<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...

Electric,Car,On,Charging,Spot,With,Solar,Panels,And,Wind

In an effort to combat climate change and its associated consequences, the United States has enacted several ambitious federal laws and climate policies, including the Inflation Reduction Act (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/inflation-reduction-act-of-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IRA</a>) passed in 2022 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/06/fact-sheet-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IIJA</a>) of 2021. 



These laws aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-utilities-may-be-100-percent-renewable-energy-by-2060/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a> development. 



While some analyses suggest that these policies could bring about a reduction in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracking-every-nations-contribution-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> by more than 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, researchers at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> and their collaborators suggest caution in interpreting these estimates. 



According to their study, various factors, such as consumer decision-making and political polarization, may influence the effectiveness of these laws.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-climate-policies-and-legislation">Importance of climate policies and legislation</h2>



Leaf Van Boven, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at CU Boulder, emphasizes that the passage of these laws signifies a crucial moment for America. 



“America stands at a pivotal moment with the passage of its ambitious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> legislation," said Van Boven. “The nation's ability to unite behind these transformative policies will either ignite a sustainable energy revolution or fumble into the familiar deadlock of political discord.” 



One critical aspect of implementation lies in the speed and scale of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-must-be-doubled-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a> infrastructure projects. 



The researchers caution that the effectiveness of these policies heavily relies on the timely construction and expansion of renewable energy projects. 



Currently, the process for obtaining permits for power transmission projects in the U.S. takes an average of six to eight years. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-policy-implementation-challenges">Climate policy implementation challenges</h2>



Matt Burgess is a co-author of the study and a fellow of the Cooperative Institute for Research and Environmental Sciences (<a href="https://cires.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CIRES</a>). 



He warns that without significant improvements in the speed of expanding the power transmission network, up to 80% of the IRA's potential emissions reductions could be lost. 



“If it takes six to eight years to get a permit for a power line and even longer to get a utility-scale solar project approved, we might have almost no shovels in the ground in many key areas by 2035, when we're supposed to have already made significant progress,” Burgess said. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influence-of-political-polarization">Influence of political polarization</h2>



The researchers also highlight the potential impact of political polarization on the effectiveness of these climate policies. 



If these laws become overly polarized and face opposition from the next Congress or local governments, their intended benefits may be compromised. 



To address this challenge, the researchers propose reframing these laws to reduce their association with climate policies.



By adopting alternative narratives, it may be possible to mitigate political polarization and increase the likelihood of effective implementation.



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



The team of researchers conducted a <a href="https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10494414" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">separate study</a>, published by C-SEF, which examined the role of climate change in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-opinions-swing-voting-and-elections-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">voters' decision-making</a> during the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. 



The findings indicated that views on climate change significantly influenced voters' choices. They concluded that the climate issue likely played a role in the 2020 election outcome, emphasizing the relevance of this topic for politicians and advocates ahead of the 2024 election cycle. 



“This is obviously information that politicians and advocates across the political spectrum will want to know, heading into the 2024 election cycle,” said Burgess. 



“Beyond that, we don’t see it as our job as researchers to editorialize. How to reduce political polarization of climate change is one of the questions our research group is most interested in currently, and this provides some insight,” Burgess concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-u-s-climate-policy">Future of U.S. climate policy</h2>



In summary, while the U.S. government's recent climate legislation has the potential to bring about significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the researchers at UC Boulder caution against overly optimistic estimates.



The effective deployment of investments, the timely construction of renewable energy projects, and the mitigation of political polarization are key factors that will determine the success of these climate policies. 



By considering these challenges and implementing potential solutions, the U.S. can continue its progress towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-023-01906-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Why aren’t U.S. climate policies effective?

In an effort to combat climate change and its associated...

The world's largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iceberg-that-weighs-more-than-the-eiffel-tower-is-floating-freely/">iceberg</a>, A23a, is undergoing significant erosion and transformation as it moves away from Antarctica. Captured in new photos and videos, the iceberg, measuring 1,540 square miles, is being reshaped by ocean waters, forming caves and arches.&nbsp;



The erosive process, similar to coastal land erosion, is accelerated by waves crashing against the iceberg, gradually enlarging gaps until the top layers collapse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mind-boggling-size">Mind-boggling size</h2>



<a href="https://www.eyos-expeditions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EYOS Expeditions</a>, who recently visited iceberg A23a, deployed a drone for aerial photography. Expedition leader Ian Strachan described the scene, thusly. 



"We saw waves, a good three meters or four meters high, smashing into the berg... These were creating cascades of ice – a constant state of erosion." 



"It's mind-bogglingly big and stretches as far as you can see in both directions... It's certainly too big to photograph," added videographer Richard Sidey.



The erosion process involves powerful waves hitting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a23a-worlds-largest-iceberg-is-moving-after-30-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg's base</a>, creating small gaps that eventually widen into caves and arches, leading to the collapse of the 'roof' or the top ice layer. This leaves behind smaller stacks that eventually melt away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impact-of-iceberg-a23a">Potential impact of iceberg A23a</h2>



A23a, grounded to the ocean floor for 30 years, is now drifting northwards due to wind and ocean currents. 



The <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a> (BAS) revealed that the iceberg is moving at about 30 miles per day and may enter "iceberg alley" towards South Georgia. 



According to a BAS spokesperson, "it depends on its trajectory, but there is potential for impact to wildlife if it approaches any of the sub-Antarctic islands."



Originally part of the Filchner Ice Shelf, A23a became stationary after grounding, a phenomenon that occurs when an iceberg's keel is deeper than the water's depth. 



Scientists noted its movement in November, with the iceberg now on a northward journey. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-title-of-world-s-largest-iceberg">The title of world's largest iceberg</h2>



Despite its current title as the world's largest iceberg, this status is temporary, as icebergs inevitably fragment. 



The previous largest iceberg, A76, detached from the Weddell Sea ice shelf in May 2021 but has since broken into three pieces.



