones. It’s a problem with many moving parts, yet for the most part, we only study those parts in isolation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forget-the-usual-solutions">Forget the usual solutions</h2>



<p>“Greater effort needs to be made to search for solutions with cross-benefits,” adds Dr. Alaina Pfenning-Butterworth, who conducted the study while at UBC Botany.</p>



<p>This crisis demands a new approach. Imagine planting massive forests to remove carbon from the atmosphere – a classic climate solution. Well, that may not be it. Plant the wrong types of trees in the wrong places, and you could actually reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> and make those forests more vulnerable to disease outbreaks. </p>



<p>That's a lose-lose scenario. We must start looking for solutions that benefit all three problems simultaneously.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interlinked-futures-climate-biodiversity-and-diseases">Interlinked futures: Climate, biodiversity, and diseases</h2>



<p>This kind of problem-solving isn't simple, which is why the study highlights a huge need for collaboration. Medical researchers, ecologists, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-heightens-risk-of-most-infectious-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> scientists, computer modelers, and even social scientists – we need these different perspectives all talking together.</p>



<p>Historically, science has often focused on narrow specialization. While this has led to amazing breakthroughs, we now face problems far too complex for any single discipline to solve alone. </p>



<p>These problems demand a whole-systems view that's hard to achieve when experts don't talk to each other.</p>



<p>Imagine trying to understand the impacts of a warming climate on disease outbreaks if experts on climate and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-infectious-disease-landscape-is-changing-and-we-must-prepare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infectious diseases</a> never share information. </p>



<p>Or, tackling biodiversity loss without understanding the social and economic drivers behind it. Working together unlocks new questions and creative solutions that wouldn't be possible otherwise.</p>



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



<p>“I believe the majority of people would prefer to live in a more sustainable and biodiverse world, and empirical data show that people are healthier and have an increased feeling of well-being when closer to nature,” says Dr. Davies.</p>



<p>It's about securing a future where humans and other species can flourish. Addressing these connected threats will protect our health, our livelihoods, and that sense of wonder and connection to nature we all crave.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resolving-earth-s-polycrisis">Resolving Earth's polycrisis</h2>



<p>Consider these individual approaches to address the existing knowledge gaps:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-a-science-advocate">Be a science advocate</h3>



<p>Support research that takes an interdisciplinary approach.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Learn to spot it</strong>: When you read about new scientific studies, pay attention to whether the researchers are from multiple disciplines or if the study explicitly tackles problems from multiple angles.<br></li>



<li><strong>Donate mindfully</strong>: If you donate to charities or funds that support research, prioritize ones that have a clear mission of encouraging collaboration across fields or tackling connected problems (like biodiversity and climate).<br></li>



<li><strong>Talk to elected officials</strong>: Science funding is often decided by policymakers. Share your belief in the importance of interdisciplinary research with your representatives and urge them to prioritize it.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-curious">Get curious</h3>



<p>If you're a student, look for ways to learn across traditional subject boundaries.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Explore electives</strong>: Take advantage of elective courses outside your primary course of study. A biology major could learn a ton by taking a course in environmental economics or climate modeling.<br></li>



<li><strong>Find collaborative projects</strong>: Look for professors or student groups who are working on projects that bring together different fields. Even if you can just volunteer for a bit, it's a great way to see this kind of problem-solving in action.<br></li>



<li><strong>Ask for more</strong>: Don't be afraid to approach your professors and ask about resources or opportunities to explore the connections between their field and others.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spread-the-word">Spread the word</h3>



<p>Have conversations about the importance of tackling these challenges together.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Make it relatable</strong>: Explain examples like the malaria case study to friends and family in ways relevant to them. Maybe they care about gardening or fishing – tie it into changes they might be noticing.<br></li>



<li><strong>Share impactful articles</strong>: There are some great news sources focused on science and the environment. Share articles that highlight the need for interdisciplinary work with your network!<br></li>



<li><strong>Engage with skepticism carefully</strong>: Some people may be dismissive of climate change or biodiversity loss. Try to find a shared value as a starting point for the conversation (like clean water for everyone!).</li>
</ul>



