<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...

Moose,Hiding,Among,The,Tress

<p>An intriguing study utilizing global satellite data has brought new insights into the role of the world’s largest herbivores, or megafauna, in shaping the biodiversity of protected areas. </p>



<p>This study uncovers the significant, yet often overlooked, influence of large herbivores on the variety and distribution of tree cover across the globe. The research was led by an international team, including experts from <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lund University</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-herbivores-as-ecosystem-engineers">Large herbivores as ecosystem engineers</h2>



<p>The team's findings shed light on the relationship between large herbivores and the landscapes they inhabit. Contrary to the commonly held belief that dense forests are the richest in biodiversity, the study by Lanhui Wang and colleagues demonstrates that areas frequented by species such as elephants, bison, and moose actually exhibit a more diverse tree cover.</p>



<p>"Large herbivores are commonly seen as competitors for space and resources in protected areas," explains Lanhui Wang, a researcher at Lund University. "However, our research indicates that these animals are pivotal in creating a mosaic of habitats that supports a wide array of other species."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-browsers-and-mixed-feeders">Browsers and mixed-feeders</h2>



<p>The study specifically highlights the role of browsers and mixed-feeders in maintaining a varied tree cover. These animals, which include some of the largest species on the planet, contribute to biodiversity through their dietary habits. More specifically, they promote the growth of a range of different plant species.</p>



<p>Jens-Christian Svenning, the study’s senior author from <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>, clarifies the geographical scope of this phenomenon. Svenning said, "Our analysis shows that in non-extreme climates, where neither desert nor ice predominates, the presence of large herbivores is strongly associated with a patchy but rich tree landscape."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-ecosystem-restoration">Rethinking ecosystem restoration</h2>



<p>The conclusions drawn from this study have significant implications for conservation strategies worldwide. "The role of large herbivores goes beyond just being a charismatic facet of our natural heritage," asserts Wang. "They are active agents in landscape formation, influencing both the physical structure and biological diversity of ecosystems."</p>



<p>This research points to the necessity of incorporating megafauna into current and future ecosystem restoration efforts, which have been undervalued in the planning of sustainable land management thus far.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystem-management-strategies">Ecosystem management strategies</h2>



<p>As global initiatives ramp up efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss, the study advocates for a more sophisticated discussion about ecosystem management. Understanding the ecological impact of megafauna, namely large herbivores, is now seen as critical in these conversations.</p>



<p>"At a time when the preservation of biodiversity is more urgent than ever, recognizing the role of these large herbivores in ecosystem dynamics is a vital step in devising effective conservation strategies," says Wang.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-needed-wild-living-large-herbivores">Needed: Wild-living large herbivores</h2>



<p>The UN has recognized the importance of ecosystem restoration by designating the 2020s as a dedicated decade for this purpose. With 115 countries committed to restoring a substantial area of nature, the study underscores the necessity for a resurgence of wild-living large herbivores.</p>



<p>"Our analysis suggests that if we are to meet the UN’s ambitious targets for ecosystem restoration, we cannot ignore the integral role played by large herbivores," Wang concludes.</p>



<p>In light of these findings, the international research team calls for a paradigm shift in how we view and manage protected areas. The presence of large herbivores is not only essential for the natural beauty and diversity of these ecosystems, it is also crucial for their function and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.</p>



<p>The full study has been recently published in the prestigious <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2590332223004578" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Earth</a></em> journal.</p>



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Forest biodiversity benefits from large herbivores like elephants and moose

An intriguing study utilizing global satellite data has brought new...

<p>Human disruption of the global salt cycle is a looming environmental threat, according to a new study led by Professor Sujay Kaushal of the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a>.</p>



<p>The research has revealed that human activities have a substantial impact on the natural salt cycle, signaling a potential health crisis if the trend persists.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-existential-threat">Existential threat</h2>



<p>The study authors warn that human endeavors have led to an increased salinity in the Earth's air, soil, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salt-pollution-threatens-freshwater-ecosystems/">freshwater</a> systems - a change that could reach existential proportions.</p>



<p>The natural dispersion of salts through geological and hydrological processes has been a slow-moving cycle over millennia. However, human-induced acceleration is now evident through mining, land development, and other industrial activities.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-increase-in-salinization">Alarming increase in salinization</h2>



<p>These processes, alongside agricultural practices and water treatment, are leading to an alarming increase in salinization, negatively affecting biodiversity and potentially making drinking water unsafe.</p>



<p>Professor Kaushal, who is also associated with UMD’s Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, compared Earth to a living organism.</p>



<p>“If you think of the planet as a living organism, when you accumulate so much salt it could affect the functioning of vital organs or ecosystems,” said Kaushal. “Removing salt from water is energy intensive and expensive, and the brine byproduct you end up with is saltier than ocean water and can’t be easily disposed of.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anthropogenic-salt-cycle">Anthropogenic salt cycle</h2>



<p>Kaushal and his colleagues use the term "anthropogenic salt cycle" to describe the human influence on the global salt dynamics. Unlike twenty years ago, where evidence was anecdotal and localized, there is now a clear pattern of perturbation globally.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Twenty years ago, all we had were case studies. We could say surface waters were salty here in New York or in Baltimore’s drinking water supply,” said study co-author Gene Likens, an ecologist at the University of Connecticut and the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We now show that it’s a cycle - from the deep Earth to the atmosphere - that’s been significantly perturbed by human activities.”</p>



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



<p>This research went beyond just sodium chloride, examining various salt ions like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfate. Such ions, when released in excessive amounts, lead to environmental degradation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers noted a concerning trend: human-induced salinization has affected approximately 2.5 billion acres of soil and has increased salt ion presence in rivers and streams over the past half-century, corresponding with a surge in global salt use and production.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-road-salts">Road salts</h2>



<p>Salts are not only seeping into the soil and water but also into the air. The study points to regions where drying lakes emit saline dust into the atmosphere and road salts, used for deicing, become airborne particulates, posing risks to human health and environmental stability.</p>



<p>The cascading effects of salinization include accelerated snowmelt and the formation of dangerous "chemical cocktails" as salt ions bind to other contaminants.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salinity-crisis-nbsp">Salinity crisis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study also sheds light on the significant use of road salts, which are pumped out at a rate of 44 billion pounds per year in the United States. This not only poses an immediate public safety benefit but also raises long-term concerns for water quality.</p>



