<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...

The relentless acceleration of global warming has now claimed an unexpected victim: our understanding of Earth's past <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-could-cause-one-billion-deaths-over-the-next-century/">climate</a>.&nbsp;



A recent study led by the Ice Memory initiative has revealed a sobering reality. The rapid melting of the Corbassière glacier, located in the Grand Combin massif, has destroyed what was once a valuable record of climate data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ice-memory-initiative">The Ice Memory initiative</h2>



The Ice Memory initiative is a collaboration involving researchers from the <a href="https://www.psi.ch/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Scherrer Institute</a> (PSI), the University of Fribourg, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and the Institute of Polar Sciences of the Italian National Research Council.



The team analyzed ice cores drilled in 2018 and 2020 from the Corbassière glacier. Their goal was to preserve the precious climate records held within these glaciers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loss-of-climate-data">Loss of climate data</h2>



The researchers discovered significant differences between the two sets of ice cores. The 2018 core, extending up to 14 meters and containing records back through 2011, displayed the expected seasonal fluctuations in trace substances like ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate. These substances, usually deposited through snowfall, provide a seasonal account of air pollution and climate conditions.



By contrast, the 2020 core, drilled up to 18 meters under the guidance of PSI researcher Theo Jenk, revealed a disturbing trend. Only the uppermost layers showed the expected seasonal fluctuations.&nbsp;



Deeper layers, representing older records, showed a flattening of these fluctuations and a reduced total amount of trace substances. This anomaly points to a significant loss of climate data, comparable to a library losing its books and the remaining ones being scrambled beyond recognition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerated-glacier-melting">Accelerated glacier melting</h2>



The researchers attributed this loss to enhanced melting between 2018 and 2020, causing surface water to penetrate deeper into the glacier, washing away the trace substances.&nbsp;



This process not only diluted the records but also permanently removed them, effectively erasing parts of the glacier's historical climate record.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-threshold-has-been-crossed-nbsp">A threshold has been crossed&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers examined the meteorological data from 2018 through 2020 and found that it was warm on the glacier in line with the general climate trend, but these years were not extreme outliers.&nbsp;



“From this we conclude that there was no singular trigger for this strong melting, but that it resulted from many warm years in the recent past,” said Margit Schwikowski, head of the Laboratory for Environmental Chemistry at PSI. “It seems a threshold has been crossed, which now has led to a comparatively strong effect.”



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



The implications of this discovery extend far beyond the Corbassière glacier. It signals a more dynamic and rapid progression of glacier melting than previously anticipated, affecting even the highest parts of alpine glaciers where ice replenishment occurs.&nbsp;



The research suggests that many other glaciers worldwide might be losing their ability to serve as climate archives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collecting-ice-from-endangered-glaciers-nbsp">Collecting ice from endangered glaciers&nbsp;</h2>



The Ice Memory Foundation aims to collect ice cores from 20 endangered glaciers over 20 years. These cores are intended to be stored in an ice cave at the Concordia research station in Antarctica. This initiative is crucial as it provides a potential safeguard against the complete loss of glacial climate records.&nbsp;



However, the experience at Grand Combin, where the team faced insurmountable difficulties in drilling and preserving the ice core, highlights the urgency and challenges of this mission.



The Ice Memory project is a race against time, with setbacks like those experienced at Grand Combin becoming increasingly common. While successful cores have been obtained from other locations like the Col du Dôme glacier and Colle Gnifetti, the failure at Grand Combin serves as a stark reminder of what is at stake.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01366-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Melting glaciers are destroying a valuable record of Earth's climate

The relentless acceleration of global warming has now claimed an...

In a new study led by <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Berkeley</a>, researchers have used machine learning to precisely determine which waterways fall under the protection of the Clean Water Act. 



The research is particularly relevant in the context of evolving presidential administrations and regulatory decisions. It sheds light on the extent of protection afforded to the United States' vital water resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clean-water-act-spurs-ongoing-debate">Clean Water Act spurs ongoing debate</h2>



The Clean Water Act of 1972, a key element of <a href="https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-water-act" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. environmental legislation</a>, was designed to protect the "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-drinking-water-often-contains-unsafe-levels-of-toxic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waters</a> of the United States." 



However, the Act does not explicitly define the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-the-worlds-climate-driven-water-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">streams and wetlands</a> it encompasses, leading to varying interpretations by successive administrations, regulators, and courts. 



As a result, the exact scope of the Act's protection has been a subject of ongoing debate and legal contention.



The ambiguity of the Clean Water Act was starkly highlighted by a rule enacted under the Trump administration in 2020, which significantly scaled back its protections. 



According to the UC Berkeley study, the Trump administration rule effectively removed Clean Water Act protections for approximately one-fourth of U.S. wetlands and one-fifth of U.S. streams.&nbsp;



The research also indicates that 30% of watersheds supplying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-make-water-resources-less-predictable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drinking water</a> to households were deregulated under this rule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approach-to-the-clean-water-act">New approach to the Clean Water Act</h2>



Previous analyses of the Clean Water Act had relied on assumptions based on geophysical characteristics of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-an-underestimated-source-of-water-contamination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">streams and wetlands</a>. 



Instead, the Berkeley team trained a machine learning model on 150,000 jurisdictional decisions made by the <a href="https://www.usace.army.mil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Army Corps</a>, each interpreting the Clean Water Act for specific sites and rules. 



This approach was more data-driven and precise compared to the methods the <a href="https://www.epa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPA</a> and Army Corps of Engineers previously labeled as “highly unreliable.”



“Using machine learning to understand these rules helps decode the DNA of environmental policy,” said study co-author Professor Joseph Shapiro. “We can finally understand what the Clean Water Act actually protects.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-troubling-study-results">Troubling study results</h2>



The study revealed that the 2020 Trump administration rule deregulated a staggering 690,000 stream miles. 



This amount is equivalent to more than every stream in California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas combined.



In addition, the deregulated wetlands under this rule had previously provided over $250 billion in flood prevention benefits.



