<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>



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



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Lightning will ignite even more wildfires as the climate heats up

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

<p>The global goal to protect and restore forests by 2030 is veering off course, and the speed at which deforestation is occurring has intensified at an alarming rate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Two new reports, the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/publications/forest-pathways-report-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Pathways 2023</a> by WWF and the Forest Declaration Assessment, have shed light on the urgency of this situation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sobering-reality">Sobering reality</h2>



<p>Two years ago, over 130 countries (representing 85% of the planet's forests) made a pledge to halt and reverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brazilian-amazon-crisis-deforestation-is-escalating-in-indigenous-territories/">deforestation</a> by 2030. However, the world is not on a path to achieve this target.</p>



<p>To put the current situation into perspective, the planet has lost 16.3 million acres of forest. A staggering 96% of this deforestation occurred in tropical regions, except for Tropical Asia, which stands as the only beacon of hope nearing zero deforestation. The primary loss of tropical forest stood at 10.1 million acres in 2022 alone.</p>



<p>The consequences of such extensive deforestation can be catastrophic for our global climate, especially considering the significant roles played by the planet's three largest tropical forest basins: the Amazon, Congo, and Asia-Pacific.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-is-of-the-essence">Time is of the essence</h2>



<p>Despite these bleak statistics, there is a silver lining, according to Kerry Cesareo, senior vice president for forests at WWF.</p>



<p>"If we're serious about ensuring a future for forests - and halting the biodiversity and climate crises - time is of the essence," said Cesareo. "While the numbers are stark, we know what we need to do. And the Forest Pathways report provides tangible guidance for decision-makers, from governments to financial institutions to private sector actors."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangible-solutions-nbsp">Tangible solutions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Forest Pathways report presents tangible solutions for diverse stakeholders, ranging from governments to private sectors.</p>



<p>One of the significant concerns addressed in the report is the financing channeled towards forests. A mere $2.2 billion in public funds are allocated for forests annually, which is a fraction of other global investments.</p>



<p>According to WWF, at least 100 times more public funding goes to environmentally harmful subsidies than financing to help forests.</p>



<p>Furthermore, indigenous communities, despite proving to manage forests better, are not receiving the necessary resources to safeguard their rights and their lands.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-essential-measures-in-the-forest-report">Essential measures in the forest report</h2>



<p>The Forest Pathways report is not just about highlighting the problems. It offers a blueprint to rescue our forests by 2030. The essential measures that are outlined in the report include:</p>



<ul>
<li>Ending investments and subsidies that harm forests, such as the agricultural subsidies causing the loss of 5.4 million acres annually.</li>



<li>Overhauling global trade rules that are detrimental to forests and ensuring forest-friendly goods face no barriers.</li>



<li>Swift recognition of land rights for Indigenous peoples.</li>



<li>Transitioning toward nature-based economies.</li>
</ul>



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



<p>In addition, the report highlights specific global efforts, like the Amazon Region Protected Areas (ARPA) program in Brazil and WWF's Forests Forward program, that are making strides against deforestation.</p>



<p>WWF's message is clear: it's time for governments and businesses to take meaningful action. This includes endorsing acts like the FOREST Act and enforcing the Lacey Act in the United States.</p>



<p>Forests lie at the very core of WWF's mission. Their endeavors range from supporting the establishment of protected zones to promoting forest sustainability. Alongside local and global allies, WWF is tirelessly working to halt deforestation and breathe life back into our forests.</p>



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We are off track to save our forests, but there's still time: WWF report

The global goal to protect and restore forests by 2030...