<p>To mitigate the salinity crisis, Kaushal suggests policies to curb road salt usage and promote alternatives like beet juice treatments for icy roads, currently being implemented in Washington, D.C., and other cities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-boundary-for-safe-use">Planetary boundary for safe use</h2>



<p>The authors propose the establishment of a "planetary boundary for safe and sustainable salt use," drawing a parallel to carbon dioxide regulation in the context of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Kaushal said that while it’s theoretically possible to regulate and control salt levels, it comes with unique challenges.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is a very complex issue because salt is not considered a primary drinking water contaminant in the U.S., so to regulate it would be a big undertaking. But do I think it’s a substance that is increasing in the environment to harmful levels? Yes.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43017-023-00485-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Reviews Earth &amp; Environment</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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Influx of salt in water, soil, and air poses a potential health crisis

Human disruption of the global salt cycle is a looming...

Lightning,Thunderstorm,Flash,And,Sun,Lights,In,The,Mountains.,Concept

<p>Recent research has brought to light a pressing environmental issue: the significant increase in the prevalence of damaging thunderstorms and straight line winds in the central United States brought on by climate change.</p>



<p>These findings, spearheaded by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (<a href="https://ncar.ucar.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCAR</a>) and funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>), not only deepen our understanding of the current climatic shifts but also foreshadow a growing challenge in weather-related disaster management and mitigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-force-of-thunderstorm-winds">Force of thunderstorm winds</h2>



<p>Straight line winds, the non-tornadic winds that emanate from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thunderstorms-affect-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thunderstorm</a> downdrafts, are known for their potential to inflict widespread damage. They are classified as damaging when exceeding 50 knots, and they are notorious for causing extensive harm to buildings, power grids, and posing serious risks to human safety. </p>



<p>A concerning aspect of these winds is their rapid onset, capable of escalating from calm to gusts of 60 to 80 miles per hour within moments. These winds, along with thunderstorms, have steadily increased along with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-variability-is-driving-more-intense-thunderstorms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changing climate</a>.</p>



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



<p>In step with climate change, the central U.S. has seen a dramatic fivefold increase in the area affected by thunderstorms and high winds over the past four decades. </p>



<p>This alarming trend suggests a notable shift in atmospheric behaviors, with significant implications for the safety, economy, and infrastructure of the region.</p>



<p>The study by NCAR scientist Andreas Prein indicates that the risk posed by these winds is not merely speculative but is demonstrably intensifying.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovations-in-meteorological-research">Innovations in meteorological research</h2>



<p>Traditional weather station observations are often inadequate in capturing the fleeting and localized nature of straight line winds. To bridge this gap, the research combined meticulous meteorological observations with very high-resolution computer modeling. </p>



<p>By factoring in climate change conditions, the integration of these two methodologies, alongside the analysis of fundamental physical laws, allowed for a nuanced estimation of the changes in these thunderstorms and straight-line winds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thunderstorm-simulation-from-changing-climate">Thunderstorm simulation from changing climate</h2>



<p>A  high-resolution computer model simulation named CONUS404 has played a pivotal role in this research. </p>



<p>Developed through a collaboration between NCAR scientists and the U.S. Geological Survey, the model offers a detailed climate and hydrological conditions simulation across the continental United States. </p>



<p>With its fine-grained resolution of 4 kilometers, <a href="https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/bams/104/8/BAMS-D-21-0326.1.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CONUS404</a> has revolutionized the ability to analyze and understand the behavior of straight line winds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-stations-to-simulation-points">Weather stations to simulation points</h2>



<p>Shifting from relying on the limited scope of 95 weather stations, Prein expanded the analysis to a staggering 109,387 points within the simulation. This expansion provided an unprecedentedly detailed view of the wind patterns, revealing the considerable increase in affected areas over time.</p>



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



<p>One of the core objectives of the study was to discern whether the increased frequency and intensity of straight line winds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-thunderstorms-trigger-extreme-cold-events-in-china/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thunderstorms</a> could be attributed to climate change. </p>



<p>Prein delved into the thermodynamics of these winds, scrutinizing how climate change could be modifying the temperature differentials that drive these events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thermodynamics-at-play">Thermodynamics at play</h2>



<p>Straight line winds originate from the high-altitude rain and hail that cool the air. This series of events leads to its rapid descent and the subsequent rush of intense winds at the surface. Prein’s calculations have indicated that climate change is likely intensifying this process. </p>



<p>By increasing the temperature differential between the descending cool air and the warmer surrounding atmosphere, climate change is potentially enabling these downdrafts to plummet even faster, escalating the likelihood of thunderstorms birthing damaging winds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-infrastructure-and-safety">Infrastructure and safety</h2>



<p>The insights from this research are not only academically significant but also carry practical implications. As Prein emphasizes, there is an urgent need to factor in the increased risk of straight line winds when planning for the impacts of climate change. This foresight is essential to bolster the future resilience of infrastructures and communities against what is often an overlooked yet formidable climatic hazard.</p>



<p>The NSF and the <a href="https://climategrandchallenges.mit.edu/flagship-projects/preparing-for-a-new-world-of-weather-and-climate-extremes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT Climate Grand Challenge on Weather and Climate Extremes</a> have highlighted a crucial and emerging aspect of climate change: the increased incidence of straight line winds in the central United States. </p>



<p>This research underlines the imperative for adaptive strategies in weather forecasting as these severe weather events will continue to escalate. The findings of Prein and his team serve as a clarion call to action. Their study urges a reassessment of how climate change is incorporated into the planning and development of resilient systems to confront the burgeoning threat of weather extremes.</p>



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



<p>Thunderstorms stand as one of nature’s most impressive and formidable phenomena. They fill the sky with a dramatic display of power, characterized by booming thunder, flashing lightning, heavy rain, and sometimes hail and gusty winds.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-birth-of-a-thunderstorm">The birth of a thunderstorm</h3>



<p>Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air rises in the atmosphere and collides with cooler air. This process, known as convection, initiates the formation of cumulonimbus clouds. These beautiful clouds can tower up to 75,000 feet or more into the sky. </p>



