<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>A new study published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06723-z"><em>Nature</em></a> has found that allowing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-with-many-tree-species-are-more-effective-at-carbon-storage/">forests</a> to naturally recover could capture approximately 226 Gigatons (Gt) of carbon. However, this is only feasible if there is a simultaneous reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study emphasizes the importance of community-driven efforts in conserving and restoring forest biodiversity to achieve these carbon capture goals.</p>



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



<p>The role of forests in carbon capture has been a subject of heated debate. A previous study published in the journal <em>Science</em> argued that forest restoration could sequester over 200 Gt of carbon, but subsequent discussions raised concerns about environmental impacts and the accuracy of this estimate.</p>



<p>Now, an international team of researchers led by <a href="https://ethz.ch/de.html">ETH Zurich</a> has integrated ground-sourced data and satellite datasets to clarify the forest carbon potential.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The analysis revealed that forests currently store about 328 Gt less carbon than they could naturally, largely due to deforestation.</p>



<p>Excluding areas used for urban and agricultural purposes, forests could sequester around 226 Gt in low human footprint regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, protecting and allowing existing forests to mature can contribute to 61 percent of this potential, with the remainder achievable through ecosystem restoration and management.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-forest-restoration-nbsp">Redefining forest restoration&nbsp;</h2>



<p>These findings emphasize the need for a diverse range of species to maximize the forest carbon potential. According to the scientists, biodiversity accounts for approximately half of the global forest productivity, highlighting the necessity of including natural species diversity in restoration efforts.</p>



<p>The authors stress that effective restoration is a deeply social endeavor involving various community-driven efforts to promote biodiversity. “We need to redefine what restoration means to many people,” said senior author Thomas Crowther, a professor of Ecology at ETH Zurich.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Restoration is not about mass tree plantations to offset carbon emissions. Restoration means directing the flow of wealth towards millions of local communities, Indigenous populations, and farmers that promote biodiversity across the globe. Only when healthy biodiversity is the preferred choice for local communities will we get long-term carbon capture as a byproduct.”</p>



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



<p>Thus, the study underscores the vital role of forests in carbon storage but cautions against considering them a substitute for reducing fossil fuel emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“My biggest fear is that corporations misuse this information as an excuse to avoid cutting fossil fuel emissions,” Crowther added. “The more we emit, the more we threaten nature and people. There can be no choice between reducing emissions and protecting nature because we urgently need both. We need nature for climate, and we need climate action for nature!”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Forests are incredible places, teeming with life and delivering countless benefits for humanity. This research reaffirms that we can make meaningful contributions to the fight against climate change by protecting and restoring degraded forests, and drawing on the wisdom and leadership of the local communities that know these ecosystems best. We owe it to nature, to future generations and to ourselves to meet this global challenge,” concluded world-famous primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall.</p>



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Restoring forest biodiversity has massive potential for carbon capture

A new study published in the journal Nature has found...

<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-sea-turtles-have-returned-to-the-same-place-to-eat-for-3000-years/">Green sea turtles</a> (<em>Chelonia mydas</em>), are listed as endangered on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/">IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</a>. They face extinction risks from poaching, boat collisions, habitat destruction, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Yet, another insidious threat linked to climate change is emerging: temperature-dependent sex determination.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hundreds-of-females-for-every-male">Hundreds of females for every male</h2>



<p>As temperatures rise, an increasing number of embryos develop into females. In the northern Great Barrier Reef off Australia, this has led to a significant skew, with hundreds of females born for every male.</p>



<p>Adding to this concern, researchers have now shown that pollution may compound the risk of extinction due to a lack of male green sea turtles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Here we show that contaminants from human activities may also influence the sex ratio of developing green sea turtles, increasing the already extant bias towards females,” said lead author Arthur Barraza, a researcher at the Australian Rivers Institute at <a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au/">Griffith University</a>.</p>



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



<p>The study focused on the effects of pollution on green sea turtles on Heron Island, a small coral sand cay in the southern Great Barrier Reef. This site, where 200 to 1,800 females nest annually, has a more balanced sex ratio than locations closer to the equator, with approximately two to three females hatching for every male.</p>



<p>The researchers collected 17 entire clutches shortly after laying and monitored temperatures with automatic probes. Upon emergence, the hatchlings were euthanized, their sex determined, and liver contaminants measured using ICP-MS and bioassays on cultured sea turtle cells.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-various-pollutants-nbsp">Various pollutants&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study focused on metals like chromium, antimony, barium, and organic pollutants such as PAHs, PCBs, and PBDEs, known or suspected as "xenoestrogens."</p>



<p>“Accumulation of these contaminants by a female turtle happens at the site where she forages. As eggs develop within her, they absorb the contaminants that she accumulated. These then are sequestered in the liver of the embryos, where they can stay for years after hatching,” Barazza explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-metals-nbsp">Heavy metals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts found a direct correlation between the amount of heavy metals antimony and cadmium in the hatchlings’ liver and a bias towards females within the nest. These contaminants mimic estrogen, influencing developmental pathways towards females.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sex-ratio">Sex ratio&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“As the sex ratio gets closer to 100 percent females, it will get harder and harder for adult female turtles to find a mate. This becomes especially important as climate change will continue to make nesting beaches warmer and more female-biased,” Barazza said.</p>



<p>“Determining which specific compounds could change the hatchling sex ratios is important for developing strategies to prevent pollutants from further feminizing sea turtle populations,” added senior author Jason van de Merwe, a marine biologist and ecotoxicologist at Griffith.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>“Since most heavy metals come from human activity such as mining, runoff, and pollution from general urban center waste, the best way forward is to use science-based long-term strategies to reduce the input of pollutants into our oceans.”</p>



<p>This study - published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1238837"><em>Frontiers in Marine Biology</em></a> - highlights the multifaceted threats to green sea turtles, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impacts of both climate change and pollution on these endangered species.</p>



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Sex ratio of green sea turtles is approaching 100 percent females due to pollution

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), are listed as endangered on...