Simon Greenhill, a PhD candidate at UC Berkeley and co-author of the study, highlighted the broader implications of these regulatory shifts. 



"This game of regulatory ping-pong has staggering effects on environmental protection."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety-and-economic-benefits">Safety and economic benefits </h2>



The machine learning model not only provides insights into environmental protection but also offers potential economic benefits.&nbsp;



The study estimates that this methodology could save over $1 billion annually in permitting costs by providing immediate estimates of regulation probability, thus streamlining the often lengthy and uncertain process.



The research gains additional relevance in the context of recent policy changes. The Biden White House rule of 2023 expanded the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act, a move followed by the Supreme Court's 2023 Sackett decision, which then contracted it.&nbsp;



The Berkeley team’s machine learning approach can help to clarify the scope of these and future regulatory changes, offering a much-needed tool in understanding and implementing one of the nation's key environmental protections.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adi3794" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>. 



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What is actually protected by the Clean Water Act?

In a new study led by UC Berkeley, researchers have...

Amazing,Beautiful,Nature,Deep,Green,Of,Virgin,Rain,Forest,Of

Recent research has unveiled a crucial link between tree species diversity in European forests and their resilience against storms. 



This study, conducted by the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (<a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INRAE</a>), marks a significant step in understanding how biodiversity impacts forest sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversity-as-a-storm-shield">Diversity as a storm shield</h2>



The INRAE research team discovered that forests with a wide variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-trees-use-social-distancing-to-promote-forest-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a>, especially those dominated by slow-growing, high-density wood species like oaks, show greater resistance to storm damage. 



This resilience is especially critical under extreme weather conditions, which are becoming increasingly common due to climate change. 



The Mediterranean region's hot-dry climate and the cold-wet climate of northern Scandinavia were highlighted as areas where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-fungi-determine-the-gradient-of-forest-diversity-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> with higher tree diversity show remarkable endurance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-storms-and-tree-diversity">Studying storms and tree diversity</h2>



To reach these conclusions, the team employed advanced simulations, modeling the response of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-forest-biodiversity-has-massive-potential-for-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> with varying characteristics to storm damage. 



This approach allowed them to create a comprehensive picture of how different forest compositions, from the species-rich to the monocultural, respond to and recover from severe windstorms.



Europe's recent history of frequent and intense windstorms poses a growing threat to its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-species-diversity-makes-forests-more-productive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a>, which play a vital role in providing habitat, storing carbon, and supplying timber. 



The findings of this study offer practical insights into how managing tree diversity can help forests adapt to mitigate the impacts of these increasing storm threats.



Dr. Julien Barrere, the lead author of the study from INRAE, emphasizes the study's implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-forests-with-diverse-tree-species-increases-likelihood-of-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest management</a> practices. 



He points out that while monocultures of fast-growing species like pine might be economically advantageous, they are more prone to storm damage. 



"In a context of increasing storm losses across the continent, our study therefore argues for forest management practices that promote diversity and slow-growing tree species such as oak,” he explains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-forest-dynamics">Modeling forest dynamics</h2>



The research team's innovative approach involved simulating the dynamics of hundreds of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diverse-forests-can-shut-down-non-native-tree-invasions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> post-storm, using data from over 91,000 real forest plots across Europe. 



This model encompassed varying the climatic conditions, as well as the levels of tree diversity in forests. 



Dr. Barrere elaborates, “This allowed us to quantify the relationship between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-species-diversity-shaped-by-climate-change-for-21000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest composition</a> and resilience to storm disturbance, and how this relationship changes along the European climatic gradient.”



While the model provides valuable insights, Dr. Barrere cautions that fieldwork is necessary to fully validate the findings. 



He acknowledges the limitations of modeling studies, which, despite being essential for understanding long-term forest dynamics, must be complemented by empirical field studies.



In summary, this research by INRAE offers a new perspective on forest management in Europe, highlighting the importance of diversity and specific species selection in enhancing forest resilience. 



As the world braces for more frequent and severe weather events, these findings could be pivotal in shaping future forest management strategies, ensuring the longevity and health of these crucial ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1365-2435.14489" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Functional Ecology</a>.



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Tree diversity makes forests more resilient against storms

Recent research has unveiled a crucial link between tree species...

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When discussing the "hot topic" of climate change, switching the focus to energy solutions -- how energy is supplied to how energy is consumed -- can be a more effective approach. 



Reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global carbon emissions</a> has the added benefit of improving wellbeing for all, and when push comes to shove, who doesn't want a better, happier life?



The Energy Demand Changes Induced by Technological and Social Innovations (<a href="https://iiasa.ac.at/projects/edits" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EDITS</a>) network, coordinated by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (<a href="https://iiasa.ac.at/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IIASA</a>), recently published a commentary that sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of tackling climate change: the way humans <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-energy-transition-may-boost-job-opportunities-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consume energy</a>. 



Their insightful piece argues that a shift from focusing on energy supply to understanding and altering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy consumption</a> could be a more effective and beneficial approach when discussing the need to reduce carbon emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-solutions-climate-and-wellbeing">Energy solutions, climate, and wellbeing</h2>



We are in a period marked by the worsening effects of climate change, fluctuating energy markets, and geopolitical tensions. 



These factors complicate the task of policymakers in ensuring the provision of secure, clean, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-utilities-may-be-100-percent-renewable-energy-by-2060/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affordable energy</a>. 



Despite these challenges, there is a growing public support for changing our energy usage habits, which presents new opportunities.



The authors of the commentary suggest that improving how we consume energy to meet human needs could significantly reduce total energy demand by 2050. 



This reduction would make it easier to decarbonize energy supply. They refer to a ‘High-with-Low’ scenario, which envisions high wellbeing with low energy and material consumption, aligning with the targets set by the <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>.



“There are numerous ways for us to dramatically reduce the energy we consume while improving our standards of living, the quality of our cities, and our social wellbeing. Our analysis shows this should be the ‘first best’ strategy for tackling climate change,” says senior IIASA researcher Charlie Wilson, who is one of the authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-societal-and-technological-transformations">Societal and technological transformations</h2>



The commentary highlights the need for societal and technological transformations that could lead to new, sustainable lifestyles. 



