<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.



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.



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



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>). 



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



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



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.



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



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. 



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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. 



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.



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.



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



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>. 



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.



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.



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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



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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...

Glacier,Stream,In,Greenland,-,East,Greenland,Has,Many,Glaciers

Researchers made a surprising discovery regarding Greenland's impact on the global methane budget, challenging the long-held notion of the Arctic as a potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-seas-release-more-methane-from-wetlands-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> bomb due to climate change. 



The study from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>, conducted by the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, reveals that Greenland's dry landscapes absorb more methane than its wet areas emit, making it a net methane sink rather than a source.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-the-methane-dynamics-of-greenland">Uncovering the methane dynamics of Greenland</h2>



Greenland's unique position in the methane cycle comes from its dry, ice-free landscapes, which, since 2000, have been absorbing over 65,000 tons of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> annually, in stark contrast to the 9,000 tons released by its wet areas. 



This discovery is attributed to the island's sparse dry landscapes and relatively recent ice-free status post the last ice age, which left it with minimal carbon deposits that could turn into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-finalizes-ambitious-rule-to-slash-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane emissions</a>.



"This is partly due to Greenland’s widespread dry landscapes, where methane from the atmosphere is consumed into the upper layers of soil, and partly because the ice-free parts of Greenland have only been without ice since the last ice age, meaning that they never stored much carbon, which could lead to large methane emissions, as can be measured elsewhere in the Arctic," says Professor Bo Elberling, who led the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outsized-role-played-by-microbes">Outsized role played by microbes</h2>



The key players in this process are specialized microorganisms residing in the upper soil layers of Arctic terrains. 



These microbes convert atmospheric methane into carbon dioxide -- a greenhouse gas with a significantly lesser warming effect -- thereby contributing positively to climate dynamics. 



This microbial action not only highlights the crucial role of biological factors in the methane cycle but also underlines the importance of soil conditions such as nutrient availability, acidity, and the presence of copper for optimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> uptake.



First author Ludovica D'Imperio emphasizes the study's contribution to understanding the delicate balance of methane emissions and absorptions in polar regions. 



"Our work also sheds light on the conditions that, in addition to the climate, are crucial for methane uptake in Greenland. Based on our statistical model, we can conclude that it depends on the presence of the right microorganisms, soil acidity and copper -- knowledge that we were previously uncertain about," D'Imperio explains.



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



The team's findings point to a potential increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-methane-leaks-discovered-in-the-baltic-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> uptake as Greenland's climate continues to evolve, offering a silver lining amidst the broader challenges of global climate change.



However, the researchers caution against overestimating Greenland's role in the global methane budget. 



"Our research and that of others in the field helps to increase our understanding of the complex processes that are critical for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-fire-ice-unleashes-deep-methane-from-beneath-the-seafloor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global methane</a> budget," Elberling says. 



"The budgets will be used both now and in the future to develop models that can provide a more accurate picture of the significance of global methane uptake," he explained further.



Despite its contribution to reducing atmospheric methane, Greenland's impact is relatively small compared to the vast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-lakes-produce-less-methane-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane sources</a> in other parts of the Arctic and globally, particularly in Siberian wetlands.



"We had just managed to demonstrate that methane uptake occurs in dry Siberian soils as well, but more studies will be needed in Siberia to provide a methane budget similar to what we now have for Greenland," says Elberling.



"Still, we have advanced considerably with similar studies in cold regions in Tibet, for example, where measurements indicate a similar conclusion as for Greenland. But the work has only just begun to understand the variation in this uptake of methane and its significance for the global methane budget," Elberling concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-greenland-s-methane-discovery">Implications of Greenland's methane discovery</h2>



The significance of these findings extends beyond Greenland, prompting further research into similar phenomena in other cold regions like Tibet. 



Such studies are vital for developing accurate models to predict <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-methane-detection-method-will-expose-super-emitters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global methane</a> dynamics, a crucial factor in climate change mitigation strategies.



In summary, while yielded surprising insights into Greenland's unexpected role in mitigating methane emissions, it also underscores the ongoing need to reduce human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. 



By providing a more nuanced understanding of natural methane budgets, research such as this enhances our ability to model and predict the complex processes affecting the global climate system, reaffirming the importance of continuous scientific inquiry into Earth's changing environment.



The research is published in the scientific journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-023-01143-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Greenland absorbs more methane than it emits, surprising scientists

Researchers made a surprising discovery regarding Greenland's impact on the...

A new study released today by the University of Utah provides further evidence of the profound effects that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peoples-love-of-nature-is-both-learned-and-inherited-genetically/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a> walks have on the human brain.



The research by psychologists <a href="https://psych.utah.edu/people/postdoctoral-fellows/mcdonnell-amy.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amy McDonnell</a> and <a href="https://faculty.utah.edu/u0034550-DAVID_LEE_STRAYER/research/index.hml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Strayer</a> was executed within the serene Red Butte Garden of the university, leverages electroencephalography (EEG) technology. 



This method, involving small discs attached to the scalp, precisely records the brain's electrical activity. The focus? To assess how nature influences our attentional capacities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-walks-and-cognitive-enhancement">Nature walks and cognitive enhancement</h2>



McDonnell and Strayer's research offers compelling evidence that a walk in nature enhances certain executive control processes in the brain above and beyond the benefits associated with exercise. 



This study adds a significant layer to the growing body of research emphasizing the role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-walks-help-relieve-work-related-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural environments</a> in enhancing both physical and mental health. 



It's a topic gaining momentum, underscored by the University of Utah's establishment of the <a href="https://www.natureandhealthutah.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature and Human Health Utah</a> research group, dedicated to exploring the human-nature connection and addressing the widening gap between them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-nature-connection-a-theoretical-perspective">Human-nature connection: A theoretical perspective</h2>



The theory of biophilia lies at the heart of their research. Strayer, a psychology professor, elaborates.



“There's an idea called <a href="https://www.planteriagroup.com/blog/biophilia-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biophilia</a> that basically says that our evolution over hundreds of thousands of years has got us to have more of a connection or a love of natural living things,” said Strayer. 



“And our modern urban environment has become this dense urban jungle with cell phones and cars and computers and traffic, just the opposite of that kind of restorative environment.”



This concept has far-reaching implications, particularly as our modern lifestyle increasingly diverges from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experiencing-awe-in-nature-has-a-powerful-effect-on-emotional-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>, potentially jeopardizing our health.



Strayer, known for his impactful research on multitasking and the distractions of cellphone use while driving, has, over the past decade, pivoted his focus to understanding nature's influence on cognition. 



This latest study forms part of McDonnell’s doctoral dissertation in Strayer's <a href="https://appliedcognition.psych.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied Cognition Lab</a>. McDonnell, now a postdoctoral fellow, continues her pursuit of this intriguing area of research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-how-the-brain-responds-to-nature-walks">Studying how the brain responds to nature walks</h2>



Conducted between April and October 2022, the study involved 92 participants. Each participant, before and after undertaking a 40-minute walk, had their EEG data meticulously recorded. 



Intriguingly, the study featured two distinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-can-drastically-improve-your-health-without-thousands-of-daily-steps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walking</a> environments: the leafy Red Butte, an arboretum nestled in the university's foothills, and a contrasting asphalt-dominated medical campus nearby.



The study's methodology was particularly striking. 



“We start out by having participants do a really draining cognitive task in which they count backwards from 1,000 by sevens, which is really hard,” McDonnel said. 



“No matter how good you are at mental math, it gets pretty draining after 10 minutes. And then right after that, we give them an attention task.”



The study methodically depleted participants' attentional reserves through the "Attention Network Task," followed by a walk in different environments -- all without the distraction of electronic devices or conversation. 



Participants were randomly assigned to walk either through the lush arboretum along Red Butte Creek or the urban landscape of the adjacent University of Utah medical campus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key findings on nature's cognitive benefits</h2>



“The participants that had walked in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-increased-well-being-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a> showed an improvement in their executive attention on that task, whereas the urban walkers did not, so then we know it's something unique about the environment that you're walking in,” McDonnell said. 