One of the most notable was Iceberg A-68, which calved from the Larsen C Ice Shelf in Antarctica in July 2017. 



At the time of its calving, A-68 was one of the largest ever recorded, measuring about 5,800 square kilometers (2,240 square miles) in area, roughly the size of Delaware or the island of Trinidad.



Over time, these massive icebergs break into smaller pieces and eventually melt. Satellite imagery and tracking have been crucial in monitoring their movements and changes, providing valuable data for understanding the dynamics of polar regions in the context of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-iceberg-a23a">More about iceberg A23a</h2>



In the vast, frigid waters of the Southern Ocean, Iceberg A23a stands as a monumental testament to nature's grandeur and the dynamic processes shaping our planet. 



As discussed above, this massive iceberg, once part of Antarctica's sprawling ice shelf, embarked on an extraordinary journey that captures the attention of scientists and the public alike.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-and-discovery">Origins and discovery</h3>



Iceberg A23a broke away from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, a significant section of the Antarctic ice sheet. Its calving, a natural part of the ice shelf's life cycle, was a spectacle of nature's power. 



The moment it separated, A23a became an independent entity, charting a course through the world's southernmost waters.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceberg-a23a-size-and-structure">Iceberg A23a size and structure</h3>



Measuring over a hundred kilometers in length and breadth, A23a is comparable in size to major global cities, dwarfing most other icebergs. 



Its towering walls of ice rise majestically, while the bulk of its mass, like that of all icebergs, remains hidden underwater. 



This colossal size makes A23a a subject of fascination and a vital piece in understanding the Earth's cryosphere.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-the-environment">Impact on the environment</h3>



As A23a drifts, it influences the oceanic currents and the marine ecosystem. The iceberg's immense size acts as a floating barrier, redirecting water flows and potentially altering weather patterns. 



Moreover, its gradual melting process releases vast amounts of freshwater, impacting the salinity of the surrounding ocean, which can have far-reaching effects on marine life.



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



The journey of A23a provides a unique opportunity for research. Scientists employ satellites, drones, and ship-based observations to track its movement and study its impact. 



This research offers insights into the behavior of icebergs and the broader implications for global climate patterns. The data gathered helps refine models predicting the response of polar regions to climate change.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceberg-a23a-and-climate-change">Iceberg A23a and climate change</h3>



The story of A23a is intrinsically linked to the narrative of global warming. The increasing rate of iceberg calving in Antarctica raises concerns about the stability of ice shelves and the potential for accelerated sea-level rise. 



A23a's voyage is a vivid, tangible example of these changes. While its contribution to sea-level rise is minimal compared to glacial meltwater, it symbolizes the larger, more pressing issue of our warming planet.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-social-impact-of-iceberg-a23a">Cultural and social impact of iceberg A23a</h3>



Beyond its scientific importance, A23a has captured the public's imagination. It represents the remote and wild beauty of the Antarctic region and serves as a powerful symbol of the natural world's scale and mystery. 



In a world increasingly concerned with environmental issues, A23a's journey is a reminder of the need for stewardship and understanding of our planet's delicate ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbol-of-change-and-discovery">Symbol of change and discovery</h3>



As Iceberg A23a continues its solitary voyage, it remains a subject of awe and study. It stands as a stark reminder of the Earth's changing climate and the urgent need to understand and protect our planet's polar regions. 



In summary, the story of A23a is not just about a massive chunk of ice. The takeaway here is the interconnectedness of our global environment and the shared responsibility we hold in safeguarding it for future generations.



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World’s largest iceberg, A23a, is adrift and seeing major erosion and melting

The world's largest iceberg, A23a, is undergoing significant erosion and...

Meadow brown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-solved-when-butterflies-evolved-and-what-plants-they-used-for-food/">butterflies</a> may lose their spots as a result of climate change, according to a study from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Exeter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>. The researchers found that females, in particular, experience a decrease in the number of spots on their wings when they develop in warmer temperatures.



"For butterflies, the critical period for determining the development of wing pattern formation is during late larval development or early pupation," wrote the study authors. "However, most studies of butterfly eyespot variation to date come from temperature-controlled laboratory experiments and not from the field."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-development-is-evolving-nbsp">Female development is evolving&nbsp;</h2>



The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Exeter's Centre for Ecology and Conservation, specifically found that female meadow browns developed differently based on the temperature of their environment.&nbsp;



"Females that developed at 11°C had six spots on average, while those developing at 15°C had just three," wrote the researchers. This correlation between temperature and spot formation suggests that as the climate warms, these butterflies could become less spotty.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-eyespots-nbsp">Significance of the eyespots&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Richard ffrench-Constant, from the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, explained the significance of these spots.&nbsp;



“Meadow browns always have large ‘eyespots’ on their forewings, probably for startling predators. They also have smaller spots on their hindwings, probably useful for camouflage when the butterfly is at rest."



“Our findings show that fewer of these hindwing spots appear when females experience higher temperatures during their pupal stage (in a chrysalis before emerging as a butterfly)."



“This suggests the butterflies adapt their camouflage based on the conditions. For example, with fewer spots they may be harder to spot on dry, brown grass that would be more common in hot weather."



“We did not observe such a strong effect in males, possibly because their spots are important for sexual selection (attracting females)," noted Professor ffrench-Constant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thermal-plasticity-nbsp">Thermal plasticity&nbsp;</h2>



For years, the variation in eyespot number on the meadow brown butterfly has been a classic example of “genetic polymorphism,” as noted in the works of biologist EB Ford.&nbsp;



However, this new research indicates that eyespot variation is actually due to thermal plasticity, meaning the butterflies’ ability to react to changing temperatures, rather than purely genetic factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-climate-change">Consequences of climate change</h2>



“This is a family story for me, as my father collected butterflies for EB Ford here in Cornwall,” said Professor ffrench-Constant.



