<p>Wildfires in the western U.S. have become a growing crisis. They’re lasting longer, burning hotter, and spreading into areas that rarely burned in the past. </p>



<p>But another danger is rising, beyond heatwaves and droughts. Lightning - sudden, fierce, and incredibly powerful - is becoming one of the biggest wildfire risks.</p>



<p>In the coming decades, scientists warn that lightning will become an increasingly dominant spark for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-making-wildfire-smoke-more-deadly/">wildfires</a>, adding to the already mounting risks across the West.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-is-fueling-more-wildfires">Lightning is fueling more wildfires</h2>



<p>Wildfires need a few things to get going: dry fuel, hot temperatures, low humidity, and a spark. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-is-changing-the-atmosphere-in-surprising-ways/">Lightning</a> is one of the most powerful natural igniters.</p>



<p>In the western U.S., lightning already causes more than two-thirds of the area burned by wildfires. And now, new research shows that number is going to rise sharply due to climate change. </p>



<p>Warmer air holds more moisture, which means more unstable weather patterns. Those patterns, in turn, set the stage for more lightning.</p>



<p>A recent study has revealed that virtually all of the western U.S. - 98 percent of the region - will have more days with a greater likelihood of lightning-ignited wildfires starting as early as the 2030s. </p>



<p>For regions already accustomed to such fires, such as Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, the risk is even greater. As early as 2060, those states may have as many as 12 additional lightning-filled days per summer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-model-to-forecast-lightning">A model to forecast lightning</h2>



<p>Traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/">climate models</a> don’t really track lightning. That’s why a team of researchers led by Dmitri Kalashnikov built their own system to fill in the gaps.</p>



<p>“The first step was to project lightning,” said Kalashnikov, a research scientist at the <a href="https://www.ucmerced.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California Merced</a>. “The typical climate models don’t directly simulate lightning. It’s too small a process.”</p>



<p>The researchers applied machine learning to forecast where lightning would hit based on variables that we can quantify - such as temperature, humidity, and the level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moisture-in-the-atmosphere-causes-extreme-weather-to-last-longer/">moisture in the air</a>. </p>



<p>The team merged those results with the Fire Weather Index (FWI), a mechanism that was developed back in 1968 to monitor how probable wildfire initiation and spread is from local weather.</p>



<p>The result is a forecast model tailored to the western U.S., designed to project conditions from 2030 to 2060 - decades earlier than most studies, which typically look only to the end of the century.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-lightning-in-the-northwest">More lightning in the Northwest</h2>



<p>The northwestern states of Idaho, Oregon, and Montana are projected to experience the greatest growth in lightning days. But strangely, they may not experience the most rapid expansion in wildfires. </p>



<p>Although lightning will grow, the conditions favoring fires (such as extreme heat or dryness) are not expected to worsen as quickly in the Northwest compared to other regions.</p>



<p>That doesn’t mean northwestern states are off the hook. Cloud-to-ground lightning, the kind that hits trees or grass directly, is still expected to rise significantly in those areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-lightning-greater-wildfire-risk">Less lightning, greater wildfire risk</h2>



<p>In contrast, the Southwest - including Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico - won’t see as much of a jump in lightning strikes. But the fire risk will still climb. </p>



<p>This is because even a small spark becomes a big threat when the land is extra dry, the heat is intense, and there’s little rain to cool things off.</p>



<p>The researchers found that these southern states are likely to experience the biggest increases in wildfires caused by lightning, despite the smaller bump in lightning activity. That’s because climate change is pushing up the number of fire-prone days overall.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-and-wet-lightning">Dry and wet lightning</h2>



<p>Kalashnikov said the next steps could involve separating the kinds of lightning events. “You can’t help but wonder what the future will look like, especially if you dig in and you realize that there’s actually a lot that we don’t understand,” he said.</p>



<p>One key factor will be figuring out how to distinguish between "dry lightning" and "wet lightning." Dry lightning happens without much rain, making it a fire hazard. </p>



<p>Wet lightning brings <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heavy-rainfall-poses-extreme-risks-in-the-western-us/">heavy rain</a>, which can reduce fire risk but increase flood danger. Understanding that difference could help emergency services respond more precisely to fire threats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-risks-are-rising-fast">Wildfire risks are rising fast</h2>



<p>As climate patterns shift, the West isn’t just getting warmer and drier - it’s getting stormier in a dangerous way. Lightning is expected to spark more fires, and fires are expected to find more dry fuel waiting. It’s a feedback loop that could reshape fire seasons in the U.S.</p>



<p>This isn’t about something that might happen a hundred years from now. The changes are coming within the next few decades - some may already be happening. </p>



<p>And for the people living in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/double-hazard-wildfire-zones-identified-in-the-american-west/">high-risk areas</a>, that means more heat, more smoke, and a greater need for preparation.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025EF006108" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's Future</a></em>.</p>



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Lightning will ignite even more wildfires as the climate heats up

Wildfires in the western U.S. have become a growing crisis. They’re lasting longer, burning hotter, and spreading into areas that rarely burned in the past. But another danger is rising, beyond heatwaves and droughts. Lightning - sudden, fierce, and incredibly powerful - is becoming one of the biggest wildfire risks. In the coming decades, scientists warn that lightning will become an increasingly dominant spark for wildfires, adding to the already mounting risks across the West. Lightning is fueling more wildfires Wildfires need a few things to get...