<p>In a breakthrough study, researchers at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/">NC State</a> have genetically engineered a marine microorganism to break down plastics in salt water, specifically targeting PET (polyethylene terephthalate).&nbsp;</p>



<p>PET is a significant contributor to the growing issue of microplastic pollution in our oceans and is widely used in everyday products ranging from water bottles to clothing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pet-plastics-accumulation">PET plastics accumulation</h2>



<p>"Like other plastics, PET resists natural degradation, thus accumulating in the environment. Several recycling strategies have been applied to PET, but these tend to result in downcycled products that eventually end up in landfills," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This accumulation of landfilled PET waste contributes to the formation of microplastics, which pose a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems, and potentially to human health."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-study-pet-plastics">How to study PET plastics</h2>



<p>The research was focused on two specific bacteria species: Vibrio natriegens, which thrives in saltwater, and Ideonella sakaiensis, which produces enzymes that break down and metabolize PET. </p>



<p>The DNA from Ideonella sakaiensis was extracted and embedded into a plasmid, a form of genetic sequence that has the capability to replicate within a cell independently, without reliance on the cell's inherent chromosome.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This plasmid, now carrying the genes from I. sakaiensis, was introduced into the V. natriegens bacteria.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-results">Successful results</h2>



<p>As a result, V. natriegens began to produce the enzymes required to break down PET on the surfaces of their cells. The team demonstrated that V. natriegens could actively break down PET in saltwater conditions at ambient room temperatures.</p>



<p>"In this work, we present a collection of engineered Vn strains that can depolymerize PET particles under ambient conditions and in media containing high concentrations of salts," wrote the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pet-plastics-significance">PET plastics significance</h2>



<p>Study co-author Nathan Crook, a chemical and biomolecular engineer at North Carolina State University, highlighted the significance of the research.</p>



<p>"This is the first time anyone has reported successfully getting V. natriegens to express foreign enzymes on the surface of its cells," said Crook.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"From a practical standpoint, this is also the first genetically engineered organism that we know of that is capable of breaking down PET microplastics in saltwater," noted study lead author Tianyu Li.</p>



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



<p>While the researchers acknowledge that other challenges still need to be addressed, Crook said that breaking down the PET in saltwater was the most challenging part of their work.</p>



<p>"Microplastic detection, recovery, and remediation are highly complex problems requiring solutions at the intersection of multiple disciplines," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"This work establishes Vn as a promising chassis for expression and display of plastic-degradation enzymes, allowing it to be easily compatible with marine plastic recovery efforts."</p>



<p>The research is published in the <a href="https://aiche.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aic.18228"><em>AIChE Journal</em></a>, and was funded by the National Science Foundation.&nbsp;</p>



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Bacteria can break down PET plastics pollution in ocean water

In a breakthrough study, researchers at NC State have genetically...

<p>In a study led by <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>, a remotely operated underwater robot has shed new light on the circulation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-time-capsules-seawater-holds-secrets-of-ancient-earth/">seawater</a> beneath Antarctic ice shelves. </p>



<p>The research reveals that crevasses, which were previously understood as mere cracks in the ice, play a significant role in influencing the stability of these ice shelves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-icefin-robot">Icefin robot</h2>



<p>This groundbreaking research was made possible by the innovative Icefin robot, which managed to navigate up and down a crevasse at the base of the Ross Ice Shelf.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The expedition produced the very first 3D measurements of oceanic conditions near the coastline's grounding zone – a critical intersection where the ice meets the mainland.</p>



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



<p>The robotic survey has uncovered a previously unidentified circulation pattern. Specifically, a jet was found channeling water laterally through the crevasse. This was in addition to the recognized rising and sinking currents.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, the survey highlighted varied ice formations which have been shaped over time by shifting flows and temperature changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invaluable-insight-nbsp">Invaluable insight&nbsp;</h2>



<p>These discoveries will be invaluable in refining current models that predict the melting and freezing rates of ice shelves at grounding zones. Such zones, despite their significance in contributing to global sea-level rise, have rarely been directly observed.</p>



<p>"Crevasses move water along the coastline of an ice shelf to an extent previously unknown, and in a way models did not predict," explained Peter Washam, a polar oceanographer and research scientist at Cornell. "The ocean takes advantage of these features, and you can ventilate the ice shelf cavity through them."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grounding-zones">Grounding zones</h2>