“In the new study, we looked at current Cornish populations – collecting males and females from the same field every day throughout the flight season – and historical collections from Eton and Buckingham.”



Meadow browns spend about 28 days in the pupal stage, usually emerging in late spring. The researchers predict that their spots will decrease year after year as our climate warms.



Professor ffrench-Constant added: “This is an unexpected consequence of climate change. We tend to think about species moving north, rather than changing appearance.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about meadow brown butterflies&nbsp;</h2>



The meadow brown butterfly, known scientifically as Maniola jurtina, is a common and widespread species especially prominent across Europe and extending into Asia and North Africa. This butterfly is characterized by its predominantly brown coloration.&nbsp;



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



In terms of habitat, meadow browns are quite adaptable and are often found in a variety of environments including meadows, woodland clearings, and grassy paths. Their versatility in habitat choice has contributed to their widespread presence across their range.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Life cycle</h3>



Their life cycle follows the typical butterfly pattern of complete metamorphosis. This includes a transformation from egg to larva (caterpillar), then to pupa (chrysalis), and finally to the adult butterfly. The larvae primarily feed on a range of grasses, which aligns with their preference for grassland habitats.



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



As adults, meadow brown butterflies feed on nectar and are commonly seen visiting various wildflowers. A notable behavior of this species is their ability to fly in less sunny and duller weather conditions, unlike many other butterfly species that are more dependent on sunshine.



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



The reproductive cycle of meadow browns involves females laying eggs individually on or near host plants. The species generally has a single generation per year, with adults typically emerging in late spring or early summer, depending on the climate of their habitat. The adult lifespan of meadow browns, like many butterflies, is relatively short, emphasizing the importance of each life stage in their overall life cycle and survival.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10842" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Meadow brown butterflies are losing their spots as temperatures rise

Meadow brown butterflies may lose their spots as a result...

White,Rhinoceros,Ceratotherium,Simum,Square-lipped,Rhinoceros,At,Khama,Rhino,Sanctuary

Southern Africa is home to the vast majority of the world’s black and white <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-rhino-day-celebrating-and-protecting-the-magnificent-rhinoceros/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rhinoceros</a> populations, holding 80% and 92% respectively. 



These majestic creatures, long the focus of conservation efforts due to poaching, now face a new and potentially more devastating threat: climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-climate-change-on-rhinos">Impact of climate change on rhinos</h2>



A new study from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>, led by Hlelowenkhosi S. Mamba, focuses on this issue.



Their findings reveal that while both higher temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are concerns, it is the rising temperatures that pose the most significant threat to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-half-of-africas-rhinos-have-private-owners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rhinos</a>.



“Generally speaking, most, if not all, species will, in one way or another, be negatively affected by the changing climate,” says Mamba. 



“It is therefore important for conservationists to conduct macroecological assessments over large areas to catch trends and model futures for some of the world’s most vulnerable species to prepare to mitigate climate change’s effects, hence minimizing global biodiversity losses.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-africa-rhinoceros-and-rising-temperatures">Africa, rhinoceros, and rising temperatures</h2>



The African continent has experienced a temperature increase of 0.5 – 2 degrees Celsius over the past century. Furthermore, the IPCC projects up to another two degrees rise in the next century. 



This temperature increase in Africa is particularly problematic for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-rhino-population-numbers-slowly-rebound/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rhinoceros</a>, which lack sweat glands and rely on bathing and shade for cooling.



The study focused on five major national parks across South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, and eSwatini, modeling two scenarios: a high-emissions scenario and a moderate one. 



They projected temperature and precipitation changes up to 2055 and 2085, assessing the parks' suitability for rhinos.



Under the moderate emissions scenario, a warming of approximately 2.2 ºC by 2055 and 2.5 ºC by 2085 is expected, with even higher increases under the high emissions scenario. Most parks will become drier, except for Kenya's Tsavo West National Park, which may see increased rainfall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-and-white-rhinos-can-t-survive-in-africa">Black and white rhinos can't survive in Africa</h2>



The research reveals a grim outlook: changes in temperature will likely exceed the rhinos' tolerance limits. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reproductive-success-of-southern-white-rhinos-linked-to-gut-microbiome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">White rhinos</a> are expected to be affected earlier than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-majestic-and-endangered-black-rhinoceros-past-present-and-unknown-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black rhinos</a>, with a drastic decrease in their occurrence probability in all parks. 



“The temperature conditions in all study parks will become increasingly unsuitable for both species, but it is predicted that white rhinos will be affected earlier than black rhinos,” to quote the study.  



By 2085, under high-emissions scenarios, the likelihood of either species surviving in these parks could drop to zero.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-a-call-to-action">Conservation and a call to action</h2>



Etosha National Park in Namibia and Hlane National Park in eSwatini are set to become inhospitably warm for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-one-step-closer-to-creating-artificial-rhino-eggs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rhinos</a> under either emissions scenario.



<a href="https://eco.umass.edu/people/faculty/randhir-timothy-o/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Timothy Randhir</a>, senior author and professor at UMass Amherst, underscores the importance of integrating climate predictions into park and rhino management.



He proposes proactive measures such as increasing water supplies, enhancing tree cover, monitoring for stress, and planning for potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxpeckers-alert-black-rhinos-to-the-presence-of-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rhino</a> migration as the world warms.



“This paper highlights the importance of using climate predictions for both park and rhino management,” says Randhir. 



“We propose that park managers think now about increasing water supplies, tree cover, watching for stress and planning to allow rhino migration as the world warms.”



In summary, this research is a clarion call to conservationists and park managers. The traditional focus on poaching must now expand to include strategies countering the effects of climate change. 



By understanding and anticipating these changes, we can work towards ensuring a future where these magnificent creatures continue to thrive in their natural habitats.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14888386.2023.2291133" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biodiversity</a>.



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Temperatures in Africa are rising above levels that rhinoceros can tolerate

Southern Africa is home to the vast majority of the...

