<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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>. </p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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. </p>



<p>“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?</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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. </p>



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



<p>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. </p>



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



<p>“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.”</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



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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...

<p>A new study based on over three decades of data from the eastern United States reveals a concerning trend: a rise in the number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-environmental-gains-in-the-amazon/">wildfires</a>. This development challenges the assumption that wildfire issues are predominantly a concern in the Western part of the country.</p>



<p>Study lead author Victoria Donovan is an assistant professor of Forest Management at the <a href="https://wfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center</a>. </p>



<p>“It’s a serious issue that people aren’t paying enough attention to: We have a rising incidence of wildfires across several regions of the U.S., not only in the West,” said Professor Donovan.</p>



<p>“We’re allocating the majority of resources to fire suppression in the western part of the country, but we have evidence that other areas are going to need resources, too.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-eastern-wildfires">Studying eastern wildfires</h2>



<p>The team used data from the federal Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity Database, covering the years 1984 to 2020. This dataset helped quantify large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> that burned over 490 acres. The goal was to identify which regions had the largest fires and most land burned during the study period.   </p>



<p>The study was primarily focused on the Eastern Temperate Forests, stretching from Michigan to eastern Texas. This region showed a heightened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-impacts-are-evolving-due-to-climate-change-but-in-what-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire</a> risk, particularly in its southern and eastern parts.</p>



<p>“The eastern U.S. has the most expansive wildland-urban interface in the country and thus is at high risk from wildfire,” said Donovan. “The thought behind this research was that if there are signals that wildfires are increasing, we need to understand what those changes look like.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-factors-of-eastern-wildfires">Major factors of eastern wildfires</h2>



<p>Particularly in the Southeast, noted Donovan, the data showed increasing trends in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-microbes-return-after-a-wildfire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire</a> numbers, the size of the events, total hectares burned, shifts in seasonality, and overall increases in the annual probability of large wildfires. </p>



<p>“We didn’t see the same trends in the northern part of the region we examined, but that doesn't mean there were no wildfires there. This data only included large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-ash-fertilizes-the-ocean-and-boosts-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>, so smaller fires may have been occurring in that time.” </p>



<p>Professor Donovan said that three major factors influence wildfire regimes, which are the natural fire patterns in any given ecosystem.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The first is the ignition pattern, or what starts the fires. The second is changes in vegetation or fuel patterns, and then you have climate characteristics. We don’t address the drivers of the trends in this study, but it’s hard to talk about changing conditions without considering that climate may be a factor.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-ignitions-nbsp">Human ignitions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As far as ignition patterns are concerned, Donovan said human ignitions still make up the majority of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-particles-erode-the-ozone-layer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>; but this is unsurprising in these areas, especially, being home to the majority of the country’s population.</p>



<p>“It’s not necessarily human ignitions driving the trend of increasing wildfire patterns. In other words, we’re not seeing an indication that there are proportionally more human-caused ignitions than there have been in the past."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In the Southern Coastal Plain, which includes much of Florida, lightning ignitions played an important role, too, contributing more to the total area burned in the ecoregion despite being a less frequent cause of large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-can-lead-to-premature-births/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire</a> ignition.” </p>



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



<p>Ultimately, Professor Donovan says the study highlights the need for proactive management of forested land and individual preparedness for people living in the eastern United States.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We don’t have the expansive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire</a> problem that the western U.S. does yet, so this is also an opportunity to get ahead of the problem and prepare for shifting wildfire patterns before we start seeing the frequent destructive fires that we’re seeing in the West."</p>



<p>“We're hopeful that this study will spur more research into understanding changing wildfire patterns in the east, but also that it will help to support an increase in prescribed fire management and motivate people to better prepare for wildfire in their location by hardening their homes and making escape plans.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2023GL107051" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Geophysical Research Letters</em></a>. </p>



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Wildfire threat is rising in the eastern United States

A new study based on over three decades of data...

<p>In an effort to understand the ecological impact of climate change on aardvarks, researchers from <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> embarked on a unique study in sub-Saharan Africa.</p>



<p>The goal was to collect and analyze aardvark feces, providing insights into the species' adaptation and survival in a changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-disrupts-communication-among-animals/">environment</a>.</p>



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



<p>“Everyone had heard of aardvarks and they are considered very ecologically important but there has been little study of them,” said wildlife biologist Clint Epps, who led the study with wildlife geneticist Rachel Crowhurst. “We wanted to see if we could collect enough data to begin to understand them.”</p>



<p>Epps had previously acquired skills in identifying aardvark tracks and feces during postdoctoral research in Tanzania. For the current study, the team collected 253 fecal samples, of which 104 were used for genetic analysis.</p>



<p>“During times of rapid environmental change, evaluating and describing changes in the landscape where a species lives is important for informed conservation and management decisions,” said Crowhurst.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elusive-aardvarks-nbsp">Elusive aardvarks&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Aardvarks are nocturnal and burrowing mammals that weigh up to 180 pounds and are distinct in their ecology. With long snouts and claws used for digging out ant and termite hills, aardvarks are the sole members of the order Tubulidentata, distantly related to golden moles, elephants, and manatees.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite being categorized as "least concern" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the actual distribution and population trends of aardvarks remain largely unknown. This lack of knowledge is attributed to their nocturnal habits, low population densities, and expansive, often remote habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aardvarks-are-understudied-animals">Aardvarks are understudied animals</h2>



<p>“I wanted to work on a system that was understudied, where anything I learned would likely be truly new information to the scientific community,” said Epps. “I also wanted to work over large landscapes, on foot, alone or with a friend or with guards when needed, in protected areas, with minimal logistical support and little cost.”</p>



<p>By analyzing the genetic data from the fecal samples, the researchers inferred the distribution and range of aardvark movements. For instance, they could identify if fecal samples from different locations belonged to the same individual, which helped in estimating the scale of their movements.</p>



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



<p>In South Africa, the findings revealed three distinct regional groups of aardvarks, suggesting some degree of isolation among populations in the western, central, and eastern regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results further indicated that aardvarks could travel up to 55 kilometers from their birthplace, with closely related individuals found as far as 44 kilometers apart.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, the genetic differentiation was more pronounced in arid landscapes, implying that such environments hinder aardvark movement, potentially affecting their gene flow.</p>



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



<p>The researchers plan to continue the research with genomic analyses and field work across a wider area of sub-Saharan Africa.</p>



<p>“Our initial findings suggest that climate change will increase habitat fragmentation and limit gene flow for aardvarks, particularly where precipitation is expected to decrease and temperature increase,” said Epps. “With aridity expected to increase in southern-most Africa under most climate change scenarios, the need for further research is clear.”</p>



<p>Despite their extensive fieldwork, Epps and his team have yet to see an aardvark in the wild, and hope to do so in the near future.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.13792" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diversity and Distributions</a></em>.</p>



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How will climate change affect elusive aardvarks? 