<p>The Icefin vehicle is a slender robot of approximately 12 feet in length. In late 2019, the team deployed Icefin into a 1,900-foot borehole that had been drilled with hot water near the juncture of Antarctica’s largest ice shelf and the Kamb Ice Stream.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Grounding zones like these are instrumental in maintaining the equilibrium of ice sheets. They are also the most susceptible to the influences of changing oceanic conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-ice">Evolution of ice</h2>



<p>Matthew Meister, a senior research engineer, masterfully steered Icefin into one of five crevasses identified near the borehole during the team's third and final dive.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The robot, equipped with cameras, sonar, thrusters, and sensors for measuring salinity, water temperature, and pressure, managed to ascend nearly 150 feet up one side of the crevasse and descend the opposite side.</p>



<p>The images revealed the evolution of ice patterns as the crevasse tapered. Observations ranged from scalloped indentations transitioning into vertical runnels, to greenish marine ice and even stalactites.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The findings, according to Washam, emphasize the capacity of crevasses to transmit varying oceanic conditions, whether warmer or cooler, through the most fragile region of an ice shelf.</p>



<p>Funding for this monumental research came from Project RISE UP (Ross Ice Shelf and Europa Underwater Probe). The initiative falls under NASA’s Planetary Science and Technology from Analog Research program.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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New circulation pattern discovered beneath Antarctic ice shelves

In a study led by Cornell University, a remotely operated...

<p>The interplay between heat, carbon, and the broader climate is significantly influenced by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-can-more-accurately-predict-ocean-currents/">oceans</a>, which act as both a repository and a source of heat, mitigating the impacts of global warming and shaping climate patterns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, the ocean plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration, with currents distributing it throughout the marine ecosystem, where it is utilized by phytoplankton at the base of the marine food web, enhancing marine biodiversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, sequestering carbon in the ocean removes it from the atmosphere for extended periods, thus contributing to climate change mitigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-whirls-project-nbsp">The WHIRLS project&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Aiming to delve deeper into the finer details of these oceanic processes, the WHIRLS project, backed by a Synergy Grant from the European Research Council (ERC), is set to make significant advances in understanding of the oceans’ smaller circulation patterns known as “whirls.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“WHIRLS is basically about fine-scale processes having large-scale impacts,” explained project leader Arne Biastoch, a scientist at the <a href="https://www.geomar.de/en/">GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Whirls refer to processes on scales of less than 100 kilometers. This might still sound large, but such patterns are small in the context of the global ocean, and are currently poorly resolved in ocean observations and climate models.”</p>



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



<p>The project, set to receive almost 12 million Euros funding over six years, will leverage state-of-the-art observational tools, ranging from ship-based measurements to satellites, aiming for a three-dimensional, comprehensive understanding of oceanic processes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Agulhas Current System near South Africa, known for its dynamic nature and significant influence on regional and global climate, will be at the forefront of this research.</p>



<p>“The Agulhas system is not only unique in terms of its vigorous circulation, intense air-sea heat and carbon uptake and the particularly high productivity and diversity of its marine ecosystem,” said Sarah Fawcett, a biogeochemical oceanographer at the <a href="https://www.uct.ac.za/">University of Cape Town</a>. “It also plays a key role in the global ocean circulation and strongly influences regional and global climate.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-project-nbsp">Significance of the project&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Underlining the significance of WHIRLS, GEOMAR Director Dr. Katja Matthes has expressed her pride in the project’s coordination and the international collaboration it entails.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“GEOMAR is proud to coordinate WHIRLS as another project funded by an ERC Synergy Grant, and thus contribute to a better understanding of future changes in the ocean and the climate system. The funding underlines our leading role in cutting-edge research and recognises Arne Biastoch’s internationally renowned expertise in ocean and climate modeling," said Dr. Matthes.</p>



<p>"I am particularly pleased about the international cooperation that involves experts from four different countries on two continents. This impressively underlines the internationality of GEOMAR research. Congratulations to the four principal investigators.”</p>



<p>In conclusion, WHIRLS stands poised to unravel the complexities of the ocean’s influence on our climate, contributing to global scientific priorities and the pursuit of sustainable development.</p>



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WHIRLS: Small ocean swirls have big impacts

The interplay between heat, carbon, and the broader climate is...