Recent research has revealed alarming new details about the state of Greenland's glaciers. According to a study led by scientists at NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>, the Greenland ice sheet has lost approximately 20 percent more ice than previously estimated. 



This discovery not only raises concerns about sea level rise but also poses potential challenges for ocean circulation patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-retreat-nbsp">Glacier retreat&nbsp;</h2>



The study, which spanned from 1985 to 2022, involved a comprehensive analysis of glacier retreat across the entire ice sheet. Utilizing nearly a quarter of a million pieces of satellite data, the researchers observed significant retreat in 179 out of 207 glaciers.&nbsp;



Chad Greene, a glacier scientist at JPL and the study’s lead author, explained the process. “When the ice at the end of a glacier calves and retreats, it’s like pulling the plug out of the fjord, which lets ice drain into the ocean faster.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-sea-level-rise-nbsp">Global sea level rise&nbsp;</h2>



Previous research was primarily focused on direct contributions of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-is-approaching-a-critical-tipping-point/">Greenland Ice Sheet</a> to global sea level rise through ice flow and melting.&nbsp;



The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, citing the Ice sheet Mass Balance Inter-comparison Exercise (IMBIE), estimated a loss of 5,390 billion tons of ice from 1992 to 2020, contributing about 0.531 inches to global sea levels.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-ice-loss-nbsp">Additional ice loss&nbsp;</h2>



However, this did not account for the ice lost due to the retreat of terminal glaciers at the edges of Greenland. The new study fills this gap, revealing an additional loss of about 1,140 billion tons of ice – a staggering 21% more than the IMBIE assessment.



While this additional ice loss has not directly contributed to sea level rise due to its subsea level origin, it signifies a substantial influx of fresh water into the ocean. This influx could potentially disrupt the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, a critical component of the global oceanic “conveyor belt.”&nbsp;



Such a disruption could have far-reaching impacts on global weather patterns and ecosystems, noted the researchers.



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



The study revealed that Greenland’s ice extent remained relatively stable from 1985 to 2000 but then experienced significant recession.&nbsp;



The Zachariae Isstrom glacier lost the most ice, followed by Jakobshavn Isbrae and Humboldt Gletscher. Interestingly, only one glacier, Qajuuttap Sermia, showed any growth, but its gains were insufficient to offset the losses elsewhere.



A crucial finding of the study is the correlation between Greenland's glaciers with large seasonal fluctuations in their ice fronts and the extent of overall retreat. This suggests that glaciers which are most sensitive to summer warming are likely to be the most affected by climate change in the future.



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



JPL cryosphere scientist Alex Gardner, a co-author of the paper, emphasized the significance of the study’s approach. By synthesizing big data, the study provided a systematic and comprehensive view of the ice sheet over time, as well as new insights into its behavior.



“Previously, we had bits and pieces – lots of local studies,” said Gardner. “But what this study offers is a systematic and comprehensive view that has led to some pretty significant insights that we didn’t have about the ice sheet before.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06863-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Greenland's glaciers are losing far more ice than previously thought

Recent research has revealed alarming new details about the state...

People,With,Banners,Protest,As,Part,Of,A,Climate,Change

Recent research reveals the pivotal role of climate change in shaping voting behaviors during the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections in the U.S. 



The study, spearheaded by <a href="https://cires.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CIRES</a> Fellow and C-SEF director Matthew Burgess, along with a team of researchers and graduate students from CU Boulder, <a href="https://www.vanderbilt.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vanderbilt University</a>, and the <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California Santa Barbara</a>, offers new insights into the political implications of public opinion on climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-s-influence-on-voters">Climate change’s influence on voters</h2>



The report presents a comprehensive analysis of data from the nonpartisan <a href="https://www.voterstudygroup.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voter Study Group</a>. 



By employing logistic regression, machine learning models, and simulations of the Electoral College, the research team has concluded that climate change opinions significantly swayed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/political-divide-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">voter choices</a>. 



Particularly in the 2020 election, the team estimates a potential 3-percent swing in the popular vote favoring Republicans, had climate change <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/politics-often-pollutes-support-for-pro-science-environmental-solutions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opinions</a> been more favorable to them. 



This swing, the report suggests, could have been decisive for the 2020 presidential election outcome. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-vs-other-voter-concerns">Climate change vs. other voter concerns</h2>



A striking aspect of the study is the broad concern for climate change across the political spectrum. While a majority of Democrats and independents express worry about climate change, the report also notes a significant fraction of younger and moderate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jump-republicans-climate-change-real/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Republicans</a> sharing this concern. 



In fact, around one-quarter of Republicans who deemed climate change "very important" voted for President Biden in 2020. 



This cross-party concern provides Democrats with a notable 26-point lead over Republicans on this issue, as per recent polls.



Despite its influence on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/racist-people-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">voting patterns</a>, climate change is not the foremost concern among voters, with less than 5 percent ranking it as their top issue. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-predictor-of-voting-behavior">Strong predictor of voting behavior</h2>



If climate change isn’t voters’ top issue, why is it such a strong predictor?



“One reason might be that most people see the evidence for climate change as so strong that, if a candidate were to deny or minimize that issue, they might trust that candidate less on other issues,” said Matthew Burgess. 



“Another reason might be that voters are beginning to see a connection between climate change and the kitchen table issues they care about more, like the economy, security, and health. But we can’t say for sure, and this is a key question for future research," Burgess surmised.



More immediate concerns like the economy, healthcare, and education overshadow it. However, its role as a strong predictor in voting behavior raises questions about its indirect impact on voters' trust and perceptions of candidates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead-the-2024-election">Looking ahead: The 2024 election</h2>



Matthew Burgess, leading the research, emphasizes the significance of these findings for upcoming elections. 



“This is obviously information that politicians and advocates across the political spectrum will want to know, heading into the 2024 election cycle,” said Burgess. “How to reduce political polarization of climate change is one of the questions our research group is most interested in currently, and this provides some insight.”



