For years, scientists believed they had a decent handle on what was melting the ice in West Antarctica. Warmer oceans and stronger winds blowing in from the west - that was the popular theory.



But now, after running climate simulations using local data, researchers have discovered that we might have been looking the wrong way entirely. It’s not the westerly winds causing the biggest trouble - it’s the northerly winds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-loss-means-rising-seas">Ice loss means rising seas</h2>



Antarctica holds most of the planet’s freshwater, frozen in a massive sheet of ice that covers an area bigger than the U.S. and Mexico combined. 



That ice isn’t just sitting still. Some of it flows slowly into the ocean, held back by giant floating extensions called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-melting-ice-shelves-threaten-global-sea-levels/">ice shelves</a>. If the ice sheet in West Antarctica collapses, sea levels around the world could rise by as much as 20 feet.



Even small changes in how fast that ice melts can have huge consequences for coastal cities, global currents, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-prediction-model-is-a-major-breakthrough-in-weather-forecasting/">weather systems</a>. 



That’s why scientists have spent decades trying to understand what’s causing the West Antarctic ice sheet to shrink. It’s been getting smaller since at least the 1940s. But not all the pieces of the puzzle were adding up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-antarctica-s-hidden-winds">Tracking Antarctica’s hidden winds</h2>



The new study was led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> (UW). They weren’t satisfied with the usual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/">climate models</a>, which often rely on global data and struggle with the lack of weather stations in Antarctica. So they decided to build something better.



They pulled in proxy data - long-term records preserved in things like ice cores, tree rings, and coral. These natural sources can give clues about past wind and weather patterns, helping fill in the gaps left by satellite data and on-the-ground observations.



“We thought that we were going to support what the climate models showed, which was that the westerly winds were getting stronger near the coast of Antarctica,” said Gemma O’Connor, lead author and a UW postdoctoral researcher. 



“But there was no evidence of westerly winds strengthening in this part of Antarctica.” That finding was odd. If westerly winds weren’t to blame, what was?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northerly-winds-drive-the-ice-melt">Northerly winds drive the ice melt</h2>



The team used high-resolution simulations to test 30 different wind scenarios. Each run of the model applied a different wind pattern to see what happened to the ice over a five-year stretch. They repeated the process again and again.



One pattern kept showing up: when winds came from the north, ice loss accelerated. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-westerly-winds-are-changing-and-the-consequences-are-unknown/">Westerly winds</a> didn’t do much.



Northerly winds shifted sea ice, closing small open areas in the ice cover known as polynyas. These are basically patches where heat can escape from the ocean into the atmosphere. When the winds closed them off, the ocean held onto more of its heat.



“Sea ice is a really good insulator, it keeps the ocean relatively warm compared to the air,” said Kyle Armour, a UW professor. “When northerly winds close the polynyas, it reduces ocean heat loss, which means warmer waters and more melting of ice shelves below the surface.”



This hidden heating creates a chain reaction. As the warmer water melts the ice shelves from below, freshwater enters the salty sea. That mix causes a difference in density, which pulls even more warm ocean water into the region - speeding up the melt further.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-climate-connection-we-didn-t-expect">A climate connection we didn’t expect</h2>



The big question is: what’s making those northerly winds stronger? Early signs point to climate change. 



Emissions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/">greenhouse gases</a> are likely decreasing air pressure over the Amundsen Sea, a region that shapes many of Antarctica’s weather patterns. Lower pressure strengthens the northerly winds - the same ones that are making the melt worse.



“This mechanism provides a connection between West Antarctic ice loss and human-induced climate change, albeit a different mechanism than we previously suspected,” O’Connor said.



This isn’t just a scientific curiosity. It’s a real link between our actions and the future of the world’s ice. If our emissions are playing a role in these winds, then reducing those emissions could slow the melting.



“We know the Earth is warming up on average, but that alone doesn’t explain ice loss in Antarctica,” said Eric Steig, professor of Earth and space sciences at UW. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northerly-winds-change-the-story">Northerly winds change the story</h2>



For decades, the focus has been on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-westerly-winds-are-changing-and-the-consequences-are-unknown/">westerly winds</a> - the ones that blow from west to east across the Southern Hemisphere. 



Scientists thought they were pushing warm ocean water toward Antarctica and driving the ice to melt faster. But they missed something important.



“I think what Gemma has done is going to lead to a complete revolution in the understanding of what drives Antarctic ice loss,” Armour said. “We had all sorts of theories about the winds that blow from west to east, but the northerly winds weren’t even on our radar. We were off by 90 degrees.”



The lesson here is clear. Climate science is constantly evolving, and even long-standing ideas can be turned on their head. In this case, or rather, on their side.



Understanding which way the wind is blowing - literally - might be one of the keys to protecting the future of Earth’s ice.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-025-01757-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Antarctic ice melt traced to an overlooked source

For years, scientists believed they had a decent handle on what was melting the ice in West Antarctica. Warmer oceans and stronger winds blowing in from the west - that was the popular theory. But now, after running climate simulations using local data, researchers have discovered that we might have been looking the wrong way entirely. It’s not the westerly winds causing the biggest trouble - it’s the northerly winds. Ice loss means rising seas Antarctica holds most of the planet’s freshwater, frozen in a massive sheet...

A recent study led by <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> has uncovered alarming trends regarding the impact of tropical cyclones on global populations. 



According to the researchers, there is a steady increase in the number of people at risk from tropical cyclones and the number of days per year these storms threaten health and livelihoods.&nbsp;



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



With climate change fueling more frequent and intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-will-wreak-havoc-on-mountain-ranges-as-warming-climate-turns-snow-to-rain/">weather events</a>, this type of research is critical in understanding and responding to these growing threats.