<p>The Biden administration has recently finalized a rule aimed at drastically reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/">methane</a> emissions from the US oil and gas industry. This ambitious initiative seeks to cut methane emissions by nearly 80 percent by 2038.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The announcement, made at the <a href="https://www.cop28.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COP28 climate summit</a> in Dubai, aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change, particularly as temperatures worldwide continue to rise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-methane-emissions-nbsp">Preventing methane emissions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Methane, primarily found in natural gas and as a byproduct of fossil fuel drilling, has over 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide in the first two decades after its release. The new rule, implemented by the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA), targets this potent greenhouse gas. </p>



<p>The EPA estimates that the legislation will prevent approximately 58 million tons of methane from entering the atmosphere, equating to removing over 300 million gas-powered cars from the roads for a year.</p>



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



<p>Key strategies in the rule include ending routine flaring of natural gas from oil wells and mandating its capture instead. The rule also emphasizes stringent monitoring of leaks from oil and gas wells, compressors, and other equipment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, independent third-party monitoring using satellites and remote-sensing technology will play a crucial role in detecting large methane leaks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slashing-methane-pollution">Slashing methane pollution</h2>



<p>EPA Administrator Michael Regan and White House National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi, who unveiled the rule at COP28, emphasized the Biden administration's commitment to strong action against methane pollution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“From mobilizing billions in investment to plug orphaned wells, patch leaky pipes, and reclaim abandoned mines to setting strong standards that will cut pollution from the oil and gas sector, the Biden-Harris Administration is putting the full weight of the federal government into slashing harmful methane pollution,” said Zaidi.</p>



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



<p>The significance of this rule is underscored by the United States' position as the world's largest oil producer. With methane emissions having surged in recent years, the legislation is seen as a critical step in slowing down the pace of global warming.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Experts suggest that addressing methane leaks and flaring offers a straightforward method to mitigate climate change impacts.</p>



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



<p>The rule has been welcomed by environmental experts and climate advocates, noting the incentives for oil and gas companies to reduce leaks and flaring.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Carrie Jenks from Harvard Law School's Environmental &amp; Energy Law Program and Jon Goldstein from the Environmental Defense Fund both recognized the potential benefits and the environmental importance of the rule.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-step-forward-nbsp">Major step forward&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Goldstein noted that the EPA’s plan to end routine flaring is a major step forward. “The latest science is showing that flares are not just sources of waste, they’re also large sources of pollution because they’re just not working right," he said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The easiest way to stop that pollution is to stop sending it to flares in the first place. It doesn’t seem logical, why are you burning off this product you can sell?”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oil-and-gas-compact-nbsp">Oil and Gas Compact&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In a related development, fifty major oil and gas companies, including industry giants like Exxon and Saudi Aramco, pledged at COP28 to cut their methane emissions significantly by 2030. This commitment, known as the Oil and Gas Compact, targets an 80 to 90 percent reduction in methane intensity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The US rule and the global commitments represent a significant step in the battle against climate change, focusing on methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases. These initiatives underscore the increasing global emphasis on actionable and verifiable measures to combat environmental challenges.</p>



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U.S. finalizes ambitious rule to slash methane emissions 

The Biden administration has recently finalized a rule aimed at...

Thermometer,Shows,High,Temperature,In,Summer,Heat,With,Dryness,And

<p>Met Office scientists have highlighted a surprising gap in the climate change discourse. There exists no universally accepted method to define the current level of global warming in the context of the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>. </p>



<p>This revelation is not just a mere academic concern but has profound implications for how the world tracks and responds to climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-define-global-warming">How to define global warming</h2>



<p>The team of scientists, led by Professor Richard Betts MBE of the <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Met Office</a> and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, pointed out that while yearly global average temperatures are well-documented, these figures do not aptly represent the long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parts-of-europe-have-exceeded-two-degrees-of-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming trends</a> referred to in the Paris Agreement. </p>



<p>The agreement focuses on sustained changes rather than fluctuations in individual years. However, the absence of a formally agreed alternative metric poses a significant problem.</p>



<p>Professor Betts emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “Clarity on breaching the Paris Agreement guard rails will be crucial. Without an agreement on what actually will count as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-will-exceed-1-5-degrees-but-by-how-much/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exceeding 1.5°C</a>, we risk distraction and confusion at precisely the time when action to avoid the worst effects of climate change becomes even more urgent.”</p>



<p>The lack of a clear metric could lead to delays and confusion in responding to climate change, at a time when prompt action is critical.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proposed-solution-by-the-met-office">Proposed solution by the Met Office</h2>



<p>To address this issue, the Met Office team proposes a novel approach. Their method involves a combination of observed global temperatures over the last decade and projections for the coming ten years. </p>



<p>This approach, they argue, would provide a more accurate and timely indication of whether the world is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-global-temperature-exceeded-2c-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breaching the critical 1.5°C</a> global warming threshold level set by the Paris Agreement. Using this method, the current global warming level is approximately 1.26°C, with an uncertainty range between 1.13°C to 1.43°C.</p>



<p>The proposed indicator offers a more nuanced understanding of global warming. It accounts for the Earth's climate system's natural variability and the human-induced changes driving recent climate trends. </p>



<p>According to Professor Betts, “Using an indicator of several years of observations and projections will smooth out the natural variation to reveal the underlying human-induced warming.”  This method recognizes that even an anomalously warm year does not necessarily mean that the Paris Agreement thresholds have been met.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-warming-level-of-current-climate">Global warming level of current climate</h2>



<p>The urgency to define global warming is underscored by provisional estimates suggesting that 2023 might be the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-2023-the-hottest-year-in-human-history-september-set-another-global-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmest year on record</a>, surpassing 2016. This trend is part of an ongoing series of warmest years recorded since 1850, including years affected by natural climate phenomena such as El Niño. </p>



<p>Professor Betts concludes, “The fact that the warmest years on record include both the highs and lows of natural climate variability is yet more evidence that climate change driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions dominates the recent climate record.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-met-office-climate-dashboard">Met Office Climate Dashboard</h2>



<p>To support their proposal, the Met Office has introduced a new section in their <a href="https://climate.metoffice.cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Dashboard</a>. This section, titled ‘Indicators of Global Warming’, showcases eight different indicators, including the newly proposed metric. It features the Met Office HadCRUT5 data and provides a comprehensive view of global surface warming across various methodologies, complete with explanatory tables and uncertainty boundaries.</p>



<p>In summary, the Met Office scientists’ proposal for a new metric to measure global warming relative to the Paris Agreement goals is a crucial step towards a clearer, more actionable understanding of climate change. </p>



<p>As the world gathers for <a href="https://unfccc.int/cop28" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COP28</a>, this development could be instrumental in shaping global climate policy and action, ensuring that responses are timely, accurate, and in line with the collective ambition to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03775-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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Formal agreement needed to define the current level of global warming

Met Office scientists have highlighted a surprising gap in the...