In an effort to understand the ecological impact of climate...

<p>The <a href="https://www.iucn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Union for Conservation of Nature</a> (IUCN) has raised an alarm about the risk of extinction facing a significant number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/value-freshwater-fish/">freshwater fish</a> species. </p>



<p>In a report presented at the United Nations climate conference in Dubai (COP28) on Monday, the IUCN’s assessment of nearly 15,000 species revealed that about 25 percent are on the brink of extinction, with climate change affecting at least 17 percent of these threatened species.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contributing-factors">Contributing factors</h2>



<p>Rising sea levels are pushing seawater into rivers, exacerbating the threat to freshwater species. Additionally, these species are endangered by factors such as pollution, overfishing, invasive species, diseases, dams, and water extraction. According to the IUCN, pollution affects 57 percent of the at-risk freshwater fish species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freshwater-ecosystems-nbsp">Freshwater ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Kathy Hughes, co-chair of the IUCN freshwater fish specialist group, highlighted the critical role of these species in ecosystems, noting their importance to billions of people dependent on freshwater ecosystems and the millions who rely on fisheries for their livelihood.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Ensuring freshwater ecosystems are well managed, remain free-flowing with sufficient water, and good water quality is essential to stop species declines and maintain food security, livelihoods, and economies in a climate resilient world,” said Hughes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atlantic-salmon-nbsp">Atlantic salmon&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In 2021, the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Wildlife Fund</a> reported that at least 200 million people globally depend on freshwater fish as their primary protein source. The IUCN assessment also pointed to a decline in the global population of Atlantic salmon, classified as near threatened, with a 23 percent decrease from 2006 to 2020. </p>



<p>Atlantic salmon, which inhabit both freshwater and saltwater, are adversely affected by climate change across their life cycle, including developmental challenges, reduced prey availability, and the expansion of invasive species. Additionally, human-made barriers like dams hinder their access to vital spawning and feeding grounds, while pollution and sedimentation from activities like logging and agriculture increase young salmon mortality.</p>



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



<p>The threat is not limited to freshwater species alone. The IUCN’s updated <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red List of Threatened Species</a> now includes 157,190 species, with 44,016 facing the threat of extinction. “Climate change is menacing the diversity of life our planet harbors, and undermining nature’s capacity to meet basic human needs,” said IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar.</p>



<p>Climate change poses several significant threats to freshwater species through various mechanisms. Protecting freshwater species from these threats requires global efforts to mitigate climate change and local conservation actions to preserve and restore freshwater habitats.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-changes-nbsp">Temperature changes&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Increasing water temperatures can disrupt the life cycles and breeding patterns of many species. Some species will not survive if the water becomes too warm for their physiological processes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-altered-water-levels">Altered water levels</h3>



<p>Climate change causes changes in precipitation patterns, resulting in altered river flows, lake levels, and wetland areas. This can destroy or reduce habitats for many freshwater species.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-pollution">Increased pollution</h3>



<p>Higher temperatures can exacerbate pollution issues by increasing the concentration of pollutants and reducing the water's capacity to dissolve oxygen, leading to hypoxic conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-seasonality">Changes in seasonality</h3>



<p>The timing of seasonal events, like spring thaw or seasonal rains, is shifting due to climate change. This can affect breeding and migration patterns of aquatic species.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-species-and-diseases">Invasive species and diseases</h3>



<p>Warmer temperatures may allow invasive species and new pathogens to thrive in areas where they were previously unable to survive, outcompeting or infecting native species.</p>



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



<p>While primarily an issue for marine ecosystems, the increasing acidity of oceans can affect freshwater systems as well, especially in coastal and estuarine areas.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-fragmentation">Habitat fragmentation</h3>



<p>Extreme weather events like droughts and floods, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change, can lead to habitat fragmentation, isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity.</p>



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One quarter of freshwater fish species face extinction

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has raised...

Global,Map,Represents,The,Surface,Temperature,Of,The,Earth,In

<p>Globally, November 2023 was the warmest November in the 174-year NOAA record. The year-to-date (January–November) global surface temperature ranked as the warmest such period on record. November 2023 marked the sixth consecutive month of record-warm global temperatures. According to NCEI’s Global Annual Temperature Outlook and <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Earth_climate_November2023_global-events_NOAA_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data through November</a>, there is a greater than 99% probability that 2023 will rank as the warmest year on record.</p>



<p>This monthly summary, developed by scientists at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, is part of the suite of climate services NOAA provides to government, business, academia and the public to support informed decision-making.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monthly-global-temperature">Monthly Global Temperature</h2>



<p>The November global surface temperature was 2.59°F (1.44°C) above the 20th-century average of 55.2°F (12.9°C) and ranks as the warmest November in NOAA’s 174-year record. This was 0.68°F (0.38°C) above the previous record from November 2015. November 2023 marked the 47th consecutive November and the 537th consecutive month with temperatures above the 20th-century average.</p>



<p>South America, Africa and Asia had their warmest Novembers on record. North America had its second-warmest November while Oceania had its fifth-warmest November. November 2023 in Europe tied 2003 to rank as the 15th warmest on record. The Arctic had its second-warmest November, while November 2023 in the Antarctic region tied 1959 for sixth coldest on record. For the eighth consecutive month, global ocean surface temperature set a record high.</p>



<p>Temperatures were above average throughout most of South America, western and central North America, Africa, western Europe, western, central and southern Asia, Oceania and the Arctic. Parts of northern North America, northern and central South America, Africa and eastern and southern Asia experienced record-warm temperatures this month. Sea surface temperatures were above average across much of the northern and western Pacific as well as the central and southern Atlantic and the western Indian Oceans. Record-warm temperatures covered nearly 13% of the world's surface this November, which was the highest percentage for November since the start of records in 1951.</p>



<p>Temperatures were near to cooler than average across much of Antarctica as well as across parts of eastern North America, northern Europe, southern South America and central-eastern Asia. Sea surface temperatures were near to below average over parts of the southeastern Pacific Ocean, the eastern Indian Ocean and the northern Atlantic Ocean. Less than 1% of the world's surface had a record-cold November.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snow-cover-and-sea-ice-extent">Snow Cover and Sea Ice Extent</h2>



<p>November 2023 global sea ice extent ranked second lowest on record for the month at 9.24 million square miles, which was about 800,000 square miles below the 1991–2020 average. After six months of record-low sea ice extent in the Antarctic, this month’s sea ice extent also ranked second smallest on record for the region.</p>



<p>The Arctic sea ice extent for November 2023 tied 2006 as the eighth smallest in the satellite record at 3.73 million square miles. This was 190,000 square miles below the 1991–2020 average. Meanwhile, the Antarctic saw its second-smallest November sea ice extent on record at 5.51 million square miles, or 620,000 square miles below the 1991–2020 average.</p>



