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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Studies confirm that a small tax definitely helps curb plastic pollution

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

<p>A recent study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered how the humble sea anemone, a creature adorning the rocky coasts of the Atlantic, thrives amidst the challenge of heatwaves. </p>



<p>This revelation not only fascinates but also offers insights into the broader implications of climate change on marine ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enchanting-and-mysterious">Enchanting and mysterious</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-anemones-exercise-to-build-their-bodies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea anemones</a> are fascinating marine creatures, part of the phylum Cnidaria, which also includes corals and jellyfish. They are known for their stunning colors and graceful tentacles, which they use to capture prey. </p>



<p>Anemones are sessile, meaning they typically attach themselves to rocks or coral reefs on the ocean floor, though some can move slowly. </p>



<p>They have a simple mouth surrounded by tentacles that contain nematocysts, specialized cells that can sting and immobilize prey such as fish and shrimp.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-heatwaves-on-sea-anemones">Impact of heatwaves on sea anemones</h2>



<p>Heatwaves, increasingly frequent due to climate change, pose a significant challenge to sea anemones. These marine creatures, accustomed to the stable temperatures of their underwater habitats, are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the sudden spikes in temperature brought on by heatwaves. </p>



<p>The primary impact of these temperature increases is on the anemones' metabolic rate, the speed at which they convert nutrients into energy.</p>



<p>In normal conditions, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/venomous-sea-anemone-may-lead-to-important-drugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea anemones</a> maintain a balanced metabolic rate, ensuring they have enough energy for growth, reproduction, and catching prey. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-higher-temperatures-require-more-nutrients">Higher temperatures require more nutrients</h2>



<p>However, heatwaves disrupt this balance. The water temperature rises sharply, accelerating the sea anemones' metabolic processes unnaturally. </p>



<p>This increase in metabolism demands more energy, forcing the anemones to consume more nutrients at a time when their environment may not support such a surge in demand. </p>



<p>The excessive metabolic rate can lead to a host of problems for sea anemones. </p>



<p>Firstly, it strains their physiological systems, potentially leading to increased mortality if the heatwave persists. </p>



<p>Moreover, the demand for more nutrients to fuel their heightened metabolism might not always be met, especially in environments where food is scarce. </p>



<p>This mismatch between energy demand and supply during heatwaves can weaken sea anemones, making them more susceptible to disease and predation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-sea-anemones-mastered-heatwaves">How sea anemones mastered heatwaves</h2>



<p>Despite these challenges, sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anemonefish-can-distinguish-between-anemone-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anemones</a> are remarkably adaptable, especially with marine heatwaves. When the tide goes out, they can retract their tentacles to conserve moisture and reduce their exposure to the elements. </p>



<p>What's less obvious is that sea anemones, like many animals, exhibit distinct personality types that influence their behavior. </p>



<p>Some anemones are inherently bold, quick to react to the slightest change in their environment. If they detect a potential meal, they'll rapidly unfurl their tentacles, ready to capture it. </p>



<p>Other anemones are more cautious, taking their time to assess a situation and responding more slowly. While this "shy" approach might initially seem less efficient for getting food, it becomes an incredible advantage to sea anemones during heatwaves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-personalities-and-heat-waves">Animal personalities and heat waves</h2>



<p>Scientists at the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a> were fascinated by these personality differences in sea anemones. </p>



<p>They wanted to investigate whether certain personality types gave these creatures a better chance of surviving the increasing heatwaves caused by climate change. They focused their study on a common species called Actinia equina.</p>



<p>"We call them animal personalities. The anemones we studied have two personality traits, bold and shy, and in extreme heatwaves the shy anemones do better," explains Lynne Sneddon, a zoophysiologist at the University.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boldness-has-a-cost-for-sea-anemones-during-heatwaves">Boldness has a cost for sea anemones during heatwaves</h2>



<p>The study revealed a striking difference in the physiological response of bold and shy sea anemones to heatwaves. When the water temperature increases, bold anemones experience a significant surge in their metabolic rate. </p>



<p>This means their bodies are working harder, burning through their stored energy at an accelerated pace. To compensate for this heightened energy expenditure, they require a substantial increase in food intake. </p>



<p>During a heatwave, where food resources might become limited, this puts bold sea anemones in a perilous position with heightened risk of starvation.</p>



<p>In contrast, shy sea anemones exhibit a more tempered response to heatwaves. Their metabolism remains relatively stable, allowing them to conserve valuable energy reserves. The energy-saving strategy enables shy anemones to endure the heatwave with a reduced need for food.</p>



<p>This provides a distinct survival advantage by decreasing their reliance on potentially scarce resources during periods of environmental stress.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-personalities-during-climate-change">Animal personalities during climate change</h2>



<p>While the study focused on sea anemones, the findings have far-reaching implications. "Heatwaves will become more common in the future and cold-blooded animals may find it difficult to cope," warns Sneddon. </p>



<p>"If the animals can't cope, there will be a disruption in the ecosystems, and this could have implications for the whole food web."</p>



<p>The presence of distinct personalities within a population, like bold and shy anemones, can significantly influence how a species responds to environmental pressures. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conserving-energy-is-crucial">Conserving energy is crucial</h2>



<p>In this case, shy anemones with their more energy-conserving behavior demonstrate a higher tolerance for heat stress. </p>



<p>This finding suggests that populations with a greater mix of personality types might be more resilient in the face of climate change.</p>



<p>Biodiversity, encompassing both genetic variation and behavioral diversity, can be a powerful tool for adaptation. A species with a wider range of behavioral strategies is better equipped to handle environmental fluctuations. </p>



<p>For example, in a population with a mix of bold and shy anemones, some individuals might be more successful at finding food during normal conditions, while others, like the shy anemones, might be better suited to survive extreme heatwaves. </p>



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



<p>This research on sea anemones offers a powerful reminder that nature is far more complex than it first appears. </p>



<p>Even seemingly simple creatures demonstrate diverse strategies for survival, and these differences can tip the scales when conditions become harsh.</p>



<p>The next time you admire the vibrant tidepools at your local beach, remember the hidden world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-personalities-can-shape-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal personalities</a> unfolding below the surface and the delicate balance of life striving to adapt to a changing planet.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/227/3/jeb244662/342980/Differential-metabolic-responses-in-bold-and-shy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Experimental Biology</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Sea anemones use their 'shyness' to survive heatwaves

A recent study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg...

<p>Heart health begins the moment you step outside your door. Imagine being greeted by a view of lush trees and expansive skies, or perhaps a scene dominated by buildings and concrete. This seemingly simple aspect of your daily environment could have a profound impact on your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diet-improves-heart-health-in-a-matter-of-weeks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart health</a>.</p>



<p>A recent study, presented at the <a href="https://www.acc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American College of Cardiology</a>’s Annual Scientific Session, has shed light on an important health factor. It reveals how our immediate surroundings may influence our risk of experiencing major adverse cardiac events.</p>



<p>Building on this, researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by leveraging machine learning to analyze Google Street View images. They've unveiled a striking correlation: individuals residing in areas abundant with sidewalks, trees, and clear skies face a significantly reduced risk of heart-related incidents.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-environment-on-heart">Impact of environment on heart</h2>



<p>“A lot of research has shown that environmental factors strongly affect our health. If we can find a way to stratify this risk and provide interventions before cardiovascular events happen, then we could save a lot of lives,” explained Zhuo Chen, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://case.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Case Western Reserve University</a> and <a href="https://www.uhhospitals.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Hospitals Health System in Cleveland</a>, and the study's lead author.</p>



<p>The study leverages advanced computer vision algorithms and AI. This approach offers a method to quantify the built environment with unprecedented effectiveness and efficiency. Consequently, this opens the door to highly personalized interventions based on individual risk assessments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-spaces-and-urban-design">Green spaces and urban design</h2>



<p>This research is a part of an expanding field focused on understanding the influence of green space and urban design on cardiovascular risk. </p>



<p>Whereas previous studies have offered mixed results due to varied methodologies, this study stands out. It provides a more detailed perspective by analyzing the environment at the street level, moving beyond broad geographic averages to uncover nuanced insights on heart health.</p>



<p>By training a machine learning algorithm to differentiate among trees, grass, sky, sidewalks, buildings, and roads, the researchers embarked on a detailed analysis. They examined the living environments of nearly 50,000 individuals. </p>



<p>The participants, mostly from northeastern Ohio, were part of a program offering free and low-cost screenings for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a> risk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-environments-boost-heart-health">Green environments boost heart health</h2>



<p>The findings were revealing. Over approximately 27 months, around 2,000 participants suffered major adverse cardiovascular events. Those living in areas with ample sidewalks were 9% less likely to experience such events compared to those in less pedestrian-friendly locations. </p>