<p>A recent study emphasizes the critical need for concerted efforts and commitments to address the aviation sector's impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/">climate change</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-co2-emissions-nbsp">Non-CO2 emissions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The comprehensive research underscores the complex nature of aviation's environmental impact, particularly focusing on non-CO2 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/">emissions</a> like nitrogen oxides, soot, and water vapor. </p>



<p>These emissions contribute significantly to global warming. For example, soot plays a role in the formation of contrails and "contrail cirrus," line-shaped clouds generated by aircraft exhaust that increase high clouds, further warming the Earth’s atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-depth-assessment-nbsp">In-depth assessment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study was a collaborative effort by Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Oxford, the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a>, and Imperial College London. </p>



<p>The experts provide an in-depth assessment of aviation's non-CO2 effects on both climate and air quality, considering current and future technological and fuel changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inherent-uncertainties-nbsp">Inherent uncertainties&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“What we highlight is the inherent uncertainties that remain in some of these very complex effects on climate from non-CO2 emissions," said Professor David Lee.</p>



<p>“More importantly, reducing the impact of emissions on the climate is not straightforward as practically all routes forward with conventional liquid hydrocarbon fuels involve ‘trade-offs’, mostly at the expense of emitting more CO2, whether it be technological or operational efforts."</p>



<p>“These trade-offs and uncertainties mean that there are no simple silver bullets or low-hanging fruit to solve the problem. What is often forgotten is, that while the non-CO2 climate impacts of, for example, an individual flight are short lived, a substantial proportion of the emitted CO2 persists for a very long time, literally tens of millennia. This means it is a difficult balancing act if reducing non-CO2 emissions leads to an increase in CO2 emissions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aviation-impacts">Aviation impacts</h2>



<p>Professor Keith Shine cautions against hastily adopting strategies to decrease non-CO2 climate effects that could inadvertently increase CO2 emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We must be mindful that aviation affects local air quality as well as climate. Sometimes measures that improve one will be to the detriment of the other," said Professor Shine.</p>



<p>The researchers noted that aviation accounts for about 2.5% of global CO2 emissions from human activities and approximately 3.5% of the change in the atmosphere's energy balance. It also contributes around 4% of the increase in global mean temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-challenge-nbsp">Complex challenge&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Decarbonizing the aviation sector is challenging due to its reliance on fossil kerosene (jet fuel) and the lengthy process of developing and replacing aircraft.</p>



<p>The pressing issue of aviation's contribution to climate change is expected to intensify, especially with the sector's growth after the COVID-19 pandemic. This contrasts with the emission reduction efforts in other sectors.</p>



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



<p>Recognizing this challenge, the UK government, through the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), has announced a £10 million research program to inform policy decisions in this domain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This is a very welcome and much needed development by the government. Some of our previous research that was used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has vitally informed the government on the scale of the problem," said Professor Lee.</p>



<p>"We have endeavored to keep the Department for Transport informed of our work while we prepared this assessment, to inform the shape of future research needed.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d3ea00091e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Science Atmospheres</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Aviation's contribution to climate change is expected to intensify

A recent study emphasizes the critical need for concerted efforts...

<p>A recent study by a team of researchers from Italy, Norway, Canada, and the US suggests that before their eventual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/">extinction</a>, dinosaurs might have faced repeated "volcanic winters" that left them in a weakened state.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These findings come from an analysis of sulfur and fluorine gasses trapped in ancient volcanic rocks from the <a href="https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/dinosaurs-ancient-fossils/extinction/deccan-traps-volcanoes#:~:text=The%20Deccan%20Traps%20date%20back,volcanic%20eruption%20ever%20on%20land." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deccan Traps supervolcano</a>, which erupted around 200,000 years before the asteroid impact that is widely believed to have caused the dinosaurs’ extinction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-volcanic-winters">Studying volcanic winters</h2>



<p>The study, which focuses on these gases, reveals that their release could have caused global temperatures to drop by up to 18 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery contributes to the ongoing debate among paleontologists and scientists regarding the precise cause of the dinosaurs’ demise. The research aligns with the "press-pulse extinction model," which suggests that a combination of factors led to the extinction event.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unstable-climate-conditions">Unstable climate conditions</h2>



<p>“Our research demonstrates that climatic conditions were almost certainly unstable, with repeated volcanic winters that could have lasted decades, prior to the extinction of the dinosaurs,” said study co-author Don Baker, a geologist at <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a> in Montreal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our work helps explain this significant extinction event that led to the rise of mammals and the evolution of our species.”</p>



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



<p>The team analyzed sulfur and fluorine compounds in samples from the Deccan Traps in India’s Western Ghats, near Bombay. They employed synchrotron radiation x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry to measure these compounds’ concentrations. Baker likened the process to cooking pasta, where a small amount of the salt in boiling water is absorbed by the pasta.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Similarly, the team estimated the volume of sulfur and fluorine gases that entered the atmosphere during the Cretaceous period based on the compounds’ presence in the lava rocks.</p>



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



<p>Notably, the researchers found that the highest sulfur content, as high as 1,800 parts-per-million, correlated with a drop in temperature during the late Cretaceous period. They estimated that between 86,000 and 466,000 cubic-kilometers of sulfur gas were released into the atmosphere, leading to significant climatic changes.</p>