<p>Flood predictions, traditionally reliant on local historical data, are undergoing a paradigm shift. A research project led by <a href="https://www.tuwien.at/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TU Wien</a> (Vienna) has identified a method to vastly improve flood forecasts by incorporating international data from hydrologically analogous regions. This approach offers a novel perspective on predicting catastrophic "mega-floods."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flood-risk-assessment-nbsp">Flood risk assessment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Traditionally, flood risk assessment has been based on the worst historical flood events within a specific region. This is considered the realistic upper limit for future floods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, recent occurrences of mega-floods have upended this assumption. These extreme events, often outliers based on local data, have repeatedly taken communities by surprise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Predicting the extent of such mega-floods is very difficult," said Professor Günter Blöschl, who led the project. He noted that conventional methods focus on extrapolating probabilities from past regional floods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-insights">Crucial insights</h2>



<p>However, the researchers have developed a much better strategy. They analyzed data from more than 8,000 gauging stations across Europe, from the years 1810 to 2021.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This comprehensive data set revealed a crucial insight: mega-floods that appear as anomalies locally are often within the expected range when considering similar hydrological conditions across the continent.</p>



<p>"The decisive step was to anticipate mega-floods in one place by using data from similar river basins in other places on the continent," explained study lead author Dr. Miriam Bertola. "In each river basin we can learn from other areas that have similar climatic and hydrological characteristics where mega-floods may have already occurred.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flood-disasters">Flood disasters</h2>



<p>The 2021 flood disaster in Germany and Belgium, which tragically claimed over 220 lives, serves as a relevant case study. This event, which was unexpected based on regional data, would have been anticipated using the new continental-scale approach.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such events are no longer statistical outliers when viewed in the broader context of similar river basins across Europe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-areas-with-similar-conditions-nbsp">Areas with similar conditions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"It is important to consider not only geographically adjacent areas, but also areas with similar conditions - these may also be located further away," said Professor Blöschl.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It is therefore essential to move beyond national flood-risk assessment and share information on mega-floods across countries and continents, to reduce the surprise factor of their occurrence and save lives."</p>



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



<p>Mega-floods, or paleofloods, represent colossal hydrological events with water flow rates surpassing those recorded in human history. They are not recent phenomena but have occurred throughout the Earth's geological past.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sudden-release-of-water">Sudden release of water</h3>



<p>These floods are identified and studied through the sediments they deposit and the landforms they shape or erode.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike regular floods primarily caused by meteorological events like heavy rain or rapid snowmelt, mega-floods often result from the sudden release of large water volumes due to specific geological or hydrological triggers​​​​.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outburst-floods-nbsp">Outburst floods&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In geomorphology, mega-floods are sometimes referred to as outburst floods, characterized by their high magnitude and low frequency. They are catastrophic events involving the abrupt discharge of vast quantities of water.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanisms">Mechanisms</h3>



<p>Throughout the Earth's history, such floods have been caused by various mechanisms, including the collapse of ice sheets or glaciers that formed dams for proglacial lakes, landslides blocking rivers and forming lakes, or volcanic activities creating dams that eventually fail.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These events have been known to occur not only on Earth but are also inferred from geomorphological evidence on Mars​​.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01300-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Mega-floods can be predicted by looking at other parts of the continent

Flood predictions, traditionally reliant on local historical data, are undergoing...

<p>A recent study from the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a> has raised significant concerns about the safety of recycled plastics. The researchers discovered a multitude of toxic chemicals in recycled plastic pellets collected from 13 different countries. </p>



<p>The experts detected the presence of hazardous substances such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-masks-may-expose-users-to-harmful-chemicals/">chemicals</a> in these plastics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-issue">Complex issue</h2>



<p>Professor Bethanie Carney Almroth emphasized the complexity added by these toxic chemicals to the reuse, disposal, and recycling of plastics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Plastic recycling has been touted as a solution to the plastics pollution crisis, but toxic chemicals in plastics complicate their reuse and disposal and hinder recycling,” said Professor Almroth.</p>



<p>This revelation casts doubts on the viability of recycled plastics for most purposes and challenges the notion of a circular economy.</p>



<p>The study revealed over 600 chemical compounds in the plastic pellets, including 491 organic compounds that were detected and quantified, along with an additional 170 compounds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limited-regulations">Limited regulations</h2>



<p>The chemicals represent various classes, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, and plastic additives. This issue is further complicated by the limited regulations on chemicals in plastics and the complexities brought by international trade in plastic waste.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A corresponding article published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk9846" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>, involving researchers from the University of Gothenburg, IPEN, Aarhus University, and the University of Exeter, highlighted these risks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hazardous-chemicals">Hazardous chemicals</h2>



<p>“The hazardous chemicals present risks to recycling workers and consumers, as well as to the wider society and environment. Before recycling can contribute to tackling the plastics pollution crisis, the plastics industry must limit hazardous chemicals," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>The experts also pointed out that over 13,000 chemicals are used in plastics, with about 25% classified as hazardous, and stated that “no plastic chemical [can be] classified as safe.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastics-treaty">Plastics treaty</h2>



<p>To address such issues, delegates, scientists, and health and environmental advocates from around the globe are convening in Nairobi, Kenya, for the third session of the Plastics Treaty Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here, scientists will urge delegates to consider the latest research indicating that all plastics, due to their inherent toxic chemical content and their ability to adsorb other chemicals during use, cannot be deemed safe or conducive to a circular economy.</p>



<p>Professor Carney Almroth will be bringing a clear message to the Nairobi meeting: “Numerous studies show that hazardous chemicals can accumulate even in relatively close-loop plastic recycling systems. We need to rapidly phase-out plastic chemicals that can cause harm to human health and the environment.”&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>This research is a wake-up call for the global community, emphasizing the need for more stringent regulations and a reconsideration of our reliance on plastic recycling as a primary solution to the plastic pollution crisis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The safety of recycled plastics is now a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action at both the national and international levels.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2023.109740" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Data in Brief</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Hundreds of hazardous chemicals found in recycled plastics

A recent study from the University of Gothenburg has raised...