<p>Additionally, a high score in vertical green space (essentially trees coupled with clear skies) was associated with a 5% lower risk. These associations remained significant even after adjusting for a variety of factors known to affect <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=earth.com+heart+health&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart health</a>, including socioeconomic status and pollutants in the environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-and-skies-over-grass">Trees and skies over grass</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the presence of grass did not correlate with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crucial-discoveries-will-improve-cardiovascular-disease-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular</a> event risk, aligning with previous findings that highlight the specific benefits of trees over grass alone. However, it's the combination of trees and clear sky that seems most indicative of beneficial vertical green space. </p>



<p>To enhance the precision of their assessments, the researchers took a further step. They incorporated depth information into their algorithm, thereby allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the environment’s impact on health.</p>



<p>Despite the compelling nature of these findings, the study's design does not establish a causal relationship between environmental features and heart disease. </p>



<p>Furthermore, the research did not account for physical activity or travel behaviors. These factors could mediate the relationship between the environment and heart health.</p>



<p>Additionally, the focus on a cohort primarily from northeast Ohio might limit the generalizability of the results to other regions.</p>



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



<p>Nevertheless, this study represents a significant step forward in utilizing technology to assess environment's impacts on heart health at a granular level. </p>



<p>“The method and the data source that we’re using here is cheap, open source, and publicly available,” said Chen, underscoring the accessibility and scalability of their approach. </p>



<p>Although the direct impact of planting trees or adding sidewalks on reducing cardiovascular risk is yet to be confirmed, the research provides crucial insights. These insights do more than just foster awareness; they also suggest avenues for behavioral changes. Furthermore, they point to urban planning strategies that could potentially mitigate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a> risk in the future.</p>



<p>By harnessing the capabilities of AI and machine learning, the study illuminates the intricate ways in which our neighborhoods shape our health. It encourages a reevaluation of our environmental design and interactions. This carries the promise of fostering communities where healthy hearts can thrive.</p>



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Green environments and sidewalks improve heart health

Heart health begins the moment you step outside your door....

Grand,Prismatic,Spring,View,At,Yellowstone,National,Park

<p>Yellowstone National Park is one of America's most beloved attractions, drawing over 4 million visitors each year. But did you know that Yellowstone also leaves a carbon mark on the climate? </p>



<p>A recent study took a deep dive into Yellowstone National Park's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/using-ai-writing-illustration-drastically-reduces-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon footprint</a>. This research reveals the surprising ways tourism contributes to carbon emissions, especially at iconic destinations like Yellowstone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-climate-impact-of-our-everyday-choices">The climate impact of our everyday choices</h2>



<p>Our planet's climate is constantly changing, and human activities are a major contributing factor. When we burn fossil fuels like gasoline for our cars or natural gas for heating, we release greenhouse gases like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-carbon-footprint-urban-farms-and-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> into the atmosphere. </p>



<p>These gases act like a blanket, trapping heat around the Earth and causing global temperatures to rise. This is what we call climate change. Every single activity we do throughout the day has the potential to generate greenhouse gas emissions. </p>



<p>Here are some everyday examples:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Transportation</strong>: Driving a car, flying on a plane, or even taking a bus all involve burning fuel and releasing emissions.<br></li>



<li><strong>Energy use</strong>: Heating and cooling our homes, powering our appliances, and using electronics all contribute to the overall demand for energy, which often comes from fossil fuel sources.<br></li>



<li><strong>Food production</strong>: Raising livestock, growing crops, and transporting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-changes-in-diet-can-greatly-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> all have an impact on the environment, including greenhouse gas emissions.<br></li>



<li><strong>Manufacturing</strong>: Making the things we use every day, from clothes to computers, requires energy and can release pollutants.</li>
</ul>



<p>While any single action might seem small, when billions of people around the world are doing similar things, the cumulative effect can be significant. That's why it's important to be mindful of our choices and look for ways to reduce our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bitcoin-carbon-footprint-small-country/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon footprint</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-footprint-of-yellowstone">Carbon footprint of Yellowstone</h2>



<p>Scientists at <a href="https://www.usu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah State University</a> decided to figure out just how much carbon a Yellowstone vacation adds to the atmosphere. Here's what they found:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yellowstone-s-carbon-cost">Yellowstone's carbon cost</h3>



<p>It's hard to imagine the impact of tourism on a place as vast as Yellowstone. But the numbers are staggering: visitors to the park generate over one megaton of carbon emissions every single year. That's one million tons – the equivalent weight of thousands of cars!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-personal-impact">Your personal impact</h3>



<p>Each individual visiting Yellowstone might not feel like they're making a huge difference. However, on average, a single visitor contributes about 479 kilograms of carbon emissions. </p>



<p>To put that in perspective, it's like releasing the emissions from burning about 50 gallons of gasoline – enough to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/auto-emission-climate-policies-save-children-boost-economies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fuel a car</a> on a road trip.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-truth-about-travel">The truth about travel</h3>



<p>The most surprising fact of all? Nearly 90% of the carbon footprint related to a Yellowstone trip comes just from traveling to and from the park. </p>



<p>This means that even before you set foot on a trail or see your first geyser, your journey has already significantly impacted the environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-contributing-to-yellowstone-s-carbon-footprint">Factors contributing to Yellowstone's carbon footprint</h2>



<p>So, where do all these emissions come from?</p>



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



<p>While only about a third of Yellowstone visitors arrive by plane, those flights have an outsized impact on the park's carbon footprint. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-aircraft-demonstrate-major-climate-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Air travel</a> produces a staggering 72% of emissions related to getting to and from the park. This is due to the large amount of fuel burned by airplanes, especially on long-haul flights.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-driving-still-adds-up-to-yellowstone-s-carbon">Driving still adds up to Yellowstone's carbon</h3>



<p>Even if you choose to drive to Yellowstone, your journey creates a significant carbon footprint. The amount of emissions depends on the distance you travel, the fuel efficiency of your car, and whether you carpool.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-park-accommodation-and-activities">Inside the park: Accommodation and activities</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Moving around and staying overnight</strong>: The carbon impact doesn't stop once you arrive at Yellowstone. Driving within the park boundaries and staying in hotels, lodges, or campgrounds contributes an additional 9% to the overall emissions total.<br></li>



<li><strong>Park operations</strong>: A Smaller Footprint It might surprise you that the park's own operations, including running visitor centers, shops, and restaurants, make up only 1% of the carbon impact from tourism. This highlights the fact that visitor travel choices are the biggest factor in the park's carbon emissions.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yellowstone-still-a-carbon-sink-for-now">Yellowstone: Still a carbon sink (for now)</h2>



<p>There's a silver lining to all this – for the moment. Yellowstone's vast forests and grasslands act as a "carbon sink," absorbing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ski-tourism-may-suffer-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tourism</a> emits. </p>



<p>However, as visitor numbers grow, and particularly if more people arrive by plane, this balance could tip. Plus, smaller parks with high visitation may already be carbon sources, not sinks.</p>



<p>“We really need more research on both the effect of tourism on climate change, and the effect of climate change on tourism,” said Emily Wilkins from the Department of Environment and Society. </p>



<p>“These topics both have major economic and environmental repercussions. Managers and decision makers need a more complete perspective for how tourism to parks is contributing to a vulnerable global climate system.”</p>



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



<p>Enjoying national parks while being mindful of climate change might seem tricky, but here are a few ideas:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explore-locally">Explore locally</h3>



<p>Instead of always seeking out far-off destinations, discover the beauty of parks, forests, and natural areas closer to home. You might be surprised by the hidden gems in your own region, and you'll dramatically reduce the distances you need to travel.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-road-trip-vs-flying">Road trip vs. flying</h3>



<p>When a destination is too far for a day trip, consider driving instead of flying whenever possible. This reduces the substantial carbon emissions associated with air travel. If you have to fly, choose direct flights which are more fuel-efficient than routes with multiple stops and starts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-sharing">Power of sharing</h3>



<p>Carpooling with friends and family, or opting for public transportation like buses or trains, reduces the number of vehicles on the road and lowers your individual carbon impact.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-stays-and-activities">Sustainable stays and activities</h3>



<p>Support businesses that prioritize environmental responsibility. Look for lodges and hotels with green certifications, tour operators committed to minimizing waste, and restaurants that source local, sustainable ingredients. Your choices send a message that eco-conscious travel matters.</p>



<p>It's crucial to remember that visiting parks like Yellowstone sparks a love of nature and can inspire conservation efforts. The key is finding a balance between enjoying these special places and doing our part to protect them for the future.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000391" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Climate</a></em>.</p>



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Yellowstone tourism generates over a megaton of carbon emissions every year

Yellowstone National Park is one of America's most beloved attractions,...