“We know exercise benefits executive attention as well, so we want to make sure both groups have comparable amounts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-quick-daily-walk-reduces-the-risk-of-early-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise</a>.”



What sets this study apart is its use of electroencephalography (EEG) data instead of relying solely on subjective surveys and self-reporting. 



“This is probably one of the most rigorous studies in terms of controlling for and making sure that it's really the exposure in Red Butte” resulting in the observed cognitive effects, Strayer said.



Participants were fitted with specialized caps holding 32 electrodes, using a gel to ensure contact with the scalp. 



Strayer emphasizes the precision of this EEG method, saying, “It has electrodes that are placed all over the surface of the scalp. It records really very, very small voltages, but it's an active electrode system that provides beautiful brain maps.”



These maps revealed crucial components of attention -- alerting, orienting, and executive control -- with the latter being particularly enhanced in participants who walked in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-nature-calming-meditation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural settings</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Insights on executive control</h2>



Executive control, vital for functions like working memory, decision-making, and problem-solving, occurs in the brain’s prefrontal cortex. 



“The kinds of things that we do on an everyday basis tend to heavily use those executive attentional networks,” Strayer said. “It's important in concentration and especially, so it's an essential component of higher order thinking.”



The study found that while there was little difference in alertness and orientation between the two groups, those who walked in nature demonstrated improved executive control.



The research team aims to further refine their findings to identify which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/notice-nature-boost-happiness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural settings</a> offer optimal cognitive benefits and the necessary exposure duration. 



Strayer envisions practical applications, positing, "If you understand something about what's making us mentally and physically healthier, you could then potentially engineer our cities so that they supported that."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How cellphones impact nature walking</h2>



The team is now investigating how cellphone use affects cognitive responses in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-improved-mental-health-of-children-during-lockdown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural environments</a>. 



Strayer, who also studies the impact of distraction, especially from cellphones while driving, sees a connection between the two areas of research. 



“It’s where the prefrontal cortex is overloaded, overstimulated, and you make all kinds of dangerous mistakes when you're multitasking behind the wheel,” he said. 



“But the antidote to that is being out in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-positive-body-image/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural environment</a>, leave the phone in your pocket and then go out and walk the trails. The parts of the brain that have been overused during the daily commute are restored. You see and think more clearly,” Strayer concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-research">Implications and future research</h2>



In summary, the University of Utah's important study offers compelling evidence of nature's profound impact on the human brain. 



Utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) to meticulously analyze the brain's response to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colorful-urban-environments-promote-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural environments</a>, this research underscores the significant cognitive benefits of spending time in nature. 



It not only reaffirms the age-old wisdom of John Muir and Henry David Thoreau that "Time spent in nature is good for the heart and soul," but also offers advice for future urban planning and lifestyle adjustments that prioritize our intrinsic connection to nature. 



This study serves as a crucial reminder of the restorative power of the natural world, emphasizing the need to integrate these elements into our increasingly urbanized lives for enhanced mental and physical well-being.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-52205-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Nature walking proven to significantly boost brain health and functioning

A new study released today by the University of Utah...

Recent research has unearthed alarming findings about trees' diminishing ability to "breathe" and combat climate change by storing CO2. 



Contrary to previous beliefs, trees in warmer and drier climates struggle to absorb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> (CO2), posing a serious threat to our efforts in mitigating global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-reality-trees-are-coughing-co2">Alarming reality: Trees are "coughing" CO2</h2>



Max Lloyd, Assistant Research Professor of Geosciences at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> and the study's lead author, elucidates this worrying trend. 



“Trees in warmer, drier climates are essentially coughing instead of breathing. They are sending CO2 right back into the atmosphere far more than trees in cooler, wetter conditions,” he explains.



Trees typically remove CO2 from the air through photosynthesis, using it to grow. However, stressful conditions like high temperatures and limited water supply trigger a reverse process called photorespiration, where trees release <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-levels-linked-to-cascading-effects-that-last-for-millennia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> back into the atmosphere. 



The Penn State team, through a comprehensive analysis of global tree tissue data, discovered that photorespiration rates are up to twice as high in warmer climates, particularly when water scarcity is a factor. 



This reaction starts to occur when average daytime temperatures exceed about 68 degrees Fahrenheit and intensifies with rising temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-plants-role-in-carbon-sequestration">Rethinking plants' role in carbon sequestration</h2>



This revelation challenges the widespread assumption about plants' role in carbon sequestration. 



“We have knocked this essential cycle off balance. Plants and climate are inextricably linked. The biggest draw down of CO2 from our atmosphere is photosynthesizing organisms," Lloyd points out. 



"It’s a big knob on the composition of the atmosphere, so that means small changes have a large impact.”



Currently, plants and trees absorb roughly 25% of the CO2 emitted by human activities annually, according to the <a href="https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainsthe-carbon-cycle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Energy</a>. 



However, Lloyd warns that this percentage is likely to decrease as the climate warms, particularly if water becomes scarcer.



Lloyd highlights a significant tradeoff, explaining, “When we think about climate futures, we predict that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunlight-may-be-the-secret-weapon-for-direct-co2-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> will go up, which in theory is good for plants because those are the molecules they breathe in." 



He continues, "But we’ve shown there will be a tradeoff that some prevailing models don’t account for. The world will be getting warmer, which means plants and trees will be less able to draw down that CO2.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-method-for-studying-photorespiration">New method for studying photorespiration</h2>



The study also introduces a novel method for tracking <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/engineering-plants-that-can-beat-the-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photorespiration</a> in trees. 



The team discovered that variations in certain isotopes within wood, specifically in methoxyl groups, act as indicators of photorespiration rates. 



You can think of isotopes as varieties of atoms. Just as you might have vanilla and chocolate versions of ice cream, atoms can have different isotopes with their own unique 'flavors' due to variations in their mass.



To observe photorespiration trends, the team actively examined the methoxyl isotope "flavors" in wood samples from approximately thirty tree specimens. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-the-future-understanding-the-past">Predicting the future, understanding the past</h2>



These specimens, representing a diverse range of climates and conditions from across the globe, originated from an extensive archive at the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a>. 



This archive houses hundreds of wood samples, meticulously collected during the 1930s and 40s, providing a rich resource for the study.



“The database was originally used to train foresters how to identify trees from different places around the world, so we repurposed it to essentially reconstruct these forests to see how well they were taking in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-plants-are-absorbing-more-human-produced-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a>,” Lloyd said.



This breakthrough in methodology allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how trees have responded to past climates and how they might react in the future. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-ancient-climate-secrets">Unearthing ancient climate secrets</h2>



Previously, assessing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stimulating-photorespiration-crop-yields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photorespiration</a> rates was limited to living plants or well-preserved specimens. 



Now, this new approach using wood enables researchers to predict future tree behavior and to delve into the historical data.



Looking ahead, the team plans to extend their research to fossilized wood, aiming to uncover photorespiration rates from tens of millions of years ago. 



This will help test hypotheses about the historical interplay between plant photorespiration and climate.



As Lloyd, a geologist by trade, puts it, “We may have to go back millions of years to better understand what our future might look like.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-co2-and-climate-change">Trees, CO2, and climate change</h2>



In summary, Penn State's disturbing study, led by Max Lloyd, fundamentally alters our understanding of the role trees play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-co2-super-emitters-are-led-by-the-u-s-and-china/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> sequestration and mitigating climate change. 



Lloyd's research reveals that trees in warmer, drier climates contribute less to carbon sequestration, challenging previous assumptions about their role as natural carbon sinks. 



This shift in perspective, underpinned by innovative methods to analyze photorespiration rates in trees, emphasizes the urgency of reassessing our strategies in combating global warming. 



As the climate continues to change, this study underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to understanding the complex relationship between plants and the atmosphere, guiding future efforts towards more effective climate action. 



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2306736120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Trees are struggling to "breathe" and store CO2 as the climate warms

Recent research has unearthed alarming findings about trees' diminishing ability...