<p>As climate change intensifies, so does the urgency to protect our planet's precious marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/">ecosystems</a>. An international team of experts has risen to the challenge by devising the first comprehensive framework for creating networks of marine protected areas (MPAs).</p>



<p>The goal of the research is to help protect vulnerable species amidst the pressures of climate change-induced habitat loss.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford</a> marine conservation scientist Nur Arafeh-Dalmau led this ambitious project, which involved 50 scientists and practitioners from agencies in the U.S., Mexico, and Australia.</p>



<p>Their proposed guidelines arrive at a time when nearly every country around the world has committed to protecting 30% of both land and sea by 2030.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>While marine protected areas, and their terrestrial counterparts, aim to connect habitats fractured by human interference and the unpredictable ravages of climate events like wildfires, there has a significant oversight.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Until now, marine protected areas have been designed for biodiversity conservation, but not necessarily for climate resilience,” said Arafeh-Dalmau. “They suffer from climate impacts but aren’t designed to endure them.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southern-california-bight-nbsp">Southern California Bight&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For a detailed case study, the team focused on the Southern California Bight. This region, marked by the gradual curve of California's coastline stretching into Baja California, Mexico, supports a rich ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Its giant kelp forests, vital to numerous commercially and culturally significant species, are under threat from marine heatwaves and reduced oxygen levels. These factors have already impacted critical fisheries, such as the jumbo squid and abalone, threatening local communities' livelihoods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-under-protected-waters">Under-protected waters</h2>



<p>While California boasts marine protected areas covering 16 percent of its state waters, with half being fully protected, Baja California's waters remain under-protected, with less than one percent prohibiting activities like fishing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, current MPA networks don't adequately account for species migration across U.S. and Mexico boundaries, leading to potential losses in conservation efforts.</p>



<p>“We designed a systematic approach to help resource managers stay ahead of the curve and anticipate rather than react to climate change,” said co-lead author Adrian Munguia Vega, a genomics researcher at The University of Arizona.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A big part of that is showing how entire marine ecosystems and the species that inhabit them are connected by ocean currents that do not stop at the international border. Thus, we need coordinated efforts and protections across political boundaries.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-marine-conservation">Redefining marine conservation</h2>



<p>The authors advocate for the integration of climate adaptations into the MPA planning process. By factoring in anticipated climate scenarios, conservationists can create more resilient protections against worsening marine conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition to habitat diversity, the researchers prioritized habitat persistence. These habitats, known as "climate refugia," can provide consistent relief for species faced with extreme thermal shocks.</p>



<p>“Climate extremes don’t stop at the boundary of a marine protected area,” said co-author Fiorenza Micheli, chair of the Oceans Department and co-director of the Center for Ocean Solutions. “If California’s network of marine protected areas had been designed with climate considerations, it would look different.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-potential-outcomes-nbsp">Alarming potential outcomes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For their study, the researchers analyzed satellite imagery spanning decades to gauge the persistence of giant kelp along the Southern California Bight. They discovered alarming potential outcomes: marine heatwaves in the upcoming five decades could drastically fragment suitable habitats for marine larvae.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As a result, ecological connectivity could plummet by 50 percent, with population densities witnessing a possible decline of up to 90 percent.</p>



<p>In a departure from conventional conservation strategies that focus on areas with maximum kelp species, the new framework prioritizes areas where kelp - and by extension, other marine life - has the highest survival likelihood.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stepping-stone-strategy-nbsp">Stepping stone strategy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts recommend a series of protected areas, or "stepping stones," that link isolated populations like beads of a necklace along the Southern California Bight.</p>