<p>The impact of mining on Africa's great ape populations has been greatly underestimated, according to a recent study led by the <a href="https://www.idiv.de/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research</a> (iDiv), <a href="https://www.uni-halle.de/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg</a> (MLU), and the non-profit organization <a href="https://www.rewild.org/">Re:wild</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-demand-for-critical-minerals-nbsp">Increasing demand for critical minerals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts identified the burgeoning threat posed by the increasing demand for critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, essential for the transition to cleaner energy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This demand drives a mining surge in Africa, where many of these resources remain untapped, leading to deforestation and endangering the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/western-chimpanzees-need-protection-from-human-development/">habitats</a> of our closest living relatives, including gorillas, bonobos, and chimpanzees.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers estimate that mining places nearly 180,000 great apes at risk, more than one-third of Africa's entire population of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-apes-will-suffer-through-frequent-and-extreme-climate-events/">species</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concealment-of-biodiversity-data-by-mining-companies">Concealment of biodiversity data by mining companies</h2>



<p>The concealment of biodiversity data by mining companies exacerbates the situation, hiding the full extent of mining's impact on biodiversity and great apes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research team utilized data on operational and prospective mining sites across 17 African countries, incorporating buffer zones around these sites to measure both direct impacts, like habitat destruction and pollution, and indirect ones, such as increased human activity leading to habitat loss and elevated disease transmission risks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlaps-in-mining-and-high-ape-density-zones-nbsp">Overlaps in mining and high ape density zones&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Great apes in West Africa, particularly in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Guinea, face the severest threats due to substantial overlaps between mining areas and high ape density zones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, in Guinea, mining activities could impact over 23,000 chimpanzees, up to 83% of the country's ape population. The areas most at risk - where high ape and mining densities coincide - are largely unprotected.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mining-s-true-impact-on-great-apes">Mining's true impact on great apes</h2>



<p>"Currently, studies on other species suggest that mining harms apes through pollution, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/">habitat loss</a>, increased hunting pressure, and disease, but this is an incomplete picture," said study lead author Jessica Junker, a researcher at Re:wild and former postdoctoral fellow at iDiv and MLU.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The lack of data sharing by mining projects hampers our scientific understanding of its true impact on great apes and their habitat.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regions-designated-as-critical-habitats-nbsp">Regions designated as critical habitats&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The intersection of mining areas with regions designated as "critical habitats," essential for their unique biodiversity, was found to be alarmingly high, about 20 percent.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Critical habitats are subject to stringent environmental regulations, especially for mining projects seeking financial backing from entities like the <a href="https://www.ifc.org/en/home">International Finance Corporation</a> or similar lenders. However, many ape habitats have been overlooked in previous mappings of critical habitat in Africa.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-transparency-is-urgently-needed">More transparency is urgently needed</h2>



<p>“Companies operating in these areas should have adequate mitigation and compensation schemes in place to minimize their impact, which seems unlikely, given that most companies lack robust species baseline data that are required to inform these actions,” explained senior author Tenekwetche Sop, the&nbsp; manager of the IUCN SSC A.P.E.S. Database at the <a href="https://museumfrankfurt.senckenberg.de/en/">Senckenberg Museum of Natural History</a>, a repository of all great ape population data.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Encouraging these companies to share their invaluable ape survey data with our database serves as a pivotal step towards transparency in their operations. Only through such collaborative efforts can we comprehensively gauge the true extent of mining activities' effects on great apes and their habitats.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-permanent-damage-inflicted-on-great-ape-populations">Permanent damage inflicted on great ape populations</h2>



<p>The study also critiques the current practices of compensation or offsetting by mining companies, pointing out that these measures are often based on underestimated approximations of mining's impacts and fail to account for the permanent damage inflicted on great ape <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-great-apes-will-lose-most-of-their-range-in-the-next-30-years/">populations</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>”Mining companies need to focus on avoiding their impacts on great apes as much as possible and use offsetting as a last resort as there is currently no example of a great ape offset that has been successful,” said co-author Genevieve Campbell, the leader of the <a href="https://www.arrctaskforce.org/about">IUCN SSC PSG SGA/SSA ARRC Task Force</a> and a senior researcher at Re:wild.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploration-and-habitat-destruction-nbsp">Exploration and habitat destruction&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Avoidance needs to take place already during the exploration phase, but unfortunately, this phase is poorly regulated and ‘baseline data’ are collected by companies after many years of exploration and habitat destruction have taken place. These data then do not accurately reflect the original state of the great ape populations in the area before mining impacts.’’</p>



<p>“A shift away from fossil fuels is good for the climate but must be done in a way that does not jeopardize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/">biodiversity</a>. In its current iteration it may even be going against the very environmental goals we’re aiming for. Companies, lenders and nations need to recognize that it may sometimes be of greater value to leave some regions untouched to mitigate climate change and help prevent future epidemics,” Junker concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adl0335" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Mining is permanently damaging great ape populations in Africa

The impact of mining on Africa's great ape populations has...

<p>A recent study has revealed a disturbing link between excessive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-pollution-disrupts-entire-ecological-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial light</a> (aka light pollution) and an increased risk of stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases that affect the supply of blood to the brain. </p>



<p>Light pollution is the presence of excessive, poorly directed, or overly bright artificial light at night. Common sources of light pollution include streetlights, billboards, illuminated buildings, and other forms of outdoor lighting. </p>



<p>Sadly, this pollution harms human health, disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems, and reduces our ability to enjoy the beauty of the natural night sky. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-light-pollution-on-the-body">Impact of light pollution on the body</h2>



<p>Sunlight plays a crucial role in our health, providing vitamin D and regulating our natural rhythms. However, artificial lights used for streets, homes, and workplaces affect our bodies in different ways. When you're exposed to bright lights in the evening, it interferes with the production of a hormone called melatonin.</p>



<p>Melatonin is essential for your sleep cycle. It naturally increases in your body in the evening, signaling that it's time to rest. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-has-increased-almost-everywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Light pollution</a> can disrupt melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. This leads to immediate problems like sleep deprivation, but could potentially have long-term health consequences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artificial-light-and-stroke">Artificial light and stroke</h2>



<p>The Ningbo study looked at data from over 28,000 adults living in the city, tracking their health for about six years. The researchers used satellite images to measure the amount of artificial light pollution each person was exposed to at night. They also took into account factors like air pollution, which is already a known risk for cardiovascular health.</p>



<p>The findings were concerning. The study revealed that individuals exposed to higher levels of artificial light at night had a significantly increased risk (43%) of developing cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke. These diseases affect the blood vessels and blood supply to the brain and are a major cause of disability and death.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-and-light-pollution-increased-stroke-risk">Air and light pollution: Increased stroke risk</h2>



<p>Additionally, researchers also discovered that high exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-a-higher-risk-of-stroke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a>, particularly particulate matter (tiny particles like dust and diesel emissions), also increased the risk of cerebrovascular diseases. This aligns with existing research showing the detrimental effects of air pollution on cardiovascular health.</p>



<p>While the link between light pollution and cerebrovascular diseases was strong, the connection between light pollution and strokes specifically appeared weaker when analyzed alongside air pollution data. This highlights the complex nature of environmental factors and their impact on our health. </p>



<p>Further research is needed to fully understand how exposure to light and air pollution, both individually and combined, may influence our risk of stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artificial-light-as-a-stroke-risk-factor">Artificial light as a stroke risk factor</h2>



<p>“Our study suggests that higher levels of exposure to outdoor artificial light at night may be a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease,” said Dr. Jian-Bing Wang, one of the corresponding authors of the study. “Therefore, we advise people, especially those living in urban areas, to consider reducing that exposure to protect themselves from its potential harmful impact.”</p>



<p>While this study highlights a correlation (a link between two factors), it doesn't definitively prove that light pollution directly causes an increased risk. However, the connection is strong enough to warrant caution and further research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protect-your-brain-from-stroke-and-artificial-light">Protect your brain from stroke and artificial light</h2>



<p>While you can't single-handedly change the way cities light up, consider the following:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blackout-curtains">Blackout curtains</h3>



<p>These thick curtains are designed to block out almost all external light, creating a dark, sleep-promoting environment in your bedroom. Investing in good-quality blackout curtains can significantly improve your sleep quality, especially if you live in an area with high light pollution.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-therapy-lamps">Light therapy lamps</h3>



<p>These lamps emit a specific type of light that mimics natural sunlight. This exposure can help regulate your circadian rhythm (your internal sleep-wake cycle). They are particularly useful for individuals who work night shifts or irregular hours, as well as those who live in areas with limited sunlight during certain seasons.</p>



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



<p>If you need to have some light on at night, choose bulbs that emit warmer tones like red or amber. These wavelengths of light have a less disruptive effect on melatonin production compared to harsh white or blue lights.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimize-screen-time">Minimize screen time</h3>



<p>Electronic devices like phones, laptops, and tablets emit blue light, which can significantly suppress melatonin and make it harder to fall asleep. Limiting your exposure to screens in the hours before bedtime can help improve your sleep quality.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advocate-for-change">Advocate for change</h3>