In a study released just ahead of World Wetlands Day, experts have re-evaluated the vital role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-mangroves-could-help-countries-meet-their-climate-goals/">mangroves</a> and salt marshes in carbon sequestration. The researchers determined that these tidal landscapes are far more effective in mitigating climate change than previously recognized.&nbsp;



According to the study, led by Gloria Reithmaier at the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a>, these wetland ecosystems are perhaps twice as effective at capturing carbon as expected. This means that tidal landscapes can provide a much-needed boost in the fight against climate change.



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



According to the United Nations, even though wetlands cover only around six percent of Earth’s land surface, 40 percent of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands.&nbsp;



"Wetland biodiversity matters for our health, our food supply, for tourism and for jobs. Wetlands are vital for humans, for other ecosystems and for our climate, providing essential ecosystem services, such as water regulation, including flood control and water purification," said the UN.



"More than a billion people across the world depend on wetlands for their livelihoods - that’s about one in eight people on Earth."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-storage-nbsp">Carbon storage&nbsp;</h2>



Mangroves and salt marshes, frequently inundated by tides, have long been acknowledged for their ability to store large amounts of carbon dioxide in both their biomass and the muddy soils beneath them.&nbsp;



Recognizing their value, several governments around the world have initiated blue carbon market initiatives aimed at incentivizing the restoration and preservation of these critical ecosystems, drawing parallels to efforts aimed at protecting rainforests for their carbon storage capabilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-potential-nbsp">Unexpected potential&nbsp;</h2>



The latest findings from the University of Gothenburg, however, shine a light on a previously overlooked aspect of these ecosystems' capacity to combat climate change.&nbsp;



”We have uncovered additional stored carbon in mangrove forests and salt marshes. Our new findings show that much of the carbon is exported to the ocean bound as bicarbonate as the tide recedes and remains dissolved in the ocean for thousands of years," said study co-author Gloria Reithmaier.



The bicarbonate plays a crucial role in stabilizing the ocean's pH levels and potentially reducing ocean acidification, noted Reithmaier. This is particularly important considering the ocean's role in supporting diverse marine life with the carbonate and bicarbonate ions needed for shell and coral skeleton formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intertidal-carbon-transport-nbsp">Intertidal carbon transport&nbsp;</h2>



To quantify the extent of this carbon sequestration, Reithmaier and her team collaborated with scientists from 12 different countries to analyze intertidal carbon transport in a comprehensive study covering 45 mangrove swamps and 16 salt marshes.&nbsp;



The research team accounted for the bicarbonate export from the tidal landscapes to the ocean, effectively doubling the previously estimated size of the carbon sink provided by these wetlands.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-results">Remarkable results</h2>



”Our results showed that bicarbonate exports were equal to, or even surpassed, the amount of carbon stored in the soil. Therefore, previous estimates of these blue carbon sources have underestimated the potential of mangroves and salt marshes to mitigate climate change," said Reithmaier.



”Our results show that blue carbon ecosystems are more effective in mitigating climate change than previously thought. It is now even more important to protect and restore mangrove and salt marsh ecosystems.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endangered-ecosystems">Endangered ecosystems</h2>



In the face of escalating environmental crises, wetlands stand out as one of the most critically imperiled habitats on our planet. Recent assessments have highlighted an alarming trend: wetlands are vanishing at a rate thrice that of forests, making them Earth’s most endangered ecosystem.&nbsp;



Over the past five decades, since 1970, we have witnessed a staggering loss of 35% of the world's wetlands. This revelation underscores a pressing need for a global reevaluation of how we perceive and manage these vital ecological areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-wetlands-day-nbsp">World Wetlands Day&nbsp;</h2>



World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on February 2nd. This day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (also known as the Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971. The purpose of World Wetlands Day is to raise public awareness about the importance and value of wetlands to humanity and the planet.



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



Each year, World Wetlands Day focuses on a specific theme to highlight particular aspects of wetlands or related issues. This year's theme is - Wetlands and human well-being.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance">Significance</h3>



Wetlands, often undervalued and misunderstood, are in fact indispensable to both the environment and human well-being. They provide a range of ecosystem services including water purification, flood protection, carbon sequestration, and support for biodiversity.&nbsp;



Furthermore, these ecosystems are a source of livelihood for millions of people worldwide, offering jobs, income, and food security. Despite their importance, wetlands have been subjected to relentless pressures from human activities, leading to their rapid decline and degradation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wetland-destruction-nbsp">Wetland destruction&nbsp;</h3>



The primary drivers behind the loss of wetlands are manifold and complex. Rapid human population growth, unsustainable production and consumption patterns, and technological advancements have exerted significant stress on these ecosystems. Additionally, the adverse impacts of climate change have further exacerbated the vulnerability of wetlands.&nbsp;



Human-induced activities such as drainage and infilling for agriculture and construction projects, pollution, overfishing, overexploitation of resources, the introduction of invasive species, and the overarching threat of climate change have all contributed to the accelerating rate of wetland destruction.



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



This decline in wetland areas is not just a loss of natural habitats but also a direct threat to global biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The indicators of negative trends in biodiversity and ecosystem health are stark, with projections showing that these trends are likely to continue unless there is a significant shift in how we address these challenges.



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



One of the most significant barriers to wetland conservation is the prevailing mindset that views these areas as wastelands rather than critical sources of life and prosperity. This misperception has led to a vicious cycle of wetland loss, threatened livelihoods, and deepening poverty. The challenge lies in changing this mindset to recognize the true value of wetlands. There is an urgent need for governments and communities to shift their priorities and implement policies and practices that protect and restore wetlands.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awareness">Awareness</h3>



Education and awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in highlighting the importance of wetlands. Policy reforms that integrate wetland conservation into national and international environmental agendas are imperative.&nbsp;



Additionally, sustainable management practices that balance economic development with ecological preservation must be adopted to halt and reverse the trend of wetland loss.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-issue-nbsp">Addressing the issue&nbsp;</h3>



The loss of wetlands is a global issue with far-reaching implications for biodiversity, climate stability, and human well-being. Addressing this challenge demands a collective and strategic response that values wetlands for the myriad benefits they provide.&nbsp;



By promoting a greater appreciation for these vital ecosystems and taking decisive action to protect them, we can ensure that wetlands continue to thrive for generations to come.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44037-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.&nbsp;



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World Wetlands Day: The hidden potential of tidal landscapes

In a study released just ahead of World Wetlands Day,...

A,Man,Entered,Into,The,Water,Of,A,Flooded,Orchard

As relentless storms cause widespread flooding across California, a study led by researchers from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> and co-authored by <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a> geographer Katy Serafin sheds light on the driving force behind the torrential downpours: atmospheric rivers.



Analyzing 30 years of weather and economic loss data, the team discovered that when atmospheric rivers occur sequentially, the economic damage more than triples the expected losses compared to standalone events. 



These findings surpass initial expectations, showing the negative impacts of consecutive atmospheric rivers when they strike around the globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rivers-in-the-atmosphere">Rivers in the atmosphere</h2>



These elongated regions, often described as "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/projected-atmospheric-rivers-could-drench-east-asia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers in the sky</a>," are responsible for transporting a large portion of water vapor outside the tropics. 



Their strength varies, with the average river carrying water vapor roughly equivalent to the flow at the mouth of the Mississippi River. 



In extreme cases, they can transport up to 15 times that quantity. Upon landfall, they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-sky-prevent-the-seasonal-recovery-of-arctic-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">release moisture</a> as rain or snow.



While atmospheric rivers contribute approximately half of California’s annual precipitation and replenish the state’s snowpack, they can also be associated with extreme events that lead to catastrophic damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-management-nbsp">Water management&nbsp;</h2>



The study, published January 19 in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adi7905" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, highlights atmospheric rivers’ crucial role in providing up to half the region’s annual water while emphasizing the challenge of managing <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/simultaneous-atmospheric-rivers-over-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">substantial water delivery</a> in short time spans.