<p>“This stepping stone strategy can be very cost-effective and cheaper for everyone,” said Arafeh-Dalamu, who documented Mexico’s worst marine heat wave from 2014 to 2016.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Maybe you need fewer areas to be protected if you are protecting the important areas.” Plus, the collaboration between countries can strengthen research capacity, and ideally, diplomacy, noted Arafeh-Dalamu.</p>



<p>“We have the information and tools to design and implement marine conservation in a way that explicitly and proactively accounts for climate change,” said Micheli. “Now is the time to understand where we strategically invest in expanding and strengthening protection so these ecosystems have a future.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em>One Earth</em>.&nbsp;</p>



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Marine protected areas were not designed for climate resilience

As climate change intensifies, so does the urgency to protect...

<p>In an unprecedented move that marks a significant shift in the global health discourse, over 200 health journals worldwide have collectively published a seminal editorial. </p>



<p>This concerted effort urgently calls upon global leaders and health professionals to acknowledge and confront the intertwined nature of the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. This coalition of publications asserts that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-planet-faces-six-risk-tipping-points-with-irreversible-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">twin crises</a> constitute a single, immediate global health emergency that demands a unified and robust response.</p>



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



<p>This rare collaborative editorial underscores the grievous error of addressing climate change and biodiversity loss as isolated events. It emphasizes the urgency for the <a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> (WHO) to officially declare this intertwined crisis as a global health emergency. The scientists highlight the direct and devastating impacts of these environmental catastrophes on human health.</p>



<p>Featured in renowned journals such as The BMJ, The Lancet, JAMA, and several regional titles like the Medical Journal of Australia, the East African Medical Journal, the National Medical Journal of India, and Dubai Medical Journal, the editorial marks a milestone in a unified global health message.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerable-populations">Vulnerable populations</h2>



<p>The authors point out that the most impoverished and vulnerable populations often shoulder the heaviest burden. The editorial elaborates on global health threats magnified by climate change, including rising temperatures, increasingly severe weather events, escalating air pollution, and the spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-loss-could-promote-the-spread-of-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infectious diseases</a>.</p>



<p>One of the profound examples provided is the fundamental human reliance on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-the-worlds-climate-driven-water-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clean water</a>. The editorial explains how pollution compromises water quality, leading to a surge in water-borne diseases. Concurrently, <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/ocean-acidification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean acidification</a> is causing a detrimental decrease in both the quality and availability of seafood, a primary food source and income for billions globally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-loss-a-multifaceted-threat">Biodiversity loss: A multifaceted threat</h2>



<p>The crisis extends beyond immediate global health impacts. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biodiversity loss</a> drastically undermines nutritional health and hampers the discovery of new, nature-derived medicines. Alterations in land use are bringing thousands of species into closer contact. This heightens the exchange of pathogens and the potential emergence of novel diseases and pandemics.</p>



<p>Moreover, the scientists underscore the intrinsic health benefits of high-quality <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-greening-projects-can-dramatically-boost-urban-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green spaces</a>. These areas contribute to air purification, temperature reduction, encouragement of physical activity, and improvement in mental health. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-expansion-linked-to-global-decline-of-wild-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Urbanization</a> poses a relentless threat to these critical advantages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unfulfilled-promises-harm-global-health">Unfulfilled promises harm global health</h2>



<p>Reflecting on the biodiversity conference (<a href="https://www.unep.org/un-biodiversity-conference-cop-15" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COP 15</a>) of December 2022, where an agreement was reached on conserving 30% of the world's land, coastal areas, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/historic-treaty-adopted-to-protect-biodiversity-in-the-high-seas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oceans</a> by 2030, the editorial voices concern. The conference inadvertently created a segmentation of climate and nature scientists. </p>



<p>This separation has led to unmet commitments. Ecosystems have been pushed to the verge of collapse, heightening the risk of catastrophic global health implications. Whether or not global warming can be kept below a 1.5°C increase has no relevance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calling-out-the-world-health-organization">Calling out the World Health Organization</h2>