It's not about shifting the responsibility of climate mitigation to individuals but empowering them with the right infrastructure, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/continuous-clean-energy-scientists-are-pulling-power-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technology</a>, and incentives.



“Placing individual level transformations at the center of solutions to drastically reduce energy consumption globally does not mean shifting the responsibility of climate mitigation to people,” says IIASA researcher and coauthor of the commentary Benigna Boza-Kiss. 



“On the contrary, it is about empowering people by providing access to the right infrastructure, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/game-changing-invention-converts-both-co2-and-plastic-waste-into-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technology</a>, and incentives. Many new cities will be built in the developing world so there is a huge opportunity to foster inclusive growth by staying clear of unsustainable practices.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-demand-side-energy-solutions">Demand-side energy solutions</h2>



Policymakers often emphasize the supply of energy. However, the EDITS network members argue that understanding and tailoring the demand for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bamboo-plants-shows-great-potential-to-become-the-next-big-renewable-energy-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy resources</a> is equally important. 



Demand-side solutions include policies and measures that modify demand to reduce energy and material requirements, thereby lowering GHG emissions and improving overall wellbeing.



According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar6/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sixth Assessment Report</a>, demand-side solutions could reduce GHG emissions in many sectors.



These areas include buildings, transport, retail, and industry by 40–70% by 2050. This approach offers a multi-faceted increase in wellbeing without reducing service levels.



Masahiro Sugiyama, lead author of the commentary and professor at the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a>, notes the challenges in researching demand-side scenarios. 



“Research on ‘High-with-Low’ demand-side scenarios is challenging because scenarios have to deal with various demand-side <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-power-has-won-the-prize-to-become-earths-main-source-of-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technologies</a> as well as a wide range of cultures and social practices," said Sugiyama. 



"However, the time is ripe to kick-start a new frontier of climate change mitigation modeling and scenario research," she concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-energy-demand-scenarios">Low energy demand scenarios</h2>



While some local and national bodies, like the governments of Paris and Barcelona, are encouraging demand-side solutions, there is still a predominant focus on supply-side solutions. 



The authors argue for a greater emphasis on modeling low energy and material demand scenarios, as they minimize the trade-offs in tackling climate change.



In summary, this article emphasizes a critical shift in our approach to combating climate change and energy solutions, advocated by the EDITS network and IIASA. 



By actively transitioning our focus from how we supply energy to how we consume it, we can achieve a significant reduction in carbon emissions while simultaneously enhancing global wellbeing. 



This strategic change underscores the power of rethinking and transforming our energy usage habits, presenting a more sustainable and effective solution in our ongoing battle against climate change.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2542435123005329" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joule</a>.



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Human wellbeing is a more effective focus area when discussing energy solutions

When discussing the "hot topic" of climate change, switching the...

Florida,Manatee,From,The,Springs,In,Florida.

Manatees, often known for their immense appetites and extended feeding times, face a constant struggle for survival as an endangered species. 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracking-manatee-evolution-over-47-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gentle marine mammals</a>, spending up to eight hours a day foraging in shallow waters, are highly susceptible to environmental changes and other threats. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-counting-endangered-manatees-isn-t-easy">Counting endangered manatees isn't easy</h2>



Given their vulnerability, accurately assessing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/boat-strikes-are-a-growing-threat-to-manatees-in-belize/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manatee populations</a> is crucial, particularly for formulating protective measures for these creatures against boating and diving activities. However, counting manatees presents significant challenges.



One of the primary difficulties in manatee counting stems from their social nature. Manatees typically congregate in groups, making it hard to count them accurately from the water's surface. 



Smaller <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-restoration-could-help-save-starving-manatees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manatees</a> are often obscured by larger ones, and reflections on the water further complicate the task, sometimes rendering them invisible or leading to their misidentification as inanimate objects like rocks or branches.



Traditionally, aerial surveys have been employed in some regions to monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-groups-sue-the-epa-over-manatee-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manatee populations</a>. This method, while useful, is both time-consuming and expensive. 



Moreover, its accuracy heavily depends on external factors like weather conditions and the time of day. In light of these limitations, researchers have been seeking more efficient and cost-effective alternatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-meets-marine-biology">AI meets marine biology</h2>



In a pioneering technological development, researchers supported by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. National Science Foundation</a> at <a href="https://www.fau.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Atlantic University</a> have introduced an innovative approach. 



Utilizing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-can-more-accurately-predict-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep learning</a>-based crowd counting technique, they have successfully automated the process of counting manatees. 



This method leverages images captured from CCTV cameras, offering a real-time population count and alerting ecologists to potential threats.



This new AI technique represents a significant advancement in addressing the technical challenges of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-monitor-biodiversity-through-animal-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">counting animals</a> in complex environments. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-conservation-with-shared-data">Collaborative conservation with shared data</h2>



By analyzing surveillance video footage captured at the water's surface, researchers can now identify manatee densities and calculate their numbers more accurately. 



They achieve this by using a special design that matches the unique shape of manatees, transforming these images into customized density maps specifically tailored for manatee counting through AI <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-could-help-save-mangrove-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a>.



Furthermore, in an effort to validate their method and foster further research, the team has developed a comprehensive manatee counting dataset. 



This dataset, which is <a href="https://github.com/yeyimilk/deep-learning-for-manatee-counting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published on GitHub</a>, is accessible to the public, paving the way for wider application and collaboration in the field of marine conservation.



In summary, this research offers potential new ways to aid endangered species like manatees, and also signify a pivotal moment in wildlife conservation technology. 



Through such innovative approaches, the protection and preservation of vulnerable species become more effective, ensuring a brighter future for these majestic creatures of the sea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-offers-new-hope-for-endangered-manatees">AI offers new hope for endangered manatees</h2>



As discussed above, manatees, often referred to as sea cows, capture the hearts of marine enthusiasts and conservationists alike. 