“When it rains, it can take a while for that rain to move through a watershed naturally, and in many places, we also trap water in reservoirs for use during dry conditions for irrigation and other purposes,” Serafin said. 



“Emergency and water managers are constantly balancing flood risks with water shortage needs, especially in <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/atmospheric-river-drenches-california/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">states like California</a> where you move between exceptionally dry and exceptionally wet years.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-losses-from-atmospheric-rivers">Economic losses from atmospheric rivers</h2>



Serafin, now an assistant professor in the Department of Geography, mentored lead author Corinne Bowers while a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford. 



She continued as an advisor throughout Bowers’ completion of her PhD last year. Together with co-author Jack Baker, they aimed to better understand a correlation in previous studies.



In their initial research effort, they found that stronger atmospheric rivers (rated on a scale of 1 to 5) led to higher economic losses in California.



The researchers noted a significant trend in median flood losses but emphasized a wide range around each median. 



“For example, prior research found that a category 3 or 4 event could produce losses between $10,000 to over $1 billion across the state,” Serafin said. 



“A <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/simultaneous-atmospheric-rivers-over-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">category 5 event</a> could produce losses between about $5 million to over $1 billion.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consecutive-events">Consecutive events</h2>



Based on anecdotal evidence and recent events, the team hypothesized that consecutive atmospheric river events might be <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more damaging</a> than isolated, single events -- contrary to the traditional categorization of losses.



“We’re generally really worried about individual large events that cause hazards and how these events might change in the future -- this applies not only to atmospheric rivers but also to hurricanes, which maybe we’re a little more familiar with here in Florida,” Serafin said.



She recalls the exacerbating impacts felt across the state in the 2022 hurricane season, when Hurricanes Ian and Nicole packed a double punch to coastlines within six weeks of each other, causing major dune erosion and widespread structural damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-impact-of-atmospheric-rivers">Global impact of atmospheric rivers</h2>



Serafin cautions that while compounding weather events is a hot topic right now, and a lot of research has examined clusters of events and their formation, there is less focus on demonstrating the overall impacts of these events.



“Our results further add to the necessity of viewing flood risks from atmospheric rivers in a broad lens, taking into account what has happened over the past few weeks to months with current forecasts and predictions,” she explained.



The researchers hope their findings can provide a new perspective to help the broader public better prepare for flood risks by clearly communicating the compound nature of these risks.



“Our work really shows that we need to consider the likelihood for multiple, back-to-back events for predicting damages, because damage from multiple events could be far worse than from one event alone,” Serafin concluded.



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



As discussed above, atmospheric rivers are long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that transport most of the moisture from the tropics towards the poles. 



These ribbons of vapor can carry an amount of water vapor roughly equivalent to the average flow of water at the mouth of the Mississippi River. 



When these moisture-laden air masses hit a landmass, they often release this water in the form of rain or snow, significantly affecting the weather patterns of the regions they pass over.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-atmospheric-rivers-in-climate-and-weather">Role of atmospheric rivers in climate and weather</h3>



Scientists study atmospheric rivers to understand their impact on climate and weather. These systems play a crucial role in distributing heat and moisture around the planet, which are essential components for weather systems. 



As mentioned previously, these extreme weather events can lead to beneficial rain or snow that replenishes water supplies and supports agriculture. 



However, when atmospheric rivers make landfall, they can also cause extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall that leads to flooding, landslides, and other hazardous conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparation-and-impact-mitigation">Preparation and impact mitigation</h3>



The research into atmospheric rivers helps meteorologists predict these events more accurately, allowing for better preparation and mitigation of their potential impacts. 



For instance, forecasting the path and intensity of an atmospheric river can help communities prepare for possible flooding, safeguarding lives and property.



Understanding atmospheric rivers is also vital for water management. Regions that depend on the precipitation from these systems for their water supply need accurate forecasts to manage their resources effectively. 



This is especially true in places like California, where atmospheric rivers are a major source of the annual precipitation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-technology-improves-forecasting-efforts">New technology improves forecasting efforts</h3>



Efforts to monitor and study atmospheric rivers, like the study discussed above led by Katy Serafin, have increased in recent years, thanks to advancements in satellite technology and atmospheric science. 



These tools allow scientists to track these phenomena more accurately, leading to improved weather forecasts and climate models.



In summary, atmospheric rivers are a critical component of the Earth's weather and climate system. They play a significant role in shaping weather patterns, influencing water resources, and affecting the lives of people around the world. 



As our understanding of these dynamic systems improves, so does our ability to prepare for and respond to the challenges they present.



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Consecutive atmospheric rivers cause far more damage

As relentless storms cause widespread flooding across California, a study...

Landscape,Of,The,Arctic,Tundra,In,Summer.,Rivers,,Lakes,,Northern

Recent research sheds unprecedented light on the Arctic's delicate balance, revealing the pivotal role of permafrost in sculpting the region's river systems and its potential impact on global carbon emissions under the threat of climate change. 



This study, spearheaded by <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth College</a>, marks a significant advancement in our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-dipole-the-atmospheric-pattern-shaping-our-future-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic landscapes</a>, with profound implications for our approach to environmental stewardship and climate policy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frozen-menace-permafrost-and-arctic-rivers">Frozen menace: Permafrost and Arctic rivers</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-traveling-pathogens-from-melting-permafrost-pose-great-risk-to-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Permafrost</a>, a dense layer of soil that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years, dictates why Arctic rivers are confined to narrower and shallower valleys compared to their southern counterparts. 



This discovery is pivotal, shedding light on the nuanced interactions between the Earth's surface and its climatic forces.



However, the study also raises concerns about the vulnerability of permafrost in the face of global warming. 



The researchers estimate that for every 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) increase in global temperature, the carbon released from thawing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> soil could equate to the annual emissions of 35 million cars. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delicate-balance-of-arctic-landscapes">Delicate balance of Arctic landscapes</h2>



This potential release of carbon, as permafrost weakens and polar waterways expand, may trigger a feedback loop of warming, exacerbating the release of greenhouse gases.



<a href="https://jmdelvecchio.github.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joanmarie Del Vecchio</a>, the study's lead author, explains, "The whole surface of the Earth is in a tug of a war between processes such as hillslopes that smooth the landscape and forces like rivers that carve them up." 



Del Vecchio, who spearheaded this research during her tenure as a Neukom Postdoctoral Fellow at Dartmouth, alongside advisors <a href="https://earthsciences.dartmouth.edu/people/marisa-c-palucis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marisa Palucis</a> and <a href="https://engineering.dartmouth.edu/community/faculty/colin-meyer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colin Meyer</a>, highlights the complexity of predicting outcomes when freeze-thaw cycles are involved. 



The balance between these forces could either sequester carbon within the soil or release it into the atmosphere, significantly impacting climate change dynamics.



"We understand the physics on a fundamental level, but when things start freezing and thawing, it's hard to predict which side is going to win," Del Vecchio said. 



Explaining further, "If hillslopes win, they're going to bury all that carbon trapped in the soil. But if things get warm and suddenly river channels start to win, we're going to see a large amount of carbon get released into the atmosphere. That will likely create this warming feedback loop that leads to the release of more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a>."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unifying-factor-in-arctic-watersheds">Unifying factor in Arctic watersheds</h2>



This research was inspired by Del Vecchio's observations during a 2019 fieldwork expedition in Alaska. Ascending from a riverside worksite, she was struck by the dominance of hillslopes over river channels, a landscape seemingly shaped by temperature variations. 



"It seemed like the hillslopes were winning and the channels were losing," Del Vecchio said. "We wanted to test whether it was temperature shaping this landscape. We're very lucky to have had the amount of surface and digital elevation data that's been produced in the past few years. We couldn't have done this study a few years ago."



With the advent of sophisticated surface and digital elevation data in recent years, the team embarked on a comprehensive analysis, examining over 69,000 watersheds across the Northern Hemisphere, from the Tropic of Cancer to the North Pole. 



Utilizing satellite and climate data, they assessed the rivers' channel networks within their watersheds, alongside the steepness of river valleys.