<p>According to data from NOAA and analysis by the Rutgers Global Snow Lab, the Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent during November was 210,000 square miles above the 1991–2020 average. This ranks as the 17th-largest Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent for November. Extent was near normal in North America and slightly above average across Eurasia.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-precipitation">Global Precipitation</h2>



<p>Tropical rainfall patterns mainly followed typical El Niño patterns, with floods and landslides in east Africa and parts of South America, and continued drought across the Amazon in South America. The warmest November also brought the wettest November global precipitation estimate on record, with an intense band of rainfall across the planetary Intertropical Convergence Zone region. While Europe experienced another month with above-average precipitation, further relieving earlier drought conditions there, the southern U.S. remained mostly dry despite El Niño patterns typically associated with positive precipitation anomalies in that region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-tropical-cyclones">Global Tropical Cyclones</h2>



<p>Four named storms occurred across the globe in November, which tied for the second fewest in November since 1981. One of those reached tropical cyclone strength (≥74 mph), and none reached major tropical cyclone strength (≥111 mph). The global accumulated cyclone energy, an integrated metric of the strength, frequency, and duration of tropical storms, was less than 20% of the 1991–2020 average for November. No storms were active in the Atlantic, which happens about once every three Novembers. The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially ends on November 30, had an above-average number of named storms (20) but near-average numbers of hurricanes (seven) and major hurricanes (three).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-global-temperature">Seasonal Global Temperature</h2>



<p>The September–November 2023 global surface temperature was 2.54°F (1.41°C) above the 20th-century average of 57.1°F (14.0°C). This ranks as the warmest September–November period in the 174-year record, and 0.70°F (0.39°C) above the previous record from 2015. The past 10 September–November periods are the 10 warmest such periods on record. The September–November 2023 global surface temperature departure from average also marks the highest seasonal temperature anomaly on record.</p>



<p>The September–November period is defined as the Northern Hemisphere's meteorological autumn and the Southern Hemisphere's meteorological spring. The Northern Hemisphere autumn 2023 temperature was the highest on record at 3.44°F (1.91°C) above average. The Southern Hemisphere spring temperature also ranked highest on record at 1.66°F (0.92°C) above average.</p>



<p>North America, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia had their warmest September–November periods on record. Meanwhile, the spring season in Oceania ranked fourth warmest on record. The Arctic experienced its second-warmest autumn and the Antarctic region had its 12th-warmest spring on record.</p>



<p>For a more complete summary of climate conditions and events, see the NOAA <a href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/global/202311" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">November 2023 Global Climate Report</a> or explore our <a href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/cag/global/time-series/globe/land_ocean/1/11/1850-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate at a Glance Global Time Series.</a></p>



<p>Credit: <a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a></p>



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November 2023 was Earth’s warmest in recorded history

Globally, November 2023 was the warmest November in the 174-year...

Camels,Eating,Grass,On,Arabian,River,Shore,,Located,In,Taif,

<p>New research indicates that Homo erectus likely capitalized on a "greener" corridor through the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-driving-forces-behind-greening-in-the-sahara-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sahara Desert</a> in northeastern Africa, which was wetter and more vegetated than it is today, during their migration out of Africa. Climate cycles aligned to create this green passage, facilitating their journey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-humans-and-the-green-sahara-desert">Early humans and the green Sahara Desert</h2>



<p>Around 6 million years ago, a significant divergence occurred between humans and chimpanzees, our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Over time, our early human ancestors developed distinct characteristics, such as the ability to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apes-may-have-begun-walking-upright-to-eat-leaves-not-fruits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walk upright</a> and manipulate tools.</p>



<p>The transition from tree-dwelling to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-humans-were-bipedal-and-could-swing-through-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bipedal locomotion</a> allowed our ancestors to venture out of their forest habitats and explore new environments. </p>



<p>Approximately 2.1 million years ago, a group of early humans known as Homo erectus embarked on a migration out of Africa. This journey took them through northeastern Africa and the Middle East, eventually leading to Europe and Asia.</p>



<p>For many years, researchers have pondered how <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/homo-erectus_skull_Mizmareck_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Homo erectus</a> managed to traverse the arid and unforgiving deserts that now dominate these regions. New research from <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a> suggests that during the time of Homo erectus migration, the Sahara Desert may have provided a green corridor through which they could travel. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-about-past-sahara-climates">Clues about past Sahara climates</h2>



<p>Rachel Lupien, one of the researchers involved in the study, explains. She says, "We know that there are recurring periods when the climate in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-getting-bigger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sahara changes</a>. We call the phenomenon 'Green Sahara' or 'African Humid Periods'. During a green period, the desert shrinks significantly and is transformed into a landscape that resembles the savannas we know from eastern Africa today."</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-satellites-are-monitoring-the-sahara-dust-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sahara</a>, as we know it today, is currently experiencing a dry period. However, the region undergoes cyclic changes, with full cycles of wet and dry intervals occurring approximately every 20,000 years. These wet intervals are referred to as "African Humid Periods" by Lupien.</p>



<p>The extent of the wet periods during these humid intervals varies, influenced by two additional cycles. One cycle lasts 100,000 years, while the other spans 400,000 years. This means that the wet periods fluctuate within these longer cycles, becoming either wetter or drier than usual.</p>



<p>But how can we accurately determine what the climate was like several hundred thousand years ago in Africa?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-core-samples-and-biomarkers">Core samples and biomarkers</h2>



<p>According to Lupien, valuable insights into past climates can be obtained from <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sahara-desert_green_tropical_map_QGIS_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">core samples taken from the Mediterranean</a>. The layers of sediment on the seafloor provide a historical record of climate conditions. </p>



<p>Lupien elaborates, "Over time, new layers of material <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/saharan-dust-blowing-over-the-north-atlantic-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blow onto the seabed</a> from northern Africa, creating sediments that serve as a logbook of past climate conditions."</p>



<p>Within these layers, researchers can find biomarkers that store information about the past climate. One such biomarker is leaf wax, a series of molecules produced by plants to protect their leaves. </p>



<p>Lupien explains, "When plants die, most parts decompose quickly, but wax molecules can survive for a long time. This is why we often find these molecules in sediments that are millions of years old."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-sahara-desert-and-the-water-cycle">Green Sahara Desert and the water cycle</h2>



<p>The chemical composition of leaf wax, particularly the hydrogen molecules, provides insights into the amount of precipitation that occurred during the formation of a specific sediment layer. </p>



<p>Lupien says the role of hydrogen in tracking the water cycle, "Water contains hydrogen, and we can use hydrogen to track the water cycle. When there is abundant rainfall, plants absorb relatively less heavy hydrogen. Conversely, during dry periods, they absorb more heavy hydrogen."</p>