These serene mammals, gliding gracefully through coastal waters and rivers, play a crucial role in their ecosystems.



Manatees belong to the Sirenia order, sharing this group with the less-known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dugongs-declared-functionally-extinct-in-china/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dugongs</a>. They have a distinct appearance: large, gray, and often bearing algae on their thick skin. 



Their paddle-like tails and flippers exemplify their adaptation to aquatic life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-habitat">Diet and habitat</h3>



Primarily herbivores, manatees spend much of their time feeding on a variety of water plants. This feeding habit is vital for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems, as it helps control the growth of vegetation. 



They inhabit warm waters, primarily found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, saltwater bays, and coastal areas.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-and-conservation">Threats and conservation</h3>



Despite their size, manatees face numerous threats. Collisions with boats, loss of habitat, and climate change pose significant risks to their survival. 



As a result, conservation efforts have become increasingly important. Organizations worldwide are working to protect their habitats, enforce boat speed regulations, and raise public awareness about these gentle creatures.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endangered-manatees-humans-and-the-future">Endangered manatees, humans and the future</h3>



Humans have a unique relationship with manatees, often drawn to their peaceful demeanor. In some regions, they have become a significant tourist attraction, bringing people closer to nature and fostering a sense of stewardship for the environment.



The future of manatees hinges on effective conservation strategies and public awareness. By understanding these gentle giants and the challenges they face, we can work towards a future where manatees thrive in their natural habitats, continuing to enchant and remind us of the delicate balance within our marine ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-45507-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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AI is now at the forefront of saving endangered manatees, the cows of the sea

Manatees, often known for their immense appetites and extended feeding...

A,Stark,Image,Of,A,Melting,Ice,Cap,With,Its

Recent developments have led to a significant gap in our understanding of the Arctic's climate change. With the cessation of data sharing from Russian Arctic research stations following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a new study highlights the growing bias in our perception of climate change in this critical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/will-the-arctic-become-a-battleground-for-resource-extraction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic region</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-russian-data">Importance of Russian data</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-dipole-the-atmospheric-pattern-shaping-our-future-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Arctic</a>, undergoing rapid changes, has been closely monitored by a network of research stations. Among these, 21 Russian stations played a crucial role by contributing data to <a href="https://eu-interact.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INTERACT</a>, an international consortium of Arctic countries. 



The unique geographical positioning of these stations in Siberia's boreal forests provided invaluable insights, different from the data gathered in Greenland, Svalbard, and parts of Northern Canada.



Dr. Efrén López-Blanco of <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>, a leading researcher in the study, emphasizes the severity of this data gap. 



"Suddenly, we're missing data from half of the Arctic's landmass. This lack of information from the Russian stations significantly undermines our ability to track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/additional-heat-is-being-transferred-to-the-arctic-ocean-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic changes</a>," he notes. 



López-Blanco's concern is echoed by his colleague, Professor Niels Martin Schmidt, who points out that the exclusion of Russian data, particularly from the vast taiga forests, limits our understanding 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 ecosystem</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-cycle-disruption-harms-arctic-climate">Carbon cycle disruption harms Arctic climate</h2>



Dr. López-Blanco further explains, "Half of the Russian research stations are located in the boreal zone, a critical area for carbon uptake. This region plays a pivotal role in the Arctic climate system by accumulating biomass and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-soil-plays-a-major-role-in-fighting-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil organic carbon</a>. Excluding these stations increases our bias."



This data gap is not just a regional issue. "The increasing bias in data from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic affects</a> our global understanding of climate change," Dr. López-Blanco asserts. 



The absence of comprehensive data could hinder our ability to track global ecological responses to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-amplification-is-destabilizing-the-delicate-balance-of-the-ecosystem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, such as permafrost degradation, shifts in vegetation, and carbon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>.



To mitigate this data gap, Dr. López-Blanco suggests enhancing existing research infrastructure and establishing new stations in northern Scandinavia and Canada. 



"While we can identify locations with similar conditions to those missing in Russia, the financial implications are substantial. The decision rests with funding agencies, policymakers, and decision planners," he states.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-climate-change-data-repercussions">Arctic climate change data repercussions</h2>



Dr. López-Blanco warns of the broader implications from the lack of data that scientists are able to obtain about the progress of climate change in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blowing-snow-plays-an-important-role-in-arctic-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> and its changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-geese-have-a-large-impact-on-arctic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>.



"The bias introduced by excluding Russian research stations is comparable to the anticipated climate-induced shifts by the end of the century. Our diminished ability to track and detect climate changes could impact the solutions we develop to mitigate global climate change effects."



In summary, the discontinuation of data sharing from Russian Arctic research stations presents a significant challenge to climate change research. 



The international scientific community faces the task of overcoming this hurdle to maintain a comprehensive understanding of global climate dynamics. 



The decisions made in the wake of this development will shape our approach to addressing the challenges of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-climate-change-a-call-to-action">Arctic climate change: A call to action</h2>



In the face of global climate change, the Arctic emerges as one of the most rapidly warming regions on Earth. 



As discussed above, this dramatic change is a clear and present signal of the widespread impact of human-induced climate alterations.



The most visible indicator of Arctic warming is the melting of sea ice and glaciers. This melting contributes significantly to rising sea levels, posing a threat to coastal communities worldwide. 



As the ice recedes, it exposes dark ocean waters that absorb more sunlight, further accelerating the warming process in a feedback loop with profound global implications.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disrupting-wildlife-and-indigenous-communities">Disrupting wildlife and indigenous communities</h3>



The changing Arctic climate is drastically affecting the region's wildlife. Species like polar bears and seals, dependent on sea ice for hunting and breeding, are struggling to adapt to their rapidly changing habitat. 



Indigenous communities, whose lifestyles and cultures are intertwined with the Arctic environment, face unprecedented challenges as they grapple with these ecological shifts.



The effects of Arctic warming extend beyond the region. Changes in the Arctic climate influence global weather patterns, contributing to more extreme weather events like heatwaves, cold spells, and intense storms. 