Their findings were revealing: 47% of the watersheds studied are influenced by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-traveling-pathogens-exposing-the-dangers-of-melting-permafrost/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permafrost</a>. These areas exhibit deeper and steeper river valleys, with 20% less of their landscape occupied by river channels compared to temperate watersheds. 



This uniformity exists despite varying factors like glacial history, topography, precipitation, and others that typically influence the interplay of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blowing-snow-plays-an-important-role-in-arctic-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water and land</a>. It underscores a crucial point: Arctic watersheds are primarily shaped by permafrost.



"Any way we sliced it, regions with larger, more plentiful river channels are warmer with a higher average temperature and less permafrost," Del Vecchio elaborated. "You need a lot more water to carve valleys in areas with permafrost."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-releasing-permafrost-carbon-into-arctic-rivers">Releasing permafrost carbon into Arctic rivers</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/will-the-arctic-become-a-battleground-for-resource-extraction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> has experienced a warming of over 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) above pre-industrial levels, significantly impacting the permafrost and, consequently, the carbon stored within. 



The research team estimates that the gradual thawing of Arctic permafrost could release between 22 billion and 432 billion tons of carbon dioxide by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions are curbed. 



Without emission reductions, the release could soar to as much as 550 billion tons, juxtaposed against the 36 billion tons of carbon dioxide from energy consumption recorded in 2022, a historical peak.



Marisa Palucis, reflecting on her Arctic research trips, shared insights into the delicate balance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-new-clues-about-rapid-arctic-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic landscape</a>. 



She recounted witnessing the dramatic break-off of a chunk of bedrock, an event triggered by the seemingly minor act of water flow, emphasizing the profound impact even small changes can have on this cold-adapted environment. 



"This is a landscape that is adapted to colder conditions, so when you change it, even a small amount of water flowing through rock is sufficient to cause substantial change," Palucis remarked, illustrating the vulnerability of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-could-speed-up-global-2c-temperature-rise-by-eight-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> to climatic shifts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-arctic-climate-dynamics">Understanding Arctic climate dynamics</h2>



Palucis also noted the broader implications for our understanding of Arctic landscapes, comparing current knowledge to that of temperate landscapes a century ago. 



"Our understanding of Arctic landscapes is more or less where we were with temperate landscapes 100 years ago," she stated, stressing that existing models for temperate watersheds cannot be directly applied to polar regions. This realization opens new avenues for research and understanding of these unique environments.



Adding historical context, Del Vecchio mentioned sediment cores from the Arctic that indicate extensive soil runoff and carbon deposits from around 10,000 years ago, suggesting that the region was much warmer in the past. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-unknown-future-of-a-warming-arctic">The unknown future of a warming Arctic</h2>



This historical evidence, combined with current observations, suggests an increasing trend of water channels in a warming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracking-arctic-climate-change-is-much-more-difficult-since-russia-invaded-ukraine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a>, yet the full impact of rapid temperature increases on these landscapes remains uncertain.



"We have some evidence from the past that a lot of sediment was released into the ocean when there was warming," Del Vecchio said, encapsulating this uncertainty. 



"And now we have a snapshot from our paper showing the Arctic will get more water channels as it gets warmer. But none of that is the same as saying, 'This is what happens when you take a cold landscape and turn up the temperature real fast.' I don't think we know how it will change."



In summary, this research underscores the intricate relationship between permafrost, river systems, and climate change in the Arctic. 



As permafrost thaws, releasing previously trapped carbon into the atmosphere, the consequences extend beyond the Arctic, contributing to global climate change. 



The observations and insights from Dartmouth's study serve as a crucial step towards understanding and potentially mitigating these far-reaching impacts.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2307072120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Melting Arctic rivers could unleash carbon equal to millions of cars

Recent research sheds unprecedented light on the Arctic's delicate balance,...

The delicate balance between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-negatively-impact-wildlife-even-in-protected-areas/">wildlife</a> and human coexistence is facing an unprecedented threat, with the risks for conflict between elephants and humans poised to escalate due to climate change and other anthropogenic environmental factors.&nbsp;



This alarming trend is highlighted in a study published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2312569121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



The study is the first of its kind to explore the impact of rising temperatures on interactions between humans and elephants.



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



"Human-wildlife conflict can have detrimental effects on both people and wildlife and can lead to setbacks in conservation efforts," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"Understanding how conflict risk is likely to shift under a changing climate as agriculture and human populations expand can better allow conservationists and wildlife managers to allocate mitigation and conservation resources for conflict-prone species and regions."



"To date, little work has been done to anticipate how conflict risk with different species may change in intensity and spatial distribution as human populations expand and climate change impacts intensify."&nbsp;



"This analysis examines how projected climate change impacts, shifts in agricultural footprint, and changes in human population density may affect the distribution and intensity of conflict with two large, endangered, and conflict-prone species: Asian and African elephants."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-risk">Mapping the risk</h2>



The researchers mapped the risk of human-elephant conflict across various elephant habitats. Their findings paint a concerning picture: as temperatures continue to rise and human encroachment into elephant habitats increases, the likelihood of conflicts is expected to surge.&nbsp;



This situation represents a significant challenge in the management of human-wildlife interactions, with implications for both species' survival and well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-elephant-conflict">Human-elephant conflict</h2>



Mia Guarnieri, a renowned wildlife biologist and the lead researcher of the paper, offered insights in an interview with ABC News. She defined human-elephant conflict as interactions that yield negative outcomes for either party involved. A prime example of this is crop raiding, where elephants consume crops, leading to retaliatory killings by farmers.&nbsp;



"The largest outcome that we noticed was that there is a net increase in conflict risk for both of these species as climate change progresses and that increase was greater under the scenario that had higher emissions and higher barriers to to conservation work," Guarnieri told ABC News.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agricultural-intersections-and-consequences">Agricultural intersections and consequences</h2>



Agriculture, particularly farms cultivating corn or millet seed - some of elephants' favorite crops - lies at the heart of many such conflicts. Guarnieri pointed out that the dire consequences of crop raiding include the loss of life among elephants and significant impacts on farmers' livelihoods.&nbsp;



Human-elephant conflict not only results in immediate physical and economic harm but also undermines local conservation efforts. These efforts are critical for a species that has suffered dramatic population declines over recent decades due to habitat loss and the ivory trade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-responses-to-climate-pressures">Behavioral responses to climate pressures</h2>



The study also sheds light on how elephants, known for their behavioral complexity, respond to various climate pressures such as water availability. These changes affect their movement, changing the corridors they take, noted study co-author Patrick Roehrdanz.



Such behavioral adaptations can lead to increased encounters with human populations, further escalating conflict risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geographical-hotspots-and-future-expansion">Geographical hotspots and future expansion</h2>



"Effectively addressing conflict requires an understanding of where it is likely to occur, particularly as climate change shifts wildlife ranges and human activities globally," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"Here, we examine how projected shifts in cropland density, human population density, and climatic suitability - three key drivers of human–elephant conflict - will shift conflict pressures for endangered Asian and African elephants to inform conflict management in a changing climate."



The experts identified specific regions where human-elephant conflicts are most prevalent: clusters in east-central Africa for African elephants and India for Asian elephants. Guarnieri anticipates an expansion of conflict risk along the northern border of the Asian elephants' range, influenced by human restrictions on their habitat.&nbsp;



"Our findings suggest that as climate changes, the risk of conflict with Asian and African elephants may shift and increase and managers should proactively mitigate that conflict to preserve these charismatic animals," concluded the researchers.



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Human-elephant conflict will escalate with climate change 

The delicate balance between wildlife and human coexistence is facing...

By simulating air movements and pollutant dispersion, AI is set to enhance the accuracy and resolution of air quality forecasts. 



Researchers from <a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL</a> and the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a> are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize atmospheric modeling. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-and-air-quality-forecasts">Wildfires and air quality forecasts</h2>



In recent years, the world has witnessed an alarming increase in severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-farming-and-wildfires-is-more-likely-to-cause-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>, driven by rising temperatures and prolonged droughts. 