<p>Although the team did not attribute major climate change to fluorine gases, they noted these gases' toxic local effects, including acid rain, crop failure, and livestock poisoning, as observed in historical accounts of the Laki volcano eruptions in Iceland in the 18th century. These effects might have similarly impacted the dinosaurs’ environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-triggers">Multiple triggers</h2>



<p>The researchers conclude that the Deccan Traps’ volcanic activity set the stage for a global biotic crisis by triggering repeated short volcanic winters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, they believe the "final blow" was the Chicxulub asteroid impact in Mexico, which caused massive environmental devastation. This impact, combined with the preceding volcanic activity, likely accelerated the dinosaurs’ extinction.</p>



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



<p>The study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adg8284" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>, highlights the intricate interplay of environmental factors leading up to one of Earth’s most significant extinction events.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our dataset indicates that volcanic-driven climate disturbance was already underway,” the researchers noted, underscoring the complexity of the events that led to the end of the dinosaur era.</p>



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



<p>As mentioned above, volcanic winters are climatic events resulting from major volcanic eruptions that inject large amounts of ash and sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the Earth's stratosphere. Let's dig a little deeper.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanism-of-volcanic-winters">Mechanism of volcanic winters</h3>



<p>Eruption Dynamics: Large volcanic eruptions expel ash and gases high into the stratosphere.</p>



<p>Formation of Sulfur Aerosols: The sulfur dioxide reacts to form sulfuric acid aerosols, which reflect sunlight away from Earth, leading to cooling.</p>



<p>Longevity in the Stratosphere: These aerosols can remain in the stratosphere for years, prolonging their cooling effect.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-winters-impact-on-climate">Volcanic winters' impact on climate</h3>



<p>Global Cooling: Volcanic winters typically result in a noticeable drop in global or regional temperatures.</p>



<p>Weather Pattern Disruptions: These temperature changes can alter normal weather patterns, causing droughts or excessive rainfall.</p>



<p>Agricultural Impact: Reduced sunlight and cooler temperatures adversely affect crop yields, potentially leading to famines.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-instances">Historical instances</h3>



<p>The Year Without a Summer (1816): Following the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora, 1816 experienced dramatically lowered temperatures, leading to widespread crop failures.</p>



<p>The Toba Catastrophe (Around 74,000 Years Ago): The Toba super-volcano eruption is believed to have caused a decade-long volcanic winter, severely impacting early human populations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-concerns-and-future-risks">Modern concerns and future risks</h3>



<p>Today, advanced monitoring and climate modeling allow for better prediction and preparedness for volcanic winters. A major eruption today could significantly impact our globalized society, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and preparedness.</p>



<p>In summary, volcanic winters, though rare, pose a significant risk due to their ability to alter global climates and disrupt human activities. Understanding and preparing for these events is crucial in our increasingly interconnected world.</p>



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Volcanic winters weakened the dinosaurs before the asteroid hit

A recent study by a team of researchers from Italy,...

<p>Researchers at <a href="https://nau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Arizona University</a> have shared new details about the resilience of coast redwoods, particularly their recovery from severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-fires-have-released-a-billion-tons-of-carbon-dioxide/">fires</a>. </p>



<p>The study was focused on the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, a devastating event in August of 2020. In California's Big Basin State Park, the fire burned thousands of acres of redwoods - including some that were over 1,500 years old.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilient-redwoods-nbsp">Resilient redwoods&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A team from NAU’s Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (Ecoss) and the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems (SICCS) meticulously examined the aftermath of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire.</p>



<p>The researchers found that many of the trees that were initially believed to be dead were actually far from it. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-survival-strategy-nbsp">Remarkable survival strategy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The redwoods, known for storing massive amounts of carbon, had utilized these reserves to fuel new growth. Remarkably, new leaves sprouted from buried buds, dormant for centuries, signaling the start of the forest's regeneration.</p>



<p>This incredible discovery opens up questions about the survival strategies of other long-lived plants and their adaptation to severe environmental stresses.</p>



<p>“It remains to be determined if redwood’s old reserves and ancient cell lines are an exception in the plant kingdom or an exceptional example of an insurance strategy common to long-lived plants,” said study co-author Professor George Koch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-carbon-reserves-nbsp">Ancient carbon reserves&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers used computer modeling to analyze the age of the carbon reserves in these ancient trees. The results were astonishing: some trees used carbon reserves that were decades or perhaps even a century old.</p>



<p>The team’s updated models showed that the redwoods’ reserves included carbon captured 50 to 100 years ago.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>“As far as we know, these are some of the oldest carbon reserves ever measured,” said study lead author Professor Drew Peltier.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Sugars photosynthesized perhaps 100 years ago were used to grow new leaves in 2021. Although coast redwood is clearly a superlative species, it is likely that other long-lived trees also harbor carbon reserves that are much older than previously recognized.”</p>



<p>“This study was really exciting for us because we used measurements at the atomic level - counting the amount of carbon-14 relative to carbon-12 - to understand what these sprouts, which start as tiny green shoots, are telling us about the growth strategy of these enormous trees, among the largest living organisms on earth,” said study co-author Professor Andrew Richardson.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-recovery">Forest recovery</h2>



<p>Despite the optimism, the study also brings to light the harsh reality of forest recovery. Many redwoods and other tree species in Big Basin did not survive the fire. </p>



<p>The researchers noted that, although the coast redwood demonstrates exceptional resprouting capabilities, it might take centuries for the Big Basin forest ecosystem to fully recover.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01581-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Plants</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Rising from the ashes: How some redwoods recover from fire

Researchers at Northern Arizona University have shared new details about...