Understanding these connections is crucial for predicting and preparing for climate impacts worldwide.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-responsibility">A global responsibility</h3>



The situation in the Arctic serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global climate action. 



Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and protecting and restoring natural ecosystems are critical steps in slowing the pace of climate change and mitigating its impacts.



The Arctic's plight is not a solitary issue but a global one, demanding collective action. 



It underscores the interconnectedness of our planet's ecosystems and the shared responsibility we hold in safeguarding our environment for future generations. 



Addressing Arctic climate change is a critical part of the global fight against climate change.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-023-01903-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Tracking Arctic climate change is much more difficult since Ukraine war began

Recent developments have led to a significant gap in our...

Researchers from the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a> have found alarming evidence about the accumulation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-shows-how-microplastics-are-harming-global-soil-and-agriculture/">microplastics</a> in the food web of the Galápagos Islands. The study suggests that the endangered Galápagos penguin is the most affected by this growing environmental concern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-impact-of-microplastics-nbsp">Environmental impact of microplastics&nbsp;</h2>



The research, led by Karly McMullen under the guidance of Dr. Juan José Alava and Dr. Evgeny A. Pakhomov, presents a concerning picture of the environmental impact of microplastics. These include small plastic particles less than five millimeters in size, 



Microplastics have been a topic of increasing concern due to their pervasive presence in marine environments and potential impacts on wildlife.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indicator-species-nbsp">Indicator species&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers' focus on the Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) provides a critical view of how plastic particles are moving through and impacting a relatively isolated ecosystem.&nbsp;



This penguin, unique to the Galápagos Islands, serves as a key indicator for understanding the broader implications of microplastic pollution.



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



The experts used two models to simulate microplastic movement within the food web, incorporating data collected around Santa Cruz Island in October 2021.&nbsp;



The island, home to human settlements and penguin colonies, offered a pertinent site for examining microplastic interactions between urbanized areas and natural habitats.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed samples from various sources, including seawater, zooplankton, fish species that are part of the penguin's diet, and penguin feces.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-findings-nbsp">Alarming findings&nbsp;</h2>



Both models revealed a significant and rapid increase in microplastic accumulation within the first five years of an organism's life. This was followed by a more gradual increase and eventual stabilization.&nbsp;



Notably, the Galápagos penguin exhibited the highest levels of microplastic per unit of biomass. This was followed by other species in its food chain, such as the barracuda, anchovy, sardine, herring, salema, and predatory zooplankton.&nbsp;



The researchers also predicted the biomagnification of microplastics across predator-prey relationships, highlighting the rate of excretion as a crucial factor in the net accumulation rate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-knowledge-gap-nbsp">Key knowledge gap&nbsp;</h2>



McMullen emphasized the importance of understanding the behavior and residence time of microplastics within organisms.



“The model predictions highlight a key knowledge gap in microplastics science, specifically the accumulation behavior and residence time of microplastics in the gut," said McMullen.



"With microplastics emerging as a prominent ocean pollutant, entering the environment every day, there is a growing concern for marine fauna and coastal wildlife. To understand microplastics' effects on wildlife and food webs, future research must address how these diverse plastics behave after ingestion."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-threat-of-microplastics-nbsp">Growing threat of microplastics&nbsp;</h2>



“The finding of microplastics in the Galápagos penguin, fish prey, and plankton that form part of its food web is undoubtedly worrisome because it shows the globalization of this emerging anthropogenic threat for the conservation of the Galápagos, proving that microplastics can reach isolated and protected areas, such as The Galápagos Archipelago, across thousands of kilometers," said study co-author Hernán Vargas.



"Plastic pollution may also affect the public health of human residents inhabiting the islands. As a global threat to ecosystems, global remedies are required to solve it.”



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



Study co-author Paola Calle noted that having demonstrated the potential bioaccumulation and biomagnification of microplastics in the Galápagos penguin food web alerts us to the potential that these microparticles have on entering and potentially exert adverse effects on the endemic and unique biota of the Galápagos.&nbsp;



"Therefore, we must raise awareness, actions and public policies that allow us to protect and conserve the endemic and native fauna of the islands.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0296788" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>.



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Galápagos penguins at risk from microplastics in polluted food web

Researchers from the University of British Columbia have found alarming...

Agriculture,Blue,Pipe,With,Groundwater,Gushing

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pumping-too-much-groundwater-affects-earths-spin/">Groundwater</a>, a crucial resource hidden beneath our feet, is declining across the globe. A comprehensive analysis from <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a> indicates that groundwater depletion is not only a growing concern but is also accelerating. However, the experts report that proactive management can reverse these troubling trends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-research">Extensive research</h2>



Spanning nearly 1,700 aquifers and based on an analysis of 300 million water level measurements from 1.5 million wells over the past century, the research is unprecedented in scale.&nbsp;



“This study was driven by curiosity. We wanted to better understand the state of global groundwater by wrangling millions of groundwater level measurements,” explained study lead author Professor Debra Perrone.



The process of data collection and analysis took three years, two of which were solely dedicated to cleaning and sorting the data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-insights-nbsp">Critical new insights&nbsp;</h2>



The results revealed that groundwater levels are dropping in 71% of the studied aquifers, with this decline accelerating at an alarming rate. Groundwater depletion rates significantly sped up from 2000 to the present, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions under cultivation.



According to the researchers, the accelerating declines are occurring in nearly three times as many places as they would expect by chance.



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



Despite these grim revelations, the study also highlights examples of successful groundwater management. Notably, in 16% of the aquifer systems with historical data, declines observed in the 1980s and '90s have reversed.&nbsp;



Study co-lead author Scott Jasechko pointed out that human intervention can help. “This study shows that humans can turn things around with deliberate, concentrated efforts."



An example of such success is Tucson, Arizona, where water from the Colorado River is used to replenish the nearby Avra Valley aquifer.