<p>The research team can analyze the amount of heavy hydrogen in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/leaf-wax-climate-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leaf wax</a> to deduce periods of abundant rainfall and dry conditions. However, hydrogen alone does not provide information about the types of plants that thrived in the wet climate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-plant-dominance">Shifting plant dominance</h2>



<p>This is where the carbon atoms in leaf wax come into play. They can differentiate between two types of plants: C3 and C4 plants. </p>



<p>According to Lupien, "Approximately 90 percent of all plants are C3 plants, which thrive in most regions except extremely arid or hot areas. C4 plants, on the other hand, are specialized to survive in low-rainfall and high-temperature environments."</p>



<p>By analyzing the proportion of heavy carbon in leaf wax, researchers can determine which type of plant dominated during a particular period. </p>



<p>Based on their findings, Lupien states, "During the migration of Homo erectus from Africa, we observed a higher proportion of C3 plants compared to any other humid period in the past 4.5 million years. This suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wetter-climate-ancient-humans-asia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wetter climate</a> transformed parts of the region from a desert into grasslands and savannah."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-sahara-corridor-paved-the-way">"Green Sahara" corridor paved the way</h2>



<p>The occurrence of green periods in Africa, similar to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-orbit-drives-global-ice-age-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice ages</a> in northern latitudes, can be attributed to small orbital variations of the Earth around the Sun, known as Milanković cycles. </p>



<p>Lupien explains the role of these cycles in increasing precipitation in the Sahara. She said, "The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-wobbles-spins-axis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth wobbles</a> slightly in its orbit around the Sun, causing climate fluctuations every 21,000 years, which lead to the 'African Humid Period'. </p>



<p>"Additionally, the circularity of the Earth's orbit varies periodically, with some periods being more elliptical and others more circular. These variations result in fluctuations occurring every 100,000 and 400,000 years," concluded Lupien.</p>



<p>Approximately 2.1 million years ago, multiple cycles likely coincided, creating the greenest period in the Sahara. This timing aligns with the migration of Homo erectus, suggesting that the climate conditions likely facilitated their journey.</p>



<p>In summary, recent research indicates that during the time of Homo erectus migration, the Sahara Desert experienced significant changes, creating a green corridor that allowed early humans to venture out of Africa. </p>



<p>By analyzing sediment core samples from the Mediterranean, scientists can uncover information about past climates based on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-neanderthal-settlement-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biomarkers</a> such as leaf wax. This research sheds light on the environmental conditions our ancestors faced, and demonstrates the pivotal role climate played in shaping human history.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-023-01034-7">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a></em>.</p>



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

A lush, green Sahara Desert helped early humans migrate out of Africa

New research indicates that Homo erectus likely capitalized on a...

<p>A new study from <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CU Boulder</a> raises concerns about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-upheaval-the-ecological-impact-of-deep-sea-mining/">ecological impacts</a> of reintroducing beavers on a large scale in the Western United States. The research reveals the potential for the spread of mercury-containing toxins in rivers and their surrounding habitats.</p>



<p>The study was presented at the 2023 <a href="https://www.agu.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Geophysical Union</a> meeting by Clifford Adamchak, a PhD student in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.</p>



<p>“In a world where beavers are increasingly being seen as an effective means to achieve various conservation and restoration goals, there is a possibility that we would see an abnormally large flush of methylmercury if we were to reintroduce beavers in the Western U.S. on a larger scale,” said Adamchak. "So it is important to better understand the impacts of their activities.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-beavers">Significance of beavers</h2>



<p>Beavers are key players in ecosystem dynamics. Their ability to alter streamflow through dam construction creates rich wetland habitats. These changes have far-reaching effects, including water conservation and improvement in biodiversity.</p>



<p>The study was focused on the impact of beaver activities and their potential role in exacerbating the spread of methylmercury.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-benefits">Environmental benefits</h2>



<p>Beavers were widespread in North American streams before European settlement led to hunting and habitat loss. Their population dwindled, as well as their environmental benefits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over time, beavers change the environment significantly. By damming up streams and trapping water in their ponds, they help to replenish groundwater supplies and maintain wetland habitats for other species, noted the researchers.</p>



<p>Beaver ponds can also ease the effects of drought and help to mitigate wildfires, which is increasingly significant in the face of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-hotspots-nbsp">Mercury hotspots&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, the study highlights a critical concern. Beaver ponds, which often lack oxygen, can become hotspots for bacteria producing mercury-containing neurotoxins.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A stream that flows smoothly with nothing stopping it would have very different biological chemical and geological processes than a stream that has cascading beaver dams and ponds,” said Adamchak. “Beaver activities also impact the surrounding landscape, because the animals forage for woody vegetation on land.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Human activities, such as coal burning and mining, emit mercury into the atmosphere, which eventually invades water bodies. Here, it transforms into methylmercury, a toxic compound that accumulates in organisms and travels up the food chain, posing health risks.</p>



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



<p>The research involved collecting over 300 water and sediment samples from beaver ponds in California and Colorado. Adamchak found low methylmercury levels in the water but high levels in the sediment, indicating potential accumulation in the ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This raises concerns about the spread of mercury-containing neurotoxins, especially as beavers move and abandon ponds, allowing vegetation in high methylmercury areas to grow and enter the food chain.</p>



<p>Since the research is still in its early stages, Adamchak said it’s unclear to what degree methylmercury can affect the wetland ecosystem as a result of beaver activities. </p>



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



<p>Previous studies have shown that methylmercury concentrations in beaver ponds decrease with age, indicating a lesser potential impact.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"That suggests beavers probably don’t have overwhelmingly negative effects on the ecosystem. But at this point, it’s very hard to say if more beaver activities are good or bad in terms of mercury levels,” said Adamchak.</p>



<p>Going forward, he plans to investigate the influence of pond age and seasonal variations on methylmercury levels.</p>



<p>Like what you<em> read?</em> <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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Boosting beaver populations could have toxic consequences

A new study from CU Boulder raises concerns about the...