Study lead author Renzhi Jing, a postdoctoral scholar at the Stanford School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of the study.&nbsp;



"Understanding the demographics of populations exposed to cyclones is crucial for understanding evolving risks,” said Jing. “It’s particularly important for risk mitigation and achieving other socially desirable objectives, such as education and poverty alleviation.”



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



Tropical cyclones, characterized by rotating systems of clouds and thunderstorms, bring strong winds and heavy rain. Traditional estimates of exposure to these cyclones have been regional, lacking a global perspective and failing to consider population vulnerabilities.



For the investigation, researchers from Stanford, the RAND Corporation, and other institutions used a new model to merge demographic estimates with tropical cyclone wind fields estimates. This allowed the experts to create a comprehensive global profile of populations exposed to these storms between 2002 and 2019.&nbsp;



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



The study revealed that approximately 560 million people are exposed to cyclones annually and there has been an increase in the number of people exposed across all cyclone intensities.&nbsp;



The researchers also found that the demographic profile of those exposed has shifted, with a decrease in children and an increase in individuals over 60.



Furthermore, socioeconomically deprived populations are more likely to be exposed to tropical cyclones, and this exposure is more pronounced in higher-intensity storms.



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



The findings suggest tropical cyclones can worsen existing inequalities, and highlight the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable groups, noted the researchers.



“Severe storms hit the poor the hardest, and could worsen socioeconomic and health inequalities,” said study senior author Professor Eran Bendavid. “Interventions for mitigating tropical cyclone impacts should address this vulnerability.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-tropical-cyclones-nbsp">More about tropical cyclones&nbsp;</h2>



Tropical cyclones are intense circular storms that originate over warm tropical oceans. Their formation is fueled by the energy released when moist air rises and condenses, a process that is most efficient when the ocean waters are at least 26°C (79°F).&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure">Structure</h3>



These systems are distinguished by their organized structure, typically featuring a calm eye at the center, surrounded by a wall of thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rainfall.



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



The life cycle of a tropical cyclone begins with a tropical disturbance, which is essentially a disorganized cluster of thunderstorms. Under the right conditions, such as sufficient ocean heat and low vertical wind shear, this disturbance can evolve into a tropical depression, then a tropical storm, and eventually a cyclone. These stages are marked by increasing organization and wind speed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-damage">Damage</h3>



Tropical cyclones are known for their potential to cause significant damage. High winds can wreak havoc on infrastructure, vegetation, and power systems. However, the storm surge – the rise in sea level that occurs as the storm approaches the coast – is often the most destructive element, leading to severe coastal flooding.&nbsp;



Additionally, the heavy rains associated with these storms can result in inland flooding, and in mountainous areas, trigger landslides or mudslides.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-names">Names</h3>



Globally, these storms are called different names based on their location: hurricanes in the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, typhoons in the Northwest Pacific, and simply cyclones in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category">Category</h3>



They are categorized based on their wind speeds, with the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale being a common method in some regions. This scale ranges from Category 1 (least severe) to Category 5 (most severe).



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



The impact of climate change on tropical cyclones is a growing concern. While it's not clear if climate change will increase the total number of cyclones, it is expected to intensify the proportion of high-category storms and increase the volume of rainfall they deliver. Furthermore, rising sea levels can amplify the impact of storm surges, leading to more significant coastal damage.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06963-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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The rising impact of tropical cyclones in a warming world

A recent study led by Stanford University has uncovered alarming...

Valley,Of,Himalayan,Mountains,With,Mountain,Lake,On,Track,To

In an era where climate change poses a significant threat to natural resources, recent research highlights a glimmer of hope for the Himalayan glaciers. 



The findings suggest that reducing air pollution to levels experienced during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-made-covid-19-patients-sicker-for-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> lockdowns could significantly slow the melting of these glaciers, crucial for billions of people in Asia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-reduced-air-pollution">Impact of reduced air pollution</h2>



During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the world witnessed an unprecedented reduction in industrial activities and transportation, resulting in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/safe-levels-of-air-pollution-can-negatively-impact-the-developing-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cleaner air</a>. This period offered a unique opportunity for scientists to study the effects of reduced air pollution on the environment, particularly on the Himalayan glaciers. 



An international team, including researchers from India, Germany, and the UK, analyzed data from this period and found that less soot deposition on the glaciers led to a decrease in snowmelt by 0.5 to 1.5 mm per day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-himalayan-glaciers-a-critical-resource">The Himalayan glaciers: A critical resource</h2>



The Himalayas and the Tibetan highlands form the largest snow-covered region outside the polar areas. The meltwater from these glaciers is a lifeline for rivers in India and China, supporting agriculture, hydropower, and the economies of these nations. 



Approximately 4 billion people in South and East Asia depend on the Himalayan snowmelt for their annual fresh water supply. 



However, global warming has already caused a significant reduction in the Himalayan glacier area, making the preservation of these glaciers more crucial than ever.



While climate change and its resultant higher air temperatures and precipitation changes are long-term challenges, short-term factors like the deposition of light-absorbing particles, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust and soot</a>, are also major contributors to glacier melting. 



The study revealed that reduced emissions during the COVID-19 lockdowns led to less soot and greenhouse gases polluting the air, which, in turn, resulted in a substantial decrease in snowmelt.



The research team utilized the <a href="https://gmd.copernicus.org/articles/11/1695/2018/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECHAM6-HAMMOZ</a> chemistry-climate model with updated soot-snow parameterization for their analysis. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-findings-covid-slowed-himalayan-glaciers-melt">Findings: COVID slowed Himalayan glaciers' melt</h2>



This model was complemented by data from NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (<a href="https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MODIS</a>) and ground-based measurements from Aerosol Robotic Network (<a href="https://www.aeronet.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AERONET</a>) stations in Pakistan and Tajikistan. 