<p>Become involved in initiatives within your community that aim to reduce light pollution. This might include supporting policies that promote the use of shielded, downward-facing outdoor lights, as well as energy-efficient lighting alternatives that minimize excessive brightness. By taking action, you can help create healthier environments for both humans and wildlife.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-artificial-lights-beyond-stroke">Impact of artificial lights beyond stroke</h2>



<p>Beyond increasing the risk of conditions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-adults-with-migraines-have-a-greater-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stroke</a>, light pollution poses a multitude of additional risks to both human health and the environment:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-disorders">Sleep disorders</h3>



<p>Artificial light at night significantly disrupts our natural circadian rhythms (our body's internal clock), leading to sleep disorders like insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, and waking up frequently during the night. Chronic sleep deprivation has far-reaching health consequences.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-issues">Mental health issues</h3>



<p>Disturbed sleep patterns and the disruption of circadian rhythms have been linked to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline in the long term.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obesity-and-metabolic-syndrome">Obesity and metabolic syndrome</h3>



<p>Research suggests that changes to our circadian rhythms triggered by light pollution can negatively impact metabolism. This has potential implications for weight gain, the development of type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-risk">Cancer risk</h3>



<p>Studies point to a possible link between exposure to artificial light at night and an increased risk of certain types of cancer, particularly breast and prostate cancer. Scientists hypothesize that suppressed melatonin production caused by light pollution might play a role. However, more research is required to confirm this connection.</p>



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



<p>This study adds to the growing body of evidence about light pollution's harmful effects. We already know it messes with wildlife and disrupts natural ecosystems. It also wastes energy and contributes to climate change. Now, it seems, light pollution might be hazardous to our own health. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.heart.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Heart Association</a> stresses the importance of healthy sleep as part of its "Life's Essential 8" for good cardiovascular health. With increasing research, perhaps managing light exposure will become another vital part of that list.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1161/strokeaha.123.044904" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stroke</a></em>.</p>



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Exposure to bright artificial light could increase stroke risk

A recent study has revealed a disturbing link between excessive...

<p>A new study led by the <a href="https://serc.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Environmental Research Center</a> has found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-are-key-for-our-future/">marine protected areas</a> (MPAs) may not be fully serving their purpose in rebuilding dwindling fish populations, specifically among adult fish. </p>



<p>This study provides the first analysis of the age composition of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-dna-reveals-the-diversity-of-coral-reef-fish/">reef fish</a> within marine protected areas, revealing a concerning trend of stagnating or declining adult fish populations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adult-fish-are-critical-to-rebuilding-populations-nbsp">Adult fish are critical to rebuilding populations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Adult fish are really important,” said co-lead author Steve Canty, a marine ecologist at the Smithsonian. “They are the primary catch within commercial fisheries that support livelihoods and food security of coastal communities."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Additionally, it is the adults that breed and rebuild the fisheries, and here size matters. Bigger and older female fish produce more and better eggs, and therefore are critical to rebuilding fish populations.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-30-of-earth-s-oceans">Protecting 30% of Earth's oceans</h2>



<p>This discovery comes at a time when global efforts are intensifying to meet the ambitious "30 by 30" conservation target, set by delegates at the <a href="https://www.unep.org/un-biodiversity-conference-cop-15" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Biodiversity Conference</a> in December 2022, which aims to protect 30% of Earth's oceans by 2030. </p>



<p>However, the effectiveness of this target hinges on the selection of sites conducive to marine life prosperity and the consideration of coastal community needs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-on-the-mesoamerican-reef">Fish on the Mesoamerican Reef</h2>



<p>The study focused on the Mesoamerican Reef, the longest reef in the Western Hemisphere, which spans over 600 miles across the coasts of southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This region, a biodiversity hotspot, is not only home to over 500 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-quarter-of-freshwater-fish-species-face-extinction/">fish species</a>, 60 coral species, and one of the largest whale shark congregations but also supports the livelihoods and food security of over one million people.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-protection-and-strong-enforcement-are-needed">Effective protection and strong enforcement are needed</h2>



<p>By analyzing fish biomass across 139 reef sites, including both protected and unprotected areas, the researchers categorized the MPAs based on their level of protection. They found that only 24% of the examined MPAs offered full or high protection, underscoring the challenge of restricting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-fleets-hidden-industrial-fishing-activity-exposed/">fishing activities</a> in the sea.</p>



<p>"But fully protecting and enforcing these areas is the best way to grow bigger fish that can rebuild the populations and actually increase overall fish catches outside the fully protected areas," said co-author Melanie McField, the director of the <a href="https://www.healthyreefs.org/cms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Healthy Reefs Initiative</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-decline-of-adult-fish">Widespread decline of adult fish</h2>



<p>Data for the study was sourced from the Healthy Reefs Initiative, which employs scuba divers to conduct fish surveys across the region's reefs. Over a 12-year period from 2006 to 2018, the findings indicated that a mere 11 sites exhibited significant increases in adult fish biomass, with most sites showing no change and 28 sites experiencing declines.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, declining sites shared characteristics such as proximity to heavy coastal development, higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/as-oceans-warm-up-smaller-species-of-fish-will-dominate/">water temperatures</a>, and weak protection levels with inadequate enforcement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimal-protection-is-more-detrimental-nbsp">Minimal protection is more detrimental&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Minimal protection in the weakest MPAs proved to be more detrimental than no protection at all, because it allowed for continued and concentrated exploitation without effective management,” said co-author Abel Valdivia, a marine conservation scientist at the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Wildlife Fund</a>. </p>



<p>“Unlike open-access zones, where fishing pressure may be spread out, weakly protected areas faced unchecked coastal development, warming waters and inadequate enforcement, leading to the decline in adult biomass.”</p>



<p>However, sites where adult fish populations rebounded shared positive attributes: full protection, adequate enforcement, fewer temperature spikes, and a lower human impact in adjacent areas.</p>



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



<p>These findings clarify the path forward for global "30 by 30" conservation efforts. Effective management, strong enforcement, community support, and climate-conscious site selection are paramount to MPA success, emphasizing the need to consider the distinct needs of adult and juvenile fish.</p>



<p>“Our study shows that adults and juvenile fish respond very differently to management and environmental change. Adults were more sensitive to stressors like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fishing-communities-cooperate-to-survive-climate-change/">climate change</a>, which can undermine the local benefits of MPAs," said study co-lead author Justin Nowakowski, an ecologist at the Smithsonian.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The big question now is where to locate new MPAs to maximize positive impacts for the regional fishery. To do this, we need to consider the unique requirements of adult and juvenile life stages - otherwise we are missing the full picture."&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17257" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Global Change Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Adult fish are dwindling across many marine protected areas

A new study led by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center...

Hand,Robot,,Ai,Generate,Art,,Mid,Jouney,Concept

<p>A surprising study discovered that AI used for writing and illustrating streamlines these creative processes and accomplishes this with a significantly reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tech-breakthrough-cuts-carbon-footprint-of-ai-training-by-75-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon footprint</a> compared to human efforts. </p>



<p>This revelation, spearheaded by Andrew Torrance, a distinguished professor at <a href="https://ku.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KU</a>, in collaboration with a team from the <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California-Irvine</a>, ignites a new conversation about the expansive benefits of AI, particularly its role in fostering more sustainable practices across various fields. </p>



<p>Simultaneously, it underscores the importance of respecting the irreplaceable value of human creativity and insight.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-writing-and-illustration-vs-human-creativity">AI writing and illustration vs. human creativity</h2>



<p>Published in the prestigious journal <em>Nature</em>, the research presents a comparative analysis of the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions between AI systems, such as ChatGPT, Bloom AI, DALL-E2, and their human counterparts engaged in writing and illustrating tasks. </p>



<p>The findings are compelling. They highlight that AI systems can emit between 130 to 1,500 times less CO2e per page of text. </p>



<p>In terms of illustration, the reduction is even more pronounced, with emissions between 310 to 2,900 times less CO2e per image. </p>



<p>This stark difference underscores AI's potential as a tool for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-forests-rapidly-changing-repercussions-looming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental stewardship</a> in the digital age.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astonishing-efficiency-of-ai">Astonishing efficiency of AI</h2>



<p>Driven by a commitment to data over speculation, Professor Torrance and his team embarked on this study to quantify the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-applications-can-use-as-much-power-as-entire-nations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental efficiency</a> of AI comprehensively. </p>



<p>The results surpassed expectations, revealing that even conservative estimates depict AI as a significantly less wasteful option. </p>



<p>Consequently, the researchers meticulously accounted for various factors to offer a nuanced view of AI's environmental impact. </p>



<p>Specifically, these factors include the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-environmental-cost-of-ai-what-are-we-willing-to-give-up-for-computing-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy consumption</a> of computers used in writing and the per capita emissions in the United States and India. This comprehensive approach, therefore, provides insights into AI's environmental impact across diverse contexts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-ai-and-human-collaboration">Future of AI and human collaboration</h2>



<p>While the study lauds the environmental benefits of AI, it simultaneously advocates for a balanced perspective on technology's role. </p>