<p>As the warm air continues to ascend, it cools and condenses into water droplets or ice crystals. This water forms the dense, dark clouds that are the hallmark of an impending storm.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thunderstorm-instability-from-climate-change">Thunderstorm instability from climate change</h3>



<p>For a thunderstorm to thrive, the atmosphere must have a combination of moisture, unstable air, and lift. The moisture feeds the clouds. Next, the instability -- a temperature gradient with warmer air below cooler air -- provides the buoyancy for air to rise. Finally, lifting mechanisms, such as fronts or mountains, serve to trigger the upward motion of air.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electrifying-heart-of-the-storm">Electrifying heart of the storm</h3>



<p>As a thunderstorm develops, the interactions between particles within the cloud generate electrical charges. Ice crystals near the top of the cloud carry a positive charge, while heavier hailstones toward the bottom carry a negative charge. </p>



<p>The separation of charges results in a lightning bolt as the built-up energy seeks a path to discharge. This happens either within the cloud, between clouds, or between the cloud and the ground.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-roar-of-thunder">The roar of thunder</h3>



<p>Following the flash of lightning, thunder rumbles across the sky. The intense heat from lightning causes a rapid expansion of air, creating a sonic shock wave that we hear as thunder. Because light travels faster than sound, we see the lightning before we hear the thunder.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifecycle-of-a-thunderstorm">Lifecycle of a thunderstorm</h3>



<p>A thunderstorm typically has three stages: the developing stage, the mature stage, and the dissipating stage. In the developing stage, updrafts of warm air form the cloud structure. The mature stage is marked by rain, hail, and the most intense lightning and thunder as it peaks. Finally, in the dissipating stage, the storm loses its energy source. During this stage, updrafts weaken, leading to the end of the storm.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dangers-of-severe-thunderstorms">The dangers of severe thunderstorms</h3>



<p>While thunderstorms are a natural occurrence, they can become severe and pose significant hazards. This is true now, more than ever, as the climate continues to change. </p>



<p>Severe thunderstorms can spawn damaging winds in excess of 58 miles per hour. They produce hail one inch in diameter or larger, and in the most extreme cases, give birth to tornadoes. </p>



<p>Flash flooding can also occur during heavy rainfalls. This causes rapid rises in water levels and posing threats to life and property.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-thunderstorms">Preparing for thunderstorms</h3>



<p>Staying safe during thunderstorms involves awareness and preparation. Monitoring weather forecasts, having a plan in case of severe weather, and seeking shelter when a storm approaches are critical steps. Remember the adage, “When thunder roars, go indoors,” to avoid the danger of lightning strikes.</p>



<p>In summary, thunderstorms command our respect due to their power and potential for destruction. Understanding how they form, their lifecycle, and the risks they pose emphasizes the importance of being prepared. By respecting their might and being ready for their occurrence, we can safely appreciate the awe-inspiring spectacle of thunderstorms.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-023-01852-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a></em>.</p>



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Thunderstorms are becoming more intense due to climate change

Recent research has brought to light a pressing environmental issue:...

<p>The world’s oceans, often referred to as the "climate’s heat sink," are now experiencing unprecedented rates of warming. Researchers at the <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New South Wales</a> (UNSW Sydney) have uncovered the acceleration of ocean warming and have pinpointed the areas that are absorbing the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-experienced-the-most-intense-heat-wave-ever-recorded/">heat</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alarmingly, the rate of ocean warming has nearly doubled in the past decade compared to the 1990s, according to the study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The ocean directly impacts the Earth’s climate by absorbing and redistributing large amounts of heat, freshwater, and carbon, and by exchanging these properties with the atmosphere," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"About 91% of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases and 31% of human emissions of carbon dioxide are stored in the ocean, shielding humans from even more rapid changes in climate."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-heat-stress-nbsp">Unprecedented heat stress&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While the heat absorption capacity of the ocean helps to slow the pace of climate change, it is not without costs, noted study co-author Matthew England, a professor at the UNSW Centre for Marine Science and Innovation.</p>



<p>“The world ocean, in 2023, is now the hottest ever recorded, and sea levels are rising because heat causes water to expand and ice to melt,” said Professor England. “Ecosystems are also experiencing unprecedented heat stress, and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are changing rapidly, and the costs are enormous.”</p>



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



<p>“Right now, the ocean is warming at a dramatically accelerating rate, nearly doubling during the 2010s relative to the 1990s,” said study lead author Dr. Zhi Li. “What we wanted to do in this study was to figure out exactly where this ocean heat uptake has been occurring.”</p>



<p>The researchers investigated the locations of intense ocean heat uptake using a comprehensive set of ocean temperature data - from 1950s ship-based measurements to contemporary readings from the Argo float program.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-southern-ocean-nbsp">The Southern Ocean&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The analysis revealed that while ocean warming is happening on a global scale, the Southern Ocean stands out by storing almost as much excess anthropogenic heat as the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans combined.</p>



<p>This variability in regional ocean warming, with hotspots notably in the Southern Ocean within the 300 – 1500 meters depth range, has significant implications.</p>



<p>“Melting ice caps, extreme weather, and marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, are all highly sensitive to ocean temperature changes,” said study co-author Dr. Sjoerd Groeskamp from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research. “It is critical we understand exactly how and where the ocean warms – both now and into the future.”</p>



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



<p>The research highlights an urgent need for enhanced global ocean monitoring, particularly in remote and critical areas like polar and subtropical seas, to improve predictions related to sea-level rise and marine ecosystem impacts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers are urging for immediate international action, emphasizing that net zero carbon targets need to move from pledges to reality to curb the damage from escalating ocean warming. “Without any action, these net zero pledges are just meaningless,” said Dr. Groeskamp.</p>



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



<p>Ocean warming refers to the increase in temperature of the Earth's oceans, which is a direct result of climate change. The oceans absorb much of the increased heat caused by rising atmospheric temperatures due to the greenhouse gas emissions. This has several consequences:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thermal-expansion">Thermal expansion</h3>



<p>As water heats up, it expands. This contributes to sea level rise, which can lead to coastal flooding and erosion.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-ice">Melting ice</h3>



<p>Warmer oceans contribute to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, which also adds to sea level rise.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-bleaching">Coral bleaching</h3>