These comprehensive data sets helped the scientists understand the impact of reduced air pollution on the snow and atmospheric conditions in the region.



The findings are clear: reduced anthropogenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/almost-no-place-on-earth-is-safe-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> leads to less soot on snow, which in turn reduces snowmelt. During the lockdown period, there was a 25 to 70 mm decrease in snowmelt compared to the 20-year average. This resulted in an increased water storage due to reduced surface water runoff.



"The aerosol optical thickness (AOD), i.e. the atmospheric opacity, over this region decreased by around 10 per cent in April 2020 compared to before the pandemic. This is supported by measurements from MODIS, which also show a reduction in AOD compared to the average of the last 20 years," reports Dr Suvarna Fadnavis from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (<a href="https://www.iitm.ac.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IITM</a>).



Dr. Bernd Heinold from <a href="https://www.tropos.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TROPOS</a> adds, "In the model, we were able to show that the decrease in air pollution reduced snowmelt in spring 2020 by 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters per day and thus reduced the runoff meltwater in the year by up to half."&nbsp;



Prof. Ina Tegen from TROPOS emphasizes the importance of this discovery, saying, "Our results make it clear that of the two processes causing the retreat of the Himalayan glaciers - global climate change and local air pollution - a reduction in air pollution in particular could be a short-term help." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-urgent-call-to-action">An urgent call to action</h2>



Reducing air pollution to levels experienced during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-linked-to-severe-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronavirus pandemic</a> could cut snowmelt by up to half. Such clean air measures would benefit not only the health of billions of people in Asia but also enhance the water supply, agriculture, and ecosystems across vast regions of the continent.



"Even if we were to stop CO2&nbsp;emissions immediately, temperatures would not initially fall. However, our results confirm the importance of reducing short-lived climate drivers such as soot and their complementary role in CO2&nbsp;mitigation. Reducing air pollution to similar levels as during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 could protect the Himalayan glaciers, which are otherwise at risk of disappearing by the end of the 21st century," Tegen concluded.



In summary, the research underscores the need for clean energy and lower-emission transport to protect the Himalayan glaciers. Such measures would not only improve air quality but also ensure sustainable water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems in Asia. 



As the glaciers currently lose nearly half a meter of ice annually, the urgency to replicate the air quality levels of the COVID-19 lockdowns becomes a critical environmental imperative.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/23/10439/2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics</a>.



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COVID-19 pandemic reduced the melting rate of Himalayan glaciers

In an era where climate change poses a significant threat...

Hurricane,Over,The,Atlantic,Seen,From,A,Satellite.,Elements,Of

In a significant advancement in climate research, an international team of experts has linked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-ocean-oxygen-loss-may-ultimately-reverse/">ocean</a> weather systems with the global climate.&nbsp;



The research, led by Professor Hussein Aluie from the <a href="https://www.rochester.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester</a>, offers a new perspective on how the Earth's climate system operates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-ocean-s-influence-on-weather">Studying the ocean's influence on weather</h2>



The ocean has weather patterns like what we experience on land, but on different time and length scales, explained study lead author Benjamin Storer, a research associate in Professor Aluie’s Turbulence and Complex Flow Group.&nbsp;



A weather pattern on land might last a few days and be about 500 kilometers wide, while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caribbean-salt-affects-global-climate-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> weather patterns such as swirling eddies last three to four weeks but are about one-fifth the size, noted Storer.



These patterns have always been thought to impact climate scales, but until now, the specifics of this interaction were unclear. 



“Scientists have long speculated that these ubiquitous and seemingly random motions in the ocean communicate with climate scales, but it has always been vague because it wasn’t clear how to disentangle this complex system to measure their interactions,” said Professor Aluie.&nbsp;



“We developed a framework that can do exactly that. What we found was not what people were expecting because it requires the mediation of the atmosphere.”



The method used for the study involved a mathematical technique devised by Professor Aluie in 2019, which the team refined and implemented into advanced coding.&nbsp;



This technique enabled the experts to analyze energy transfers across various scales, from global circumferences to as small as 10 kilometers, using both advanced climate models and satellite data.



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



The findings indicate that ocean weather systems both gain and lose energy when interacting with climate scales. This interaction closely mirrors global atmospheric circulation patterns.&nbsp;



Particularly noteworthy is the role of the intertropical convergence zone near the equator, responsible for a significant portion of global precipitation. This atmospheric band is a hotbed for energy transfer, intensifying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-has-nearly-doubled-in-the-last-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> turbulence.



Storer and Aluie said that studying such complex fluid motion happening at multiple scales is not easy, but it has advantages over previous attempts to link weather to climate change. They believe the team’s work creates a promising framework for better understanding the climate system.



“There’s a lot of interest in how global warming and our changing climate is influencing extreme weather events,” said Professor Aluie. “Usually, such research efforts are based on statistical analysis that require expansive data to have confidence in the uncertainties."&nbsp;



"We are taking a different approach based on mechanistic analysis, which alleviates some of these requirements and allow us to understand cause and effect more easily.”



The collaborative effort included contributions from Michele Buzzicotti of the <a href="https://web.uniroma2.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rome Tor Vergata</a>, Hemant Khatri of the <a href="https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liverpool</a>, and Stephen Griffies from <a href="https://www.princeton.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton</a>. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adi7420" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>. 



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Study reveals the ocean's hidden influence on global weather patterns

In a significant advancement in climate research, an international team...

In a new study, researchers have uncovered the profound impact that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-great-for-mosquitoes/">climate change</a> is expected to have on the world's natural capital by 2100. This research, supported by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, anticipates a 9% decline in ecosystem services, a measure of the benefits nature provides to humanity.