<p>AI's current limitations in replicating the quality and nuance of human-created content underscore the technology's position as an augmentative tool rather than a replacement for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-robots-marketing-and-the-power-of-persuasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human labor</a>. </p>



<p>The potential for AI to displace jobs is a concern. However, its capacity to create new opportunities and enhance productivity presents a compelling case. This situation advocates for a symbiotic relationship between AI and human creativity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborating-with-ai-in-writing-and-illustration">Collaborating with AI in writing and illustration</h2>



<p>The path forward, as outlined by the study's authors, envisions a collaborative integration of AI into creative and professional workflows. </p>



<p>This approach not only mitigates environmental impacts but also leverages AI to unlock new possibilities for innovation and efficiency. </p>



<p>By retaining control over the final product, humans can ensure that AI complements rather than supplants the unique qualities of human creativity. This approach fosters a future where technology and talent coexist in harmony.</p>



<p>The implications of this study extend far beyond the confines of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cooling-sector-emissions-could-be-drastically-reduced-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy efficiency</a>, aligning with global initiatives such as the <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Sustainable Development Goals</a>. </p>



<p>These goals emphasize sustainable consumption, production patterns, and the urgent need to combat climate change. </p>



<p>By integrating AI into their methodologies, the researchers themselves demonstrate the practical benefits of this technology. </p>



<p>It streamlines the production of drafts and other written content. At the same time, they stress the importance of human oversight in achieving quality and relevance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achieving-sustainability-by-embracing-ai">Achieving sustainability by embracing AI</h2>



<p>In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the benefit of AI (artificial intelligence) in promoting efficiency and sustainability is becoming increasingly apparent. </p>



<p>Professor Torrance's optimistic outlook on AI reflects a broader vision for technology's role in society. Far from viewing AI as a disruptive force, he sees it as an empowering tool that can enhance human potential and productivity. </p>



<p>This study is a call to action for further research and discussion on the responsible use of AI, with the hope that technology will continue to evolve in ways that lighten humanity's footprint on the Earth.</p>



<p>The future of AI, as seen through the lens of this research, is not just about technological advancement but about shaping a world where technology acts as a steward of the environment, enhancing human creativity and ensuring a greener planet for generations to come.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-54271-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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



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Using AI for writing and illustration drastically reduces carbon footprint

A surprising study discovered that AI used for writing and...

<p>In a world grappling with the escalating impacts of climate change, corporations find themselves at a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-urgent-plea-sustainable-climate-solutions-save-earth-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">critical juncture</a>. A new study has shed light on the financial implications of climate risks for businesses, revealing a stark divide between those that proactively manage these risks and those that pretend not to notice the looming threats.</p>



<p>The research, conducted by <a href="https://warrington.ufl.edu/directory/person/5182/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Qing Li</a>, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida <a href="https://warrington.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warrington College of Business</a>, and <a href="https://warrington.ufl.edu/directory/person/5648/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yuehua Tang</a>, Emerson-Merrill Lynch Associate Professor, analyzed earnings call transcripts from nearly 5,000 U.S. public companies. </p>



<p>Through innovative textual analysis techniques, the researchers developed measures of firms' exposure to physical climate risks, such as hurricanes and wildfires, as well as the 'transition risks' associated with the global shift to a low-carbon economy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investors-punish-corporations-that-take-climate-risks">Investors punish corporations that take climate risks</h2>



<p>The study's findings paint a compelling picture of the market's response to climate risks. Companies facing high transition risks, such as those stemming from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-plans-to-eliminate-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-power-plants-by-2040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions regulations</a>, tend to be valued at a discount by investors. </p>



<p>As Qing Li explains, "In recent years, overall investor attention to climate change has increased. As our research shows, companies that have high exposure to transition risk seem to be punished by markets."</p>



<p>This valuation discount, however, does not apply to companies actively working to adapt their business models and mitigate climate impacts. </p>



<p>These proactive firms demonstrate a commitment to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealthy-nations-are-making-more-progress-toward-sustainable-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable innovation</a> and maintain their research spending even as transition risks intensify.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-vs-passive-strategies">Proactive vs. passive strategies</h2>



<p>The study highlights a stark contrast between the strategies and outcomes of proactive and nonproactive firms. </p>



<p>"The divide in strategies and outcomes between proactive and nonproactive firms is quite stark," Yuehua Tang notes. </p>



<p>"Companies being transparent about their climate vulnerabilities but also demonstrating tangible responses to mitigate those risks seem to be rewarded by markets," he said.</p>



<p>While proactive companies invest in sustainable solutions and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/game-changing-invention-converts-both-co2-and-plastic-waste-into-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green technologies</a>, their passive counterparts often resort to slashing R&amp;D budgets and jobs when faced with higher climate exposure. </p>



<p>This short-sighted approach could potentially undermine their long-term competitiveness in a rapidly changing business landscape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investors-demand-corporations-disclose-climate-risks">Investors demand corporations disclose climate risks</h2>



<p>The findings of this study come at a time when investors, regulators, and activists are increasingly pressuring companies to publicly disclose their climate risks. </p>



<p>In 2024, the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SEC</a> implemented new rules requiring public corporations to report risks from climate change impacts and, in some cases, their greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<p>This push for transparency underscores the growing importance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate risk assessment</a> in informed investment decisions. </p>



<p>As investors become more attuned to the potential financial implications of climate change, companies that fail to address these risks may find themselves at a disadvantage in attracting capital.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-climate-risks-can-boost-valuations">Adapting to climate risks can boost valuations</h2>



<p>While adapting to both physical and transitional climate risks comes with costs for businesses, the study suggests that proactive efforts could actually boost valuations and preparedness. </p>



<p>By demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices and actively mitigating climate risks, companies can position themselves favorably in the eyes of investors who increasingly prioritize climate considerations.</p>



<p>As the world navigates the challenges posed by climate change, corporations must recognize the true cost of ignoring these risks. </p>



<p>By embracing transparency, innovation, and proactive strategies, companies can not only protect their bottom line but also contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for all.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-corporations-and-climate-change">More about corporations and climate change</h2>



<p>As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, corporations find themselves at the forefront of this critical battle. </p>



<p>As discussed above, corporate responsibility extends beyond mere compliance with regulations. It requires a proactive approach to reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>, adopting sustainable practices, and driving innovation in clean technologies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-carbon-footprint-is-a-corporate-imperative">Reducing carbon footprint is a corporate imperative</h3>



<p>Corporations must take decisive action to reduce their carbon footprint. This involves conducting thorough assessments of their operations, identifying areas of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high emissions</a>, and implementing strategies to mitigate them. </p>



<p>Companies should invest in energy-efficient technologies, optimize their supply chains, and transition to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-utilities-may-be-100-percent-renewable-energy-by-2060/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a> sources. </p>



<p>By setting ambitious emissions reduction targets and regularly reporting on progress, corporations demonstrate their commitment to a low-carbon future.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-sustainable-practices">Embracing sustainable practices</h3>



<p>Sustainability is no longer a mere buzzword. It's now a strategic imperative. Corporations that embrace sustainable practices not only contribute to the fight against climate change but also gain a competitive edge. </p>



<p>By integrating sustainability into their core operations, companies can reduce costs, improve resource efficiency, and enhance their brand reputation. </p>



<p>Sustainable practices also resonate with environmentally conscious consumers, who increasingly prioritize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/paper-coffee-cups-not-so-eco-friendly-after-all/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eco-friendly products</a> and services.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-corporate-research-and-development">Power of corporate research and development</h3>



<p>Corporations possess immense potential to drive innovation in clean technologies. By investing in research and development, companies can develop groundbreaking solutions to mitigate climate change. </p>



<p>From renewable energy storage to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-moisture-swing-carbon-capture-tech-sucks-co2-straight-from-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon capture</a> and sequestration, corporate-led innovations can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. </p>



<p>Collaborations between corporations, academia, and governments can further amplify the impact of these innovative efforts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engaging-stakeholders-for-a-collaborative-approach">Engaging stakeholders for a collaborative approach</h3>



<p>Effective corporate responsibility requires engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. Companies should actively collaborate with policymakers, NGOs, and local communities to develop comprehensive climate change strategies. </p>



<p>By fostering open dialogue and transparency, corporations can build trust and ensure that their actions align with the needs and expectations of society. </p>



<p>Engaging employees in sustainability initiatives can also foster a culture of environmental stewardship within the organization.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leading-by-example-causes-a-ripple-effect">Leading by example causes a ripple effect</h2>



<p>Corporations have the power to lead by example and inspire change across industries. When prominent companies take bold steps to address climate change, they set a precedent for others to follow. </p>



<p>By sharing best practices, advocating for progressive policies, and collaborating with industry peers, corporations can create a ripple effect that accelerates the global response to climate change.</p>



<p>In summary, corporate responsibility is a vital component in the fight against climate change. By reducing their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-environmental-cost-of-ai-what-are-we-willing-to-give-up-for-computing-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon footprint</a>, embracing sustainable practices, driving innovation, engaging stakeholders, and leading by example, corporations can play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future. </p>



<p>As the stakes continue to rise, it is imperative that corporations step up and take decisive action to address the climate crisis head-on.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/rfs/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/rfs/hhad094/7564223?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review of Financial Studies</a></em>.</p>



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



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Markets punish corporations that ignore climate and environmental risks

In a world grappling with the escalating impacts of climate...