<p>Increased temperatures can cause stress to coral reefs, leading to coral bleaching and the potential death of these ecosystems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disruption-of-marine-life">Disruption of marine life</h3>



<p>Many marine species are sensitive to temperature and may migrate to cooler areas, altering marine ecosystems and the distribution of life in the ocean.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-patterns">Weather patterns</h3>



<p>Warmer oceans affect global and regional climate patterns, including the strength and frequency of tropical storms.</p>



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



<p>While not a direct result of ocean warming, the process of oceans absorbing more CO2 leads to acidification, which is exacerbated by the overall climate change effects.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deoxygenation">Deoxygenation</h3>



<p>Warmer water holds less oxygen, leading to areas where there is not enough oxygen to support marine life, known as "dead zones."</p>



<p>These changes pose significant risks to global weather patterns, marine life, and communities that depend on the ocean for their livelihoods. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mitigation strategies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study led by UNSW Sydney researchers highlights a crucial and urgent need for concerted global efforts to reduce ocean warming. Mitigation strategies are multidimensional and involve both reducing the sources of warming and enhancing the ocean's resilience. Here's an overview of such efforts:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Reducing greenhouse gas emissions</h3>



<p>The primary driver of ocean warming is the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Cutting emissions by transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting cleaner transport options can significantly slow the rate of ocean warming.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">International climate agreements</h3>



<p>Upholding and strengthening international commitments, such as the Paris Agreement, where nations pledge to limit global temperature rise, is vital. Every fraction of a degree in temperature reduction can result in less ocean warming.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Protecting marine ecosystems&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Healthy marine ecosystems can absorb and store carbon more effectively. Protecting areas like mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs can aid in regulating the ocean's temperature and acidity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Research and monitoring</h3>



<p>Investment in oceanic research, like the deployment of Argo floats mentioned in the study, is essential to monitor changes and predict future warming patterns. This knowledge can inform targeted conservation efforts and efficient management of marine resources.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sustainable fisheries</h3>



<p>Overfishing can disrupt the marine food web, affecting the ocean's ability to regulate climate. Sustainable fishing practices help maintain this balance.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42468-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a><em>. </em></p>



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Ocean warming has nearly doubled in the last decade

The world’s oceans, often referred to as the "climate’s heat...

<p>In an ambitious move to understand the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/">climate change</a> on some of the world's most vulnerable environments, an international research project has been launched to study the potential for low-lying coral atoll islands to withstand rising sea levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-islands-on-the-front-lines">Islands on the front lines</h2>



<p>The <a href="http://arise-project.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ARISE project</a>, financed by UK Research and Innovation's Horizon Europe Guarantee programme, has set its sights on the coral islands scattered across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. </p>



<p>Often regarded as the front lines in the battle against climate change, these islands have been previously deemed likely to become uninhabitable by the mid-21st century, based on existing hydrodynamic models.</p>



<p>The initiative will be led by the <a href="https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Plymouth</a>'s Coastal Processes Research Group, renowned for challenging the narrative of inevitable island submersion.</p>



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



<p>Gerd Masselink, professor of Coastal Geomorphology at the University of Plymouth, is the project’s principal investigator.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The rise in sea levels as a result of climate change is going to place many coastal communities under threat. Within that, it has largely been assumed that these coral atoll islands could just disappear," said Professor Masselink.</p>



<p>"Our previous research has suggested that is not a foregone conclusion, and this project will establish the processes at play and as well as supporting the communities that call these islands home by identifying and evaluating adaptation strategies.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rigorous-fieldwork-nbsp">Rigorous fieldwork&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Starting in January 2024, the five-year ARISE project will conduct rigorous fieldwork in the Maldives and the Pacific, employing cutting-edge coastal process research tools and autonomous survey equipment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A complementary component will take place in the Delta Flume at Deltares in the Netherlands, where researchers will perform laboratory experiments to examine the islands' resilience and their reaction to overwashing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-datasets-nbsp">Extensive datasets&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This research initiative is designed not only to observe but to act, with teams ready to analyze atoll island systems' responses to extreme events such as cyclones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By generating extensive datasets, the team aims to develop a suite of numerical models to predict both immediate and long-range responses of these islands to the threats posed by sea level rise.</p>



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



<p>Working with local governments and institutions like the Maldives Government, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, and the Maldives National University, the project will prioritize community engagement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This partnership strives to empower island nations with adaptive strategies for continued habitation, merging Indigenous knowledge with scientific insights.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-of-atoll-islands-nbsp">Survival of atoll islands&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Atoll islands have been created over hundreds to thousands of years by ocean waves, and their future is intrinsically connected to it. The ecology of the reefs they sit on is also under threat, but their survival is critically important to the island’s survival," said Professor Masselink.</p>



<p>"The big question is whether all of that can keep up with sea level rise, and answering that is crucial for both the islands and the people who live on them.”</p>



<p>In addition to academics and technicians from the Coastal Processes Research Group, and a number of international partners, the project has recruited six PhD candidates. Together, they will delve into the numerous processes affecting the islands' viability and investigate adaptive measures.</p>



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ARISE project: Will coral islands survive rising sea levels?

In an ambitious move to understand the impact of climate...

<p>Since the dawn of the modern era around 1500 C.E., human activities have escalated the concentration of mercury in our atmosphere by a staggering sevenfold.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These alarming findings are the result of a study from the Harvard <a href="https://seas.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences</a> (SEAS).</p>



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



<p>The research team, led by Professor Elsie M. Sunderland, developed a new method to accurately estimate how much mercury is emitted annually from volcanos, the largest single natural emitter of mercury.</p>



<p>The new technique combined an accurate estimation of volcanic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mercury-pollution-rules-reinstated-under-president-biden/">mercury emissions</a> with a computer model. This integration was crucial to reconstruct the atmospheric mercury levels before the influence of human activities.</p>



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



<p>Prior to human intervention in the natural cycle, the atmosphere contained approximately 580 megagrams of mercury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet, by 2015, other independent studies assessing all available atmospheric data revealed that mercury content had soared to around 4,000 Mg. This sharp rise, almost seven times the natural baseline, is attributed to human-induced sources.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Emissions from coal-powered plants, industrial activities, waste incineration, and mining operations are the primary culprits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-baseline-goal">Baseline goal</h2>