As the nation gears up for the next presidential election, the influence of climate change on voter decisions remains a critical area of focus. 



The CU Boulder study not only highlights the growing importance of environmental issues in American politics but also underscores the need for further research to fully grasp the nuances of this complex relationship.



In summary, the CU Boulder research sheds light on the evolving dynamics of voter behavior in the context of climate change, offering a crucial perspective as the country moves towards the 2024 presidential election.



The full study was published <a href="https://zenodo.org/records/10494414">here</a>.



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Climate change opinions swing voting and elections in the U.S.

Recent research reveals the pivotal role of climate change in...

Chameleon,On,The,Flower.,Beautiful,Extreme,Close-up.

A new study provides crucial insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/">biodiversity</a> patterns across the globe, particularly emphasizing the unique roles of climate and topography. The researchers investigated the reasons why tropical regions close to the equator are teeming with a diverse array of animal and plant species.&nbsp;



The research team, led by PhD student Tal Raz and Professor Shai Meiri from <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a>, along with Professor Uri Roll from Ben-Gurion University, analyzed an extensive dataset covering thousands of species.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-patterns-nbsp">Biodiversity patterns&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis included 5,983 amphibians, 9,630 birds, 5,004 mammals, and 8,939 reptiles. Such a massive dataset, which featured newly available data on reptiles, enabled the team to investigate global biodiversity patterns and their relationship to the environment with unprecedented precision.



"Until recently, we didn't have enough data on where land vertebrates are found and thus on how many species are actually found in different areas of the world. Now, we have detailed data for reptiles, which we made available, along with publicly available data for other land vertebrate groups. This allows us to accurately study global patterns and how they relate to the environment," said Raz.&nbsp;



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



The team found that while amphibians, birds, and mammals flourish in regions with higher rainfall, reptiles show a marked preference for warmer areas, regardless of rainfall levels. 



This pattern is further complicated by the fact that in colder regions, temperature plays a more dominant role in determining species numbers than rainfall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-relationships">Fascinating relationships</h2>



"The relationship between temperature, precipitation, and topography in shaping ecosystems is fascinating. In regions where environmental factors are diverse, they tend to have a more pronounced influence on the number of species," said Raz.



"In Africa, for instance - where temperatures are quite high all over, the varying rainfall plays a crucial role in determining the number of species."



"In Eurasia, both temperature and rainfall are highly diverse, making them both influential for species richness. But with all that, amphibians never forget their connection to rainfall, and reptiles hold onto their affinity for warmth."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-distribution-of-reptiles-nbsp">Global distribution of reptiles&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Meiri explained that reptiles can do with very little water, because their metabolism is much slower compared to birds and mammals and because, unlike amphibians, they have highly efficient mechanisms to prevent water loss.&nbsp;



"But reptiles are highly sensitive to temperatures and cannot readily function in cold regions. Therefore, we see relatively high numbers of reptiles in deserts worldwide, where mammals, birds and, especially, amphibians, are scarce.”&nbsp;



“In recent years we have made tremendous efforts to map the global distributions of about 12,000 species of reptiles (as part of the Global Assessment of Reptile Distributions). Such efforts enable us to ask such broad-scale fundamental questions regarding the ecology and evolution of life on our planet."



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



Professor Roll emphasized that understanding the distribution of biodiversity is crucial for conservation efforts.



“We live in an age of the biodiversity crisis! If trends continue as they are, many of the plants and animals that share the Earth with us will not be here by the end of the 21st century due to destruction of their habitats, climate change, and other human effects," said Professor Roll.



"A better understanding of where biodiversity is found, and why we find it there, is fundamental for our efforts to conserve it. Moreover, works such as this highlight how life on Earth is a truly miraculous phenomenon, and should serve as a call to action to everyone to protect it.”



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Study reveals patterns of biodiversity across the globe

A new study provides crucial insights into biodiversity patterns across...

Life on Earth remains a subject of immense curiosity and scientific investigation across all sections of humanity. But have you ever stopped to think about the total amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/how-much-total-life-has-existed-on-Earth_Spiny-Flower-Mantis_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life that has existed</a> on Earth since the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-chemical-reaction-used-by-cooks-helped-spark-the-first-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first cells</a> appeared 3.8 billion years ago? 



What about the total amount of life that will ever inhabit our planet, from now until Earth is consumed by the Sun?



A recent study led by <a href="https://earthsci.carleton.ca/people/faculty-members/dr-peter-crockford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Crockford</a>, Assistant Professor at <a href="https://carleton.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carleton University</a>, in collaboration with researchers from the <a href="https://www.weizmann.ac.il/pages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weizmann Institute of Science</a> and <a href="https://www.smith.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smith College</a>, dives head first into this mind-blowing topic.



Their work, published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01286-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>, delves into the historical and future aspects of life on our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-primary-production">The role of "primary production"</h2>



At the heart of the study is the concept of primary production, a process where organisms convert inorganic carbon, like atmospheric carbon dioxide and oceanic bicarbonate, into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic molecules</a> essential for life. 



This process, currently dominated by oxygenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> involving sunlight and water, is responsible for an estimated annual uptake of 200 billion tons of carbon. 



Understanding the historical rates of primary production is crucial, and scientists have turned to the isotopic composition of oxygen in ancient sulfate deposits for answers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-insights-and-astonishing-figures">Historical insights and astonishing figures</h2>



The study compiled various estimates of ancient primary production, leading to the staggering conclusion that about 100 quintillion tons of carbon have been processed since life began. 



This figure is a hundredfold greater than the total carbon content contained inside the Earth, highlighting the profound impact of primary producers like plants, algae, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cyanobacteria-may-shed-new-light-on-the-history-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyanobacteria</a>.



In Earth's early days, primary production was predominantly managed by organisms that didn't rely on oxygenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-finally-decoded-the-process-of-photosynthesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>. 