The concept of "natural capital" encompasses a range of vital services including breathable air, clean water, healthy forests, and biodiversity. These elements are crucial to human well-being, though they are often challenging to quantify in economic terms. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-natural-capital">Studying natural capital</h2>



The study was led by Bernardo Bastien-Olvera, who was a doctoral student at <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> during the research and is now a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a>.&nbsp;



The researchers investigated how the redistribution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ripple-effects-wildfires-reshape-aquatic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrestrial ecosystems</a> due to climate change will negatively impact natural capital.



The team combined global vegetation models, climate projections, and World Bank data on natural capital values to assess the impact of climate shifts on various countries' ecosystem services, economic production, and natural capital stocks. 



The research reveals a stark reality: by the end of the century, climate-induced changes, such as alterations in vegetation, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-diversity-is-driven-by-global-precipitation-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall patterns</a>, and increased CO2 levels, are expected to reduce global gross domestic product (GDP) by an average of 1.3%. This economic impact, however, will not be evenly distributed. 



The researchers found that the poorest 50% of countries are projected to bear about 90% of the GDP losses, while the wealthiest 10% may experience only a 2% reduction. 



This discrepancy highlights the greater dependency of lower-income countries on natural resources for their economic output and the larger proportion of their wealth tied to natural capital.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservative-estimates-nbsp">Conservative estimates&nbsp;</h2>



While comprehensive, the authors acknowledge that their estimates might be conservative, as they primarily focused on land-based systems like forests and grasslands. 



The researchers also did not factor in disturbances such as wildfires or insect-driven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emerging-diseases-threaten-trees-globally-and-the-trend-is-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree mortality</a>, which could further impact these ecosystems. Future research is planned to address the impacts on marine ecosystems.



Study senior author Frances C. Moore, an associate professor in the <a href="https://desp.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> Department of Environmental Science and Policy, emphasized the importance of integrating the unique values derived from natural systems into climate policies. 



“With this study, we’re embedding natural systems and human well-being within an economic framework,” said Professor Moore. “Our economy and well-being depend on these systems, and we should recognize and account for these overlooked damages when we consider the cost of a changing climate.”



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



Jeffrey Mantz, an NSF program officer, highlighted the significance of this study.



“Thanks to the efforts of this research team, we now know that damage to ecosystems impacts human well-being in ways that are both measurable and wildly disproportionate across populations. The results will be critical to abating economic losses in the coming decades.”



In summary, this research sheds light on the urgent need to consider the full scope of climate change's impact on natural systems and human economies, and to develop policies that comprehensively address these challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06769-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>. 



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How climate change will impact the world's "natural capital"

In a new study, researchers have uncovered the profound impact...

A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.ceh.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology</a> (UKCEH) reveals the startling impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/river-deltas-are-threatened-by-human-activities/">human activities</a> on bird populations worldwide. The research indicates that the number of human-driven bird extinctions is significantly greater than previously understood.



The study was led by Dr. Rob Cooke, an ecological modeler at UKCEH, and Dr. Søren Faurby of the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a>.&nbsp;



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



The researchers estimate that about 1,430 bird species have gone extinct due to human activities since the Late Pleistocene around 130,000 years ago. This number is double the current estimates and includes species that disappeared before written records, vanishing without a trace.&nbsp;



"Our study demonstrates there has been a far higher human impact on avian diversity than previously recognized," said Dr. Cooke.



"Humans have rapidly devastated bird populations via habitat loss, overexploitation and the introduction of rats, pigs and dogs that raided nests of birds and competed with them for food. We show that many species became <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/the-12-endangered-birds-most-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinct</a> before written records and left no trace, lost from history.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-crisis-from-bird-extinctions">Biodiversity crisis from bird extinctions</h2>



“These historic extinctions have major implications for the current biodiversity crisis," said Dr. Faurby. “The world may not only have lost many fascinating <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/why-are-birds-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> but also their varied ecological roles, which are likely to have included key functions such as seed dispersal and pollination." 



"This will have had cascading harmful effects on ecosystems so, in addition to bird extinctions, we will have lost a lot of plants and animals that depended on these species for survival.”



Islands that were once undisturbed paradises, such as Hawaii, Tonga, and the Azores, have seen significant ecological changes due to human colonization, leading to bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australias-rarest-predatory-bird-is-facing-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinctions</a>. 



The study reveals that 90 percent of the 640 known bird extinctions since the Late Pleistocene occurred on islands with human inhabitants, including species like the Dodo of Mauritius and the Great Auk of the North Atlantic.



The researchers used statistical modeling to estimate undiscovered bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farming-hunting-birds-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinctions</a>, revealing the largest human-driven vertebrate extinction event in history during the 14th century, primarily in the Eastern Pacific. They also identified a significant extinction event in the 9th century BC, related to human arrival in the Western Pacific and Canary Islands.



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



The ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diving-birds-face-a-greater-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction event</a>, which began in the mid-18th century, poses additional threats from climate change, intensive agriculture, and pollution. 



The team's model, based on known extinctions and research efforts compared to New Zealand – where the pre-human bird fauna is completely known – suggests the possibility of losing up to 700 more bird species in the next few centuries.



Dr. Cooke emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts. “Whether or not further bird species will go extinct is up to us. Recent conservation has saved some species and we must now increase efforts to protect birds, with habitat restoration led by local communities.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43445-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Human activities linked to 1,430 bird species extinctions 

A recent study led by the UK Centre for Ecology...

Killer,Whale,(orcinus,Orca),Jumping,Out,Of,The,Water

In the pristine waters off the coast of British Columbia (B.C.), a concerning discovery has emerged. Researchers have found toxins in both Southern Resident and Bigg’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-orca-day-the-crucial-role-of-the-oceans-apex-predator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">killer whales</a>, shedding light on the unseen dangers lurking in our oceans.