<p>"Methylmercury is a potent neurotoxicant that bioaccumulates in fish and other organisms - including us,” said Professor Sunderland.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Understanding the natural mercury cycle driven by volcanic emissions sets a baseline goal for policies aimed at reducing mercury emissions and allows us to understand the full impact of human activities on the environment.”</p>



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



<p>However, despite mercury's profound influence on human health, its atmospheric presence is minuscule. Detecting even a nanogram of mercury in a cubic meter of air via satellite is practically impossible.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers needed to use another chemical emitted in tandem&nbsp;as a proxy. They focused on sulfur dioxide, a major component of volcanic emissions.</p>



<p>“The nice thing about sulfur dioxide is that it’s really easy to see using satellites,” said study first author Benjamin Geyman. “Using sulfur dioxide as a proxy for mercury allows us to understand where and when volcanic mercury emissions are occurring.”</p>



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



<p>Using mercury-to-sulfur dioxide ratios found in volcanic gas clouds, the team estimated the levels originating from volcanic outbursts. Subsequent application of the GEOS-Chem atmospheric model showed the dispersion of volcanic mercury on a global scale.</p>



<p>The study revealed that, despite mercury's capability to integrate into the atmosphere and traverse vast distances, volcanic discharges only account for a minuscule fraction of ground level concentrations in most global regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, specific regions, namely South America, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific's Ring of Fire, manifest higher levels of volcanic mercury emissions, complicating the tracking of human-induced contributions.</p>



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



<p>“In Boston, we can do our local monitoring and we don’t have to think about whether it was a big volcano year or a small volcano year,” said Geyman. “But in a place like Hawaii, you’ve got a big source of natural mercury that is highly variable over time."</p>



<p>"This map helps us understand where volcanos are important and where they aren’t, which is really useful for understanding the impact of humans on long-term mercury trends in fish, in the air and in the ocean. It’s important to be able to correct for natural variability in the volcanic influence in places where we think that influence may not be negligible.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2023GL104667" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Geophysical Research Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Human-driven mercury emissions have skyrocketed

Since the dawn of the modern era around 1500 C.E.,...

<p>The widely accepted notion that freshwater lakes warm up as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-struggling-to-maintain-oxygen-as-temperatures-rise/">temperatures</a> rise may be false. Surprisingly, not all lakes conform to this general trend, according to a new study led by the Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology of the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a>.</p>



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



<p>For the investigation, an international team of researchers sampled 345 lakes across 12 countries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The goal was to uncover the underlying factors determining how temperate lakes react to atmospheric warming. The primary focus was on lakes in the United States and Europe.</p>



<p>"Atmospheric warming heats lakes, but the causes of variation among basins are poorly understood," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-response-to-atmospheric-warming-nbsp">Response to atmospheric warming&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One of the most intriguing discoveries was that the surface and deep waters of these lakes did not have a uniform response to atmospheric warming. In fact, surface water temperatures rose more rapidly compared to their deeper counterparts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, multi-decadal trends in the relationship between air temperature and water temperature often diverged or even showed an opposite trend for individual lakes, noted the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-divergent-temperature-changes-nbsp">Divergent temperature changes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team identified a combination of factors such as local climate, land cover, geomorphology, and water transparency that played pivotal roles in explaining these divergent temperature changes between water and air.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lakes that were clear, cold, and deep, particularly those located at higher elevations and amidst natural land use, showed the most pronounced reactions to atmospheric warming.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrient-pollution-nbsp">Nutrient pollution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In an interesting twist, lakes that suffered from nutrient pollution, often signified by green algae cover, displayed diminished sensitivity to global warming compared to clear, less polluted lakes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Since the nutrients in green surface waters can act as a shade, [they keep] the deep waters cool," said study first author Dr. ZHOU Jian.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-progressively-less-responsive-nbsp">Progressively less responsive&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Another noteworthy finding was that as the atmosphere's temperature rises, lakes become progressively less responsive to these changes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"As lakes warm up, they start to lose water by evaporation and this acts to cool them off. Just like we sweat to cool off, lakes 'sweat' by evaporating water to get rid of excess heat," explained study co-author Professor SHI Kun.</p>



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



<p>The broader implications of these findings are pivotal for environmental policies. The study emphasizes the necessity of recognizing the diverse ways in which lakes respond to climate warming, especially when crafting adaptation and mitigation strategies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Lake management practices need to consider where lakes are, what they are surrounded by, and how sensitive they are to unique and interactive effects of climate change and human activities," said study co-author Professor QIN Boqiang.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lakes-and-global-warming-nbsp">Lakes and global warming&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Lakes are vital barometers of the broader impacts of climate change. Their health and stability are intricately linked with the health of surrounding ecosystems and communities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lakes are heavily influenced by global warming, leading to a variety of environmental impacts.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-rise">Temperature rise</h3>



<p>As global temperatures increase, lake surface temperatures also rise. This warming can lead to changes in water stratification, with warm water staying at the top and cooler water at the bottom, affecting aquatic life.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cover">Ice cover</h3>



<p>In colder regions, many lakes form ice covers in winter. With global warming, the duration of this ice cover is reduced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A lack of ice can cause changes in the seasonal cycles of lakes. Reduced ice cover can also lead to increased evaporation, affecting lake water levels.</p>



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



<p>Warmer water temperatures change the species composition of lakes. Some species might thrive, while others might struggle or even disappear. Invasive species that prefer warmer waters may also become more prevalent.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-algal-blooms">Algal blooms</h3>



<p>Increased temperatures, combined with nutrient pollution (from agricultural runoff, for instance), can promote the growth of harmful algal blooms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These blooms produce toxins that are harmful to aquatic life and humans and can lead to dead zones in lakes where oxygen levels are too low for most organisms to survive.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alteration-in-food-webs">Alteration in food webs</h3>



<p>Temperature changes can disrupt the balance of different organisms in a lake. For example, if one species reproduces earlier because of the temperature, it can affect the species that rely on it for food.</p>



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



<p>Apart from the effects of reduced ice cover leading to evaporation, global warming can alter rainfall patterns. Some lakes might experience reduced water levels due to decreased rainfall, while others could be at risk of flooding.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-storage">Carbon storage</h3>



<p>Lakes act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon. However, increasing temperatures and changes in vegetation around lakes alter the amount of carbon they can store and the rate at which they release carbon back into the atmosphere.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-quality">Water quality</h3>



<p>Increasing temperatures can reduce the oxygen levels in lakes, affecting water quality. Warmer waters are also more conducive to the growth of pathogens, potentially impacting both aquatic life and human health.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42262-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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How some lakes resist the heat of atmospheric warming

The widely accepted notion that freshwater lakes warm up as...