“Groundwater is often viewed as a bank account for water,” explained Jasechko. “Intentionally refilling aquifers allows us to store that water until a time of need.”&nbsp;



Filling aquifers is a cost-effective and ecologically beneficial approach compared to above-ground water storage. However, such interventions aren't without their trade-offs, as evidenced by the dwindling Colorado River.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-demand-nbsp">Reducing demand&nbsp;</h2>



The study suggests that reducing demand is as crucial as augmenting supply. Often this involves regulations, permitting and fees for groundwater use, noted Perrone, who is currently examining water law in the western U.S. to understand these diverse interventions.&nbsp;



Regardless of whether it comes from supply or demand, aquifer recovery seems to require intervention, the researchers found.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complementary-resources-nbsp">Complementary resources&nbsp;</h2>



The team also leveraged data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission, which provides insights into groundwater conditions at a larger scale. This data offers a more comprehensive understanding of groundwater dynamics.



“The beauty of GRACE is that it allows us to explore groundwater conditions where we don’t have in-situ data,” said Perrone. “Our assessment complements GRACE. Where we do have in-situ data, we can explore groundwater conditions locally, a crucial level of resolution when you’re managing depletion.”&nbsp;



In a previous paper published in 2021, the authors highlighted how withdrawing groundwater can affect nearby streams and surface water. Additionally, they are now exploring how groundwater levels vary over time in the context of climate change, aiming to predict where groundwater access is most at risk.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06879-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>. 



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Groundwater depletion is accelerating, but is not inevitable 

Groundwater, a crucial resource hidden beneath our feet, is declining...

Norway has been recognized as Europe's most environmentally friendly country, according to a recent study by <a href="https://www.hemsol.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hemsol</a>, a solar energy company. 



The experts considered various factors to rank Europe's greenest countries, such as renewable energy share, recycling rates, and carbon dioxide emissions.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-norway">Norway</h2>



Norway's top ranking as Europe’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/going-green-which-states-are-the-least-environmentally-friendly/">greenest</a> country is attributed to its impressive renewable energy share in 2022, despite high per capita carbon dioxide emissions and extensive farmland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-austria">Austria</h2>



Austria secured the second spot, primarily due to its citizens' preference for public transport, significantly reducing car usage. Austria also stands out for its high recycling rate and commitment to the Paris Agreement, though it ranks sixth in carbon dioxide emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finland">Finland</h2>



Finland ranks third, following the implementation of a new Climate Act on July 1, 2022. The Act sets ambitious emission reduction targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050, with a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceland">Iceland</h2>



Iceland, in fourth place, boasts one of the lowest carbon dioxide emissions rates among the top ten European countries and the highest rate of renewable energy share.&nbsp;



Iceland aims for carbon neutrality before 2040 and a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, as outlined in its updated Climate Action Plan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sweden">Sweden</h2>



Completing the top five greenest countries in Europe is Sweden, notable for its extensive woodland areas and the second-highest renewable energy usage. Sweden's goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, with a minimum reduction of 85% from 1990 levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northern-europe">Northern Europe</h2>



“It’s interesting to see how six of the countries in the top 10 are Northern European and how all Scandinavian countries figure in the top five. This is a testament to their commitment to the environmental cause more than anyone else in Europe, and this can be seen both in the data and in the practical regulations that they have put in place both at home and that they have pledged to help with internationally,” concluded William Bergmark, founder of Hemsol.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-green-countries">Additional green countries</h2>



Estonia is considered a green country in several aspects, particularly in its progress towards sustainability and environmental conservation.



Germany is recognized for its commitment to renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, and its leadership in environmental technology.



Luxembourg generally has high environmental standards, particularly in areas such as air and water quality, and waste management.



Switzerland has strong environmental policies and legislation, focusing on preserving its natural landscapes and promoting sustainability. The country is known for its efficient waste management and high recycling rates.



Slovenia is noted for its biodiversity, forest conservation, and sustainable tourism practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europe-s-top-10-greenest-countries">Europe’s top 10 greenest countries</h2>



<ul>
<li>Norway (Score: 73.30 out of 100) </li>



<li>Austria (68.89) </li>



<li>Finland (62.31) </li>



<li>Iceland (62.13) </li>



<li>Sweden (62.05) </li>



<li>Estonia (54.66) </li>



<li>Germany (52.06) </li>



<li>Luxembourg (51.83) </li>



<li>Switzerland (51.75) </li>



<li>Slovenia (51.63)</li>
</ul>



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Scientists rank Europe’s top 10 greenest countries

Norway has been recognized as Europe's most environmentally friendly country,...

Bumble,Bee,In,High,Country,,Colorado,,Usa

At Mesa Verde National Park in southern Colorado, a remarkable scene unfolds on a cliffside: a fuzzy bumblebee, Anthophora pueblo, diligently carves into the red sandstone, its powerful jaws creating a symphony of grinding sounds. 



This industrious insect, native to Colorado and a recent discovery, captivates Adrian Carper, an entomologist at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> and the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/cumuseum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CU Museum of Natural History</a>. 



"This is just one example of how crazily diverse our native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bee-evolution-occurred-tens-of-millions-of-years-earlier-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> are," Carper marvels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colorado-s-bumblebee-pollinators-in-peril">Colorado's bumblebee pollinators in peril</h2>



Yet, Carper's latest comprehensive report on Colorado's native pollinators, co-authored with his team, paints a concerning picture. 



Their research reveals a stark decline in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-threatens-solitary-bees-and-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinator populations</a> over the past 35 years, with some species plummeting by more than half. 



Alarmingly, about 20% of Colorado's 24 native bumblebee species are on the brink of seeking federal protection under the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-endangered-species-act" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Endangered Species Act</a>. 



"That’s a huge alarm call, and that’s only for species we have good data for," Carper warns, suggesting the actual situation could be more dire.



The report, drawing on data from the <a href="https://www.rmbl.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory</a>, indicates a 61% decline in insect populations in high-elevation meadows, despite these areas being well-protected. 



This decline encompasses a range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, beetles, flies, and even mosquitoes, many of which are under-researched.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bumblebees-agriculture-and-tourism">Bumblebees, agriculture and tourism</h2>



Colorado's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-synthesize-nutrients-to-nourish-their-gut-microbiota/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> and other native pollinators are not just a vital component of the ecosystem; they are integral to the state's agriculture and tourism. 