<p>A study from the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> has revealed a concerning trend: not only are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-environmental-gains-in-the-amazon/">wildfires</a> wreaking havoc on land, but they're also transforming aquatic ecosystems in ways that could have far-reaching implications for water quality and fisheries. </p>



<p>The research, led by Professor Jonathan Shurin of the School of Biological Sciences and his team, is featured in two papers published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17058" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Global Change Biology</em></a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-crisis">Growing crisis</h2>



<p>Climate warming has led to more frequent and severe wildfires globally, and this surge is not just a terrestrial issue.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The effects of wildfires are not limited to terrestrial systems,” said study co-author Chris Wall. “When we think about wildfires increasing, especially in the West, it’s important to remember that burned materials flow directly into waterways that are vital for people and wildlife."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We’re now recognizing that wildfires can greatly influence ecosystem health, with implications for water resources, like aquifers and recreational fishing.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-altered-aquatic-ecosystems-nbsp">Altered aquatic ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research shows that fire chemically alters plant debris, changing the fundamental role of lakes, ponds, and streams in the carbon cycle. This alteration is crucial because aquatic ecosystems are significant carbon sinks, capturing water flows and storing carbon in their sediments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings indicate a shift in how these systems process and store carbon, with potential consequences for atmospheric CO2 levels.</p>



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



<p>The study was conducted over 90 days using experimental pond systems. The researchers explored the effects of burned and unburned plant matter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’ve seen the impact that these huge fires have had on watersheds, so we’re working in these natural systems to understand how different components of climate change are altering the ecosystems,” said Shurin.</p>



<p>The team used a novel approach by fertilizing sage plants with nitrogen to track its movement from plants to aquatic species, like plankton.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>“By using the nitrogen tracer in plant materials, we found less burned plant-derived nitrogen was being incorporated by zooplankton, indicating that burning reduced the transfer of nitrogen to higher organisms,” said Wall.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This agreed with other findings, which showed burned treatments had lower carbon dioxide concentrations, greater oxygenation and higher rates of photosynthesis relative to unburned treatments.”</p>



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



<p>One striking revelation was that ponds with burned plant matter emitted less carbon dioxide compared to those with unburned material, suggesting a potential increase in carbon storage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, this capacity diminished with higher amounts of burned material, leading to greater CO2 emissions.</p>



<p>“Burned plant matter fuels the biological carbon pump of lakes, allowing them to soak up more CO2 from the atmosphere,” said Shurin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“However, this capacity for increased carbon storage was lost as the amount of burned material increased, with treatments receiving the greatest amounts of burned plant material exhibiting highest CO2 export to the atmosphere.”</p>



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



<p>The researchers also observed a transformation in the species composition within these aquatic ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ponds with heavy loads of burned material became breeding grounds for insects like mosquitoes, diverging from the typical aquatic inhabitants like zooplankton.</p>



<p>“These impacts were shifted by fire treatment,” said the researchers. “Burning increased the elemental and organic composition of detritus, with cascading effects on ecosystem function.”</p>



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



<p>This research underscores the need for climate change models to incorporate interactions between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As climate change projections forewarn of escalating environmental and economic damages due to wildfires, understanding these aquatic transformations becomes vital for future conservation and management strategies.</p>



<p>“More frequent and intense wildfire may alter the capacity of aquatic systems to store, transform and exchange carbon with the atmosphere,” wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>They noted that in the future, forecasts of climate change should include integrative models that account for feedbacks between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in order to fully understand changes to the global carbon cycle.</p>



<p>Like what you<em> read?</em> <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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Ripple effects: Wildfires reshape aquatic ecosystems

A study from the University of California San Diego has...

The,New,Solar,Batteries,Generates,A,Pure,Electricity

<p>Forests and trees absorb and store harmful greenhouse gases, while solar panels generate sustainable energy with zero carbon emissions.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-forests-are-unexpected-heroes-of-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forests</a>, with their lush greenery and vital role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>, have long been seen as a cornerstone of environmental health. Conversely, the advent of dark-colored solar panels offers a more technological approach to climate balance, substituting harmful fossil fuels with renewable energy. </p>



<p>An intriguing new study sheds light on the effectiveness of these two approaches in combating climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-forests-vs-solar-forests">Tree forests vs. solar forests</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forests-are-losing-their-carbon-storage-capacity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tropical evergreen forests</a> have been at the forefront of environmental discussions, given their significant role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-modeling-study-reveals-new-insights-into-carbon-sequestration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">absorbing carbon dioxide</a> – a major greenhouse gas. Unfortunately, deforestation has exacerbated the climate crisis. </p>



<p>Despite efforts to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-forest-biodiversity-has-massive-potential-for-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rehabilitate and expand forests</a>, a critical question arises: Can massive reforestation alone sufficiently absorb the surplus carbon dioxide produced over the last 150 years?</p>



<p>Contrasting the natural solution of forests is the concept of the "solar forest" – fields of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-power-has-won-the-prize-to-become-earths-main-source-of-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar panels</a> that produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. While beneficial in reducing carbon emissions, these artificial forests are not without their own climate impacts. </p>



<p>Both natural and solar forests are "low albedo" surfaces, meaning they absorb a significant amount of solar radiation and contribute to atmospheric heating.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-albedo-effect-and-climate-implications">Albedo effect and climate implications</h2>



<p>The albedo effect plays a crucial role in climate dynamics. Unlike the dark surfaces of forests and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-harness-plant-energy-to-improve-solar-panels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar farms</a>, light-colored surfaces like desert soil reflect sunlight back into space, reducing atmospheric heating. </p>



<p>This raises an important question: Is it more climate-effective to plant a forest or erect a field of solar panels?</p>



<p>A new study led by Dr. Rafael Stern, Dr. Jonathan Muller, and Dr. Eyal Rotenberg from Prof. Dan Yakir's lab at the <a href="https://www.weizmann.ac.il/pages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weizmann Institute of Science</a> offers insights into this dilemma. Their fascinating research compares the energy flows and climate impacts of forests and solar farms, particularly in arid areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-forests-and-solar-farms">Studying forests and solar farms</h2>



<p>The study began by comparing a forest at the edge of an arid area with a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-solar-cells-that-keep-working-in-the-dark/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar farm</a> in a similar environment. The researchers conducted comprehensive measurements of energy flow between the ground and the atmosphere in these settings, using a mobile measuring station designed by Yakir and Rotenberg. </p>



<p>The experiments were replicated across different seasons and compared with long-term data collected from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yatir_Forest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yatir Forest</a>, the largest forest planted in Israel.</p>



<p>The research revealed that while the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-a-widespread-decline-of-snow-cover-in-the-northern-hemisphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">albedo effect</a> of forests and solar farms was similar, their impact on carbon emissions differed significantly. Solar farms proved more effective in balancing the Earth's climate by reducing carbon emissions associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electricity production</a>. </p>



<p>It takes about two and a half years for solar farms to offset their heat emissions through energy generation, whereas a forest of a similar size would require over a century of photosynthesis to achieve the same effect.</p>



<p>The study also explored how these findings vary in different climates. In more humid environments, the heating effect of planting trees is less pronounced, and the break-even point for carbon capture is reached much sooner.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-the-path-ahead">Navigating the path ahead</h2>



<p>This research provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of natural and artificial solutions in addressing climate change. As we move forward, it is crucial to consider these findings in environmental policy and decision-making, recognizing that the path to sustainability may require a nuanced blend of nature's offerings and human ingenuity.</p>