<p>A recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40168-023-01662-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Microbiome</em></a> has revealed that plastic debris found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/concerning-levels-of-bee-harming-pesticides-discovered-in-english-rivers/">rivers</a> might be hosting potentially harmful microbes and could also act as carriers for antimicrobial resistance genes. This discovery sheds new light on environmental and health-related concerns arising from plastic pollution in water bodies.</p>



<p>The research was conducted by a team of scientists, including Vinko Zadjelovic, Elizabeth Wellington, and Joseph Christie-Oleza.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>"The widespread nature of plastic pollution has given rise to wide scientific and social concern regarding the capacity of these materials to serve as vectors for pathogenic bacteria and reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance genes," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team investigated the microbial communities growing on the surface of low-density polyethylene plastic films that were submerged in the River Sowe. This river is located one kilometer downstream from a wastewater treatment plant.</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 two sets of plastic samples: new plastics and those that had undergone heating in an oven for six months, simulating the wear and tear plastics go through in nature.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition, a control surface was introduced, comprising wooden sticks that were submerged in the same river for seven days.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team compared microbial communities found on the plastic samples with those on the wood, and also with microorganisms extracted from river water samples.</p>



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



<p>The researchers found that all three - plastic, wood, and water samples - did host potentially harmful microbes. However, the variety of pathogens found on plastic and wood differed from those in the water.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Specifically, plastic and wood samples had "opportunistic" bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter, and Aeromonas, which could be especially harmful for those with weakened immune systems. By contrast, water samples contained potential human pathogens like Escherichia, Salmonella, Klebsiella, and Streptococcus.</p>



<p>While antimicrobial resistance genes were present in all types of samples, the resistance types varied between the plastics, woods, and water.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilitating-microbial-growth-nbsp">Facilitating microbial growth&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A noteworthy observation was the prevalence of P. aeruginosa on degraded plastics. This bacterium is known for causing infections, especially in hospital environments. The researchers theorize that as plastics degrade, they might release higher organic compounds that facilitate microbial growth, compared to new plastics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, the degraded plastic samples had a greater proportion of antimicrobial resistance genes compared to their newer counterparts, though the exact reasons remain elusive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed-nbsp-nbsp">Further research is needed&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Given these findings, the research team has emphasized the need for further investigation. They want to explore the risks associated with plastic pollution, particularly the potential threats to human health and the propagation of antimicrobial resistance genes in our ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research serves as a reminder of the intricate ways in which human-made materials can interact with the natural environment, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences.</p>



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



<p>"Our results provide insights into the capacity of the riverine plastisphere to harbor a distinct set of potentially pathogenic bacteria and function as a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The environmental impact that plastics pose if they act as a reservoir for either pathogenic bacteria or antimicrobial resistance genes is aggravated by the persistence of plastics in the environment due to their recalcitrance and buoyancy."</p>



<p>"Nevertheless, the high similarities with microbiomes growing on natural co-occurring materials and even more worrisome microbiome observed in the surrounding water highlights the urgent need to integrate the analysis of all environmental compartments when assessing risks and exposure to pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes in anthropogenically-impacted ecosystems."</p>



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River plastics may harbor antimicrobial resistance genes

A recent study published in the journal Microbiome has revealed...

<p>A new study reveals that Australasia - including Australia, New Zealand and nearby islands - may be on the brink of a pollination crisis. The research from <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macquarie University highlights</a> the urgent need for intervention to prevent devastating repercussions on biodiversity and food security in the region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-research-nbsp">Lack of research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers sifted through thousands of global research papers on the decline of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-african-daisy-creates-fake-flies-to-attract-pollinators/">pollinators</a> due to human activities. They discovered that even though a minuscule fraction mentioned Australasia, the same factors causing pollinator decline in the northern hemisphere are also prevalent in this region.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Europe and North America's research pointed out threats such as natural habitat loss, climate change, pesticide usage, the spread of pathogens, and the introduction of new species, all contributing to the decline of animals, including birds and insects, that serve as pollinators, and consequently, the plants they pollinate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insect-apocalypse-nbsp">Insect apocalypse&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“At first glance it seems Australasia has dodged a bullet and missed the so-called insect apocalypse and other declines in pollinators," said Honorary Professor Graham Pyke.</p>



<p>However, despite the scarcity of relevant research in Australasia, Professor Pyke’s team unearthed grave environmental threats to local pollinators, suggesting that the region's pollination crisis has been overlooked.</p>



<p>“The same environmental threats to plants and their pollinators are happening in this region – but we haven’t been monitoring their impact," said Professor Pyke.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollination-crisis-nbsp">Pollination crisis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Pollination crises occur when there's a significant decline, even to the point of extinction, of animals that act as pollinators and the plants they pollinate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is not a trivial issue,” said Professor Pyke. “In Australia, we estimate 15,000 animal species act as plant pollinators. Declines in these pollinator species will cascade through to the estimated 20,000 species of flowering plants in Australia that rely on or benefit from animal pollination to reproduce."</p>



<p>“This includes many food plants such as most fruits and many vegetables, ranging from tomatoes and beans to coffee, strawberries, canola and even cacao – essential for chocolate, which rely partially or totally on animal pollination.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-work-is-needed">Extensive work is needed</h2>



<p>To gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation and plan subsequent interventions, Professor Pyke highlighted the need for collecting detailed taxonomic data on Australasian flora and fauna.</p>



<p>Study co-author Dr. Kit Prendergast, adjunct researcher at Curtin University, noted that neglecting to conserve local indigenous pollinators exacerbates the pollination crisis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-investment-nbsp">Lack of investment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The introduced European honeybee, although instrumental in pollinating some crops in Australia, competes with native bees and can disrupt established pollination systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There are currently 1,660 native bee species which are described, and hundreds more that remain undescribed," said Dr. Prendergast. "The investment into these bees is vastly overshadowed by the investment into the introduced honeybee."</p>



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



<p>Study co-author Professor Zong-Xin Ren from the Chinese Academy of Sciences plans to extend the study to include China and other parts of Asia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts say that the region needs to step up its game in monitoring and improving conditions for pollinators to prevent widespread impacts on food security.</p>



<p>“Neglecting the pollination crisis in Australasia could reverberate globally, and even jeopardise biodiversity and food supply,” said Professor Pyke.<br></p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em>Ecology and Evolution</em>.</p>



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Insect apocalypse: Australasia is facing a hidden pollination crisis

A new study reveals that Australasia - including Australia, New...