These fires are devastating to the environment and pose a significant risk to human health due to the smoke-borne contaminants they release. 



The year 2023 marked a particularly grim milestone for Canada, experiencing its worst wildfire season on record, with a staggering release of over 290 million tons of carbon into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-air-pollution-levels-have-dropped-but-not-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a>. Similarly, California faced unprecedented fire seasons in 2020 and 2021. 



The consequences of these wildfires extend far beyond their immediate vicinity. 



For instance, smoke from the Canadian wildfires drifted across the Atlantic, affecting air quality as far as Portugal and Spain and triggering alerts across North American cities. 



Millions were subjected to the adverse effects of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>, suffering from symptoms like stinging eyes, stuffy noses, and labored breathing. 



The <a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institutes of Health</a> underscores the severity of this issue, estimating that air pollution contributes to 6.5 million deaths globally each year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-to-the-rescue-new-era-in-air-quality-forecasting">AI to the rescue: New Era in air quality forecasting</h2>



Recognizing the gravity of this situation, Marisa Hughes, a leading figure in climate intelligence at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL</a>), emphasizes the challenge in quantifying the slow, cumulative impact of deteriorating air quality. 



"We know that dangerous air quality levels are a significant threat, but because exposure happens slowly, over time it is more difficult to quantify," said Hughes, who is also the assistant manager of the <a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/work/our-organization/research-and-exploratory-development/programs/human-machine-intelligence">Human and Machine Intelligence</a> program.



"A more accurate, higher-resolution model can help protect populations by providing them with information about air quality over time so that they can better plan ahead."



In response to this need, researchers from APL and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize atmospheric modeling. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pioneering-forecasting-techniques">Pioneering forecasting techniques</h2>



By simulating air movements and the dispersion of nearly 200 different pollutants, AI is set to enhance the accuracy and resolution of air quality forecasts. 



This is particularly crucial considering the complexity and computational intensity involved in traditional weather forecasting methods, which have to account for a myriad of variables and interactions in the atmosphere.



Jennifer Sleeman, a senior AI researcher at APL, highlights the computational challenges in current forecasting methods, where a significant portion of the computation is dedicated to tracking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-increases-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutant</a> movement and their chemical interactions. 



"In our case, the models are looking at the movement of nearly 200 different pollutants in the atmosphere for every timestep, sequentially. That's approximately 40% of their computation," said Sleeman.



"And then they also have to consider how these chemicals are interacting with one another and how they're decaying -- the chemistry is approximately 30% of the computation. It takes a significant amount of computing power to perform air quality forecasting with all of the variables used."



The AI-assisted approach developed by APL is a game-changer, streamlining the process by employing deep-learning models to simulate ensembles using fewer, shorter timesteps.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-accurate-and-less-time-consuming">More accurate and less time-consuming</h2>



This innovative method is not only more efficient but also more practical, given the limitations in computing resources and costs. 



The traditional ensemble modeling technique, which requires running multiple variations of models, becomes significantly more feasible with AI assistance. 



Sleeman notes the tremendous computational savings achieved with this approach, enabling quicker and more accurate forecasts.



"Running one model is computationally challenging -- so imagine running 50-plus models. In some cases, this is just not feasible due to cost and computing availability," said Sleeman.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-efforts-and-real-world-applications">Collaborative efforts and real-world applications</h2>



In collaboration with <a href="https://www.morgan.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Morgan State University</a>, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, and NOAA, APL researchers have successfully applied this model to NASA's GEOS Composition Forecasting (<a href="https://gmao.gsfc.nasa.gov/weather_prediction/GEOS-CF/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GEOS-CF</a>) system. 



This system now generates five-day global forecasts with remarkable precision, a significant improvement over traditional models. 



"NASA and NOAA have been searching for ways to increase the resolution of these forecasts," said Hughes. "If you live next to a power plant or a highway, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-to-air-pollution-makes-people-lazy-resulting-in-poor-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> impacts are going to affect you differently."



The AI-driven model, trained on a year's worth of simulation data, has proven capable of producing 10-day forecasts that closely align with actual ground data, requiring only a fraction of the input data traditionally needed.



"The amount of computation we could save with our networks is tremendous," said Sleeman. "We're speeding things up because we're asking the models to compute shorter timesteps, which is easier and faster to do, and we're using the deep-learning emulator to simulate those ensembles and account for variations in weather data."



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



Both Hughes and Sleeman acknowledge the crucial role of the broader AI community in these advancements. 



"If we tried the same thing five years ago, it might not have been as successful as it is today, because we're building on the momentum of this accelerating research," said Hughes. 



"We're sharing our results and starting to see what methods and architectures are effective when you apply them to different problems around the world."



This project is part of a series of initiatives exploring AI applications in climate intelligence, aiming to tackle challenges like forecasting climate tipping points. 



These efforts are pivotal in APL's mission to ensure climate security, showcasing the potential of AI in addressing critical environmental issues.



In summary, the integration of AI in atmospheric forecasting marks a significant stride in our ability to predict and mitigate the impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/safe-levels-of-air-pollution-can-negatively-impact-the-developing-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> from wildfires. 



As we face the increasing challenges of climate change, such technological advancements offer a beacon of hope, equipping us with the tools necessary to safeguard our environment and health.



This study was presented at the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence's Fall Symposium, at the <a href="https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm23/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/1424358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Geophysical Union Conference</a> and to the <a href="https://www.ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Meteorological Society</a>.



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AI model gives air quality forecasts that are similar to weather forecasts

By simulating air movements and pollutant dispersion, AI is set...

A significant shift in global warming dynamics has been identified, challenging long-held beliefs about the nature of asymmetric warming and temperature changes on Earth. 



This discovery, made by researchers at <a href="https://www.chalmers.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalmers University of Technology</a>, Sweden, has profound implications for our understanding of climate change and its impact on all forms of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phenomenon-of-asymmetric-warming">Phenomenon of asymmetric warming</h2>



Since the 1950s, scientists believed that <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> did not uniformly affect daytime and nighttime temperatures. Notably, nighttime temperatures were observed to be rising more rapidly. 



However, this new study, published in Nature Communications, indicates a dramatic shift in this pattern, with greater daytime warming occurring since the 1990s.



This reversal in temperature trends signifies a growing disparity between day and night temperatures, which could have far-reaching effects on the planet.



Traditionally known as "asymmetric warming," this phenomenon, characterized by varying warming rates during day and night, has been attributed to both human activities and natural occurrences. 



The recent study, however, presents a startling reversal of this trend. 



Between 1961 and 2020, researchers found an accelerated warming rate during the day, while nighttime warming rates remained relatively constant. 



This shift leads to an expanding temperature difference between day and night.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asymmetric-warming-and-global-brightening">Asymmetric warming and global brightening</h2>



Ziqian Zhong, a post-doctoral researcher at Chalmers, expressed surprise at these findings. The team set out to confirm the dominant trend of greater nighttime <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-is-global-warming-affecting-the-human-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a>, but instead found a complete reversal over the past three decades. 



“We initially aimed to confirm the previously observed phenomenon of nighttime warming surpassing daytime warming," says Ziqian Zhong, post-doctoral researcher at Chalmers.



"To our surprise, not only had the asymmetric warming trend ceased, but our analyses, based on state-of-the-art observation-based datasets, indicate a complete reversal of this original warming pattern over the past three decades." 



Zhong points to "global brightening" as a likely cause of this change. 



Since the late 1980s, reduced cloud cover has allowed more sunlight to reach the Earth's surface, resulting in higher daytime temperatures and a widening temperature gap between day and night.



“A likely explanation to this change is a phenomenon called “global brightening”, which has been observed since the late 1980s," says Ziqian Zhong.



"It is a result of less cloud cover, which causes more sunlight to reach the Earth's surface, leading to higher daytime temperatures and, as a result, a broader difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures over the recent decades."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-aerosols-and-environmental-factors">Role of aerosols and environmental factors</h2>



The reasons behind changes in cloud cover remain uncertain. The interplay between cloud-free and cloudy atmospheres, along with the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blowing-snow-plays-an-important-role-in-arctic-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a>, is complex. 