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a> have discovered that plastic waste in aquatic environments may be severely disrupting the reproductive behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-45000-marine-species-are-endangered-by-human-impacts/">marine animals</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts say that plastic waste in the water might be stopping - or interrupting - some creatures from reproducing.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The study was specifically focused on the marine amphipod <em>Echinogammarus marinus</em>, a shrimp-like creature that has a wide distribution.</p>



<p>Previous research on marine plastic pollution has typically examined the physical dangers, such as entrapment and ingestion. Instead, the Portsmouth study explored the chemical composition of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-dropped-into-the-ocean-can-travel-hundreds-of-miles-while-sinking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a>, particularly the additives that enhance their properties.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unsuccessful-mating-nbsp">Unsuccessful mating&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study reveals that chemicals commonly found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-plastic-materials-do-not-biodegrade-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a> are altering the reproductive behavior of E. marinus. This could have serious consequences not only for the species but also for the entire marine ecosystem.</p>



<p>“This unsuccessful mating behavior has serious repercussions, not only for the species being tested but potentially for the population as a whole," explained Professor Alex Ford from Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences.</p>



<p>"These animals form pairs to reproduce. Once they were exposed to a chemical, they would break apart from their mate and take much longer -in some cases days - to repair, and sometimes not at all."</p>



<p>“These creatures are commonly found on European shores, where they make up a substantial amount of the diet of fish and birds. If they are compromised it will have an effect on the whole food chain.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-use-of-chemicals-nbsp">Widespread use of chemicals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research sheds light on the widespread use of chemicals in everyday products. Out of over 350,000 chemicals used globally, about 10,000 are employed in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-plastic-pollution-increases-with-depth-and-near-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a> for various purposes, including flexibility, color enhancement, sun protection, and fire resistance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alarmingly, a third of these chemicals are toxic to human health, affecting the immune, nervous, or reproductive systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-additives-nbsp">Plastic additives&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers tested four common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastics-are-a-hazard-at-every-stage-of-their-life-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic additives</a>: phthalates (DEHP and DBP), Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), and N-butyl benzenesulfonamide (NBBS). These chemicals are found in a range of products, from medical supplies and food packaging to electronic equipment and cooking utensils.</p>



<p>The study revealed that all the tested additives hindered the pairing process of the amphipods, with some even causing a substantial decline in sperm count.</p>



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



<p>“Although the animals we tested were exposed to much higher concentrations than you would normally find in the environment, the results indicate these chemicals can affect sperm count," said Professor Ford.</p>



<p>“It is conceivable that if we did the experiment on shrimps that had been exposed for a longer period or during critical stages in their life history, it would affect their sperm levels and quality.”</p>



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



<p>Study lead author Bidemi Green-Ojo, a PhD researcher in Environmental Toxicology, emphasized the importance of understanding the effects of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-embedded-in-tissues-of-whales-and-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals on aquatic life</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We must understand more about these chemicals and how they affect behavior. Many types of behavior - such as feeding, fight or flight mode, and reproduction - are essential in an animal's life, and any atypical behavior may reduce the chances of survival," said Green-Ojo.</p>



<p>“We are urging environment agencies around the world to take more notice of behavioral data, because sometimes the data tells us things that normal toxicity tests don’t. Studies like this give a different perspective on potential damage caused by a specific pollutant.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122946" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Pollution</em></a>.</p>



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Plastic waste is disrupting the sex lives of marine animals

Researchers at the University of Portsmouth have discovered that plastic...

<p>During the early Miocene era, about 19 million years ago, Antarctica’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-is-heading-for-a-tipping-point-as-antarctic-ice-sheets-melt/">ice sheets</a> underwent rapid and frequent growth and recession, posing a potential parallel to Earth’s future climate trajectory if current carbon emission trends persist.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Understanding these ice sheets’ historical patterns is crucial, as their future behavior under a warming climate holds significant global implications, including potential sea level rises of over 50 meters and impacts on ocean currents, marine ecosystems, and regional climates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapidly-fluctuating-ice-sheets">Rapidly fluctuating ice sheets</h2>



<p>Recent research led by the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin–Madison</a> and international collaborators reveals new insights into this period. The study found that between 19.2 and 18.8 million years ago, Antarctic ice sheets fluctuated multiple times within just a few thousand years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These changes are more rapid than the expected Milankovitch cycles, which typically influence Earth’s climate and ice sheets over much longer spans.</p>



<p>“Our observation of this rapid volatility of the Antarctic ice sheets raises the interesting question of what's causing it,” said lead author Nicholas Sullivan, a 2022 PhD graduate from UW–Madison.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sediment-cores">Sediment cores</h2>



<p>This discovery was made possible by the <a href="https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/antarctic/research/past-research-prog/andrill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic Drilling Project</a> (ANDRILL), an international initiative that retrieved sediment records from beneath the Antarctic seabed, providing valuable data on past climatic conditions.</p>



<p>“We could clearly see the influence of long-term climate cycles on ice sheet extent in the rock and sediment cores we recovered in 2007, but our initial observations weren’t detailed enough to detect shorter-term changes,” explained co-author Richard Levy, a professor at <a href="https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victoria University of Wellington</a> and principal scientist at <a href="https://www.gns.cri.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GNS Science</a>, New Zealand.</p>



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



<p>The new analysis enables the documentation of past ice sheet changes over remarkably short periods, even as brief as five centuries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Stephen Meyers, a UW–Madison geoscience professor who collaborated with Sullivan, praises the sediment records as a remarkable archive, noting their content of small gravel bits shed from icebergs, which indicate ice sheet proximity to specific seafloor areas.</p>



<p>Sullivan’s research, which initially sought to identify Milankovitch cycles in the sediment, uncovered variations in gravel abundance, hinting at ice sheets’ recurring advancements and retreats in intervals as short as 1,200 years.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-sheet-behavior-nbsp">Ice sheet behavior&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The precise triggers for these frequent changes remain uncertain, but the team proposes several theories, including the possibility of ice sheets becoming extremely heavy and collapsing, or friction-generated heat under thick ice sheets temporarily accelerating their movement.</p>



<p>These findings underscore the complexity of factors influencing ice sheet behavior, beyond just Earth’s orbital changes, especially in the context of ongoing global warming.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>While the early Miocene is not a perfect analogy for today’s climate, the study suggests that Antarctica’s ice sheets could undergo rapid and unexpected changes in the future if greenhouse gas emissions and global temperatures continue to rise.</p>



<p>“It was long thought that Antarctica’s ice sheets remained large and stable over long periods of time. But the closer we look, the more we realize just how sensitive the ice sheets are to environmental change," said Levy.</p>



<p>This insight is key as we consider the pace at which we need to adapt to future sea level rise driven by melt and retreat of our planet’s ice sheets."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2304152120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Antarctica’s ice has a history of rapid and unexpected changes

During the early Miocene era, about 19 million years ago,...