<p>Deforestation in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/">Amazon</a> is heating up land surfaces as far as 100 kilometers away, according to a new study led by Dr. Edward Butt at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/">University of Leeds</a>.</p>



<p>The research highlights the pivotal role tropical forests play in land surface cooling, an effect observed over significant distances.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-amazon-deforestation">Studying Amazon deforestation</h2>



<p>While it has been previously recognized that clearing tropical forests leads to immediate climate warming in the vicinity, the researchers wanted to investigate the climate impact of Amazon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a> in more distant regions. </p>



<p>The study specifically gauged the climate effects in areas up to 100 kilometers from the deforestation sites.</p>



<p>Dr. Butt emphasized the urgent need to understand the impact of Amazon's forest loss.</p>



<p>“The world is getting warmer as a result of climate change. It is important that we understand how deforestation of the Amazon ecosystem is contributing to climate warming," said Dr. Butt. "If deforestation is warming surrounding regions, this would have big implications for people living in those areas."</p>



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



<p>The experts integrated satellite data to track land surface temperature changes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brazilian-amazon-crisis-deforestation-is-escalating-in-indigenous-territories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon forest loss</a> from 2001 to 2020. </p>



<p>With data from 3.7 million locations across the Amazon basin, the researchers compared warming that had occurred over regions with varying amounts of local and regional deforestation.</p>



<p>For clarity, the scientists categorized deforestation within two kilometers of a data point as "local." Beyond this, land up to 100 kilometers away, was deemed "regional."</p>



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



<p>The data revealed that in zones with minimal local and regional deforestation, the average land temperature change from 2001 to 2021 was just 0.3°C.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By contrast, areas subjected to both local and regional deforestation witnessed an average temperature surge of 4.4°C.</p>



<p>“The regional warming due to Amazon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-linked-to-irreversible-transition-in-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a> will have negative consequences for the 30 million people living within the Amazon basin, many of whom are already exposed to dangerous levels of heat," wrote the study authors. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-warming-scenarios">Potential warming scenarios</h2>



<p>The team also projected the potential warming of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/rio-negro-is-shrinking-as-drought-strikes-the-brazilian-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brazilian Amazon</a> in the next 30 years based on two scenarios of future deforestation. </p>



<p>In the first scenario, the Forest Code is ignored and protected areas not safeguarded. The second scenario anticipates some level of forest protection.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings suggest that in Mato Grosso state, located in the southern Amazon where forest loss is rampant, reducing deforestation could mitigate future warming by over 0.5°C.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-deforestation-implications">Amazon deforestation implications </h2>



<p>“It is well known that protecting tropical forests is crucial in the fight against global climate change. Our work shows that protecting forests will also have big benefits at a local, regional and national scale," said Professor Dominick Spracklen from the University of Leeds.</p>



<p>“We show that reducing deforestation would reduce future warming across the southern Amazon. This would benefit people living across the region through reducing heat stress and reducing the negative impacts on agriculture.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Study co-author Dr. Celso von Randow is a researcher from the Brazilian <a href="https://www.gov.br/inpe/pt-br" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute for Space Research</a>.</p>



<p>“In Brazil, studies on the importance of conserving forests for carbon storage are common, but we still lack studies on their biophysical effects. This is important because the Amazon is warming rapidly due to climate change, and now exacerbated by deforestation," said Dr. von Randow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“New efforts to control deforestation across the Brazilian Amazon have been successful and deforestation rates have declined over the last year, and now we see benefits of possibly reducing the warming affecting people living in this region. Recognizing such benefits will hopefully result in more widespread support for continued efforts to reduce deforestation and protect forests.” </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2309123120"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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Amazon deforestation has far-reaching impacts

Deforestation in the Amazon is heating up land surfaces as...

<p>A study led by researchers at <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a> reveals that if immediate measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions are not taken, the world is on track for 1.5°C of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/">warming</a> before 2030. </p>



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



<p>The research is the most recent and detailed analysis of the global carbon budget. The carbon budget is essentially an estimate of how much carbon dioxide we can emit while still limiting global warming to specific temperature increases.</p>



<p>The Paris Agreement, an international treaty signed by 196 countries, established a goal of capping the global temperature rise to well below 2°C above preindustrial levels. The greater goal is to limit this temperature increase to 1.5°C. Progress on these targets is often measured using the remaining carbon budget.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dwindling-carbon-budget-nbsp">Dwindling carbon budget&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Imperial study has discovered that the carbon budget is significantly smaller than prior estimates. The researchers estimate that for a 50% chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C, there are less than 250 gigatons of carbon dioxide left in the global carbon budget.</p>



<p>The experts warn that if carbon dioxide emissions remain at 2022 levels of about 40 billion gigatons per year, the carbon budget will be exhausted by around 2029, committing the world to warming of 1.5°C above preindustrial levels.</p>



<p>This dwindling carbon budget is attributed to two main factors: the relentless rise in global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels, and a refined understanding of the cooling effect of aerosols, which has been decreasing globally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-are-not-doing-enough">We are not doing enough</h2>



<p>Dr Robin Lamboll, the study's lead author, highlighted the severity of the situation. “Our finding confirms what we already know – we’re not doing nearly enough to keep warming below 1.5°C."</p>



<p>“The remaining budget is now so small that minor changes in our understanding of the world can result in large proportional changes to the budget. However, estimates point to less than a decade of emissions at current levels."</p>