<p>A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a> have uncovered a significant environmental threat: zooplankton are rapidly escalating the presence of nanoplastics in both ocean and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-ocean-was-filled-with-freshwater-at-least-twice-in-history/">freshwater</a> ecosystems.</p>



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



<p>The study focuses on rotifers, microscopic zooplankton prevalent in various water bodies. These tiny organisms have been found to break down microplastics into nanoplastics, particles smaller than one micron.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Shockingly, a single rotifer can generate between 348,000 to 366,000 nanoplastic particles per day. In Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater lake, this number escalates to 13.3 quadrillion particles daily.</p>



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



<p>Plastics, known for their durability, pose a significant environmental challenge, taking up to 500 years to decompose. Over time, larger plastic items degrade into microplastics, which have been detected globally from Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alarmingly, microplastics have also been found in human blood and heart tissue. When microplastics are further broken down into nanoplastics, this increases their number exponentially.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-danger-of-nanoplastics">The danger of nanoplastics</h2>



<p>Nanoplastics, due to their smaller size, have a greater surface area, making them more reactive and potentially more harmful than microplastics. They can spread easily and are difficult to track.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study highlights a gap in the understanding and research of nanoplastics, particularly in their creation and abundance.</p>



<p>How are nanoplastics produced?</p>



<p>Baoshan Xing, the senior author of the paper and a distinguished professor at UMass Amherst, emphasized the lack of effective recycling methods for plastics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Humans produce enormous amounts of plastics, and yet we don’t have an effective way of recycling them,” said Professor Xing. “We began to wonder about nanoplastics and especially how they’re produced.”</p>



<p>The study was spurred by curiosity about the role of living creatures in creating microplastics, a question that arose after observing similar behaviors in Antarctic krill. The researchers were particularly interested in rotifers.</p>



<p>"Whereas Antarctic krill live in a place that is essentially unpopulated, we chose rotifers in part because they occur throughout the world’s temperate and tropical zones, where people live," explained Xing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-rotifers-nbsp">The role of rotifers&nbsp;</h2>



<p>There are around 2,000 different species of rotifers worldwide, and they are very abundant. In one lake, the experts found approximately 23,000 individual rotifers in every liter of water</p>



<p>Rotifers possess a specialized masticatory apparatus, enabling them to grind microplastics into smaller particles. The team exposed both marine and freshwater species of rotifers to a variety of different plastics of different sizes.</p>



<p>The researchers discovered that rotifers could ingest microplastics up to 10 micrometers in size and excrete thousands of nanoplastics back into the environment. They estimate that rotifers could produce 13.3 quadrillion nanoparticles every day, just in Poyang Lake alone.</p>



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



<p>Professor Jian Zhao, the paper's lead author, noted that this study reveals a new route for the production and generation of nanoplastics worldwide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We show for the first time the ubiquitous fragmentation of microplastics by rotifers,” said Professor Zhao. “This is a newly discovered route to produce and generate nanoplastics in both freshwater and seawater system worldwide, in addition to well-known physical and photochemical fragmentations."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This finding is helpful for accurately evaluating the global flux of nanoplastics. In addition, it is known that nanoplastics can not only be potentially toxic to various organisms, they can also serve as carriers for other contaminants in the environment. Furthermore, the release of chemical additives in the plastic can be enhanced during and after the fragmentation.”</p>



<p>“Our work is just the first step,” said Xing. “We need to look at other organisms on the land and in water for biological fragmentation of microplastics and collaborate with toxicologists and public health researchers to determine what this plague of nanoplastics is doing to us.”<br><br></p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41565-023-01534-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Nanotechnology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Zooplankton are rapidly escalating the threat of marine nanoplastics

A team of researchers led by the University of Massachusetts...

<p>Lightning has been identified as the leading cause of wildfires in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-changes-what-happens-to-boreal-forests-after-fire/">boreal forests</a>, a critical area for carbon storage, and is expected to become more frequent with climate change. This is the alarming conclusion of a new study led by Dr. Matthew Jones from the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a>’s Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, alongside international collaborators.</p>



<p>Using machine learning, the team predicted wildfire ignitions globally, identifying whether they were caused by humans or natural lightning. This research marks the first time fire ignition sources have been attributed on a global scale.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-important-insights">Important insights</h2>



<p>The findings revealed that 77% of burned areas in intact extratropical forests were caused by lightning. This contrasts sharply with tropical regions, where fires are predominantly human-caused.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Intact extratropical forests, largely undisturbed and sparsely populated, are mainly located in the remote boreal forests of the northern hemisphere.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-frequency">Lightning frequency</h3>



<p>Further insights were gained using climate models to predict changes in lightning frequency as the planet warms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study found an 11 to 31% increase in lightning frequency per degree of global warming over these forests, indicating a heightened risk of wildfires due to climate change.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-fires">Lightning fires</h3>



<p>Lightning fires tend to be larger, more intense, and more confined to remote areas during periods of extreme fuel dryness compared to human-caused fires.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team's previous work showed that conditions conducive to fires are becoming more frequent and intense as the climate warms, leading to increased forest flammability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extratropical-forests-nbsp">Extratropical forests&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Extratropical forests are globally significant, storing vast amounts of carbon in vegetation and permafrost soils.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Remarkably, although they cover only about 1% of Earth’s land surface, these forests contribute over 8% of global CO2 emissions from fires. Fires in these regions could amplify greenhouse gas emissions from permafrost thaw by 30% by the end of the century, following a moderate emissions scenario.</p>