<p>In a stark warning on the state of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-is-global-warming-affecting-the-human-brain/">global warming</a>, the United Nations has announced at COP28 that 2023 is on track to be the warmest year on record. </p>



<p>According to a provisional report from the <a href="https://wmo.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN World Meteorological Organization</a> (WMO), global temperatures have already risen 1.4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels this year. The alarming revelation comes as world leaders convene for the COP28 conference in Dubai.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-time-climate-collapse-nbsp">Real-time climate collapse&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In a video statement accompanying the launch of the WMO report, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for decisive action. “We are living through climate collapse in real time – and the impact is devastating."</p>



<p>"The world is heating up at an unprecedented pace, new climate data shows, and leaders gathered for the COP28 conference which opened in Dubai on Thursday must get us out of 'deep trouble."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-melt-season">Extreme melt season</h2>



<p>Guterres said the race is on to maintain the 1.5-degree limit set in the 2015 Paris Agreement, pointing to his recent visits to Antarctica and Nepal. He was shocked by the unprecedented environmental changes, including a significant reduction in Antarctic sea ice and rapidly receding glaciers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The WMO report further detailed an "extreme melt season" in western North America and the European Alps, contributing to record-high sea levels due to ongoing ocean warming and ice melt.</p>



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



<p>Compounding these challenges, atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide have hit record highs.</p>



<p>WMO revealed that carbon dioxide levels are 50 percent above the pre-industrial era and that the long-lasting effects of CO2 will cause temperatures to rise for many years to come.</p>



<p>“These are more than just statistics,” said WMO chief Petteri Taalas, calling for action to “limit the risks of an increasingly inhospitable climate in this and the coming centuries."</p>



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



<p>The report also highlighted the devastating effects of climate change on human lives and livelihoods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Events like Cyclone Daniel in Libya and severe floods in the Horn of Africa, exacerbated by consecutive seasons of drought, underline the grim reality of climate upheaval. These extreme weather events have led to widespread food insecurity and displacement across the globe.</p>



<p>“Record global heat should send shivers down the spines of world leaders,” said Guterres. “And it should trigger them to act."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-renewable-energy">Renewable energy</h2>



<p>Guterres reiterated his call for countries to increase their commitment to renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and phase out fossil fuels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the report, renewable energy capacity grew by 10 percent worldwide last year, led by solar and wind power.</p>



<p>Guterres pointed to the existing roadmap to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. He urged governments to set “clear expectations” for the next round of climate action plans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cop28-conference">COP28 conference</h2>



<p>The COP28 conference, running from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, marks the 28th session of the Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).&nbsp;</p>



<p>This year's conference includes a crucial "global stocktake" to assess progress on emissions reduction and adaptation efforts.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The Secretary-General stressed the importance of protecting people from climate chaos by implementing early warnings for extreme weather and operationalizing a fund to assist those most affected by climate disasters.</p>



<p>Guterres also urged developed countries to fulfill their promise of delivering $100 billion per year in climate finance, and to double funding for adaptation efforts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With over 60,000 delegates attending, including youth activists and indigenous community representatives, COP28 is a critical juncture for assessing global commitments under the Paris Agreement and accelerating ambitious climate action.</p>



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Climate collapse: UN chief urges COP28 leaders to get us out of "deep trouble"

In a stark warning on the state of global warming,...

<p>The escalating crisis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/">deforestation</a> in Mexico, primarily fueled by the US’ soaring demand for avocados, is a concern that <a href="https://cri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Rights International</a> (CRI) squarely attributes to the inaction of both US and Mexican federal governments, as well as local authorities in Michoacán and Jalisco. </p>



<p>Despite having the capacity to intervene, these governmental bodies have failed to take effective measures, according to CRI.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corruption">Corruption</h2>



<p>In a recent <a href="https://cri.org/reports/unholy-guacamole/">report</a> CRI identifies two key issues at the heart of local environmental authorities’ failure: corruption and violence. In Michoacán, for instance, the State Prosecutor’s Office’s unit tasked with investigating avocado-related deforestation is reportedly plagued by corruption.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This situation allows those responsible for deforestation to operate with impunity, mocking the powerlessness of the forest commission, as per a forest official’s statement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-violence-and-threats">Violence and threats</h2>



<p>Additionally, any resistance to avocado growers is often met with violence or threats, effectively silencing both governmental authorities and local communities who have tried to hold these growers accountable. The situation is further complicated as criminal syndicates vie for a share in this lucrative industry, valued at billions of dollars annually.</p>



<p>The consequences of such resistance can be severe, with instances of kidnapping and even murder of community group members reported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drastic-measures-nbsp">Drastic measures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>CRI criticizes the US government for its role, highlighting that it “routinely certifies illegally deforested orchards to export to US consumers.” This lack of adequate action from the authorities meant to safeguard the land and communities has led some locals to take drastic measures.</p>



<p>In Cherán, Michoacán, frustrated residents ousted the local government in 2011 due to rampant illegal logging and violence, establishing their own governance and police force to enforce anti-deforestation laws. Michoacán eventually acknowledged the authority of this self-established government.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado-imports-nbsp">Avocado imports&nbsp;</h2>



<p>CRI emphasizes that localized responses alone are insufficient to tackle such pervasive problems. In its report, CRI outlines several recommendations, including a call for both the Mexican and US governments to enforce deforestation and avocado cultivation laws effectively. One key proposal is for the US to ban the import of avocados cultivated on illegally deforested land.</p>



<p>Despite these recommendations, as recently as last year, the US sanctioned avocado imports from Jalisco without implementing deforestation safeguards.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deteriorating-situation">Deteriorating situation</h2>



<p>CRI warns that if decisive action is not taken soon, the situation will continue to deteriorate, especially given the ever-increasing American appetite for avocados.</p>



<p>“Urgently enacting and implementing such regulations and policies is essential to averting climate catastrophe, and to protecting the rights of populations where the commodities are produced,” officials from CRI concluded.</p>



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America's demand for avocados linked to escalating crisis in Mexico

The escalating crisis of deforestation in Mexico, primarily fueled by...