<p>Stern and Muller explain, “Our study unequivocally shows that in arid environments, where most of the open land reserves exist, building <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-panels-used-to-grow-plants-in-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar farms</a> is far more effective than planting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-forests-offset-a-years-worth-of-global-fossil-fuel-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> when it comes to dealing with the climate crisis. In this environment, erecting solar panels on areas that are far smaller than forests (up to one hundredth of the size) will offset exactly the same quantity of carbon emissions. </p>



<p>"Having said that, forests currently absorb close to one-third of humanity’s annual carbon emissions, so it’s of paramount importance to safeguard this capability and prevent the kind of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">widescale deforestation</a> that takes place in tropical regions."</p>



<p>Moreover, forests play a vital role in the global rain cycle, in maintaining biodiversity and in many other environmental and social contexts. </p>



<p>Stern and Muller conclude, "Therefore, the conclusion from our study is that we must protect the Earth’s forests, and that the most appropriate solution to the climate crisis is to combine the planting and rehabilitation of forests in humid regions with erecting fields of solar panels in arid regions.”</p>



<p>In summary, the juxtaposition of natural and artificial solutions to climate change represents a critical crossroad in our quest to mitigate environmental crises. </p>



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



<p>In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, "solar forests" have emerged as a groundbreaking concept. As discussed above, these innovative installations, combining solar energy technology with environmental aesthetics, represent a leap forward in renewable energy. </p>



<p>Unlike traditional solar farms, solar forests are designed to blend seamlessly with natural landscapes, offering both ecological and energy benefits.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-concept-of-solar-forests">The concept of solar forests</h3>



<p>A solar forest is a solar power generation facility that mimics the structure and layout of a natural forest. This concept involves the strategic placement of photovoltaic panels, often designed to resemble trees, which convert sunlight into electricity. </p>



<p>The idea is to create a harmonious balance between technology and nature, providing a renewable energy source while maintaining the beauty and functionality of natural landscapes.</p>



<p>The design of a solar forest typically involves "solar trees" – structures with solar panels arranged on branches, mimicking the canopy of a real tree. These solar trees not only generate electricity but also provide shade, creating a space that can be used for recreational or educational purposes.</p>



<p>Solar forests are designed with ecological integration in mind. They are often established in urban or semi-urban areas, where they can contribute to biodiversity, support wildlife habitats, and help in urban temperature regulation. The layout of a solar forest takes into consideration the existing ecosystem, aiming to minimize the impact on local flora and fauna.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-of-solar-forests">Advantages of solar forests</h3>



<p>The primary advantage of solar forests is the generation of clean, renewable energy. By harnessing the power of the sun, these installations reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thus contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<p>Solar forests enhance the environment by providing green spaces in urban areas. They can improve air quality, offer habitat for wildlife, and contribute to the aesthetic value of the area.</p>



<p>Solar forests can serve as educational hubs, where people can learn about renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental conservation. They also provide recreational spaces for communities, fostering a connection with nature and technology.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-considerations">Challenges and considerations</h3>



<p>The initial cost of installing a solar forest can be higher than traditional solar farms due to the complex design and materials required. Additionally, maintenance of these structures can be challenging, requiring regular cleaning and repairs to ensure optimal energy generation.</p>



<p>Finding suitable locations for solar forests is crucial. These installations require ample sunlight and space, which may be limited in densely populated urban areas. Additionally, the impact on existing ecosystems must be carefully assessed.</p>



<p>The efficiency of solar trees compared to traditional solar panels is an area of ongoing research. While aesthetically pleasing, the design of solar trees may not always offer the same energy capture efficiency as conventional solar panel arrays.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-forests-and-the-future">Solar forests and the future</h3>



<p>The future of solar forests looks promising, with advancements in solar technology and increasing awareness of environmental issues. Researchers and designers are continuously exploring ways to improve the efficiency and integration of these systems into urban landscapes.</p>



<p>In summary, solar forests represent a creative and sustainable approach to energy generation, blending the benefits of solar power with ecological consciousness. As we continue to seek solutions for a sustainable future, concepts like solar forests offer a glimpse into how technology and nature can coexist in harmony, providing both practical and aesthetic value to our communities.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/2/11/pgad352/7429362" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a></em>.</p>



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



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Which is better – planting forests or building solar farms?

Forests and trees absorb and store harmful greenhouse gases, while...

<p>Positive tipping points must be achieved to combat the escalating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/">climate crisis</a>, according to a recent commentary from the Global Systems Institute at the <a href="https://www.intostudy.com/en/universities/university-of-exeter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.</p>



<p>The call to action emerges as global warming threatens to breach the critical 1.5°C threshold. This level of warming could trigger at least five Earth system tipping points with potentially catastrophic consequences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-system-tipping-points">Earth system tipping points</h2>



<p>The researchers highlight a distressing scenario: if the current trajectory of global warming is not altered, it could lead to the activation of multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-tipping-points-report-shows-humanity-on-a-disastrous-trajectory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth system tipping points</a>. </p>



<p>These include devastating sea-level rise due to ice sheet melting, mass species extinction from the dieback of the Amazon rainforest, and severe disruption to weather patterns due to the collapse of large-scale ocean circulation currents.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ramifications of these "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-planet-faces-six-risk-tipping-points-with-irreversible-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk tipping point</a>" events would be both profound and far-reaching, impacting ecosystems and human societies on a global scale.</p>



<p>The team's commentary introduces an innovative approach to this dire situation - the concept of positive tipping points. These are cases where beneficial changes rapidly gain momentum, leading to significant and positive environmental impacts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers argue that such positive tipping points are essential to achieving the levels of decarbonization required to avert the worst of the climate crisis.</p>



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



<p>“One reason for hope is that many of the tipping thresholds that are likely to be crossed first are so-called slow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-is-approaching-a-critical-tipping-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tipping systems</a>, which can be briefly exceeded without a commitment to tipping,” said study lead author Dr. Paul Ritchie.</p>



<p>“However, rapid decarbonization that minimizes the distance of any overshoot and – even more importantly – limits the time spent beyond a threshold is critical for avoiding triggering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-abruptly-push-species-over-their-tipping-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate tipping points</a>.”</p>



<p>According to Dr. Jesse Abrams, one mechanism for achieving rapid decarbonization is ironically through positive tipping points, moments when beneficial changes rapidly gain momentum.</p>



<p>This statement highlights the paradoxical nature of the solution: using tipping points, often associated with negative outcomes, as a mechanism for driving positive environmental change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-vehicles-and-broader-implications">Electric vehicles and broader implications</h2>



<p>A prime example of a positive tipping point in action is the surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales in Scandinavia. This case demonstrates the potential of humans to promote positive tipping dynamics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Under the correct enabling conditions, such as affordability, attractiveness and accessibility, Norway have managed to transition the market share of electric vehicles from under 10% to near 90% within a decade," said Professor Tim Lenton.</p>



<p>This remarkable transition underscores the feasibility of rapid, large-scale environmental change under conducive conditions.</p>



<p>"Overshooting the Paris Agreement target of limiting warming to 1.5°C is now probable, making crossing several climate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-surpassed-almost-every-safe-limit-to-keep-earth-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tipping point thresholds</a> likely," wrote the experts.</p>



<p>"Triggering positive tipping points can help reach the levels of decarbonization required to minimize both overshoot time and peak warming in order to avoid triggering climate tipping points, but urgent action is needed."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(23)00552-3?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2590332223005523%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>One Earth</em></a>. </p>



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Positive tipping points could help prevent climate catastrophe

Positive tipping points must be achieved to combat the escalating...