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



<p>“Extratropical forests are globally important because they lock up dense stores of carbon in vegetation and soils, helping to keep CO2 out of the atmosphere and moderate global warming," said Dr. Jones. “However, when fires occur in these regions, they emit more CO2 per unit area than virtually anywhere else on Earth."</p>



<p>“Our research highlights that extratropical forests are vulnerable to the combined effects of a warmer, drier climate and a heightened likelihood of ignitions by lightning strikes."</p>



<p>“Future increases in lightning ignitions threaten to destabilize vast carbon stores in extratropical forests, particularly as weather conditions become warmer, drier, and overall more fire-prone in these regions.”&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The research gains relevance in the context of Canada's record-breaking fire season in 2023, where emissions were over four times the average of the past two decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Thomas Janssen from VU, the study's lead author, noted that while the research didn't specifically address Canada's fire season, it helps understand such extreme events.</p>



<p>“While our research did not focus specifically on this year’s extreme fire season in Canada, it does help us to understand this year’s events. Extreme fire seasons in boreal forests, like the one we saw in Canada this year, will be more likely in warmer climates due to hotter, drier weather and more lighting strikes," said Dr. Janssen.</p>



<p>“The fires in Canada this year closely follow record-breaking fire seasons in the Siberian boreal forests in 2020 and 2021.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reinforcing-feedback">Reinforcing feedback</h2>



<p>The researchers warn that greenhouse gas emissions from fires can contribute to rising concentrations of carbon in the atmosphere and drive additional warming, further exaggerating the likelihood of fires and other adverse impacts of climate change in future.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Increased greenhouse gas emissions from wildfires reinforces the problem of climate change, with more fires occurring as the climate warms and more greenhouse gases being emitted by fires," said Professor Sander Veraverbeke.</p>



<p>“This ‘reinforcing feedback’ is particularly important in boreal forests, most of which are underlain by carbon-rich permafrost soils that take many hundreds of years to form if they are lost to fire.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>"Our work has shown that the risk of lightning ignitions increases substantially as the planet warms, meaning that every tenth of a degree of warming that we can avoid will translate directly into a reduced risk of wildfire," said Dr. Jones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Curbing emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel use and land use change is critical to avoiding the worst additional risks of wildfire in many regions, but especially in the boreal forests where fires are so sensitive to warming.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/ngeo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a>.</p>



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Lightning is the leading cause of wildfires in boreal forests

Lightning has been identified as the leading cause of wildfires...

Breathtaking,Panoramic,Aerial,View,Of,The,Hills,Of,Colorful,Red,

<p>In the global fight against climate change, trees serve as an invaluable ally. This is especially true in mixed forests. Through the process of photosynthesis, forests absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide -- a primary greenhouse gas -- and store it in soil, shrubs, and their very fibers. </p>



<p>This natural form of carbon sequestration is essential in the efforts to slow down the warming of our planet. Recognizing this, many countries have pledged to restore forests as a part of their environmental strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-forests-vs-monocultures">Mixed forests vs. monocultures</h2>



<p>Recent research emphasizes a key nuance in reforestation efforts: the type of forests we restore. Mixed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-trees-use-social-distancing-to-promote-forest-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> -- ecosystems where a variety of tree species coexist -- outshine their single-species counterparts in carbon storage. </p>



<p>Dr. Emily Warner of the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> and her team have shown that forests with a mix of species can store up to 70% more carbon than monocultures. The secret lies in the complementary traits of different species which, when combined, lead to more effective carbon absorption and storage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-benefits-of-mixed-species-forests">Dual benefits of mixed species forests</h2>



<p>Apart from carbon storage, mixed forests bring forth increased resilience against threats such as pests, diseases, and climate disturbances. This resilience not only safeguards the forests but also ensures the longevity of their carbon storage capabilities.</p>



<p> Additionally, these forests are hotspots for biodiversity, supporting a richer variety of life forms and providing a wider range of ecosystem services.</p>



<p>Despite the clear advantages of mixed forests, reforestation efforts around the world are predominantly geared towards monoculture plantations. These are often chosen for their simplicity and economic benefits. However, this approach overlooks the long-term environmental and ecological gains of diversified planting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparative-analysis-of-carbon-stocks">Comparative analysis of carbon stocks</h2>



<p>In a comprehensive study spearheaded by Dr. Warner, an international team of scientists has laid bare the stark differences in carbon storage between mixed and single-species forests. </p>



<p>Their analysis, which includes data from studies since 1975 and recent global tree diversity experiments, indicates that four-species mixtures are particularly effective as carbon sinks, more so than even the best-performing monocultures.</p>



<p>The implications of this study are significant for forest management. Dr. Susan Cook-Patton, a collaborator from <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nature Conservancy</a>, highlights that there's not only an environmental but also a productivity incentive to diversify newly planted forests. </p>



<p>These findings could potentially reshape reforestation policies and practices, aligning them more closely with climate change mitigation goals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversification-as-a-strategy">Diversification as a strategy</h2>



<p>While the study's findings are compelling, the researchers acknowledge the need for more data, especially from older and more diverse forests. They call for extended research to further understand the dynamics behind the increased carbon storage in mixed forests and how it may vary by factors such as location, species mix, and forest age.</p>



<p>This research advocates for a shift in the global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-are-a-powerful-driver-of-forest-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reforestation</a> approach. By embracing the diversification of planted forests, we can significantly amplify the benefits of our reforestation efforts, turning them into more potent tools against climate change. </p>



<p>As countries continue to develop and refine their environmental strategies, this study serves as a crucial piece of evidence for the potential of mixed-species forests in creating a more sustainable and resilient future.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://blog.frontiersin.org/2023/11/09/multiple-tree-species-effective-carbon-sinks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Forests and Global Change</a></em>.</p>



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Mixed forests with many tree species are more effective at carbon storage

In the global fight against climate change, trees serve as...