<p>"The lack of progress on emissions reduction means that we can be ever more certain that the window for keeping warming to safe levels is rapidly closing."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-un-climate-report">UN Climate Report</h2>



<p>Dr Joeri Rogelj, a professor of Climate Science &amp; Policy at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, noted that these findings align with the UN Climate Report from 2021.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“That report from 2021 already highlighted that there was a one in three chance that the remaining carbon budget for 1.5°C could be as small as our study now reports," said Dr. Rogelj.</p>



<p>“This shows the importance of not simply looking at central estimates, but also considering the uncertainty surrounding them.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-definitive-answers">Definitive answers</h2>



<p>For those wondering about the 2°C target, the study estimates the carbon budget for that is around 1,200 gigatons. Without intervention, this budget could be expended by 2046.</p>



<p>While there's been debate about the precise remaining carbon budget due to various influencing factors, this research is more definitive. The experts used advanced climate modeling to address uncertainties, which means their estimates more reliable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-net-zero">Net zero</h2>



<p>One of the key takeaways is the concept of net zero, which refers to balancing out emissions produced with those removed from the atmosphere. The study suggests there's a lot we don’t know about how the climate will react as we approach net zero.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, while factors like melting ice might cause further warming, increased vegetation growth could absorb significant carbon dioxide, leading to a cooling effect.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Lamboll said these uncertainties further highlight the urgent need to rapidly cut emissions. “At this stage, our best guess is that the opposing warming and cooling will approximately cancel each other out after we reach net zero."</p>



<p>“However, it’s only when we only when we cut emissions and get closer to net zero that we will be able to see what the longer-term heating and cooling adjustments will look like."</p>



<p>“Every fraction of a degree of warming will make life harder for people and ecosystems. This study is yet another warning from the scientific community. Now it is up to governments to act.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01848-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Climate Change</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Window to avoid 1.5°C warming is nearly closed, study reveals

A study led by researchers at Imperial College London reveals...

<p>A new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.066017"><em>Circulation</em></a> has found that cardiovascular fatalities attributed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-reality-extreme-heat-worsens-cognitive-decline/">extreme heat</a> in the United States are on a trajectory to potentially more than double by the mid-21st century.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Climate change and its many manifestations will play an increasingly important role on the health of communities around the world in the coming decades,” said lead author Sameed Khatana, an assistant professor of Medicine at the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu/">University of Pennsylvania</a> and a staff cardiologist at the <a href="https://www.va.gov/philadelphia-health-care/">Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Climate change is also a health equity issue as it will impact certain individuals and populations to a disproportionate degree and may exacerbate preexisting health disparities in the U.S.”</p>



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



<p>By employing county-level data from 2008-2017, the experts established a correlation between increased extreme heat days and cardiovascular deaths.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This analysis set the stage for projections into the future, incorporating anticipated demographic changes and greenhouse gas emissions scenarios.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The investigations revealed a 162 percent increase in excess cardiovascular deaths due to extreme heat by 2036-2065, even if proposed emissions reductions are achieved. Without these reductions, the increase could reach 233 percent.</p>



<p>The key findings of the study include:</p>



<ul>
<li>From 2008 to 2019, extreme heat was linked to an average of 1,651 additional cardiovascular deaths annually.</li>



<li>A projected 162 percent increase in excess cardiovascular deaths due to extreme heat is expected by mid-century, even with proposed greenhouse gas emissions reductions.</li>



<li>If greenhouse gas emissions reductions are not implemented, the increase in excess cardiovascular deaths could reach 233 percent.</li>



<li>Adults aged 65 and older may face a 2.9 to 3.5 times greater increase in heat-related cardiovascular deaths compared to adults aged 20-64.</li>



<li>Non-Hispanic Black adults are projected to experience a 3.8 to 4.6 times greater increase in cardiovascular deaths due to extreme heat compared to non-Hispanic white adults.</li>



<li>Projected increases in deaths due to extreme heat were not significantly different among adults in other racial or ethnic groups, or between men and women.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multifaceted-issue">Multifaceted issue</h2>



<p>“The magnitude of the percent increase was surprising. This increase accounts for not only the known association between cardiovascular deaths and extreme heat, but it is also impacted by the population getting older and the proportionate increases in the number of people from other races and/or ethnicities in the U.S.,” Khatana explained, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the issue.</p>



<p>Study co-author Robert Brook from <a href="https://www.med.wayne.edu/">Wayne State University School of Medicine</a> echoed these concerns and emphasized the urgent need for action. “Even under the more optimistic moderate scenario of this study, greenhouse gas emissions will increase for some time before tapering down. Moreover, most of the pollutants persist in the atmosphere for numerous years, and as such, the long-term trend is for significant increases in the frequency of extreme heat events despite near-term actions.”</p>



<p>“In conjunction with the growth of more susceptible and vulnerable populations - aging adults and people relocating to warmer locations - heat-related cardiovascular disease deaths are expected to increase over the coming decades. Nevertheless, the study shows that the magnitude of adverse cardiovascular disease effects may be somewhat mitigated by taking earlier action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underestimated-projections-nbsp">Underestimated projections&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As Brook further explained, although such projections are alarming, they are most likely underestimations of what may actually happen. “The projections of this study focus on cardiovascular disease deaths, and, therefore, they represent conservative estimations of the adverse effects on cardiovascular health due to extreme heat,” he said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Nonfatal heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure hospitalizations outnumber fatal events and are also highly likely to be linked with extreme heat days. The full extent of the public health threat, even just due to cardiovascular death, is likely much greater than presented in this study. “</p>



<p>The forecasts bring to light the potential of infrastructural changes, like enhancing greenery in communities, to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on individuals in the U.S. While certain European studies provide some evidence supporting this approach, there is a noticeable gap in similar research within the United States.</p>



<p>Finally, Brook also stressed the role of pollution linked to extreme heat. “Fine particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) causes more than 6 million deaths per year. This study adds to the evidence that the full extent of the harmful effects posed by air pollutants extends beyond PM2.5. By substantially increasing extreme heat days, greenhouse air pollutants pose yet further threats to our well-being,” he concluded.</p>



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Heat-related cardiovascular deaths may double in the coming decades

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

<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>



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>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>



<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>



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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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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