Techniques like identifying the oldest forests and analyzing molecular fossils have helped pinpoint when different primary producers were most active.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimating-the-total-amount-of-life-on-earth">Estimating the total amount of life on Earth</h2>



Crockford's team found that land plants, despite their late emergence, have likely been the biggest contributors to Earth's primary production. 



Cyanobacteria also stand out as significant contributors. This research is vital in understanding not just the amount of primary production but also the organisms responsible for it.



One fascinating aspect of the study is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/earth_amount-of-life-existed_stony-coral_3m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimation of life</a> on Earth, both historically and presently. By correlating primary production with cell existence, the researchers approximate that around 1030 (10 noninillion) cells exist today. 



Throughout Earth's history, between 1039&nbsp;(a duodecillion) and 1040 cells have likely existed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finite-nature-of-earth-s-biosphere">Finite nature of Earth’s biosphere</h2>



The study also touches on the finite lifespan of Earth's biosphere, a sobering reality dictated by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sun-dies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life cycle of the sun</a>. 



Over time, the sun's increasing brightness will push Earth's biogeochemical systems beyond their limits, leading to the demise of land plants and eventually turning Earth back into a largely lifeless planet.



Looking forward, Crockford and his team project that about 1040 cells will inhabit Earth over its entire habitable lifetime. This projection is based on current levels of primary productivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-as-an-exoplanet-benchmark">Earth as an exoplanet benchmark</h2>



In an era where over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-worlds-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5000 exoplanets</a> have been discovered, the study also positions Earth as a benchmark for comparing life on other planets. 



Crockford emphasizes the significance of historical events, like the advent of oxygenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-photosynthesis-machines-invented-to-create-oxygen-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> and endosymbiosis, in shaping the trajectory and abundance of life on Earth. 



These insights not only enhance our understanding of our planet but also guide the exploration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxygen-levels-on-distant-planets-reveal-presence-of-alien-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extraterrestrial life</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next">What's next?</h2>



In summary, this incredible work by Peter Crockford and his team offers a profound perspective on the scope and scale of life on Earth. 



By quantifying the vast amounts of carbon processed since the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/earth_amount-of-life-existed_nudibranch_4m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dawn of life</a> and estimating the staggering number of cells that have existed, and will exist, the research deepens our understanding of Earth's biological history, while placing our planet in a broader cosmic context. 



As we continue to discover and analyze exoplanets, Earth's unique evolutionary path, shaped by pivotal phenomena like oxygenic photosynthesis, serves as a vital reference point. 



This research illuminates our planet's past and predicts its future. It also underscores the delicate balance of conditions that sustain life. 



As we look towards the future, Crockford's work reminds us of the transient nature of life on Earth and the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries of life in the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beginnings-of-life-on-earth">Beginnings of life on Earth</h2>



As mentioned above, the beginning of life on Earth is a story of extraordinary complexity and wonder, forged billions of years ago. 



This narrative starts around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-chemical-reaction-used-by-cooks-helped-spark-the-first-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4.5 billion years ago</a>, when Earth itself formed from the dust and cosmic debris left over from the sun's creation. 



Initially, the young Earth was a molten, hostile environment, unsuitable for any form of life as we know it today.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-oceans-and-the-emergence-of-life">Earth's oceans and the emergence of life</h3>



As Earth cooled, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-discovery-earths-building-blocks-contained-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water vapor</a> began to condense and form oceans. It was in these primordial waters, around 3.8 to 4.1 billion years ago, that life first emerged. 



The exact process remains one of science's great mysteries, but the prevailing theory suggests that life began with simple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroids-were-formed-in-cold-regions-of-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic compounds</a>. 



These compounds, through a series of chemical reactions possibly driven by lightning or volcanic activity, formed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks</a> of life: amino acids and nucleotides.



Then, a critical leap occurred. These organic molecules combined in just the right way to form the first simple, self-replicating entities. 



These were the earliest forms of life, likely <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-on-earth-may-have-been-kickstarted-by-a-stormy-and-active-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RNA-like molecules</a> that could both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions, a precursor to modern DNA.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-and-the-rise-of-complex-life">Evolution and the rise of complex life</h3>



Over countless millennia, these simple forms evolved, becoming more complex and diverse. 



They developed the ability to harness energy from the sun through photosynthesis, which dramatically altered Earth's atmosphere and paved the way for more complex life forms. 



The rise of oxygen in the atmosphere was a turning point, leading to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of aerobic organisms that could use oxygen for energy.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-diverse-web-of-life">The diverse web of life</h3>



From these humble beginnings, life diversified into the myriad forms we see today, from bacteria to plants, insects, animals, and humans. 



Through the process of primary production, the amount of life that has existed on Earth, and will exist in the future, is nothing short of staggering.



This vast web of life all traces back to those first organic compounds that formed in Earth's ancient oceans, making our planet a unique and thriving ecosystem in the vastness of space.



In summary, the story of life's beginning on Earth, and the total amount of life that has existed on Earth since the very first cell evolved, is a tale of chemical and biological evolution.



Earth's story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of life. It underscores the importance of understanding our planet's history and preserving its biodiversity for future generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01286-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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The total amount of life that has ever existed on Earth is mind-blowing

Life on Earth remains a subject of immense curiosity and...

The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/">Arctic</a>, often referred to as Earth's icy crown, is currently at the epicenter of a climate transformation unparalleled in modern history. A recent study from <a href="https://www.sandia.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandia National Laboratories</a> has shed new light on this rapidly evolving crisis. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intriguing-phenomenon-nbsp">Intriguing phenomenon&nbsp;</h2>



The research was focused on the significant reduction in sunlight reflectivity, or albedo, in the Arctic. The results offer a deeper understanding of the factors that are accelerating Arctic warming, which is occurring at a rate four times faster than the global average.