Conceptual,Photo,Depicting,Earth,Destroyed,By,Global,Warming,And,Industrial

<p>The UN's 2023 <a href="https://www.unep.org/resources/production-gap-report-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Production Gap Report</a> presents a stark warning. The experts say that current government plans for fossil fuel production are on a trajectory to far exceed the climate limits required to maintain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/">global warming</a> at 1.5°C.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This ambitious target, essential for avoiding the most catastrophic impacts of climate change, is being undermined by projected fossil fuel production that would surpass compatible levels by more than double by 2030, and by an alarming 350 percent by 2050.</p>



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



<p>Despite an uptick in renewable energy usage, the report highlights a disturbing trend: the global production gap has remained largely unchanged since 2019. This indicates that the increase in renewable energy has not displaced fossil fuel production at the necessary scale or speed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The UN report underscores the need for governments to not only promote renewable energy but to also actively implement policies that reduce fossil fuel supply alongside other mitigation strategies to ensure a truly effective transition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-countries-to-blame">Countries to blame</h2>



<p>Alarmingly, the report calls out five affluent countries -- U.S., Canada, Australia, Norway, and the UK -- for their plans to develop oil and gas fields, accounting for over half of all such developments until 2050.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This is despite these nations' considerable contributions to historical carbon emissions and their claimed leadership in climate action. Their continued push for oil and gas extraction stands in stark contrast to their responsibilities and the global need for a sustainable future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-halting-the-projects-nbsp">Halting the projects&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In light of these findings, Romain Ioualalen, Global Policy Manager at <a href="https://priceofoil.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oil Change International</a>, emphasizes the urgency of halting new oil and gas projects immediately.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ioualalen advocates for a rapid and fair phase-out of fossil fuels to be a central topic at the upcoming UN climate talks in Dubai. There, discussions will pivot on the fossil fuel phase-out, bolstering renewable energy, and enhancing energy efficiency.</p>



<p>“The report confirms that the failure by oil and gas producing countries to rein in their production is making climate and economic catastrophe more likely everyday."</p>



<p>"It is a stark reminder that we need an immediate halt to all new oil and gas projects, and for governments around the world to agree to a rapid and equitable phase out of all fossil fuels at this year’s UN climate talks in Dubai," said Ioualalen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-fuels-and-climate">Fossil fuels and climate</h2>



<p>"Governments’ planned fossil fuel production would take us far beyond the brink of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1.5°C limit</a>, risking a future incompatible with survival. Just five rich global north countries will be responsible for the majority of planned new oil and gas extraction to 2050."</p>



<p>"It is these countries that have the moral and historical responsibility to move first and fastest to phase out fossil fuel production, and provide the financial and capacity support to global south countries in a just energy transition to renewables."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transition-to-renewable-energy-nbsp">Transition to renewable energy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The report makes it clear that continued investments in fossil fuel infrastructure are threatening the transition to renewable energy and that governments will need to aggressively tackle fossil fuel production and use as well as deploy renewable energy at scale if they want to meet their own goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C. The alternative is climate failure and a chaotic, expensive transition with lots of stranded assets," said Ioualalen.</p>



<p>“At <a href="https://www.cop28.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COP28</a>, countries must come to an agreement on immediately ending fossil fuel expansion and building a just and equitable phase out of all fossil fuels, enabled by providing the necessary funding to triple renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency. We urge governments to arrive at COP28 ready to take action commensurate with what the science is telling us, for a fast, fair, full, and funded phase out of fossil fuels.”</p>



<p>The report serves as a dire reminder that investments in fossil fuel infrastructure threaten the transition to renewables and that aggressive action on reducing fossil fuel production and consumption is needed to meet the goal of limiting warming to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-will-exceed-1-5-degrees-but-by-how-much/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1.5°C</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-fossil-fuels-and-climate-change">More about fossil fuels and climate change</h2>



<p>The perilous relationship between fossil fuel combustion and the climate crisis has never been more evident. As the backbone of modern industrialization, coal, oil, and gas have powered nations and driven progress. Yet, this progress comes at a steep environmental cost, highlighted by the fact that fossil fuels are responsible for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-carbon-footprint-of-progress">The carbon footprint of progress</h3>



<p>As discussed above, the stark findings of the UN and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reveal that our reliance on fossil fuels is the predominant force behind the relentless march of global warming. Coal stands out as the most egregious offender, contributing over 0.3°C to the global average temperature rise -- a third of the increase witnessed to date.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lethal-consequences">Lethal consequences</h3>



<p>The ramifications of fossil fuel usage extend beyond temperature metrics. The extraction and burning of these resources are chief culprits in air pollution, an insidious killer claiming millions of lives annually. These fatalities are a silent testament to the toxic legacy of a fossil-fuel-dependent world.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planet-in-peril">Planet in peril</h3>



<p>The consequences of burning fossil fuels are manifest in the distortion of Earth's delicate ecosystems and the health crises they provoke. The balance of life, sustained for millennia, is now under threat as we witness the highest concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere in 800,000 years. This dramatic increase in greenhouse gases has supercharged the greenhouse effect, resulting in an alarming ascent in Earth's surface temperature.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disconnect-between-knowledge-and-action">Disconnect between knowledge and action</h3>



<p>Awareness of the impending climate catastrophe has never been higher, yet paradoxically, plans are afoot to increase fossil fuel production by around 110% by 2030 -- far exceeding the limits necessary to mitigate global warming. </p>



<p>This glaring contradiction between what is known and what is being done underscores the immense challenges ahead. It is a clarion call for transformative policy reforms and a pivot toward sustainable energy solutions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-fuels-climate-change-and-the-future">Fossil fuels, climate change, and the future</h3>



<p>Confronted with these stark realities, the need for a concerted global effort to transition away from fossil fuels has never been clearer. As we stand at the crossroads of history, the decisions made today will shape the legacy of our era. </p>



<p>Will we heed the warnings and steer our collective future towards sustainability, or will we continue down the path of environmental degradation? The answer to this question will determine the fate of our planet and the legacy we leave for generations to come.</p>



<p>In the face of such daunting challenges, it is incumbent upon leaders, policymakers, and each individual to take decisive action. The transition to sustainable energy systems is not just a policy imperative but a moral one, to preserve the integrity of our environment and ensure the health and well-being of all inhabitants of our planet.</p>



<p>The time for change is now, and it begins with a resolute commitment to end our reliance on the very fuels that have brought us to this precipice.</p>



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Current fossil fuel plans will shatter 1.5°C climate goal this decade

The UN's 2023 Production Gap Report presents a stark warning....