<p>Scientists are ringing the alarm bells, saying that climate change, environmental destruction, disease, and shocking inequality have pushed Earth and humanity to the brink of catastrophe. They emphasize the critical need for sustainable solutions for the growing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.</p>



<p>But before you grab your survival gear and head for the hills, there's something you should know – there's still hope.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-climate-change-and-a-sustainable-reset">Earth, climate change, and a sustainable reset</h2>



<p>A group of top-tier scientists at the <a href="https://manoa.hawaii.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hawai'i at Mānoa</a>, along with experts across the globe, just released an eye-opening study. Their findings are stark:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growth-s-heavy-toll-over-centuries">Growth's heavy toll over centuries</h3>



<p>Our pursuit of unlimited economic expansion, without regard for consequences, has stressed the Earth's natural systems to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-tipping-points-report-shows-humanity-on-a-disastrous-trajectory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breaking point</a>. The planet's resources are being depleted, ecosystems are collapsing, and the climate is becoming dangerously unstable.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-inequality">Social inequality</h3>



<p>The world's richest 10% are responsible for over half of all harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a>. Meanwhile, the poorest 50% of the global population – those who have benefited the least from this growth-at-all-costs model – produce a mere 10% of emissions. </p>



<p>This imbalance highlights a system that prioritizes profits for a few over the well-being of the planet and the majority of its inhabitants.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worldwide-consequences">Worldwide consequences</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-can-flip-forests-from-carbon-sinks-to-carbon-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extreme weather</a> events, like heatwaves, floods, and droughts, are intensifying. Food supplies are becoming less reliable due to changing weather patterns, and conflicts over resources are rising. </p>



<p>As always, the most vulnerable communities, often those already facing poverty and marginalization, bear the brunt of these devastating impacts.</p>



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



<p>It's crucial to understand that the Earth isn't a collection of isolated parts. It functions as a vast, interconnected system. </p>



<p>Changes in one area, like the warming of the oceans, can trigger a cascade of effects: melting glaciers, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising sea levels</a>, more intense storms, disruptions to agriculture, and threats to coastal communities around the world.</p>



<p>For far too long, we've acted as if we could exploit the Earth's resources without consequence. We've weakened the planet through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a>, pollution, overfishing, and countless other destructive practices. The whole system is now on the verge of collapse.</p>



<p>The scientific evidence couldn't be clearer: unless we fundamentally transform our relationship with the planet, drastically and immediately, the consequences will be severe. </p>



<p>We're talking about even more extreme weather, widespread food and water shortages, escalating social conflict, and the potential displacement of millions of people. Hence, there is an urgent need for sustainable measures against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-want-to-fight-climate-change-more-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-climate-change-and-sustainability-development">Redefining climate change and sustainability development</h2>



<p>"Environmental and human health are inextricably linked,” says <a href="https://www.soest.hawaii.edu/soestwp/about/directory/david-m-karl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Karl</a>, professor of oceanography at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. "Urgent and comprehensive action is called for, including rapid decarbonization, fostering a more harmonious relationship with nature, and equitable human development."</p>



<p>Here's where things get interesting. Instead of the usual doom-and-gloom message, these scientists say it's time to completely change our mindset. What does that look like?</p>



<ul>
<li>Less greed, more green. A world obsessed with endless profits is a world with endless problems. Governments need to slash <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-chief-fossil-fuel-era-must-end-for-humanitys-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a>, stop subsidizing industries that hurt the planet, and put a brake on damaging trade deals.<br></li>



<li>Sharing is caring. The ultra-wealthy (with their private jets, mega-yachts) are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/burdens-of-climate-change-sea-level-rise-and-the-risk-of-isolation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disproportionately</a> damaging our environment. Meanwhile, the poorest half of the world barely has enough to survive. That has to change.<br></li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-based-climate-solutions-are-now-more-critical-than-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>: Not a resource, but a relative. We must shift from "what can I TAKE from Earth" to "how can I live IN HARMONY with Earth".</li>
</ul>



<p>"To avoid these consequences, we advocate a global cultural shift that elevates kinship with nature and communal well-being, underpinned by the recognition of Earth's finite resources and the interconnectedness of its inhabitants,” says Krista Hiser, professor of English at <a href="https://www.kapiolani.hawaii.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kapi'olani Community College</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-our-shared-future-navigating-climate-change-and-sustainability">Our shared future: Navigating climate change and sustainability</h2>



<p>This isn't just about scientists making demands; it's about each of us evolving. Here's the good news: signs of this shift are already happening. We need to fuel that fire.</p>



<p>Phoebe Barnard, an affiliate professor at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>, sums it up best, “The imperative is clear: to navigate away from this precipice, we must collectively harness political will, economic resources, and societal values to steer toward a future where human progress does not come at the cost of ecological integrity and social equity.”</p>



<p>Think of it as a massive upgrade to the way we live. We need:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-for-change">Education for change</h3>



<p>Understanding the complex ways our actions impact the planet is crucial for driving change. Education needs to extend beyond basic science into the realms of economics, social justice, and the interconnectedness of global systems. </p>



<p>This knowledge can empower individuals to make informed choices against <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/7-climate-change-facts-you-might-not-know/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> as consumers, voters, and advocates for a more sustainable future.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stronger-policies">Stronger policies</h3>



<p>Our current policies often prioritize short-term profits for corporations over the long-term health of the planet. Governments need to implement robust regulations that:</p>



<ul>
<li>Strictly limit pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.</li>



<li>Protect endangered ecosystems and biodiversity.</li>



<li>Invest heavily in renewable energy sources and sustainable infrastructure.</li>



<li>Hold corporations accountable for their environmental impact.</li>
</ul>



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



<p>The transition to a greener future must be financially viable. This involves:</p>



<ul>
<li>Phasing out tax breaks and subsidies that prop up fossil fuel industries.</li>



<li>Providing financial incentives for businesses that adopt sustainable practices.</li>



<li>Creating tax systems that penalize pollution and waste.</li>



<li>Investing in research and development for clean technology and green infrastructure.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-with-a-message">Art with a message</h3>



<p>Science and policy can only take us so far. We need a cultural shift in how we view our relationship with nature. Art has the power to:</p>



<ul>
<li>Spark emotional connections to the natural world.</li>



<li>Challenge consumerist values and promote a sense of ecological responsibility.</li>



<li>Envision a future in which humans and nature thrive together.</li>



<li>Inspire people to demand action from their leaders and corporations.</li>
</ul>



<p>It won't be easy, but the alternative (utter catastrophe) is unthinkable. This isn't about tree-hugging or anti-capitalism; this is about ensuring humanity has a future. </p>



<p>We have one planet, one chance. As the scientists say, let's recognize Earth as our lifeboat and start rowing in the right direction.</p>



<p>The study is published in&nbsp;<em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae106" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a></em>.</p>



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Scientists make urgent plea for sustainable solutions to save Earth and humanity

Scientists are ringing the alarm bells, saying that climate change,...

<p>In recent times, the global climate has changed in unprecedented ways. We've seen extreme events such as intense hurricanes, prolonged droughts, record-breaking heatwaves and significant Arctic ice melt. Among these phenomena, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> has garnered significant attention.</p>



<p>This climate pattern, characterized by warm waters in the eastern Pacific, leads to hotter weather worldwide. It plays a key role in causing prolonged periods of heat and heavy precipitation.</p>



<p>Interestingly, as the latest El Niño event begins to wane, a study sheds light on an unexpected player in this complex climate system: the melting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-will-soon-vanish-during-the-summer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic sea ice</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-ice-melt-to-weaken-el-nino">Arctic ice melt to weaken El Niño</h2>



<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://en.nuist.edu.cn/mainm.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University at Albany</a> and the<a href="https://en.nuist.edu.cn/mainm.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology</a> in China have embarked on an exploratory journey. </p>



<p>Their study underscores a critical connection between the melting Arctic sea ice and the intensification of El Niño events. </p>



<p>Consequently, through a meticulous analysis involving climate model simulations and observational data, the study reveals a stark revelation. </p>



<p>The ongoing interaction between melting Arctic sea ice and the atmosphere plays a pivotal role - reducing the strength of El Niño events by up to 17 percent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-arctic-ice-melt-on-el-nino-events">Impact of Arctic ice melt on El Niño Events</h2>



<p>This discovery is particularly alarming given the rapid decline of Arctic sea ice, which has been decreasing by 12.2% per decade since the late 1970s. </p>