This discovery marks the first time polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been identified in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-prey-is-changing-the-behavior-of-killer-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orcas</a> in these waters, revealing a direct impact on marine life from human activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxins-called-pahs-are-harming-killer-whales">Toxins called PAHs are harming killer whales</h2>



PAHs, a group of chemicals found in coal, oil, and gasoline, are ever-present in our oceans. Now, scientists have confirmed that these toxins are moving through food chains, ultimately accumulating in top predators like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxin-from-toilet-paper-production-found-in-killer-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">killer whales</a>. 



These compounds, known for their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, enter the ocean through various sources, including oil spills, burning coal, and forest fires. The study's alarming revelation that PAHs are transferring from mother orcas to their fetuses underscores the pervasiveness of this pollution.



Dr. Juan José Alava, the study's senior author and a principal investigator at the <a href="https://oceans.ubc.ca/research/research-units/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UBC Ocean Pollution Research Unit</a>, highlights the significance of these findings. 



"Killer whales are iconic in the Pacific Northwest, playing a critical role culturally, economically, and ecologically. Their ability to metabolically process PAHs indicates recent exposures. These majestic creatures are like our 'canary in the coal mine' for oceans, indicating the health of our waters."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orcas-and-ocean-health">Orcas and ocean health</h2>



The research team analyzed muscle and liver samples from twelve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killer-whales-dietary-preferences-expose-them-to-pollutants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">killer whales</a> stranded between 2006 and 2018. Their findings were startling. 



All samples contained PAHs, with one particular compound, C3-phenanthrenes/anthracenes, accounting for a significant portion of the total contamination. These results tell a story of an environment under stress, with implications that ripple through ecosystems and communities.



The contaminants varied between the two orca groups. Bigg’s killer whales, ranging from California to southeastern Alaska, showed signs of exposure to PAHs from burning coal and vegetation. In contrast, the Southern Residents, inhabiting areas closer to urban centers, bore the chemical signature of oil spills and fossil fuel combustion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-source-of-toxins-in-killer-whales">Source of toxins in killer whales</h2>



Kiah Lee, the study's first author, points out the various activities contributing to this toxic load. "From oil pipeline developments to tanker traffic and forest fires, these sources introduce PAHs into the marine food web, ultimately affecting orcas, the apex predators." 



The presence of these toxins in such a critical species raises alarm bells for the health of the entire marine ecosystem.



Dr. Stephen Raverty is a co-author of the study and IOF adjunct professor and veterinary pathologist with the <a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food</a>. He emphasizes the limited population of Southern Residents and how pollution is one of the many threats they face. 



“There’s only a small population to draw from -- 74 individuals in the case of the Southern Residents,” said Raverty. “There are many potential causes for their decline, pollution being one.”



The case of 'Luna', an orca with a unique life history, highlighted how varied habitats can lead to a mix of hydrocarbon contaminants, further complicating the picture.



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



Paul Cottrell from <a href="https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/index-eng.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fisheries and Oceans Canada</a> sees this study as a vital step in understanding and managing the impacts on killer whale habitats. Baseline data on current PAH levels are essential for monitoring future trends and impacts. 



“The preliminary findings from this study will add key information to inform management approaches in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-orca-decline-may-be-tied-to-hunting-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">killer whale</a> habitats,” said Cottrell. “The source of the PAHs is often from human activity and it is important we have baseline data on current PAH levels in killer whales to monitor those trends and impacts in marine ecosystems into the future.”



Dr. Alava concludes with a call to action. Reducing and eventually eliminating fossil fuel consumption is crucial not only for combating climate change but also for preserving marine biodiversity. This effort will benefit coastal communities and future generations, reinforcing the interconnectedness of our actions and the health of our planet.



In summary, this study is a wake-up call. It reminds us of the intricate connections within our environment and the responsibility we have to protect these majestic creatures and their habitats. The health of the orcas is a reflection of the health of our oceans, and ultimately, our planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-45306-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Toxins from oil spills and wildfires are found in killer whales and their offspring

In the pristine waters off the coast of British Columbia...

Researchers at <a href="https://www.ntu.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanyang Technological University, Singapore</a> (NTU Singapore), in collaboration with <a href="https://www.camfil.com/en/">Camfil</a>, a global air filter manufacturer, have discovered that office <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/improving-air-quality-could-reduce-severe-cases-of-covid-19/">air quality</a> significantly influences creativity. 



The study revealed that high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - gases emitted from products like detergents, pesticides, perfumes, aerosol sprays, and paint - adversely affected creativity in individuals tasked with constructing 3D models from LEGO bricks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-total-volatile-organic-compounds">Total volatile organic compounds</h2>



Based on a statistical analysis, the NTU team determined that reducing total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) by 72 percent could potentially improve an individual’s creative potential by 12 percent.&nbsp;



TVOC is a measure of the concentration of volatile organic compounds in the air, commonly originating from interior decoration materials, household products, and other sources.



This study, conducted on the NTU Smart Campus, is part of a broader partnership between the University and Camfil.&nbsp;



This collaboration aims to examine the impact of indoor air quality on adult cognitive performance, evaluate air filter technologies in tropical climates, and develop innovative, energy-efficient clean air solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-air-quality-on-creativity">Impact of air quality on creativity</h2>



Professor Ng Bing Feng and Professor Wan Man Pun, leading the research team and serving as Cluster Directors for Smart &amp; Sustainable Building Technologies at the Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), emphasized the significance of their findings.&nbsp;



“While most people would correctly associate indoor air quality with effects on the lungs, especially since we just emerged from a pandemic, our study shows that it could also have an impact on the mind and creative cognition, or the ability to use knowledge in an unconventional way," said Professor Ng.



"Our findings suggest that relatively low TVOC levels, even if well within the accepted threshold, could impact an individual’s creative potential."