World,-,Pastik,Garbage,-,Pollution,3d,Rendering

<p>In Nairobi, Kenya, the pulse of environmental policy beats with renewed urgency as delegates from around the world convene for the third International Negotiation Committee meeting (<a href="https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INC-3</a>). The conference is a pivotal step toward formulating a legally binding global plastic pollution treaty. </p>



<p>This ambitious endeavor seeks not merely to stem the tide of plastic pollution but to confront it at its very source.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-plastic-pollution-at-the-source">Tackling plastic pollution at the source</h2>



<p>A new study illuminates the path forward, as noted by environmental experts. A legally binding, global treaty must transcend traditional waste management strategies. </p>



<p>The researchers advocate for a decisive shift towards "upstream" interventions. These are strategies that reduce the total production and consumption of plastics, phase out hazardous chemicals integral to their manufacture, and address the subsidies that bolster the fossil fuel industry, which is the bedrock of plastic production.</p>



<p>The prevailing focus on "downstream" recycling and waste management, while integral, is deemed insufficient by the scientific community. </p>



<p>Dr. Mengjiao (Melissa) Wang of the <a href="https://www.greenpeace.to/greenpeace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenpeace Research Laboratories</a> at the University of Exeter criticizes the disproportionate investment in recycling and cleanup efforts. She asserts they are akin to "removing the mess while making more." </p>



<p>An effective treaty must be holistic, encompassing the entire spectrum from fossil fuel extraction to waste disposal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barrier-to-upstream-innovations">Barrier to upstream innovations</h2>



<p>Current investment strategies reveal a stark imbalance, with 88% of funds directed toward recovery and recycling and a paltry 4% allocated to upstream reuse solutions. This disparity is rooted in a political economy deeply entangled with the fossil fuel industry, which continues to accelerate plastic production and exacerbate the triple Planetary Crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.</p>



<p>The zero draft of the treaty, while a starting point, is criticized for its heavy emphasis on waste management. It sidelines more efficient and cost-effective upstream strategies such as reduction, redesign, and reuse. </p>



<p>The study claims that the draft could be strengthened by imposing fees on polymer manufacturers based on the volume of primary plastics produced. This would foster strong <a href="https://www.oecd.org/environment/extended-producer-responsibility.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extended Producer Responsibility</a> schemes, and ensuring financial mechanisms prioritize upstream strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-closing-the-back-door">Closing the "back door"</h2>



<p>As global climate governance grapples with the cessation of burning fossil fuels, the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/nations-agree-end-plastic-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plastics Treaty</a> emerges as a critical instrument to prevent these same fuels from being repurposed into plastics. This is an unfortunate loophole left by the Paris Agreement. <a href="https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/profile/index.php?web_id=Lucy_Woodall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Lucy Woodall</a> from the University of Exeter highlights the treaty's potential to seal this "back door."</p>



<p>“The problem of plastic pollution is huge, and it can feel overwhelming,” said Dr Woodall. “But there are opportunities and challenges at each stage of the life cycle of plastics – from fossil fuel extraction onwards.”</p>



<p>The treaty must also champion ecosystem health and equity, emphasizing the restoration of natural systems disproportionately burdened by plastic pollution. The simplification of chemicals in plastics is another critical area, demanding heightened transparency and traceability from producers to ensure the safe recycling of products.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-political-and-scientific-balancing-act">Political and scientific balancing act</h2>



<p>Despite the aspirational nature of the treaty, resistance from certain nations is anticipated. The challenge for negotiators lies in reconciling political feasibility with the ambitious scope necessary to address the crisis comprehensively. Scientists like Dr. Wang play a crucial role, offering a "scientific reality check" to ensure that the treaty aligns with the planet's ecological boundaries.</p>



<p>As negotiations forge ahead, the global community stands at a crossroads. The outcome of the Plastics Treaty could mark a transformative step in how the world addresses plastic pollution. </p>



<p>With a holistic and ambitious approach, there is hope that the treaty will catalyze a shift towards a sustainable future, where the health of ecosystems and the well-being of communities are at the forefront of global environmental policy.</p>



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



<p>Plastic pollution represents one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. The durability of plastic, which once heralded it as a miracle material, now curses the landscapes, waterways, and oceans of the world. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in the ocean, breaking down into microplastics that permeate marine ecosystems and enter the food chain.</p>



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



<p>Manufacturers produce plastic from fossil fuels, and its life cycle begins with extraction. From there, industries shape it into countless products, many designed for single use. </p>



<p>After serving its short-term purpose, plastic embarks on its long-term environmental impact, with much of it ending up as waste. Disposal practices vary, but recycling rates remain dismally low, and large quantities of plastic waste find their way into the environment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-plastic-waste">Consequences of plastic waste</h3>



<p>Plastic waste ravages ecosystems, entangles wildlife, and introduces toxic substances into the environment. Microplastics, the degraded remnants of larger items, now pervade the most remote corners of the planet. These tiny particles carry pollutants and pose a significant threat to aquatic life and human health.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-plastic-pollution">Tackling plastic pollution</h3>