Carper highlights the unique relationship between these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bee-communication-is-hindered-by-human-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> and local flora. 



For instance, the renowned Rocky Ford cantaloupes, native to southeastern Colorado, rely heavily on native squash bumblebees for pollination. 



These bees possess specialized hairs to handle the cantaloupe's large pollen grains, a feature honeybees lack, making them inefficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-choose-immediate-rewards-over-energy-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> for these flowers. 



"Our native bees have co-evolved with our native plants. We recreate in our beautiful high alpine mountains, because they are covered in colorful wildflowers, which wouldn’t be there if they didn't have our native pollinators to help them reproduce," Carper explained.



"Additionally, those native plants are integral to our rangelands, supporting over $5 billion worth of livestock across the state," said Carper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-native-pollinators">Threats to native pollinators</h2>



The report identifies several threats to native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-rusty-patched-bumblebee-a-very-important-pollinator-is-on-the-edge-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a>: habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and the introduction of non-native species like honeybees. 



The latter, despite their importance in agriculture, are not native to Colorado and have seen a surge in urban hive numbers. 



This increase raises concerns about competition for food with native species and the potential spread of diseases and parasites. 



"We need to better educate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-causing-honey-bee-colony-collapse-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beekeepers</a> on subjects like disease management and swarm control to mitigate honeybees’ impacts on native pollinators," advises Carper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-colorado-s-bumblebees">Protecting Colorado's bumblebees</h2>



To combat these threats, the report suggests strategies such as creating and connecting habitat patches and reducing pesticide use. 



Carper also emphasizes the role individuals can play, advocating for the use of native plants in personal landscaping to support local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-have-an-incredible-sense-of-smell-to-find-their-way-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a>.



In summary, while the Anthophora pueblo bumblebee showcases the unique biodiversity of Colorado's pollinators, the stark reality of their declining numbers calls for immediate action. 



Through a combination of research, education, and conservation efforts, there is hope for preserving these vital members of Colorado's ecosystem and economy.



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Twenty-percent of Colorado bumblebees are endangered

At Mesa Verde National Park in southern Colorado, a remarkable...

Man,With,Backpack,On,The,Train,Tracks,In,Winter

In recent years, the world has witnessed a puzzling phenomenon: despite global warming, winters in regions like East Asia and North America are becoming colder. 



This has led to a series of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/sprawling-winter-storm-over-the-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a> that contradict general climate change predictions. 



Historically, Arctic warming and a weakened jet stream have been pointed to as culprits, yet climate models have struggled to confirm this theory conclusively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-extreme-weather">Understanding extreme weather</h2>



The 2021 Texas power outage, triggered by a rare cold snap, underscores the urgent need for precise climate models. 



These models are vital for forecasting <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/winter-storm-triggers-deadly-flooding-in-brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> events and mitigating their socioeconomic impacts. 



Recognizing this, leaders in climate technology have set a critical objective: to predict climate trends for the upcoming decade.



A recent discovery by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (<a href="https://eng.kist.re.kr/eng/index.do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KIST</a>), in collaboration with Yonsei University. 



Senior researcher Mi-Kyung Sung from KIST's Sustainable Environment Research Center and professor Soon-Il An of <a href="https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/en_sc/research/lab_intro.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yonsei University's Center for Irreversible Climate Change</a> have identified the mid-latitude oceans as key players in generating abnormal weather patterns, particularly in East Asia and North America. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-winter-weather-and-climate-change-are-different">Cold winter weather and climate change are different</h2>



This finding is crucial for developing mid to long-term strategies to address <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warmer-arctic-northeast-winter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winter climate changes</a>.



Ocean currents, by transporting heat energy as well as suspended and dissolved matter, significantly influence the weather and climate of nearby regions. 



Areas with rapid temperature changes within a narrow latitude band, such as the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean and the Kuroshio Current's downstream region in the Pacific Ocean, are termed "ocean fronts." 



The KIST-Yonsei research team attributes the rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/brutal-winter-storm-dumped-snow-and-ice-from-texas-to-maine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme cold waves</a> to the excessive heat accumulation in these ocean fronts.



Their research reveals a striking correlation: from the early 2000s until now, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Observed-temperature-trends_winters-of-1995-96-2021-22_credit-KIST_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unusual cold trend</a> in East Asia aligns with heat buildup near the Gulf Stream, and in North America, it corresponds with intensified heat near the Kuroshio Current. 



Essentially, these oceanic frontal regions act as thermostats, influencing the frequency of winter cold waves and abnormal high temperatures.



The accumulation of heat in these ocean fronts can span years to decades. During such periods, continental regions might experience a 'warming hiatus,' seemingly defying the global warming trend. In contrast, periods of ocean frontal cooling may lead to accelerated warming in these regions.



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



This research suggests that the recent decadal cooling trend is a temporary fluctuation within the broader global climate system. 



It implies that as the accumulated heat in the ocean fronts dissipates, we can expect warmer winters to become more common.



Furthermore, climate model experiments, which varied the heat levels near ocean fronts, align with these observations. 



This consistency challenges the conventional sea ice theory and underscores the importance of accurately modeling ocean front variability in climate predictions for the next decade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-variations-in-a-warming-world">Climate variations in a warming world</h2>



As global warming progresses and alters the ocean's structure, regional climate variations could undergo significant changes. 



Climate model experiments with increased greenhouse gases indicate that North America may face shorter and fewer warming hiatuses, whereas East Asia might experience more frequent alternations between warming hiatuses and acceleration. 



These continental differences are driven by the distinct responses of the Kuroshio Current and the Gulf Stream to global warming.



"Applying the effects of ocean fronts revealed in this research to global warming climate models can improve climate change forecasts for the near future," said Dr. Mi-Kyung Sung of KIST. 