Aerosols, originating from natural sources like sea spray and wildfires or human activities such as fossil fuel burning, significantly influence the environment. 



Additionally, the increase in regional droughts and heatwaves points to a weakening of the Earth's surface cooling effect, typically caused by evaporation, further contributing to the faster rise in daytime temperatures.



The study's analysis reveals a dramatic shift in temperature patterns across land areas. From 1961 to 1990, the majority of land (81%) experienced greater nighttime warming. 



However, from 1991 to 2020, this trend reversed, with 70% of land areas showing more significant daytime warming. 



This shift has critical implications for agriculture, public health, and forestry management, as these sectors are deeply affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/formal-agreement-needed-to-define-the-current-level-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature variations</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-on-health-agriculture-and-forestry">Impacts on health, agriculture, and forestry</h2>



The larger temperature difference between day and night could adversely affect crop yields, plant growth, animal well-being, and human health. 



An increased temperature gap is known to exacerbate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health issues</a>, such as heart rate and blood pressure changes, potentially leading to more severe cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. 



“This indicates the need to adjust strategies in different areas affected by temperature variations between day and night, such as agriculture, public health, and forestry management, to address the challenges posed by this climate change”, says Ziqian Zhong.



The impact of this temperature shift varies among tree species in different regions. In humid areas, some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-struggling-to-breath-and-store-co2-in-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> might enhance their carbon sequestration capacity due to the increased temperature difference. 



Conversely, in dry regions, higher daytime temperatures could lead to soil water deficiency, negatively affecting tree growth. 



Zhong highlights the importance of future research to further explore the impacts of this reversed trend in asymmetric warming on tree growth and the carbon cycle.



“In the upcoming research, we will further investigate the impacts of this reversed trend in asymmetric warming on tree growth and carbon cycle”, says Ziqian Zhong.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-study">Implications and future study</h2>



In summary, this important research marks a pivotal shift in our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> dynamics, revealing a significant reversal in the pattern of daytime and nighttime temperatures. 



The team's discovery, emphasizing the greater increase in daytime warming since the 1990s, underscores the complexity of climate change and its varied impacts on the environment, human health, agriculture, and forestry. 



Their findings call for an urgent reassessment of adaptation strategies across different sectors to mitigate the adverse effects of this changing climate. 



By highlighting the factors contributing to this shift, such as global brightening and aerosol impacts, the study challenges previous assumptions and paves the way for further research to explore the broader implications of these changes on the planet's ecosystems and the global carbon cycle.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43007-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Asymmetric warming between day and night impacts all life on Earth

A significant shift in global warming dynamics has been identified,...

The use of biofuels could lead to a dramatic reduction of over 90% in black smoke emissions from vehicles, according to a breakthrough study from the <a href="https://www.uma.es/?set_language=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Malaga</a>.



The research, which was a collaboration with the Future Power Systems Group of the University of Birmingham, represents a significant discovery in the field of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/windshield-wiper-fluid-accounts-for-large-percentage-of-toxic-vehicle-emissions/">vehicle emissions</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research-nbsp">Focus of the research&nbsp;</h2>



The investigative efforts at the University of Malaga were led by Francisco Javier Martos, a professor in the School of Industrial Engineering.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed the soot nanoparticles produced by engines using various biofuels. This included bio-alcohols such as butanol, pentanol, and cyclopentanol, as well as bio-ketones like cyclopentanone.&nbsp;



The team used High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), which was conducted at the Central Research Support Services of the UMA (SCAI).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-game-changer-nbsp">Potential game-changer&nbsp;</h2>



The core of the study revolved around the blending of oxygenated biofuels with diesel. Specifically, the team focused on a 20-percent volume concentration of this blend.&nbsp;



This particular blend was found to significantly reduce the production of soot - the black smoke commonly emitted by cars. Soot is known for its detrimental effects on both the environment and public health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-production-nbsp">Sustainable production&nbsp;</h2>



A key aspect of these biofuels is their sustainable production process. They can be derived from low carbon biomass residues, such as waste oils, algae, and agricultural or forestry residues. This not only makes them environmentally friendly, but also a potential game-changer in the automotive fuel industry.



Professor Martos emphasized the efficiency and practicality of these biofuels: "Our research shows that the biofuels studied, which we obtained in the laboratory, apart from producing very little soot, behave in the engine similarly to the fuel of any gas station, which means that there would be no need to make changes for it to work normally."



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



The implications of the research are far-reaching. Soot particles, as explained by Professor Martos, pose a serious threat to the environment and public health.&nbsp;



"Soot particles emitted by engines are expelled into the environment and remain suspended in the air, affecting the climate, since they increase the greenhouse effect, and public health, because they do not settle to the ground, so they are very likely to be inhaled by living beings," said Professor Martos.



By reducing soot emissions, the use of biofuels could significantly mitigate these public health risks.



The study not only highlights a potential path to reducing the environmental footprint of thermal engines but also "opens the door to the use of non-petroleum fuels that could reduce the emission of pollutants in vehicles.”



The experts behind the research are already working towards the commercialization of these biofuels, having established agreements with several brands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-smoke-emissions">Black smoke emissions</h2>



Black smoke emissions from cars, typically diesel vehicles, are a significant environmental concern. This smoke is primarily composed of carbon particles resulting from incomplete combustion of diesel fuel.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contributing-factors">Contributing factors</h3>



The reasons for such emissions can be varied, including a clogged air filter, malfunctioning injectors, or problems in the engine's internal components.



One key factor contributing to black smoke is an imbalance in the fuel-to-air ratio, where too much fuel and not enough air leads to incomplete fuel burning. This can occur when air filters are blocked, reducing the amount of air entering the engine, or when fuel injectors deliver too much fuel.&nbsp;



Additionally, issues with the turbocharger, responsible for supplying extra air to the engine, can also lead to black smoke.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impacts">Potential impacts</h3>



The black smoke is not only a sign of fuel inefficiency, but it also has environmental and health implications. It contains a variety of harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, which can have severe effects on human health, particularly on the respiratory system. Furthermore, these emissions contribute to air pollution and environmental degradation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigation">Mitigation</h3>



To mitigate these issues, regular vehicle maintenance is crucial. This includes checking and replacing air filters, ensuring injectors are functioning correctly, and resolving any turbocharger issues. 



Furthermore, advancements in engine technology and stricter emission standards have led to cleaner and more efficient diesel engines, which help reduce the occurrence of black smoke emissions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.130641." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fuel</a>.



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Biofuels may eliminate 90% of black smoke emissions from cars

The use of biofuels could lead to a dramatic reduction...

African,Elephant,(loxodonta,Africana),Mother,With,Baby,,Feeding,On,Acacia

Disturbing new research has uncovered how climate change impacts African elephants. The study, conducted by a team from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Wildlife Conservation Society (<a href="https://www.wcs.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WCS</a>), reveals alarming findings, urging an immediate call to action by the international community.



Older African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-elephant-day-understanding-celebrating-and-protecting-earths-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a> face significantly reduced survival chances under climate change. This not only threatens the species’ resilience but also disrupts the ecosystems they inhabit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-biodiverse-haven-under-threat">A biodiverse haven under threat</h2>



The research centers on Africa's Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL), a vast 15,700-square-kilometer region stretching across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 



This biodiverse area, hosting seven national parks and various reserves, is also the habitat of critically endangered African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-may-be-the-first-non-human-animals-to-call-each-other-by-names/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a>, vital for their ecosystem roles and cultural significance.



Historically, studies have not fully explored the interplay between environmental dynamics, climate change, elephant demographics, and habitat influences. 



To bridge this gap, <a href="https://uganda.wcs.org/About-Us/Staff/ProjectId/941.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Nampindo</a> (WCS Uganda Country Director and <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UMass Amherst</a> Ph.D. graduate) and <a href="https://eco.umass.edu/people/faculty/randhir-timothy-o/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Timothy Randhir</a>, a UMass Amherst professor, developed a systems dynamic model. 