<p>In the remote and harsh Arctic environment, a significant ecological shift is occurring. New research led by Matteo Petit Bon from the <a href="https://qcnr.usu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quinney College of Natural Resources</a> is shedding light on the complex dynamics of the Arctic ecosystem.</p>



<p>The researchers delved into the impacts of two dominant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-herbivores-must-be-restored-to-balance-ecosystems/">herbivores</a>, geese and reindeer. The study was particularly focused on Svalbard, a high-tundra archipelago located between mainland Norway and the North Pole.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Given the current rates of climate change, with associated shifts in herbivore population densities, understanding the role of different herbivores in ecosystem functioning is critical for predicting ecosystem responses," explained the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-svalbard-reindeer-nbsp">Svalbard reindeer&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Svalbard reindeer, known for their docility and sedentary nature, have been indigenous to these islands for millennia. However, by 1900, due to extensive hunting by miners and trappers, the reindeer population was nearly extinguished. Only a few isolated populations survived.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The subsequent legal protection by the Norwegian government facilitated a remarkable recovery, with current numbers exceeding 20,000.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barnacle-geese-nbsp">Barnacle geese&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Barnacle geese, which migrate to Svalbard, have experienced a population boom. Their numbers have surged from less than 3,000 in 1960 to over 40,000 today, benefiting from conservation efforts in their overwintering habitat in Scotland.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These geese play a crucial role in the Arctic ecosystem during their temporary stay, capitalizing on the nutrient-rich vegetation and continuous daylight to breed.</p>



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



<p>Both reindeer and geese significantly alter the vegetation composition in Svalbard. Their feeding habits, along with natural fertilization and soil compaction through trampling, have direct and indirect effects on the plant life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This interaction has far-reaching consequences for the ecosystem's response to the rapidly changing Arctic climate, which is warming faster than most other regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-altering-the-landscape-nbsp">Altering the landscape&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Geese, although smaller and temporary residents, have a more pronounced impact compared to the larger, more dispersed reindeer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The concentrated grazing by geese has led to a significant reduction in plant biomass, with a fivefold decrease in grass biomass in goose-grazed areas between 2008 and 2018. This finding suggests that the geese's feeding habits are altering the landscape more drastically than the reindeer.</p>



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



<p>Experimental studies confirmed that the geese are more impactful. Removing reindeer from certain areas showed little effect on ecosystem health, whereas excluding geese led to noticeable improvements in vegetation and soil conditions. This indicates that geese, despite their size and temporary presence, exert a more substantial influence on the ecosystem.</p>



<p>"Although both herbivores were key drivers of ecosystem structure and function, the control exerted by geese in their main habitat (wet tundra) was much more pronounced than that exerted by reindeer in their main habitat (moist-to-dry tundra)," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Importantly, these herbivore effects are scale dependent, because geese are more spatially concentrated and thereby affect a smaller portion of the tundra landscape compared to reindeer. Our results highlight the substantial heterogeneity in how herbivores shape tundra vegetation and ecosystem processes, with implications for ongoing environmental change."</p>



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



<p>The research is pivotal in understanding the evolving dynamics of Arctic ecosystems. It provides crucial insights into how changing herbivore populations might affect these fragile environments, especially in the context of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study helps to improve predictions about the potential mitigation or amplification of climate change impacts due to shifts in these herbivore populations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.14200" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Ecology</em></a>.</p>



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Small geese have a large impact on Arctic ecosystems

In the remote and harsh Arctic environment, a significant ecological...

<p>The <a href="https://www.cop28.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Climate Change Conference</a> (COP28) concluded today, marking a significant step towards ending the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/">fossil fuel</a> era. </p>



<p>The latest agreement paves the way for a rapid, fair, and equitable transition, emphasizing substantial emission reductions and increased financial support.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-action">Climate action</h2>



<p>At the conference in Dubai, negotiators from nearly 200 countries united to agree on the first-ever "global stocktake" to enhance climate action within this decade. This initiative aims to maintain the global temperature increase below 1.5°C.</p>



<p>“Whilst we didn’t turn the page on the fossil fuel era in Dubai, this outcome is the beginning of the end. Now all governments and businesses need to turn these pledges into real-economy outcomes, without delay,” UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell stated in his closing remarks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-stocktake">Global stocktake</h2>



<p>The global stocktake, the key result of COP28, incorporates all negotiated elements and will guide countries in strengthening their climate action plans by 2025.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It acknowledges the need to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent by 2030 (from 2019 levels) to stay within the 1.5°C limit, but notes that current efforts fall short of the Paris Agreement targets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phasing-out-fossil-fuels">Phasing out fossil fuels</h2>



<p>The stocktake urges parties to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency improvements by 2030. It includes steps like phasing down unabated coal power, eliminating inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and other measures for transitioning away from fossil fuels, with developed countries leading.</p>



<p>Parties are encouraged to set ambitious, comprehensive emission reduction targets in their next climate action plans (nationally determined contributions) by 2025, covering all greenhouse gasses and sectors, aligned with the 1.5°C goal.</p>



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



<p>The conference began with the World Climate Action Summit, attended by 154 Heads of States and Government. A landmark agreement on loss and damage fund operationalization and funding was reached on the first day, with over USD 700 million pledged so far.</p>



<p>An agreement was also reached for the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the UN Office for Project Services to host the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage secretariat, providing technical assistance to climate-vulnerable developing countries.</p>



<p>Targets for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and its framework were agreed upon, setting global adaptation targets and emphasizing the need for financial, technological, and capacity-building support.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-finance">Climate finance</h2>



<p>Climate finance was a focal point at COP28. As Stiell emphasized, this is a “great enabler of climate action.”</p>



<p>The Green Climate Fund’s second replenishment saw increased pledges, now totaling USD 12.8 billion from 31 countries. Additionally, over USD 174 million was pledged to the Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund, with nearly USD 188 million pledged to the Adaptation Fund at COP28.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptation-plans">Adaptation plans</h2>