<p>With projections indicating the potential for the Arctic to experience its first ice-free summer by 2040, the implications are profound. This situation could significantly affect future El Niño events.</p>



<p>Aiguo Dai, a distinguished professor at UAlbany's Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences and co-author of the study, emphasizes the significance of these findings. </p>



<p>"Climate models are already projecting a strengthened El Niño in the upcoming decades due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>. Our study suggests that the current climate's sea ice-air interactions significantly dampen the amplitude of El Niño events, unveiling a new facet of Arctic sea ice's impact on our climate," said Professor Dai.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-arctic-ice-in-el-nino-dynamics">Role of Arctic ice in El Niño dynamics</h2>



<p>The research team embarked on an ambitious project, utilizing the Community Earth System Model from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (<a href="https://ncar.ucar.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCAR</a>) to simulate global climate conditions over 500 years. These simulations, hosted by the UAlbany Data Center, differed only in the Arctic's sea ice-air interactions.</p>



<p>The comparison between these simulations was revealing. It showed that the presence of sea ice-air interactions reduces El Niño-related variations in the tropical Pacific Ocean's climate by about 12 to 17%. </p>



<p>This reduction is attributed to the asymmetric impacts of positive and negative sea-ice anomalies on surface fluxes. Essentially, this refers to the exchange of heat between the ocean and the atmosphere.</p>



<p>Jiechun Deng is an associate professor at Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology and the study's lead author.</p>



<p>"Our findings illuminate the critical role of sea ice-air interactions in regulating El Niño activity. This underscores the necessity for climate models to more accurately represent these interactions to better predict El Niño and its impacts in a warming world," said Professor Deng.</p>



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



<p>The study is part of a series of research efforts led by Professor Dai, focusing on the changing Arctic climate. Previous studies have explored the causes of Arctic amplification and how Arctic sea ice changes affect Atlantic temperatures. </p>



<p>"The main takeaway is that shrinking Arctic sea ice has many far-reaching climate impacts," said Professor Dai. "Understanding these consequences is crucial for grasping the full scope of global warming's impact on our planet."</p>



<p>Furthermore, adding to the body of knowledge, Dai's research echoes the findings of a 2022 study published in <em>Nature Communications</em>. This study predicted an increase in the frequency of strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forecasters-warn-of-weather-chaos-as-el-nino-arrives-early/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> events as a direct consequence of future Arctic sea ice loss.</p>



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



<p>The intricate relationship between Arctic sea ice loss and El Niño events presents a compelling facet of climate science. Moreover, it highlights the interconnectedness of our planet's climate systems.</p>



<p>As our understanding of these dynamics grows, the need to incorporate these interactions into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate models</a> becomes more evident. Only through comprehensive and accurate models can we hope to predict and mitigate the impacts of global warming. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adk3990" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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



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Melting Arctic ice weakens the strength of El Niño events

In recent times, the global climate has changed in unprecedented...

Katabatic,Winds,Encroach,On,St.,Andrews,Bay,On,South,Georgia

<p>A new study reveals that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-destroying-a-valuable-record-of-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting glaciers</a> create open landscapes that invasive plant and animal species are rapidly colonizing. These non-native invaders threaten to disrupt the island's delicate, isolated ecosystem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-species-unwanted-guests-of-glaciers">Invasive species: Unwanted guests of glaciers</h2>



<p>Invasive species are plants, animals, or even tiny microbes that are introduced to a new location, often through human activities like travel or trade. </p>



<p>When these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biological-hazard-soil-on-sea-freight-loaded-with-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-native species</a> find a favorable environment in their new home, a lack of natural predators, parasites, or competitors can allow them to reproduce rapidly and spread aggressively. </p>



<p>This uncontrolled population growth puts pressure on native species as the invaders compete for essential resources like food, water, and space. Invasive species can alter habitats, reduce biodiversity, and can even lead to the decline or extinction of native species. </p>



<p>The ecological consequences can be severe and long-lasting, fundamentally reshaping the balance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-species-use-wildfires-and-drought-as-an-opening-to-move-in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">native ecosystems</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remote-island-of-south-georgia-under-threat">Remote island of South Georgia under threat</h2>



<p>South Georgia's extreme remoteness shaped its natural world, making it both a haven for unique biodiversity and exceptionally vulnerable to disruption. </p>



<p>Its rugged, windswept landscape lies far closer to the icy expanse of Antarctica than any bustling human metropolis. </p>



<p>This profound isolation acted as a natural barrier for countless years, shielding the island from the introduction of many <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/invasive-species-plants-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potentially invasive</a> species.</p>



<p>However, this isolation was breached with the arrival of humans. During centuries of whaling and sealing activities, ships carried unintentional stowaways to South Georgia. </p>



<p>Seeds clung to cargo, rats found refuge in ships' holds, and insects remained undetected. While many of these introductions may not have been successful, some species found a foothold.</p>



<p>Now, a new threat compounds this issue: climate change is fueling the retreat of South Georgia's glaciers. This opens up newly exposed terrain, creating fresh territory that these established invasive species are poised to exploit, potentially spreading into previously untouched parts of the island's fragile ecosystem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-species-in-the-glacier">Invasive species in the glacier</h2>



<p>A team of intrepid scientists, led by Dr. Pierre Tichit from <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a>, wasn't content to just watch the ice melt. They wanted to understand what fills the void. Their study meticulously documented the plant and animal life colonizing former glacier zones. </p>



<p>In the freshest ground, just revealed by the ice, hardy pioneer plants pop up. As more time passes, a whole crew of species – mosses, insects, more complex plants – join the party.</p>



<p>"The surprise," states Dr. Tichit, "is the sheer number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/economic-time-bomb-costs-of-invasive-species-are-greatly-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strange species</a> thriving alongside native ones. Even plants from milder European climates are finding a foothold!"</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speed-of-invasive-species-in-the-glacier">Speed of invasive species in the glacier</h2>



<p>The retreat of glaciers on South Georgia, while seemingly gradual, exposes new land at an accelerating pace. This creates a crucial window of opportunity for the establishment of plant and animal life. </p>



<p>Invasive species, particularly those with a well-honed ability to exploit new environments, can capitalize on this opportunity much faster than native species.</p>



<p>The study identified two particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-hornets-so-successful-as-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aggressive invaders</a>: annual meadow grass, a common weed native to Europe, and mouse-ear chickweed. </p>



<p>These species have demonstrated a remarkable capacity for rapid colonization, outpacing all other competitors in the race to establish themselves in the newly exposed terrain left behind by receding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a>. </p>



<p>This rapid spread highlights a key characteristic of successful invasive species: their ability to quickly exploit new resources and favorable conditions. </p>



<p>Their unfettered growth can disrupt the natural processes of colonization by native species, potentially leading to long-term ecological consequences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glaciers-struggle-due-to-invasive-species">Glaciers struggle due to invasive species</h2>



<p>The initial greening of formerly barren ground might seem harmless, even positive. However, invasive species rarely play nice. They can disrupt the fragile relationships within an ecosystem. </p>



<p>Weedy invaders might choke out slower-growing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-nurseries-are-the-primary-pathway-for-introducing-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">native plants</a> that local birds or insects depend on. Introduced insects might lack predators, exploding in population and harming native species.</p>



<p>"The full consequences of this rapid invasion are yet to be understood," cautions co-researcher Dr. Paul Brickle, "but the potential for disruption in this pristine environment is a serious concern."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-glaciers-future-from-invasive-species">Protecting glaciers future from invasive species</h2>



<p>Studies like this give South Georgia, and other places facing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomsday-glacier-seems-to-have-lost-its-ability-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> retreat, a vital advantage. Understanding how invasions happen is the first step to finding ways to curb them. </p>



<p>Governments and conservation groups might implement stricter cleaning procedures for visitors' gear to prevent hitchhiking seeds. Targeted removal of the most aggressive invasive species could also protect vulnerable native ones.</p>



<p>The ice won't stop melting anytime soon. The world is changing, and ecosystems will change with it. Whether those barren fields left by glaciers turn into resilient native habitats or weedy wastelands depends, in part, on the choices we make today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-on-glaciers-beyond-invasive-species">Human impact on glaciers beyond invasive species</h2>



<p>Human activities have significantly impacted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> worldwide, beyond the introduction of invasive species. Here are key ways human actions affect glaciers:</p>



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



<p>The primary human activity affecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glaciers-living/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> is the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and the accelerated melting of glaciers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-carbon-deposition">Black carbon deposition</h3>



<p>Activities such as burning fossil fuels, wood, and biomass release black carbon (soot) into the atmosphere. When it settles on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-doomsday-glacier-is-heading-for-dramatic-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a>, it darkens their surface, increasing solar absorption and hastening melting.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deforestation">Deforestation</h3>



<p>Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. Deforestation not only releases this stored CO2 but also reduces the amount of CO2 that can be absorbed in the future, exacerbating global warming and glacier melt.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-industrial-activities">Industrial activities</h3>