<p>As discussed above, in order to tackle plastic pollution, we must adopt a multi-faceted approach. This means reducing production, enhancing recycling, and rethinking our relationship with plastic. Governments, corporations, and individuals all hold responsibility for initiating and supporting these critical changes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policy-and-regulation">Policy and regulation</h3>



<p>Effective policy and regulation play vital roles in combating plastic pollution. Bans on single-use plastics, incentives for recycling, and funding for research into alternative materials can drive down plastic waste. </p>



<p>Policies must also target the reduction of plastic production and encourage the development of circular economies where products and materials maintain their value and remain in use for as long as possible.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-innovation-and-recycling">Technological innovation and recycling</h3>



<p>Advancements in technology offer hope for improved recycling processes and the creation of biodegradable and compostable alternatives. However, these technologies must scale up and become economically viable. Furthermore, recycling systems require enhancement to handle the complexity and volume of plastic waste generated globally.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-education-and-behavioral-change">Public education and behavioral change</h3>



<p>Educating the public about the impact of plastic pollution and how to reduce personal plastic waste is crucial. Behavior change campaigns can encourage consumers to choose reusable options, support environmentally friendly products, and participate in community clean-up efforts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corporate-responsibility-and-sustainable-design">Corporate responsibility and sustainable design</h3>



<p>Companies must adopt sustainable design principles, minimizing the use of plastic where possible and ensuring products are recyclable at the end of their life. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes can hold manufacturers accountable for the environmental impacts of their products, from design to disposal.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-plastic-pollution-collaboration">Global plastic pollution collaboration</h3>



<p>As discussed previously, combating plastic pollution requires global collaboration. International agreements, like the proposed global Plastics Treaty, can set ambitious targets and unify global efforts. </p>



<p>Through collective action, the international community can implement effective strategies to mitigate the impact of plastic pollution and safeguard the planet for future generations.</p>



<p>In summary, plastic pollution demands urgent and sustained action. By embracing innovation, enacting robust policies, fostering behavioral change, and encouraging corporate responsibility, we can forge a path towards a less polluted, more sustainable world.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk9846" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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Global plastics treaty tackles the pollution problem directly at the source

In Nairobi, Kenya, the pulse of environmental policy beats with...

<p>A team of scientists led by the <a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/en/cnrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">French National Centre for Scientific Research</a> (CNRS) has revealed alarming findings about Greenland's ice shelves. Since 1978, the largest floating ice shelves of the polar ice sheet have lost more than a third of their volume</p>



<p>According to the researchers, the primary factor driving this decline is an increase in ocean temperatures surrounding these ice shelves. As these temperatures rise, the floating extensions of the glaciers melt at an accelerated pace.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stability-of-north-greenland-glaciers">Stability of North Greenland glaciers</h2>



<p>This discovery contradicts previous assumptions that the glaciers in North <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-greenland-ice-sheet-is-teeming-with-microorganisms/">Greenland</a> were stable. By contrast, other regions of the polar ice cap had already shown signs of weakening since the mid-1980s.</p>



<p>"The glaciers of North Greenland are hosting enough ice to raise sea level by 2.1 m, and have long been considered to be stable. This part of Greenland is buttressed by the last remaining ice shelves of the ice sheet," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Here, we show that since 1978, ice shelves in North Greenland have lost more than 35% of their total volume, three of them collapsing completely."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"For the floating ice shelves that remain we observe a widespread increase in ice shelf mass losses, that are dominated by enhanced basal melting rates."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-barriers-nbsp">Natural barriers&nbsp;</h2>



<p>North Greenland's ice shelves serve a critical function in the regulation of ice flow into the ocean. These massive ice structures act as natural dams, slowing down the rate at which ice is discharged into the sea.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Despite their fundamental buttressing role, there is to date no comprehensive overview of these ice shelves evolution, which hampers our ability to understand the processes leading to their weakening and collapse, and their relation with glacier mass changes," noted the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It is thus extremely important to define the timing and drivers of historical and current changes of ice shelves, as well as glacier response, in order to better predict the contribution of Greenland to sea level rise."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland-s-contribution">Greenland's contribution</h2>



<p>Greenland's contribution to rising sea levels is already significant, accounting for 17 percent of the increase. The deterioration of these natural barriers signifies a potential for a more rapid release of ice into the ocean, which could drive further increases in sea levels.</p>



<p>"The Greenland ice sheet has contributed 17.3% of the observed rise in sea level in the period 2006–2018, and has thus become the second largest contributor after ocean thermal expansion," wrote the researchers.</p>



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



<p>The research was focused on surveys of eight ice shelves in North Greenland. To study the evolution of these ice shelves, the research team used a combination of field observations, aerial photography, and satellite data, all of which were then analyzed within the context of regional climate models.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This comprehensive approach has allowed for a more detailed understanding of the changes affecting Greenland's ice shelves.</p>



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



<p>The findings serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing impacts of climate change on polar ice structures, which have been under constant surveillance due to their influence on global sea levels and climate patterns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With the integrity of Greenland's ice shelves in question, the potential for accelerated sea-level rise poses an increased risk to coastal communities worldwide.</p>



<p>"These glaciers are showing a direct dynamical response to ice shelf changes with retreating grounding lines and increased ice discharge," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"These results suggest that, under future projections of ocean thermal forcing, basal melting rates will continue to rise or remain at high level, which may have dramatic consequences for the stability of Greenlandic glaciers."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42198-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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Greenland ice shelves have lost over 35 percent of their volume

A team of scientists led by the French National Centre...