Erika Roesler, an atmospheric and climate scientist at Sandia, elaborated on the pressing issue. “The uneven warming in the Arctic is both a scientific curiosity and a pressing concern, leading us to question why this landscape has been changing so dramatically.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-research">Innovative research</h2>



The study diverges from traditional research methods. Instead of fieldwork in the frigid Arctic, the Sandia team analyzed data from GPS satellite radiometers.&nbsp;



This innovative approach allowed them to observe the sunlight reflection patterns over the Arctic with unprecedented accuracy and detail.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-ice-albedo-feedbacks">Sea-ice albedo feedbacks</h2>



The researchers noted that previous studies have suggested that sea-ice albedo feedbacks are likely driving Arctic amplification. These albedo feedbacks can be broken down into two main areas.



First, the reduction in sea ice leads to more open, dark ocean surfaces that absorb more sunlight, thereby increasing temperatures. Second, there is the altered reflectivity of the remaining sea ice, which is affected by factors like meltwater ponding.



Amy Kaczmarowski, an engineer at Sandia, conducted an analysis of the data spanning from 2014 to 2019.



“There have been numerous local measurements and theoretical discussions regarding the effects of water puddling on ice albedo," said Kaczmarowski.&nbsp;



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



"This study represents one of the first comprehensive examinations of year-to-year effects in the Arctic region. Sandia’s data analysis revealed a 20% to 35% decrease in total reflectivity over the Arctic summer."



"According to microwave sea-ice extent measurements collected during the same period, one-third of this loss of reflectivity is attributed to fully melted ice.”



The other two-thirds of the loss in reflectivity is likely caused by the weathering of the remaining sea ice. according to the study. “The key discovery here is just how much the weathered ice is reducing reflectivity,” said Kaczmarowski.



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



Senior scientist Phil Dreike collaborated with the U.S. Space Force to obtain permission for Sandia to analyze previously unpublished data from the radiometers on GPS satellites.



“New observational climate datasets are unique," said Roesler. "To qualify as a climate dataset, observations must span a multitude of years. Small-scale science projects are typically not that long in duration, making this dataset particularly valuable."



Kaczmarowski emphasized the ongoing nature of this research and the team's commitment to collaborating with other climate scientists. “We will continue to use this data to investigate various regions of the Earth for climate applications."



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-39877-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>.



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Study reveals new clues about rapid Arctic warming

The Arctic, often referred to as Earth's icy crown, is...

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a critical threat to the world's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/californias-forests-are-losing-their-ability-to-recover/">forests</a>, and a recent study highlights the severity of this issue for forest carbon sequestration, particularly in the United States.&nbsp;



The research, conducted by <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a> researchers J. Aaron Hogan and Jeremy W. Lichstein, involved a comprehensive analysis of U.S. Forest Service data.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-productivity-nbsp">Forest productivity&nbsp;</h2>



The experts analyzed data from 1999 to 2020, including 113,806 measurements in non-plantation forests. The goal of the study was to assess how forests across the country are responding to the changing climate.



The analysis revealed a pronounced difference in forest health and productivity between the eastern and western United States.&nbsp;



In the West, severe climate impacts have led to a marked decline in tree growth and biomass accumulation. By contrast, the East has experienced a slight increase in growth, attributed to milder climate effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-sequestration">Carbon sequestration</h2>



Forests are crucial in regulating Earth's climate by absorbing a significant portion of CO2 emissions. However, the ability of forests to store carbon hinges on the delicate balance between the positive and negative effects of climate change, noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-forest-functioning-nbsp">Changes in forest functioning&nbsp;</h2>



“We are witnessing changes in forest functioning as forest ecosystems respond to global change drivers, such as carbon-dioxide-fertilization and climate change,” said Hogan. “It is the future balance of these drivers which will determine the functioning of forests in the coming years to decades.”



While some drivers, such as droughts and pathogens, have negative effects on forest productivity, carbon-dioxide fertilization could potentially boost productivity.



“The U.S. Forest Service has been monitoring the growth and survival of over a million trees across the U.S. for multiple decades,” said Lichstein. “We were interested to see if their data provided evidence for increased rates of tree growth, as predicted by the carbon-dioxide fertilization hypothesis.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerating-climate-change-nbsp">Accelerating climate change&nbsp;</h2>



The findings challenge the assumption that forests will continue to increase their carbon storage capabilities. In reality, ecosystem carbon storage might decrease, contributing to more atmospheric carbon and accelerated climate change.



“Our study suggests that future projections of climate and sea-level rise may be too optimistic because, in reality, ecosystems are likely to store less carbon in the future,” explained Lichstein. “Less ecosystem carbon storage means more carbon in the atmosphere and therefore more warming and accelerating climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regional-variation">Regional variation</h2>



The results of the study highlight the fact that the impacts of climate change vary by region. This variation can push forests beyond climate thresholds, potentially flipping them from carbon sinks to carbon sources.



“Ecosystem carbon sequestration is not guaranteed to be permanent, and it can be reversed by climate change,” said Lichstein. “This reversal is already happening in the Western U.S., and there are signs that it may also be happening in other drought-impacted regions of the world, such as the Amazon.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-declining-productivity-nbsp">Declining productivity&nbsp;</h2>



While wildfires are a significant concern, the experts found that the decline in western forests' productivity is not solely due to tree mortality from fires but also from declining growth rates caused by adverse climate conditions.



“We hear a lot about wildfires in the Western U.S., which kill a lot of trees and release carbon to the atmosphere,” said Lichstein. “But our study shows that additional ecosystem carbon loss in western forests is occurring due to declining tree growth rates.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gas-emissions-nbsp">Greenhouse gas emissions&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers emphasize the need to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to preserve forest carbon sinks and slow the pace of climate change.



“We must have healthy forests in connection with emissions reduction to restore the global carbon balance and limit climate change,” said Hogan.



“Our results highlight the need for reduced global greenhouse gas emissions,” said Lichstein. “Without the emissions reductions that scientists have been urging for decades, forest carbon sinks will likely weaken, which will accelerate the pace of climate change.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2311132121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Forests are becoming less productive due to climate change

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a critical threat to...