Professor Wan highlighted the practical implications of these findings, particularly for creative industries. “This could have serious consequences for industries that rely on creativity for the bulk of their work. For instance, artists often use paints and thinners that release high levels of volatile organic compounds and may not know they need adequate ventilation to clear them from their workplace."



"The findings also point to how making minor adjustments in the office, such as reducing the use of aroma diffusers or ensuring adequate ventilation, could positively impact employees and their productivity,” he explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assessing-creativity-from-air-quality">Assessing creativity from air quality</h2>



To assess creativity, the NTU researchers employed the Serious Brick Play method, adapted from the LEGO Serious Play framework. This method involves participants building 3D LEGO models and providing written descriptions. These models and descriptions are then evaluated for creativity by a panel of judges.



“While the LEGO Serious Play framework has been used in various settings to unleash creative thinking and has even been used to support dementia patients, it does not have a quantitative assessment component and cannot systematically assess creativity. This is why we added a component to score participants on their creativity,” Ng said.



The findings suggest a notable link between air quality and cognitive functions, particularly creativity, underscoring the importance of maintaining healthy indoor environments in workplaces and other settings.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-42355-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>.



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Indoor air quality influences creativity

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), in collaboration...

In a significant shift towards sustainable energy, U.S. utilities have committed to achieving 100 percent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-could-be-powered-entirely-by-renewable-energy/">renewable energy</a> by 2060. This move, as highlighted in a study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10584-023-03645-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climatic Change</a>, is primarily driven by the utilities themselves, rather than state mandates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-transition-nbsp">Rapid transition&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Matthew Burgess, assistant professor at <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CU Boulder</a>, commented on the pace of this transition. 



“Many people feel the transition on the policy side isn’t going fast enough,” Burgess said. “But the private sector is moving faster than we thought. A lot has to do with technology, costs going down, natural gas replacing coal, and renewables replacing fossil fuels - policy is not the only lever.”



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



The study, led by Grace Kroeger for her honors thesis in Environmental Studies at CU Boulder, was motivated by her experiences in energy and sustainability during an internship.&nbsp;



“I wanted to look critically at what the people on the ground are doing. For example, the companies that are responsible for the energy that we all use and consume,”&nbsp; Kroeger said.



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



Kroeger and Burgess analyzed 30 years of data, comparing state renewable energy targets with the utilities’ own goals.&nbsp;



They examined the impact of Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and Clean Energy Standards (CES) across various states and how utilities’ own commitments align with these mandates.



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



Interestingly, the researchers found that the industry is generally surpassing policy-driven efforts. Utilities appear to be on track to meet or exceed state goals, with projections indicating a fully decarbonized electric grid by 2060, assuming utilities adhere to their commitments. Inclusion of nuclear power in renewable portfolios could hasten this timeline to 2050.



A notable discovery was that utility companies plan to decarbonize even in states lacking renewable policies or goals. “For example, Southern Company has goals to decarbonize. But the states the company operates in - Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama - don’t have portfolio standards,” Kroeger said.



The study also revealed differences in approaches between blue and red states, with blue states generally adopting stricter renewable energy policies. However, most states, including red ones, are likely to decarbonize based on utilities’ own objectives.



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



While the findings are based on stated future plans of utilities, historical data shows a trend of utilities transitioning to renewables faster than anticipated. This progress, however, still falls short of the Biden Administration’s goal to eliminate fossil fuels from the U.S. energy sector by 2035, a target announced without accompanying policies or mandates.



“There’s a lot of really interesting stuff happening in the private sector. The private sector creates interesting decarbonization connections across states, and it has interesting connections to the policy space,” Burgess concluded.



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U.S. utilities may be 100 percent renewable energy by 2060

In a significant shift towards sustainable energy, U.S. utilities have...

Mosquito,On,A,Leaf,Outdoor,Picture

A recent study led by researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University (<a href="https://www.vcu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VCU</a>) has found that a warmer climate could lead to an increase in mosquito populations, as it becomes more difficult for their predators to control their numbers. 



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



The researchers discovered that rising temperatures, often associated with climate change, can reduce the effectiveness of mosquito larvae predators in controlling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mosquitoes-find-tasty-humans-from-hundreds-of-meters-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito</a> populations. 



Warmer temperatures accelerate the development time of the larvae. This, in turn, decreases the window of time available for dragonflies, their natural predators, to consume them. As a result, the study suggests that nearly twice as many mosquito larvae could reach adulthood in a warmer climate. 



The researchers conducted their investigation in riverine rock pools at Belle Isle along the James River in Richmond. Even in the presence of their natural predators, warmer temperature pools were found to have a higher number of aquatic mosquito larvae.



It is important to note that the native rock pool mosquito studied in this research is not a significant disease vector. However, these findings could have implications for similar species, such as the invasive Asian rock pool mosquito, which do act as vectors for diseases like West Nile or Zika virus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-mosquitoes-and-disease">Climate, mosquitoes and disease</h2>



Lead researcher of the study, <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrew-Davidson-28" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andrew T. Davidson</a>, Ph.D., shared his insights, saying, "We might see larger populations of everyone's least favorite bug, mosquitoes. While the mosquito larvae we studied here are the North American rock pool mosquito, these findings likely apply to species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-hearing-could-be-targeted-to-combat-deadly-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito</a> that do act as vectors for diseases like West Nile or even Zika virus." 



Davidson conducted this research as part of his Ph.D. program in VCU's <a href="https://cilse.vcu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Integrative Life Sciences Education</a>.



The study also emphasizes the important role of predators in stabilizing ecosystems and food webs. Specifically, the researchers focused on the interactions between dragonfly nymphs and mosquito larvae. 



Prior to conducting field work, the study was based on concepts of thermal physiology and short-term laboratory experiments, which generated predictive models of the relationship between predators, prey, and temperature in the field. Ultimately, the field study provided empirical evidence to validate these models in a natural environment.