“This model,” says Nampindo, “can look at all the different environmental and population dynamics within a system. For the first time, we’re able to get a comprehensive vision of what the future might look like for African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-do-elephants-eat-study-shows-they-have-unique-dietary-preferences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a> in the face of climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-climate-change-on-older-african-elephants">Impact of climate change on older African elephants</h2>



Nampindo and Randhir constructed their model using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-elephants-got-their-incredible-iconic-trunks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephant</a> population data, historical landscape changes, and various future climate-change scenarios, projecting warming of 1.6 ºC, 2.8ºC, and 4.3ºC over the next 80 years. 



They then analyzed how each climate scenario would impact five different elephant age groups: under 10 years, 11 - 30 years, 31 - 40 years, 41 - 50 years, and over 50 years.



“Any impact on one age class echoes through the entire population,” Randhir notes. 



The findings are stark, to say the least. Older <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-elephants-suddenly-dropped-dead-in-2020-and-questions-remain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a>, crucial as matriarchal leaders, will be severely affected across all climate warming scenarios. Their loss would disrupt herd dynamics, genetic profiles, and landscape interactions.



“We found that the older elephants will be massively affected by warming under every scenario,” says Nampindo. 



“Elephants are matriarchal -- their leaders are the older cows, and the herds depend on their wisdom, long memories and ability to outsmart prey, and if they are lost to changing climate, it will wreak havoc on the surviving, younger herds, as well as change the genetic profiles and structures of the herd. There will also be ripple effects through the GVL’s landscape,” Nampindo explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-conservation-policies">Shaping conservation policies</h2>



But the study offers more than grim forecasts. Randhir highlights its utility for policy guidance, emphasizing the need for coordinated management across the GVL. 



Strategies must encompass anti-poaching efforts, community-led programs, and habitat management to counter fragmentation, fire, and invasive species.



“These results are very important to WCS,” says Nampindo, underscoring the broader implications. “If we can do a good job at protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-savannah-elephants-need-connected-habitats-for-stability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a>, our efforts will reverberate to other species, such as lions and mountain gorillas.”



“More broadly,” says Randhir, “the most exciting thing about this systems dynamic modeling is that it can be adapted to&nbsp;any&nbsp;migratory species that move across political boundaries, from fish to birds to lions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-african-elephants-climate-change-and-the-future">African elephants, climate change, and the future</h2>



In summary, the jolting research by Nampindo and Randhir offers a critical lens through which we can view the future of African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-protect-elephants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a> amidst the growing challenges of climate change. 



By employing a dynamic systems model, their study highlights the vulnerability of different elephant age groups to rising temperatures while underscoring the necessity for collaborative, multi-faceted conservation strategies. 



These strategies must integrate anti-poaching efforts, community engagement, and habitat management to ensure the survival of these majestic creatures. 



This study, therefore, stands not just as a call to action for the conservation of African elephants, but as a blueprint for safeguarding migratory species across diverse ecosystems and political boundaries.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/sustainabilitytransformation/article?id=10.1371/journal.pstr.0000094" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Sustainability and Transformation</a>.



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African elephants will soon become extinct without immediate international help

Disturbing new research has uncovered how climate change impacts African...

In a recent study, scientists from <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> (WHOI) examined the degradation rates of different types of straws in the ocean. 



The research, conducted in collaboration with <a href="https://www.eastman.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eastman</a>, a bioplastic manufacturing company, aimed to identify sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-straws-banned-small/">straws</a>.



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



The team suspended various types of straws in a tank of continuously flowing seawater from Martha’s Vineyard Sound, Massachusetts, to mimic natural marine conditions. 



The types tested included straws made of cellulose diacetate (CDA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), paper, polylactic acid (PLA), and polypropylene (PP).&nbsp;



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



Over 16 weeks, the researchers observed that the CDA, PHA, and paper straws degraded by up to 50%, with an estimated environmental lifetime of 10-20 months in the coastal ocean. In contrast, PLA and PP straws showed no measurable signs of degradation.



"We lack a firm understanding of how long plastics last in the ocean, so we've been designing methods to measure how fast these materials degrade,” said Collin Ward, a WHOI scientist. “It turns out, in this case, there are some bioplastic straws that actually degrade fairly quickly, which is good news.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foam-straws">Foam straws</h2>



The study also compared two CDA straws provided by Eastman, one solid and the other a foam variant. The foam CDA straw, a prototype designed to increase surface area and accelerate degradation, was found to degrade 184% faster than the solid straw, indicating a shorter projected environmental lifetime than even the paper straws.



“The unique aspects of this foam straw are that it's able to have a shorter expected lifetime than the paper straws but retain the properties that you enjoy of a plastic or a bioplastic straw,” explained Bryan James, a WHOI scientist.



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



Jeff Carbeck, Eastman’s Vice President of Corporate Innovation, emphasized the significance of the study for straw manufacturers.&nbsp;



“This study can be immensely valuable for straw manufacturers by providing informed and transparent data when selecting a material for straws. Even more, it provides reassurance that CDA-based straws won’t add to the persistent plastic pollution, while also demonstrating straw manufacturers’ commitment to offering a sustainable product that reduces risk to marine life.”



The findings highlight the importance of developing new materials that are sustainably sourced and degrade more effectively in the environment, thus reducing the impact of plastic pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-straws-and-the-environment-nbsp">Plastic straws and the environment&nbsp;</h2>



Plastic straws have become a significant environmental concern due to their impact on ecosystems, particularly marine life.&nbsp;



Most plastic straws are made from polypropylene or polystyrene, which are not biodegradable. This means they can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-pollution">Ocean pollution</h3>



Many plastic straws end up in the ocean, contributing to the vast amount of plastic waste there. They can harm marine life through ingestion or entanglement.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-harm">Wildlife harm</h3>



Marine animals, including fish, turtles, and seabirds, can mistake plastic straws for food. This can lead to injury or death. Straws can also block airways or digestive tracts.



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



Over time, plastic straws break down into smaller pieces, known as microplastics. These microplastics are difficult to clean up and can be ingested by marine life, entering the food chain.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resource-intensive">Resource intensive</h3>



The production of plastic straws involves the use of petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and also results in the emission of greenhouse gases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-recycling">Challenges in recycling</h3>



Plastic straws are often not recycled due to their small size and lightweight nature, which makes them difficult to process in standard recycling equipment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c07391" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Sustainable Chemistry &amp; Engineering</a>.



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Some plastic straws degrade faster than others

In a recent study, scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution...

<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">Invisible threat in urban air</h2>



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



These findings, published in <a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>, 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.



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.



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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>



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.



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



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.



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



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.



"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.



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



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.



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



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

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

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



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



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.



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



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.



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."



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



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.



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.



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



Published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>, 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.



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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>



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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



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.



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%.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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>.



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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</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>



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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">Nature Communications</a>.



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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...

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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>



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?



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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



Sources: 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.



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



1. Is acid rain completely gone? 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.



2. How long did solving take? 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.



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



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



5. Could acid rain return? 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.



6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"? 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>



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



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



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. 



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. 



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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. 



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



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



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



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. 



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).



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



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.



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.



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>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



“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. 



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.



“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;



“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.”



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



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.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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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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Today's Video of the Day 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. 



"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."



"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.



"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.”



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

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



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."



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;



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. 



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.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

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Today's Video of the Day 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;



"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.



"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;



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.



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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.

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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Today’s Video of the Day 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;



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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. 



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.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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



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.

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



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



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;



"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.



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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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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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day 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;



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.



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;



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. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

Today’s Video of the Day 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.



“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.”



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.



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.



“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.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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



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.

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



"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.



"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."



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



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.



"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."



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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.

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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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



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.



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.



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.



Video Credit: ESA



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



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.

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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Today's Video of the Day 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. 



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



"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.



"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."



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;



"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.



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.



"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.



"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."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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