<p>Industries, especially those involved in mining and drilling, can directly impact glaciers by increasing local temperatures, releasing pollutants, and physically altering glacier landscapes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recreational-activities">Recreational activities</h3>



<p>Ski resorts and other recreational facilities on or near glaciers often modify the landscape through construction and increase local pollution, contributing to glacier decline.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agricultural-practices">Agricultural practices</h3>



<p>Agriculture contributes to water pollution and the emission of greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide. Additionally, irrigation practices can alter water flow and availability, indirectly affecting glaciers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-diversion">Water diversion</h3>



<p>Large-scale water diversion projects for agriculture, hydropower, or human consumption can reduce the flow of water to glacier-fed rivers, affecting glacier mass balance and contributing to sea-level rise.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use-changes">Land use changes</h3>



<p>Urbanization and other land use changes can alter local climates and hydrological cycles, impacting glaciers indirectly through changes in precipitation patterns and temperatures.</p>



<p>The cumulative effect of these activities accelerates glacier melting, which leads to rising sea levels, altered water supplies, and changes in global climate patterns. </p>



<p>Reducing the human footprint through sustainable practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical to preserving glaciers and the ecosystems and human societies that depend on them.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/117226/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NeoBiota</a></em>.</p>



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Melting glaciers unleash invasive species into unexpected areas

A new study reveals that melting glaciers create open landscapes...

Untitled design - 1

<p>A recent breakthrough is empowering scientists to unveil the secret underground activities of microbes, shedding light on their astonishing capabilities and their vital contributions to our planet.</p>



<p>Barren landscapes in sun-scorched places like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/death-valley-may-reach-the-hottest-temperature-ever-recorded-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Death Valley, California</a> are a testament to the extremes our planet can harbor, a place where the mere concept of life seems improbable. </p>



<p>But appearances can be deceiving. Deep beneath the cracked, parched surface, scientists have opened a window into a world pulsating with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-soil-microbes-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> and their hidden activities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-activities-in-extreme-environments">Microbes activities in extreme environments</h2>



<p>Microbes, the minuscule powerhouses behind many of Earth's fundamental processes, thrive in seemingly impossible environments. From <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-are-hydrothermal-vents-an-unlikely-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrothermal vents</a> to nuclear waste sites, they have evolved remarkable adaptations. </p>



<p>But studying those living in truly extreme settings, like the depths of Death Valley, presents a special set of challenges. Researchers could look at the genetic blueprints of these microbes, but this data only revealed their potential capabilities. </p>



<p>The critical question of how active those capabilities were at a given moment -- in other words, what those microbes were actively doing to survive -- remained largely unanswered. </p>



<p>This activity level is essential for understanding their influence on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperature-fluctuations-have-reshaped-earths-water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global cycles</a> like the movement and transformation of carbon, an element crucial to life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-method-reveals-microbes-activities">New method reveals microbes activities</h2>



<p>A team of researchers at the <a href="https://www.bigelow.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences</a> has achieved a remarkable feat. They've developed a way to directly link the genetic code of individual microbes with their moment-by-moment activities. </p>



<p>This provides an unprecedented glimpse into the real-time functioning of microbes in their natural environments, like seeing how a car engine operates while it's in motion, not just while it's parked.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-genomes-to-phenomes-project">The "Genomes to Phenomes" project</h2>



<p>This innovation is the result of the bold and ambitious "<a href="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/agricultural-genome-phenome-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Genomes to Phenomes</a>" project. It's a testament to the potential for insights when experts from diverse fields – marine science, desert research, and genetics – join forces.</p>



<p>The project's power lies in its combination of cutting-edge techniques:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-single-cell-genetic-sequencing">Single-cell genetic sequencing</h3>



<p>This technique begins by isolating single microbes and deciphering their individual DNA sequences. This provides a detailed genetic blueprint, revealing the potential functions a microbe is <em>capable</em> of based on the genes it possesses. It like a parts list for a machine - we can see what the machine could potentially do, but not if it's currently switched on.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flow-cytometry">Flow cytometry</h3>



<p>Adapted from its use in medical science, flow cytometry allows researchers to analyze microbes from water samples collected in the depths. Researchers treat each microbe with a special dye that lights up under a laser during certain internal reactions.</p>



<p>The brightness of the light corresponds to how active those reactions are. This is where things get exciting because it tells us which of the 'machines' on our parts list are not just present, but are actually switched on and running.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combining-techniques">Combining techniques</h3>



<p>Previously, when studying microbes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-in-the-extreme-microbial-activity-discovered-in-old-faithful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme environments</a>, scientists were limited to just a genetic parts list. They could see what genes a microbe had, but not whether or how it was actually using them. This new method bridges that gap. </p>



<p>Now, researchers can directly measure the activity of specific microbes deep beneath the surface. This reveals which microbes are the key players in their environment and exactly what roles they play in essential processes, like breaking down and transforming carbon, impacting vast, global systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subterranean-microbial-world-activities">Subterranean microbial world activities</h2>



<p>Armed with this toolkit, the team descended nearly half a mile beneath Death Valley's surface, targeting a groundwater aquifer. </p>



<p>Lacking oxygen, this environment would be uninhabitable to most life forms. Yet, the scientists detected a community of microbes specially equipped to survive these conditions. </p>



<p>Using their method, they were able to perform a kind of microbial census, identifying not only the most abundant species, but crucially, which ones were the most active players in this underground ecosystem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-activities-of-microbe-candidatus-desulforudis-audaxviator">Activities of microbe <em>Candidatus Desulforudis audaxviator</em></h2>



<p>The research revealed one bacterium, <em>Candidatus Desulforudis audaxviator</em>, to be the star of the show. This organism has evolved to use sulfate for energy – a kind of 'breathing' that replaces the need for oxygen, giving it an edge in this oxygen-barren zone.</p>



<p>“Previously, we had to assume that all cells were operating at the same rate, but now we can see that there is a wide range of activity levels between individual members of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dormant-soil-microbes-survive-in-a-60-year-old-fire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial</a> communities,” explained Melody Lindsay, the lead researcher on the study. “That helps us understand what these microbial communities are capable of and how that might influence global biogeochemical cycles.”</p>



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



<p>Having started with oxygen-using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-involved-in-decomposition-may-help-solve-crimes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> in the ocean, the scientists are now successfully applying their method to other challenging environments. </p>



<p>From the sediments of Maine's coastline to the depths of the ocean floor, this technique is pushing the limits of our knowledge. </p>



<p>Even more excitingly, it holds the potential to inform our search for life in the subsurface environments of other planets.</p>



<p>"Right now, we’re getting all of these point measurements around the world, and they do help us better understand what microbes are up to, but we need to scale it up," said Lindsay. "So, we’re thinking about how to apply this method in new places, even potentially on other planets, in expanded ways.”</p>



<p>This method marks the beginning of an exciting new era in microbial research. The discoveries made remind us that life finds a way, even in seemingly impossible environments, and that organisms too small to see play incredibly influential roles in Earth's most fundamental processes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-knowing-microbes-activities">Broader implications of knowing microbes activities</h2>



<p>This innovative technique has broad applications, making it a powerful tool for various research areas and environments:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oceanographic-studies">Oceanographic studies </h3>



<p>The method has proven effective in subsurface land studies. It shows promise for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-deep-ocean-microbes-survive-without-sunlight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine</a> research. It's ideal for investigating microbes in deep-sea sediments and water columns. These are areas where traditional sampling struggles.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-monitoring-via-microbes-activities">Environmental monitoring via microbes activities</h3>



<p>Researchers can use this method to monitor environmental health by analyzing the microbial communities and their activity levels in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-urchin-larvae-cannot-survive-in-water-polluted-with-plastic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polluted water</a> sources or soils. This could help in assessing the impact of contaminants or changes in environmental conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astrobiology">Astrobiology</h3>



<p>The technique's ability to identify and analyze life forms in extreme environments makes it promising for astrobiology, especially in the search for life on other planets or moons within our solar system that have subsurface oceans or ice layers, like Europa or Enceladus.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medical-and-biotechnological-research">Medical and biotechnological research</h3>



<p>While not its initial application, the method's principles could be adapted for studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-microbes-from-earth-could-survive-the-conditions-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial</a> communities in the human body or in industrial processes. This could improve understanding of microbiomes' roles in health, disease, or biodegradation.</p>



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



<p>By examining how microbes in various environments respond to changes in conditions, researchers can gain insights into how global warming and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-soil-microbes-could-revolutionize-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> factors affect microbial-driven processes like decomposition and carbon cycling.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="http://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2309636121">Proceedings of the National Academy of Science</a><a href="https://www.pnas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">s</a></em>.</p>



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Microbes' activities underground are no longer a mystery thanks to new technology

A recent breakthrough is empowering scientists to unveil the secret...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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>



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
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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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<p>-----</p>

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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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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