In summary, this research sheds light on the impact of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-aims-to-control-mosquitoes-by-deactivating-their-sperm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito</a> populations and highlights the need for further studies to better understand the consequences of rising temperatures on the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. 



By uncovering the intricate predator-prey dynamics and demonstrating the influence of temperature on these interactions, this study lays the foundation for future research on effective mosquito control strategies in a changing climate.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">E</a><a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/">cological Society of America</a>.



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Climate change is great for mosquitoes

A recent study led by researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University...

A new study has found that the prevailing methods used to predict how tree species will respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-could-cause-one-billion-deaths-over-the-next-century/">climate change</a> are inaccurate and unreliable. Led by the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, the research was focused on the ponderosa pine -- a widespread tree in the Western United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-for-time-substitution-method">Space-for-time substitution method</h2>



The results of the study challenge the reliability of the commonly used "space-for-time substitution" method in forecasting species <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heat-makes-pine-trees-more-susceptible-to-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation to global warming</a>. This technique has been a cornerstone in ecological research for predicting how species might adapt to changing climate conditions. 



The space-for-time substitution method assumes that individuals of a species thriving in hotter climates can be proxies for understanding how those in cooler areas might respond to global warming. The idea is that, as temperatures rise, species at the cooler edge of their distribution would adapt similarly to their counterparts in warmer regions.



However, the new study reveals that this approach might be fundamentally flawed. When applied to the ponderosa pine, the method inaccurately projected a positive response to warming, whereas the actual response was detrimental.&nbsp;



"We found that space-for-time substitution generates predictions that are wrong in terms of whether the response to warming is a positive or negative one," said study co-author Margaret Evans, an associate professor in the UArizona Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research. "This method says that ponderosa pines should benefit from warming, but they actually suffer with warming. This is dangerously misleading."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-on-trees-and-climate">Critical insights on trees and climate</h2>



The experts meticulously analyzed ponderosa pine tree rings dating back to 1900 across the Western United States. They compared the trees' actual growth with the predictions made by the space-for-time model.&nbsp;



The findings were alarming: the model had failed to accurately predict the trees' response to recent warming trends. The tree ring data painted a starkly different picture from the model's predictions.&nbsp;



In reality, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-majority-of-urban-trees-are-threatened-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> consistently exhibited negative impacts due to temperature variability. Warmer years resulted in smaller-than-average growth rings, contradicting the model's suggestion of a beneficial effect of warming. 



"If it's a warmer-than-average year, they put on a smaller-than-average ring, so warming is actually bad for them, and that's true everywhere," explained Professor Evan.&nbsp;



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



A key insight from the study is that the pace of climate change might be outstripping the trees' ability to adapt. The research underscores a fundamental ecological principle: adaptation and migration are gradual processes, often lagging behind rapid environmental changes.&nbsp;



While evolutionary adaptation and migration could theoretically enable species to cope with shifting temperatures, the current rate of climate change appears too swift for these natural processes to keep pace. 



The team also explored how variations in rainfall affect tree growth, confirming that increased rainfall universally benefits the trees, regardless of temporal or spatial context.



"These spatially based predictions are really dangerous, because the spatial patterns reflect an end point after a long period of time when species have had a chance to evolve and disperse and, ultimately, sort themselves out on the landscape," said Professor Evans.&nbsp;



"But that's just not how climate change works. Unfortunately, the trees find themselves in a situation where change is happening faster than the trees can adapt, which is really putting them at risk of going extinct. It's a word of caution for ecologists."



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



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Climate change outpaces the ability for trees to adapt

A new study has found that the prevailing methods used...

Coral,Reef,At,Reef,Building,Coral,At,Bunaken,National,Marine

A recent study conducted by scientists at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> sheds light on the ability of certain coral species to withstand marine heat waves by "remembering" previous events. This phenomenon, known as ecological memory, appears to be intricately linked to the microbial communities living within the corals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-coral-resilience">Importance of coral resilience</h2>



Alex Vompe, the study's lead author and a doctoral student under microbiology professor Rebecca Vega Thurber, emphasized the importance of this finding. 



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-in-some-parts-of-the-world-actually-benefit-from-warming-el-nino-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coral reefs</a> are vital to our planet's ecosystem, but they face significant threats from various human-induced pressures, including climate change," Vompe stated. He highlighted the urgent need to understand how reefs adapt to increasing and repeated disturbances like marine heat waves, pointing out the potential role of coral microbiomes in this rapid adaptation process.



The study arrives at a critical time as marine heat waves are expected to become more frequent and severe due to climate change. Understanding and enhancing coral resilience is a key conservation goal. 



Vompe notes that recognizing the role microbes play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral adaptation</a> can significantly impact coral gardening and planting efforts. He also suggests that a deeper grasp of microbial processes and the organisms responsible for ecological memory could aid in developing probiotics or monitoring protocols to enhance coral health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-coral-microbiome">Understanding the coral microbiome</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Corals</a>, though occupying less than 1% of the ocean, are home to nearly a quarter of all marine species. They play a crucial role in regulating the sea's carbon dioxide levels and are invaluable for scientific research, particularly in medicine. 



These fascinating organisms, consisting of interconnected polyps, house not only microscopic algae but also a diverse array of bacteria, viruses, archaea, and microeukaryotes, collectively known as the coral microbiome.



The symbiotic relationships within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-growth-cannot-keep-pace-with-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reef ecosystem</a> are foundational. Microbes assist coral hosts in various vital functions, including cycling of essential elements and protection against pathogens. In return, the coral polyps provide nutrients and shelter to these microbes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-reefs-and-climate-change">Coral reefs and climate change</h2>



However, climate change poses a significant threat to these delicate relationships, with warming oceans potentially leading to the collapse of these symbiotic partnerships, a phenomenon known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepest-known-coral-reef-bleaching-discovered-alarming-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral bleaching</a>. But, as Vompe points out, there is a glimmer of hope. 