<p>Despite these pledges, the global stocktake highlighted the necessity of trillions for developing countries’ clean energy transitions and adaptation efforts. It stressed the need to reform the multilateral financial architecture and establish innovative finance sources.</p>



<p>Discussions at COP28 focused on setting a ‘new collective quantified goal on climate finance’ in 2024, starting from a baseline of USD 100 billion per year, crucial for implementing national climate plans by 2025.</p>



<p>The conference agreed that the mitigation work program, launched at COP27, will continue until 2030, with biannual global dialogues.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inclusive-engagement-nbsp">Inclusive engagement&nbsp;</h2>



<p>COP28 saw diverse participation, with 85,000 attendees, including world leaders, civil society, businesses, Indigenous Peoples, youth, philanthropy, and international organizations, highlighting the importance of inclusive engagement in climate action.</p>



<p>In parallel, the Global Climate Action space at COP28 facilitated collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society, showcasing real-world climate solutions.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-resilience-nbsp">Increasing resilience&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The High-Level Champions under the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action launched a roadmap of 2030 Climate Solutions, focusing on halving global emissions and increasing resilience by 2030.</p>



<p>The conference also announced initiatives to enhance food and public health systems’ resilience and reduce agriculture and methane emissions.</p>



<p>COP28’s negotiations on the "enhanced transparency framework" laid the foundation for implementing the Paris Agreement, with final transparency reporting and review tools to be available by June 2024.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nationally-determined-contributions-nbsp">Nationally determined contributions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>COP28 concluded with the announcement of Azerbaijan as the host for COP29 in 2024 and Brazil for COP30 in 2025. The upcoming COP29 and COP30 will be crucial for establishing a new climate finance goal and preparing new nationally determined contributions aligned with the 1.5°C limit.</p>



<p>“We must get on with the job of putting the Paris Agreement fully to work. In early 2025, countries must deliver new nationally determined contributions. Every single commitment – on finance, adaptation, and mitigation – must bring us in line with a 1.5-degree world,” Stiell urged.</p>



<p>“Every one of you is making a real difference. In the crucial coming years your voices and determination will be more important than ever. I urge you never to relent. We are still in this race. We will be with you every single step of the way,” he added.</p>



<p>“The world needed to find a new way. By following our North Star, we have found that path. We have worked very hard to secure a better future for our people and our planet. We should be proud of our historic achievement,” concluded COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber.</p>



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COP28 agreement marks the beginning of the end of fossil fuels

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) concluded today, marking...

<p>Despite the onset of winter, the United States is still dealing with marine heat waves that could potentially harm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/without-strong-action-global-fish-stocks-could-collapse/">fish stocks</a>, according to a report from the <a href="https://www.msc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Stewardship Council</a> (MSC). </p>



<p>Recent data from NOAA reveals that marine heatwaves are prevalent across various U.S. coasts, including the Pacific Northwest, the south Gulf of Mexico, and the Northwest Atlantic. Central America is also experiencing these heatwaves off both of its coasts.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-warming">Widespread warming</h2>



<p>NOAA’s marine heat wave forecast department predicts a 60 percent chance of these warmer conditions persisting for the next four to six months.</p>



<p>As of today, 30% of the global ocean is experiencing marine heatwaves. This is the largest combined ocean area to undergo such warming since 1991, encompassing regions like the northwest Pacific, Sea of Japan, Caribbean Sea, tropical and northern Atlantic, western Indian Ocean, and parts of the Southern Ocean in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic sectors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-challenges-nbsp">Significant challenges&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Marine heat waves, estimated to have increased by more than 50% in the past 30 years, combined with larger-scale warming caused by climate change are having a profound impact on our oceans," said Nicole Condon, the MSC’s US Program Director.</p>



<p>"As a result, the size and distribution of the world's fish populations is changing, creating significant challenges for fisheries managers. However, this also creates an opportunity to build more resilient management systems to support the future of fisheries."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-fish-nbsp">Impact on fish&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The MSC noted that certain fish species, such as the black sea bass on the U.S. east coast and groundfish on the west coast, are increasingly vulnerable to climate change</p>



<p>The fish are migrating northward in search of cooler waters. This shift in fish distribution necessitates cooperative efforts across U.S. states for effective monitoring and management of shared fish stocks.</p>



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



<p>The MSC is exploring various options for managing shifting fish stocks, such as the black sea bass.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Climate-smart fisheries management solutions aim to adjust fishing quotas for different states automatically as stocks migrate northwards, ensuring sustainable management across state boundaries.</p>



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



<p>Warming ocean waters may impede the ability of some fish species to spawn, potentially leading to a decline in fish numbers, affecting seafood supplies and ocean ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scientists warn of the possibility of repeating past events, citing the 2014-2016 U.S. West Coast marine heat waves that drastically reduced fish populations. Fisheries closed for more than three years to help rebuild fish stocks.  &nbsp;</p>



<p>"In the last decade, marine heatwaves have disrupted fisheries all around the world. If conditions stay hot, similar catastrophes may be on the horizon," said Dr. Christopher Free, Marine Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara.</p>



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



<p>Furthermore, a recent study indicated that the socio-economic costs of a single marine heatwave event could be substantial, with direct losses exceeding US$800 million or US$3.1 billion in indirect losses of ecosystem services for multiple years.</p>



<p>The combined impact of these ongoing marine heat waves and the overall warming of seas due to climate change poses a significant threat to major fish species in the United States.</p>



<p>This situation calls for urgent action from governments to prioritize sustainable management of fish stocks to mitigate the impacts of climate change, including heatwaves and warming waters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-msc-fisheries-standard">MSC Fisheries standard</h2>



<p>“Policy makers must find a way to incorporate stock shift changes and climate smart solutions into long-term and robust fisheries management plans. MSC certified fisheries showcase that meaningful steps in this direction are possible," said Condon.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The MSC Fisheries standard, along with the roughly 15% of global fisheries volume currently MSC certified, helps to safeguard seafood supplies and broader ocean health. It will take all of us recognizing and planning for continued shifts to foster oceans teeming with life for future generations.”</p>



<p>The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a global nonprofit organization that works to end overfishing and set standards for sustainable fishing around the world.</p>



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Marine heat waves are persisting in the U.S., even in winter

Despite the onset of winter, the United States is still...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p id="block-eff5dea3-a9bb-40b5-a923-e5a9978bc0e2">Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4 Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease A natural...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
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<p>A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio</em></p>



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.</p>



<p>“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”</p>



<p>The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.</p>



<p>The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.</p>



<p>“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science</em></p>



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.</p>



<p>"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.</p>



<p>"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."</p>



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



<p>According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.</p>



<p>"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."</p>



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA</em></p>



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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