<p>Given the dire circumstances and the tangible health impacts already underway, the authors urge the WHO to officially declare the combined climate and nature crises as a global health emergency. This pivotal step, they advocate, should occur before or during the World Health Assembly in May 2024.</p>



<p>The resolution of this emergency, the editorial suggests, necessitates a harmonization of the COP processes. The initial move in this direction would require an enhanced integration of national climate plans with their biodiversity counterparts.</p>



<p>Furthermore, global health professionals are called upon to be vigorous advocates for restoring biodiversity and combating climate change. They must utilize their unique positions of public trust to influence political action. </p>



<p>The editorial concludes with a powerful message, emphasizing the necessity for global recognition of this dual crisis as the profound health emergency it is.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uniting-voices-for-collective-action">Uniting voices for collective action</h2>



<p>Kamran Abbasi, Editor-in-Chief of <a href="https://www.bmj.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The BMJ</a>, echoed the sentiments of the collective. He stressed the intrinsic link between human health, climate, and biodiversity, criticizing the current compartmentalized approach to these urgent issues. Abbasi highlighted the crucial role of health professionals in conveying this critical message and advocating for urgent political action.</p>



<p>In unison, these health journals are sending an unequivocal message to the world. The time for recognizing and robustly addressing the intertwined global health emergency of climate crisis and biodiversity loss is NOW. </p>



<p>This collaborative stand serves as a beacon, rallying health professionals, policymakers, and individuals worldwide to take concerted, meaningful action towards safeguarding our collective future.</p>



<p>The full editorial was published in the <em><a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj.p2355" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ</a></em>.</p>



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Climate change and biodiversity loss are one indivisible global health crisis

In an unprecedented move that marks a significant shift in...

<p>A recent study from Japan has revealed the extraordinary journey of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-heatwaves-are-causing-massive-seabird-mortality-events/">seabird</a> caught in a typhoon. The sheer resilience exhibited by this bird offers a profound look into the challenges and adaptations seabirds could face in a changing climate.</p>



<p>The research was conducted by Kozue Shiomi, a seabird biologist at <a href="http://www.tohoku.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tohoku University</a>. The findings suggest that the rise in severe weather conditions due to climate change could push seabirds to their limits.</p>



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



<p>In August 2019, Shiomi fitted 14 adult seabirds from a nesting colony on Mikurajima, an island near Tokyo, with GPS bio-loggers. The goal was to study the homing behavior of streaked shearwaters.</p>



<p>The following month, Typhoon Faxai hit southeastern Japan with winds speeds of nearly 200 kilometers per hour. The typhoon inadvertently provided scientists with an unprecedented opportunity to understand how seabirds endure extreme storm conditions - which they will encounter more frequently in the future due to climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-flight">Remarkable flight</h2>



<p>The tracking data revealed that while several of the tagged shearwaters managed to sidestep the typhoon, one male shearwater seabird was not as fortunate. </p>



<p>In a span of 11 hours, this bird completed five comprehensive circular loops - each ranging from 50 to 80 kilometers in diameter - over a total distance of 1,146 kilometers.</p>



<p>While these birds usually fly at speeds of 10-60 km/hr and maintain altitudes under 100 meters, the tracked shearwater exhibited speeds of 90-170 km/hr, reaching heights of up to 4,700 meters. The typhoon swept this bird over mainland Japan before redirecting it back over the Pacific.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seabird-typhoon-survival-strategy">Seabird typhoon survival strategy </h2>



<p>According to the researchers, it is possible that the shearwater willingly chose to ride out the storm instead of trying to escape. This may be the case, considering that the bird's natural low-altitude flying strategy over the ocean would place it at heightened risk of colliding with infrastructures over land.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Different seabirds adopt varied tactics when faced with storms. For instance, red-footed boobies and great frigatebirds ascend to high altitudes, allowing storms to pass underneath, while Eastern brown pelicans tend to stay grounded until conditions become favorable. Some even choose to remain within the storm's eye, where the turmoil is relatively subdued.</p>