<p>Last month, Earth recorded its hottest October ever, according to data from <a href="https://www.copernicus.eu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copernicus</a>, the EU’s climate change monitoring service. The average surface air temperature reached 59.5°F (15.3°C), which is 1.53°F (0.85°C) higher than the average for October between 1991 and 2020. This follows a trend of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/july-was-earths-hottest-month-in-120000-years/">record-breaking temperatures</a>, with June, July, August, and September of this year also setting new highs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hottest-year">Hottest year</h2>



<p>The consistent increase in global temperatures has led experts to predict that 2023 will likely be the warmest year ever recorded. “We can say with near certainty that 2023 will be the warmest year on record, and is currently 1.43°C [2.5°F] above the pre-industrial average,” said Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service.</p>



<p>Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist at Berkeley Earth, told BBC News: "We really see no sign that this year's string of exceptional record-setting months is going away anytime soon. And at this point, it makes it virtually certain in all the datasets that 2023 will be the warmest year on record. That's a greater than 99% chance."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-copernicus-data-nbsp">Copernicus data&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Copernicus’ conclusions are based on billions of measurements from various sources, including satellites, ships, aircraft, and weather stations globally.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The data revealed that October 2023 was 0.72°F (0.4°C) warmer than the previous record set in October 2019. “October 2023 has seen exceptional temperature anomalies, following on from four months of global temperature records being obliterated,” Burgess reported.</p>



<p>For the period from January to October, the global average temperature for 2023 has been the highest on record, sitting at 2.5°F (1.43°C) above the pre-industrial average from 1850-1900. This figure is also 0.18°F (0.1°C) higher than the same period in 2016, which is currently the hottest year on record.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-surface-temperatures-nbsp">Sea surface temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In addition to land temperatures, sea surface temperatures have also been significantly high. In October, the average sea surface temperature over the 60°S–60°N range was 69.4°F (20.79°C), the highest for October on record.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, Antarctic sea ice extent continued to be at a record low for the sixth consecutive month, 11 percent below the average. Arctic Sea ice extent was the seventh lowest for October, 12 percent below average.</p>



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



<p>Precipitation patterns also showed notable variations in October, with above-average rainfall in most of Europe, the southwest of North America, parts of the Arabian Peninsula, Central Asia and Siberia, southeast China, Brazil, New Zealand, and southern Africa. Conversely, drier conditions were observed in the southern US and parts of Mexico, as well as in most of Australia.</p>



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



<p>These escalating climate trends highlight the urgent need for decisive climate action, especially in the lead-up to COP28. “The sense of urgency for ambitious climate action going into COP28 has never been higher,” Burgess concluded.</p>



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Last month was the hottest October on record

Last month, Earth recorded its hottest October ever, according to...

<p>In an unprecedented study, researchers have developed a "biodiversity time machine" to delve into the environmental history and biological changes of a freshwater lake over the past century.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This innovative approach could signal a leap forward in the way we understand and protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/">biodiversity</a> amidst growing environmental concerns.</p>



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



<p>The collaborative research, conducted by experts at the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a> and Goethe University in Frankfurt, focused on sediment from a Danish lake known for its detailed water quality records.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The sediment provided a continuous record of the biological changes that occurred from the beginning of the industrial revolution to modern times.</p>



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



<p>The researchers used AI to analyze environmental DNA (eDNA) from the lake's sediment. This eDNA is the genetic residue left by organisms such as plants, animals, and bacteria.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts compared the biological data with climate and pollution data to pinpoint the causes of the lake's historical biodiversity loss.</p>



<p>Principal investigator Luisa Orsini is a professor of Evolutionary Systems Biology and Environmental Omics at the University of Birmingham and fellow of the Alan Turing Institute.</p>



<p>“We took a sediment core from the bottom of the lake and used biological data within that sediment like a time machine - looking back in time to build a detailed picture of biodiversity over the last century at yearly resolution," explained Professor Orsini.</p>



<p>"By analyzing biological data with climate change data and pollution levels we can identify the factors having the biggest impact on biodiversity."&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>“Protecting every species without impacting human production is unrealistic, but using&nbsp; AI we can prioritize the conservation of species that deliver ecosystem services. At the same time, we can identify the top pollutants, guiding regulation of chemical compounds with the most adverse effect," said Orsini.</p>



<p>"These actions can help us not only to preserve the biodiversity we have today, but potentially to improve biodiversity recovery. Biodiversity sustains many ecosystem services that we all benefit from. Protecting biodiversity mean protecting these services.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The team discovered that chemical pollutants, including insecticides and fungicides, coupled with a rise in minimum temperature (between 1.2 and 1.5 degrees Celsius), inflicted significant harm on the lake's biodiversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite some recovery in the lake's biodiversity in the last 20 years due to improved water quality and reduced agricultural activity nearby, the species composition was altered.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irreversible-losses">Irreversible losses</h2>



<p>“The biodiversity loss caused by this pollution and the warming water temperature is potentially irreversible. The species found in the lake 100 years ago that have been lost will not all be able to return," said study lead author and PhD student Niamh Eastwood.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It is not possible to restore the lake to its original pristine state, even though the lake is recovering. This research shows that if we fail to protect biodiversity, much of it could be lost forever.”&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Dr. Jiarui Zhou, co-lead author, pointed out that their AI models offer valuable insights into the historic factors driving biodiversity loss and could improve predictions about future losses under various scenarios.</p>



<p>“Learning from the past, our holistic models can help us to predict the likely loss of biodiversity under a ‘business as usual’ and other pollution scenarios," said Dr. Zhou.</p>



<p>"We have demonstrated the value of AI-based approaches for understanding historic drivers of biodiversity loss. As new data becomes available, more sophisticated AI models can be used to further improve our predictions of the causes of biodiversity loss.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The implications of this research extend far beyond a single lake. The team is expanding their study to include lakes in England and Wales, aiming to determine the broader applicability of their findings on pollution and climate change effects on lake biodiversity.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.86576" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>eLife</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Biodiversity time machine reveals a century of biological change

In an unprecedented study, researchers have developed a "biodiversity time...

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

<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>



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



<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>



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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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>



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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