Car,Pipe,With,Co2,Carbon,Dioxide,Emissions.,Combustion,Fumes,Coming

<p>A troubling study reveals startling statistics on the impact of air pollution caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-chief-fossil-fuel-era-must-end-for-humanitys-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a>. The new research estimates that 5.1 million extra deaths occur annually worldwide due to this issue. </p>



<p>This figure represents a staggering 61% of the total 8.3 million deaths attributed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-research-proves-that-air-pollution-causes-heart-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ambient air pollution</a> from all sources in 2019. The study emphasizes the significant health benefits that could be realized by replacing fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy sources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimating-fossil-fuel-pollution-deaths">Estimating fossil fuel pollution deaths</h2>



<p>While ambient air pollution is recognized as a major environmental threat to health and longevity, pinpointing deaths to specific sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/safe-levels-of-air-pollution-can-negatively-impact-the-developing-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> has been a complex task with varying outcomes in worldwide studies.</p>



<p>In response to this challenge, a team of international researchers devised a novel model. This model aimed to calculate both general and specific mortality rates linked to fossil fuel-related air pollution. Additionally, it evaluated the potential health advantages of adopting policies that transition from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a> to clean, renewable energy alternatives.</p>



<p>This team conducted their analysis by determining the surplus of deaths (the count exceeding the expected number in a specific timeframe). They employed the <a href="https://www.healthdata.org/research-analysis/gbd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Burden of Disease 2019</a> study's findings, data on fine particulate matter from <a href="https://ww.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> satellites, population statistics, and advanced simulations in atmospheric chemistry, aerosols, and risk factors for the year 2019. Their analysis encompassed four distinct scenarios.</p>



<p>In the initial scenario, they hypothesized a complete elimination of emissions from fossil fuels. The second and third scenarios considered reductions in exposure by 25% and 50%, respectively, as steps towards complete fossil fuel elimination. The final scenario envisaged the removal of all human-caused <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-pollution-makes-it-difficult-for-bees-to-find-flowers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution sources</a>, leaving only natural elements like desert dust and wildfires as contributors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



<p>The study revealed that in 2019, the global death toll linked to ambient air pollutants like fine particles and ozone amounted to 8.3 million, with fossil fuels responsible for 61% of these deaths (5.1 million). This number represents 82% of the total possible deaths from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-increases-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> that could be avoided if all human-made emissions were controlled.</p>



<p>The most significant impact of ambient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> was observed in South and East Asia, especially in China, which experienced 2.44 million deaths annually, and India with 2.18 million. Over half of these deaths (52%) were associated with prevalent health issues, including ischemic heart disease (30%), stroke (16%), chronic obstructive lung disease (16%), and diabetes (6%). </p>



<p>Approximately 20% of the deaths could not be specifically categorized, but they are suspected to be partly related to conditions like high blood pressure and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elimination-of-fossil-fuel-pollution">Elimination of fossil fuel pollution</h2>



<p>Eradicating fossil fuels would lead to the most substantial decrease in deaths attributed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-link-between-air-pollution-and-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> in South, South East, and East Asia, potentially preventing about 3.85 million deaths each year. This figure is equivalent to 80-85% of the deaths that could potentially be avoided from all human-made air pollution sources in these areas.</p>



<p>In wealthier nations, which largely rely on fossil fuels, about 460,000 deaths per year could be prevented by phasing out these energy sources. This number constitutes roughly 90% of the preventable deaths from all human-caused <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-increases-the-risk-of-non-lung-cancers-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> sources in these countries.</p>



<p>The researchers noted that their new model produced higher death estimates compared to previous studies. This increase is attributed to the inclusion of both general and disease-specific mortality and basing their estimates exclusively on studies of ambient air pollution.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cop28-and-the-paris-agreement">COP28 and the Paris agreement</h2>



<p>Despite some remaining uncertainties, the researchers emphasize that replacing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-orphaned-oil-and-gas-wells-litter-the-world-and-must-be-cleaned-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a> with clean, renewable energy aligns with the Paris Climate Agreement's 2050 climate neutrality goal, offering significant benefits for both public health and the environment.</p>



<p>The researchers acknowledge some uncertainties in their model but emphasize the significant public health benefits of replacing fossil fuels. The upcoming <a href="https://unfccc.int/cop28" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COP28</a> climate change negotiations in the United Arab Emirates are seen as a pivotal opportunity to advance the fossil fuel phase-out agenda.</p>



<p>Accompanying the study, an editorial by researchers from Finland and Norway highlights that preventing deaths is just one aspect of the issue. Improved air quality could also reduce the burden of several major diseases. They advocate for a just and equitable phase-out of fossil fuels, emphasizing the role of high-income countries in leading this transition.</p>



<p>In summary, as COP28 approaches, the call for an accelerated phase-out of fossil fuels is clear. The potential health benefits, alongside the positive impact on the climate, make this an urgent and necessary commitment for global leaders.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj-2023-077784" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ</a></em>.</p>



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Air pollution from fossil fuels kills 5 million people each year

A troubling study reveals startling statistics on the impact of...