<p>In summary, we stand at a critical juncture, facing the interconnected crises of species extinction, a global pandemic, and climate change. The scientific community must rise to the challenge and work collaboratively across disciplines to investigate the complex links between these threats. </p>



<p>By identifying solutions with cross-benefits and avoiding unintended consequences, we can seize this valuable window of opportunity to create a more sustainable, biodiverse, and harmonious future. The choice is ours, and the time to act is now.</p>



<p>The study is published in published today in <em><a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(24)00021-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Planetary Health</a></em>.</p>



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Critical scientific knowledge gaps have left Earth in the midst of a 'polycrisis'

A disturbing new study reveals that scientists are missing a...

<p>Researchers at the University of Massachusetts (<a href="https://www.umass.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UMass</a>) Amherst have been hard at work figuring out just how well artificial intelligence (AI) can identify insects based on their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-device-identifies-mosquitoes-using-only-sound/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sounds</a>. It turns out, our buzzing little neighbors can tell us a lot about how the environment is doing.</p>



<p>Insects may be small, but these tiny creatures play a gigantic role in our ecosystems. But with climate change, pesticides, and other environmental pressures, insect populations are constantly changing. Tracking these changes is a huge challenge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-insect-sounds-matter">Why do insect sounds matter?</h2>



<p>"Insects have an enormous impact on global ecosystems," said Laura Figueroa, assistant professor of environmental conservation at UMass Amherst. "They provide a vital food source for countless other animals, including species as diverse as birds, fish, bears, and even humans."</p>



<p>In addition, insects play critical roles in pollination, nutrient cycling, and other essential ecological processes. Despite their significance, tracking insect populations across large areas and understanding how they are being impacted by environmental changes is a significant challenge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-ai-in-identifying-insect-sounds">Role of AI in identifying insect sounds</h2>



<p>Traditional approaches to insect monitoring often involve physically collecting specimens in the field. While these methods can provide accurate data, they have several drawbacks. Field collection can be labor-intensive, requiring significant time and resources. </p>



<p>Additionally, the process of collecting insects often results in harm or death to the organisms, which can be a concern for species that are threatened or declining.</p>



<p>The development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/darpa-ai-robot-insect-brains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI technology</a> offers a potential solution to these challenges. By analyzing the sounds insects produce, AI models can identify and differentiate species without the need for physical collection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aidan-insect-identification-expert">Aidan insect identification expert</h2>



<p>Can a computer tell the difference between a honeybee and a mosquito? Figueroa believes so. "Since many, but not all, insects emit sound, we should be able to train AI models to identify them by the unique sounds they make."</p>



<p>To explore this concept, the researchers analyzed numerous studies that used AI systems to identify insect species by sound. The models they examined spanned a range of complexity:</p>



<ul>
<li>Non-machine learning: These systems search for specific sound characteristics that have been predetermined by researchers. For example, they might be programmed to look for a particular frequency range that's common in a mosquito's whine.</li>



<li>Machine learning: Machine learning models exhibit greater adaptability. These systems analyze sound data to discover patterns on their own, matching them against a database of known insect sounds for identification.</li>



<li>Deep learning: Deep learning represents an advanced subset of machine learning. These models leverage sophisticated neural networks that mimic the way a brain learns. This allows for even more accurate and nuanced identification of insect sounds. Some deep learning models have achieved over 90% accuracy in identifying hundreds of different insect species.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-and-the-future-of-insect-monitoring">AI and the future of insect monitoring</h2>



<p>"This doesn't mean that AI can or should replace all traditional monitoring approaches," noted Anna Kohlberg, who led the research on AI-insect identification. "Automated bioacoustics is a key tool in a multifaceted toolkit that we can use to effectively monitor these important organisms all over the world."</p>



<p>AI-based insect monitoring, while promising, does have certain constraints. Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-detection-system-quickly-identifies-invasive-asian-hornets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI models</a> require extensive amounts of sound data to be trained effectively. This can be a challenge when working with rarer or less vocal insect species. </p>