"It will provide important references for long-term forecasts of winter energy demand and the construction of climate change response infrastructure to prevent climate disasters such as the 2021 Texas power outage," Sung concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-climate-models-yield-better-forecasts">Better climate models yield better forecasts</h2>



In summary, this pioneering research spearheaded by KIST and Yonsei University offers a vital new perspective in understanding the complex interplay between global warming and regional climate patterns, particularly the phenomenon of colder winters amidst a warming planet. 



By highlighting the pivotal role of mid-latitude ocean fronts in modulating extreme weather events, the study challenges prevailing theories while highlighting new avenues for enhancing climate models. 



This advancement is crucial for more accurate predictions of future climate trends, enabling societies to better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change. 



As we face the increasing challenges of a dynamic climate, such insights become invaluable tools in our ongoing efforts to adapt to and navigate the complexities of Earth's ever-changing climate system.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43686-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Why winters are getting colder when the world is getting warmer

In recent years, the world has witnessed a puzzling phenomenon:...

Electric,Aircraft,Charger,Station,With,Plug,And,Power,Cable,Supply

The aviation industry, accounting for about 2 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions and 4 percent of climate change impacts annually, stands at a critical juncture. In the quest to mitigate these environmental ramifications, electric aircraft are emerging as a promising avenue. 



Recent advancements have ushered in the first generation of electric aircraft, predominantly utilized for pilot training and short-range flights. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-impact-of-electric-aircraft">Environmental impact of electric aircraft</h2>



The life cycle assessment of such aircraft offers insightful revelations about their potential in reducing aviation's environmental footprint.



Rickard Arvidsson, the lead author of the study from <a href="https://www.chalmers.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalmers University of Technology</a>, emphasizes the immediate and future applications of these electric aircraft. 



“In the short-term future, battery-powered electric aircraft will probably mostly be used for shorter distances, such as what in Norway is called "fjord-hopping", meaning shorter flights between deep fjords," explained Arvidsson. 



"In a larger perspective, the study shows that battery-powered electric aircraft have the potential to significantly reduce environmental impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-and-machine-learning-enhance-airplane-performance-and-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aviation</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



The team's study centered on the "<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/electric-aircraft_study-plane_Chalmers-University-of-Technology_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pipistrel Alpha Electro</a>," a two-seater, battery-electric aircraft, juxtaposed against its fossil fuel-powered counterpart for a comprehensive analysis. 



The life cycle assessment spanned from raw material extraction to the aircraft's end of life, focusing on a functional unit of 1-hour flight time. 



This approach, fortified with data from the aircraft manufacturer, enabled a detailed exploration of each aircraft's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-airplane-contrail-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impact</a>.



Their investigation encompassed a broad spectrum of environmental categories, including global warming potential, mineral resource scarcity, particulate matter formation, acidification, and ground-level ozone formation. 



These factors, indicative of an aircraft's ecological footprint, were meticulously examined.



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



Arvidsson provides a crucial takeaway from the study. 



“The key take-home from this study is that small electric aircraft can have a notably lower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-accelerate-jet-stream-winds-and-airplane-turbulence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate impact</a> -- up to 60 percent less -- and other types of environmental impacts than equivalent fossil-fueled aircraft," he said. 



"However, there is a trade-off regarding mineral resource scarcity – about 50 percent more even in the most favorable scenario, mainly due to rare metals in the batteries of the electric aircraft.



The study also delves into the life cycle of electric aircraft, paralleling it with electric cars. Initially, the production of their batteries, requiring substantial energy and resources, presents a higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-caused-more-severe-turbulence-on-airplanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental</a> burden. 



However, as the aircraft is utilized, its benefits, chiefly emission-free propulsion, become increasingly apparent. 



A 'break-even' point is reached after about 1,000 flight hours, beyond which the electric aircraft's climate impact becomes lower than its fossil fuel counterpart. This finding assumes optimal conditions, including the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/passenger-planes-fueled-hydrogen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green energy</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-battery-technology-needed">Better battery technology needed</h2>



Senior Researcher Anders Nordelöf, another author of the study, highlights the significance of battery longevity. 



“The lifetime of the lithium-ion batteries, however, would have to be about twice as long for the mineral resource scarcity to be about the same for the electric airplane and the fossil-fuel aircraft," Nordelöf explains. 



"Alternatively, have double the energy storage capacity such that only one of two packs are needed onboard for the same flight time," he said.



The study concludes with a forward-looking perspective on battery development, which is pivotal in reducing the life cycle impacts of electric aircraft. 



Post-study advancements have seen the aircraft model's battery life triple. New <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-based-battery-may-ultimately-replace-lithium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">battery technologies</a>, like lithium-sulfur, are in the pipeline, potentially enhancing the electric aircraft's environmental performance further.



“There is a constant development of lithium-ion batteries that can improve the environmental performance of the electric aircraft and make it relatively even more preferable than the fossil-fueled one," Arvidsson says. 



There are also new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-e-waste-millions-of-tons-discarded-in-the-us-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">battery technologies</a> that could be developed and be applicable to electric aircraft in a longer time perspective, such as lithium-sulfur batteries, although these are still in an early phase of technology development," he concludes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-greener-horizon-with-electric-aircraft">A greener horizon with electric aircraft</h2>



In summary, the emergence of electric aircraft, as explored in the comprehensive study by Chalmers, marks a significant stride towards sustainable aviation. 



With the potential to drastically reduce climate impact by up to 60 percent, these innovative aircraft stand as a testament to the possibilities of greener transportation. 



While challenges like mineral resource scarcity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/sodium-based-battery-is-a-safer-alternative/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">battery</a> longevity persist, ongoing advancements in battery technology, such as the promising lithium-sulfur batteries, pave the way for an environmentally responsible future in the skies. 



As we witness the evolution of electric aircraft, we embrace a new chapter in aviation, one that aligns technological progress with ecological responsibility, steering us towards a more sustainable world.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11367-023-02244-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment</a>.



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Electric aircraft demonstrate major climate benefits

The aviation industry, accounting for about 2 percent of global...

<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...

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



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



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...

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



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



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.

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



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.



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



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



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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"

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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



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.

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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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

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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

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

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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