There has been a significant decline in U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">air pollution</a> levels in recent decades, but a new study emphasizes that this decrease is not distributed evenly across communities.&nbsp;



The research, conducted by experts at the Columbia University <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mailman School of Public Health</a>, highlights persistent inequities in environmental health impacts.



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



The researchers investigated the complex interaction between air pollution emission reductions and socio-demographic factors, shedding light on an aspect of environmental justice that has been less explored.



“The analyses provide insight on the socio-demographic characteristics of counties that have experienced disproportionate decreases in air pollution emissions over the last forty years,” said study first author Dr. Yanelli Nunez.



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



The study was focused on changes in U.S. air pollution emissions over a 40-year period following the Clean Air Act (CAA) in 1970. 



Unlike previous studies that concentrated on air pollution disparities at a single time point and focused more on pollutant concentrations, this research takes a new approach by examining emissions. This focus is crucial as emissions have more direct implications for regulations and policy-making.



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



The researchers utilized county-level data across the contiguous U.S. to assess racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in the changes in air pollution emissions from 1970 to 2010.&nbsp;



The team analyzed emissions data from the Global Burden of Disease Major Air Pollution Sources inventory, covering six pollution source sectors: industry, energy, agriculture, on-road transportation, commercial, and residential.



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



The findings revealed that, on average, U.S. air pollution emissions have declined significantly from most source sectors.&nbsp;



The experts found notable reductions in sulfur dioxide from industrial and energy generation activities, and moderate decreases in nitrogen oxide emissions from transportation, commercial activities, and energy generation.&nbsp;



However, emissions from agriculture (ammonia) and residential sectors (organic carbon particles) did not follow this downward trend. Residential emissions are primarily associated with the use of solid biofuels for indoor heating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disproportionate-benefits">Disproportionate benefits</h2>



A concerning aspect of the study's findings is the uneven nature of these reductions. The researchers found that counties with higher percentages of Hispanic or Indian American populations experienced relative increases in emissions from various sectors.&nbsp;



Furthermore, higher median family incomes within a county were linked to greater reductions in emissions across nearly all sectors, except agriculture. These disparities indicate that certain populations have not benefited equally from the overall improvements in air quality.



“Air pollution emissions do not perfectly capture population air pollution exposure, and we also know that neighborhood-level air pollution inequities are common, which we were not able to analyze in this study given the data at hand,” noted study senior author Professor Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou.



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



“In this study, we provide information about potential racial/ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities in air pollution reductions nationwide from major air pollution sources, which can inform regulators and complement local-level analysis," explained Professor Kioumourtzoglou.



“Policies specifically targeting reductions in overburdened populations could support more just reductions in air pollution and reduce disparities in air pollution exposure,” said Dr. Nunez.&nbsp;



“This is an important lesson gained from 53 years of Clean Air Act implementation, which is particularly relevant as we develop policies to transition to renewable energy sources, which will have a collateral impact on air quality and, as a result, on public health.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43492-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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U.S. air pollution levels have dropped, but not for everyone

There has been a significant decline in U.S. air pollution...

Scientists at the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> have successfully engineered the microbiome of plants for the first time, marking a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology. 



This development has the potential to revolutionize the way we protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-malnutrition-new-satellite-can-monitor-nutrients-in-crops-from-space/">crops</a> from diseases, substantially reducing the dependence on harmful pesticides.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-microbiomes">Plant microbiomes</h2>



The significance of the microbiome, which refers to a complex community of microorganisms, has been a subject of growing interest. In humans, gut microbiomes play a critical role in various aspects of health, from metabolism to immunity.&nbsp;



Similarly, plants host diverse microbiomes consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms within their roots, stems, and leaves. These microbial communities are crucial in determining a plant's health and its susceptibility to diseases.



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



"In nature, plants and their associated microbes, collectively known as the microbiota, form functional entities that rely on each other. The microbiota contributes to aspects such as disease resistance, stress tolerance, and nutrient acquisition," wrote the study authors.



"Successful recruitment and maintenance of a sufficient abundance of specific microbial members determines the outcome of plant-microbiota interactions. Thus, understanding the principles driving microbiome assembly in crop plants has become one of the main pursuits of present studies in order to integrate microbiome functioning into sustainable crop production."



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



The research was focused on a specific gene in the lignin biosynthesis cluster of the rice plant, a component crucial for plant cell walls and overall biomass.&nbsp;



Upon deactivating this gene, the scientists observed a decline in certain beneficial bacterial populations, underscoring the gene's role in shaping the plant's microbiome.&nbsp;



On the other hand, overexpressing the gene resulted in the increased production of a particular metabolite, subsequently enhancing the prevalence of beneficial bacteria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-results">Successful results</h2>



The genetic modification proved its effectiveness when the engineered rice plants exhibited substantial resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae. This pathogen is responsible for bacterial blight, a prevalent and destructive disease in rice crops.&nbsp;



The traditional method of controlling bacterial blight involves the use of polluting pesticides. Therefore, the development of crops with a naturally protective microbiome could not only secure food production but also benefit the environment.



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



“For the first time, we’ve been able to change the makeup of a plant’s microbiome in a targeted way, boosting the numbers of beneficial bacteria that can protect the plant from other, harmful bacteria,” said study co-author Dr. Tomislav Cernava.



“This breakthrough could reduce reliance on pesticides, which are harmful to the environment. We’ve achieved this in rice crops, but the framework we’ve created could be applied to other plants and unlock other opportunities to improve their microbiome. For example, microbes that increase nutrient provision to crops could reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.”



The implications of this research extend beyond disease resistance. The Southampton team is exploring ways to manipulate plant microbiomes to enhance other aspects of plant health, such as nutrient provision.&nbsp;



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



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Engineered plant microbiomes: The future of crop protection 

Scientists at the University of Southampton have successfully engineered 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=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.

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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.



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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



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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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