<p>Environmental factors such as background noise from wind, traffic, or other animals can impact the accuracy of AI analysis by masking or distorting the insect sounds of interest. Finally, not all insects produce identifiable sounds, meaning AI-based monitoring is unsuitable for certain species.pen_spark</p>



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



<p>Understanding our insect populations isn't just about knowing how many there are. It's about seeing the bigger picture of environmental health. </p>



<p>A place without the buzzing of pollinators or the clicking of crickets might tell us that the ecosystem is struggling. With AI, we suddenly have a new way to listen to what nature is trying to tell us.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-applications-of-ai-insect-monitoring">Potential applications of AI insect monitoring</h2>



<p>The technology that leverages AI to detect and analyze insect sounds has a broad spectrum of applications, each offering unique benefits to science, agriculture, and conservation efforts. Here's where and how this technology can be employed:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental monitoring and conservation</h3>



<ul>
<li>Biodiversity studies: By identifying and tracking the presence of various insect species through their sounds, researchers can assess biodiversity in different habitats. This helps in understanding the impacts of environmental changes and human activities on ecosystems.</li>



<li>Conservation efforts: Monitoring endangered or invasive insect species through their sounds allows for targeted conservation actions. It helps in creating strategies to protect endangered species and control the spread of invasive ones.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Agriculture</h3>



<ul>
<li>Pest management: AI-driven sound detection can identify pest species early, allowing for timely pest management actions. This reduces crop damage and can decrease the reliance on chemical pesticides, leading to more sustainable farming practices.</li>



<li>Pollinator health monitoring: Tracking the sounds of pollinators like bees can provide insights into their health and behavior. This is crucial for maintaining healthy pollinator populations, which are vital for crop pollination and agricultural productivity.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Public health</h3>



<ul>
<li>Vector control:Researchers can monitor mosquitoes and other disease-vector insects through their sounds. This technology can assist in controlling populations of disease-carrying insects, reducing the spread of illnesses like malaria and dengue fever.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Scientific research</h3>



<ul>
<li>Behavioral studies: Understanding the communication and mating calls of insects can offer insights into their behaviors and social structures. This enriches our knowledge of entomology and helps in developing new strategies for insect management.</li>



<li>Ecological impact assessments: By monitoring changes in insect populations and their behaviors through sound, scientists can assess the ecological impacts of climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution. This information is critical for developing strategies to mitigate negative impacts on the environment.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Citizen science</h3>



<ul>
<li>Engagement and education: Engaging the public in monitoring insect sounds through AI can raise awareness about biodiversity and conservation. It also provides valuable data for scientific research, fostering a collaborative effort between scientists and the community.</li>
</ul>



<p>Employing AI to detect and analyze insect sounds harnesses the power of technology to address some of the most pressing challenges in environmental conservation, agriculture, and public health. </p>



<p>By translating the whispers of nature into data, we can make informed decisions that protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14630" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Applied Ecology</a>. </em></p>



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Insect sounds help AI monitor environmental health

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst have been...

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



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



<p>City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.</p>



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



<p>Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.</p>



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



<p>The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.</p>



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



<p>Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.</p>



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



<p>These findings, published in <em><a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a></em>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.</p>



<p>As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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>



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



<p>Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?</p>



<p>The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.</p>



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



<p>Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.</p>



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



<p>Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.</p>



<p>While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.</p>



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



<p>During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.</p>



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



<p>The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.</p>



<p>By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.</p>



<p>Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.</p>



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



<p>Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.</p>



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



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



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



<p>The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.</p>



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



<p>Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.</p>



<p>The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.</p>



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



<p>Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.</p>



<p>The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.</p>



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



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



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



<p>There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.</p>



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



<p>The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.</p>



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



<p>The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.</p>



<p>EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.</p>



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



<p>The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.</p>



<p>Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.</p>



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



<p>Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.</p>



<p>Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.</p>



<p>This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.</em></p>



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



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a></p>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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<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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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[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>



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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