<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> have investigated the climate history of the San Joaquin Valley. The study reveals a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/">climate</a> marked by intense weather extremes of droughts and floods.</p>



<p>For the investigation, the researchers used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-rings-confirm-the-historic-significance-of-2021-heat-wave/">tree ring</a> data from over 600 years to reconstruct an extensive record of weather and streamflow scenarios.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-extremes">Weather extremes</h2>



<p>This innovative research method, which combined paleoclimatic data with synthetic weather generation, ultimately provides a new lens through which to prepare for climate-related risks.</p>



<p>The study sheds light on the weather extremes that have historically plagued the San Joaquin Valley in central California. These climate extremes include prolonged periods of both drought and floods, surpassing anything recorded in recent history in terms of severity and duration.</p>



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



<p>The study insights are particularly important given the valley's status as a major agricultural center and a crucial source of produce for the nation.</p>



<p>Over the last few years, the region has seen a wild swing between severe drought and significant atmospheric rivers. This makes the valley a bellwether for the climate hazards that are facing the rest of California and much of the world, noted study co-senior author Patrick Reed, professor of Engineering at Cornell.</p>



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



<p>One of the key findings of the study is the role of natural variability in influencing short-term weather extremes. However, human-induced climate change becomes a significant factor over periods exceeding 30 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The last six centuries have witnessed prolonged phases of heavy rainfall and severe drought that can persist for decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Surprisingly, the severity of droughts in the past 30 years rivals some of the worst in the 600-year record, but with a slightly shorter duration. The experts noted that hydroclimatic risks may be underestimated when they are based exclusively on modern records.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-variability">Natural variability</h2>



<p>One of the most significant implications of this research is its potential impact on policy and planning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Folks typically want to separate out internal variability versus climate change, just to get a sense of the signal change with anthropogenic warming,” said Professor Reed. </p>



<p>“But when we’re planning in complex water systems, both are occurring. And we need a sense of what happens when they come together. And what happens is we get extremes we’ve never seen. This opens the envelope of plausible futures in a much wider sense.”</p>



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



<p>The study suggests that the convergence of natural variability and anthropogenic climate change is likely to result in more frequent, severe, and protracted flood and drought extremes than have been seen in the past 600 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research provides invaluable insights into California's climate history and serves as a crucial tool for future climate resilience planning.</p>



<p>The study was supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. The results are published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003909" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Earth’s Future</em></a>, a journal of the American Geophysical Union.</p>



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California’s weather extremes found in 600-year-old tree rings

Researchers from Cornell University have investigated the climate history of...

<p>Scientists have uncovered a crucial connection between ocean oxygen levels and one of the most catastrophic marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-a-new-mass-extinction-that-will-wipe-out-humans-and-all-mammals/">extinction events</a> in Earth’s history.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research not only illuminates our understanding of past global changes but also issues a stark warning about the current fragility of marine ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triassic-jurassic-mass-extinction">Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction</h2>



<p>The study was focused on the Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction, which occurred approximately 200 million years ago. This event is among the Earth's major mass extinctions, periods characterized by significant global ecosystem collapses and widespread species extinctions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Historically, these events have been closely associated with global environmental disturbances, frequently resulting in reduced oxygen levels (anoxia) in oceanic waters.</p>



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



<p>A common hypothesis has been that greater extents of ocean deoxygenation would naturally lead to larger scale extinctions. However, the current study challenges this assumption by demonstrating that the level of euxinia (an extreme form of deoxygenation) during the Triassic–Jurassic extinction was similar to what we observe today.</p>



<p>The research team, including experts from Royal Holloway (UK), <a href="https://www.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> (Ireland), and Utrecht University (Netherlands), analyzed chemical data extracted from ancient mudstone deposits in Northern Ireland and Germany.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The results of the analysis highlight the role of anoxia in the marine extinctions during this period. The study also reveals a surprising limitation in the global extent of extreme deoxygenation at the time.</p>



<p>The experts found a correlation between increased extinction rates and spikes in deoxygenation across shallow marine environments along European continental margins.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cautionary-tale-nbsp">Cautionary tale&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Upon further investigation, the team determined that the global extent of extreme deoxygenation was rather limited, and similar to the present day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research serves as a cautionary tale about the current state of our oceans, suggesting that they may be more vulnerable than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study of past global change events is invaluable in understanding the consequences of modern climate change, as well as in predicting and possibly mitigating future ecosystem tipping points.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-impacts">Cascading impacts</h2>



<p>“Scientists have long suspected that ocean deoxygenation plays an important role in the disturbance of marine ecosystems, which can lead to the extinction of species in marine environments," said study co-author Professor Micha Ruhl.</p>



<p>"The study of past time intervals of extreme environmental change indeed shows this to be the case, which teaches us important lessons about potential tipping points in local, as well as global ecosystems in response to climatic forcing."</p>



<p>“Crucially however, the current findings show that even when the global extent of deoxygenation is similar to the present day, the local development of anoxic conditions and subsequent locally increased extinction rates can cascade in widespread or global ecosystem collapse and extinctions, even in areas where deoxygenation did not occur."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assessing-ecosystem-stability-nbsp">Assessing ecosystem stability&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Ruhl said the research shows that global marine ecosystems become vulnerable, even when only local environments along the edges of the continents are disturbed.</p>



<p>"Understanding such processes is of paramount importance for assessing present day ecosystem stability, and associated food supply, especially in a world where marine deoxygenation is projected to significantly increase in response to global warming and increased nutrient run-off from continents.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01303-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a></p>



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Today's ocean oxygen levels may have cascading impacts

Scientists have uncovered a crucial connection between ocean oxygen levels...

<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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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>



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<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>



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



<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.

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



<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>



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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>



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



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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>



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<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>



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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<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>



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<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>



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<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>



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<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>



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<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>



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<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>



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<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

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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>



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<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

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