"Acropora retusa, a prevalent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-coral-adaptations-challenge-conservation-plans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> species in the Mo'orean coral reef, displays a powerful ecological memory response to heat waves, hinting at a greater resilience to climate change than previously thought," he explains.



This conclusion was drawn from a five-year study conducted by Vompe, Vega Thurber, and their colleagues from various universities. They examined 200 coral colonies in a reef on the north shore of Mo’orea, French Polynesia, which had undergone a drastic ecological reset in 2010 due to natural disasters. 



This unique setting allowed the researchers to closely observe the coral's response to consecutive heat waves in 2016, 2017, 2018-2019, and 2020.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-corals-survive-bleaching-by-remembering-0">Some corals survive bleaching by "remembering"</h2>



Vega Thurber noted that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-skeletons-improve-reef-recovery-after-bleaching/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> species seemed to maintain better health during subsequent heat waves, likely due to their exposure to past events. "The memory response of Acropora retusa was strongly linked to changes in its microbiome, supporting the idea that the microbial community plays a part in this process," she said.



Cauliflower corals in the genus Pocillopora also demonstrated resilience. Despite the initial disturbance caused by the 2019 heat wave, they recovered to their pre-disturbance state, even amidst the subsequent 2020 heat wave. The corals seemed to "remember" how to survive.



Vega Thurber attributes this resilience to the unique biological features of coral microbial communities. These include short generation cycles and large population sizes, which enhance adaptability and responsiveness to environmental change.



"In two of the three coral species we focused on, we observed initial microbiome resilience, host and microbiome acclimatization, or developed microbiome resistance to repeated heat stress," Vega Thurber concluded. "These patterns are consistent with the concept of ecological memory, highlighting the critical role of the microbiome in coral resilience."



In summary, this research not only sheds light on the complex interactions within coral ecosystems but also opens new avenues for conservation efforts and strategies to combat the effects of climate change on these vital organisms.



The full study, funded by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, was published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.17088" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>,



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Some corals survive warming waters by 'remembering' heat waves

A recent study conducted by scientists at Oregon State University...

Spirulina,Green,Smoothie,-,Healthy,Food

As more individuals seek alternatives to traditional animal-based diets, a new study conducted by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Exeter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> has shed light on an unexpected source of protein: eating algae. This research is the first of its kind to demonstrate that two commercially available algal species are not only protein-rich but also support muscle remodeling in young, healthy adults. 



This study highlights the potential of algae, specifically spirulina and chlorella, as rich protein sources capable of supporting muscle growth in healthy adults. The discovery is especially pertinent for those seeking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-foods-are-healthier-than-animal-products/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alternatives</a> to animal-derived proteins for environmental and ethical reasons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eating-algae-is-a-promising-alternative">Eating algae is a promising alternative</h2>



Researcher Ino Van Der Heijden from the University of Exeter emphasizes the significance of this discovery. 



"Our work has shown algae could become part of a secure and sustainable food future. As the trend of reducing meat consumption for ethical and environmental reasons grows, the interest in nonanimal-derived and sustainably produced protein sources is also increasing. Algae emerge as a promising novel protein source in this context," he explains.



Traditionally, animal-derived proteins are known for their ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, a crucial process for muscle growth and repair. The study suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/algae-may-be-the-future-of-sustainable-superfoods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae</a> can replicate this process, offering an eco-friendly alternative. Spirulina and chlorella, in particular, are not only protein-rich but also abound in essential micronutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-algae-as-a-nutritional-powerhouse">Algae as a nutritional powerhouse</h2>



To substantiate these findings, the University of Exeter conducted a detailed study involving thirty-six healthy young adults. This randomized, double-blind trial compared the effects of spirulina and chlorella with a recognized high-quality, nonanimal protein source – fungal-derived mycoprotein. 



Participants engaged in resistance exercise and then consumed a protein-rich drink. Researchers collected and analyzed blood and muscle samples over four hours post-exercise and feeding, focusing on amino acid concentrations and muscle protein synthesis rates.



The study revealed that all protein sources increased blood amino acid concentrations, with spirulina showing the most rapid and highest peak responses. Moreover, each protein type effectively stimulated muscle protein synthesis in both rested and exercised muscles, with exercised muscles exhibiting higher synthesis rates.



In summary, this pioneering research by the University of Exeter positions spirulina and chlorella on par with high-quality nonanimal proteins, marking a significant step in the quest for sustainable, ethical protein sources. 



Algae, with its robust ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, stands as a viable alternative for those seeking nonanimal-derived protein options, paving the way for more sustainable and environmentally conscious dietary choices.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.08.035." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Nutrition</a>.



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Eating algae instead of meat products to save the planet

As more individuals seek alternatives to traditional animal-based diets, a...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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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...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. 



Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. 



The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.



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



Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.



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



The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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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

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes how Earth is unique in our solar system for its ability to sustain liquid water on its surface. But now, the water cycle is shifting as the climate warms, and scientists must find ways to predict how these changes will affect water availability.



Overall, 96 percent of Earth's water is saltwater, and nearly all of freshwater is found in ice and groundwater. These sources of water are linked as it passes through solid, liquid and gas phases.



In a warmer climate, the water cycle will be transformed. It will be easier for water to evaporate and form clouds, and storms will become more frequent and intense. Some regions will get too much water, while others will be left without enough water. In addition, soil moisture will be lost - which threatens food security.



Scientists are using satellite data from over the last 40 years to track changes that are happening in the water cycle. This will ultimately help us prepare for extreme events and better manage our water resources, according to ESA.



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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