<p>As Shiomi notes, improving our understanding of how oceangoing birds cope with extreme weather will provide essential insight into the response – and resilience – of seabirds to the increasingly adverse environmental conditions expected under future climates.</p>



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



<p>The streaked shearwater, known scientifically as Calonectris leucomelas, is a fascinating seabird with distinct characteristics and behaviors.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-nbsp">Appearance&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Streaked shearwaters have a large, robust build with long wings and a wedge-shaped tail. They boast a brownish-gray upper body and a lighter, often white, underside. Their name stems from the streaked pattern on their neck and underparts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distribution">Distribution</h3>



<p>These birds primarily breed on the islands of Japan and South Korea. Outside the breeding season, they are highly migratory and can be found across the northwestern Pacific, ranging from the Kamchatka Peninsula to the coasts of China and even as far south as Australia.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



<p>Streaked shearwaters predominantly feed on fish and squid. They often follow ships and larger marine predators like whales to feed on the fish they stir up. Their feeding strategy involves a combination of skimming the water's surface and plunge-diving to capture their prey.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breeding">Breeding</h3>



<p>They typically nest in burrows on isolated islands. After laying a single egg, both parents share incubation duties. The chick, once hatched, is fed by both parents until it's ready to fledge.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior">Behavior</h3>



<p>Like many other shearwaters, the streaked shearwater is pelagic, meaning it spends a significant portion of its life out at sea. They are known for their dynamic flight patterns, which involve a combination of rapid flapping and long, soaring glides.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation">Conservation</h3>



<p>While streaked shearwaters are not currently considered endangered, they face threats from habitat loss due to human development, predation by introduced species on breeding islands, and bycatch in fisheries.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4161" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecology</em></a>.</p>



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Incredible journey: Seabird rode out a typhoon for 11 hours and over 1000 miles

A recent study from Japan has revealed the extraordinary journey...

<p>Fluctuations in human populations in Neolithic Europe were significantly influenced by variations in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-climate-change-species/">climate</a>, as revealed in a study led by <a href="https://www.uni-kiel.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kiel University</a> in Germany and published recently in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291956" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLoS ONE</em></a>.</p>



<p>To reach these conclusions, the experts leveraged&nbsp; the archaeological record, a crucial tool for delving into the intricate interplay between humanity and the environment.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The researchers focused on Central European areas rich in both archaeological and geological data related to climate, utilizing these resources to draw connections between shifts in human populations and climate transformations.</p>



<p>The areas under scrutiny included the Circumharz region in central Germany, the Czech Republic/Lower Austria region, and the Northern Alpine Foreland in southern Germany.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The team compiled nearly 3,400 radiocarbon dates from archaeological sites across these regions, using them as proxies for ancient population sizes. The underlying premise was that larger populations would leave behind more artifacts, resulting in a greater number of radiocarbon dates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Climate insights were gleaned from cave formations within these areas, offering a window into past climatic conditions. The time frame of the study spanned from 3,550 to 1,550 BCE, covering the Late Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age.</p>



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



<p>The findings highlight a clear interrelation between climatic conditions and human population dynamics. Periods characterized by warm and wet climates were generally associated with population growth, possibly driven by enhanced agricultural productivity and economic prosperity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conversely, cooler and drier periods correlated with population declines and sometimes even significant cultural transformations, including potential signs of growing social inequality. This is exemplified by the emergence of “princely burials” in the Circumharz region, indicating that a higher social status already existed for certain individuals.</p>



<p>Thus, the experts concluded that climate played a substantial role in shaping population trends and social structures in the aforementioned regions between 5,500 and 3,500 years ago. However, they also acknowledged the potential for biases in their findings due to limitations in the archaeological record of these areas, emphasizing the need for additional data to reinforce their conclusions.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Studies of this nature are pivotal for deepening our understanding of the historical connections between human societies and the environment, as well as the cascading impacts of climatic changes on human civilizations.</p>



<p>“Between 5500 and 3500 years ago, climate was a major factor in population development in the regions around the Harz Mountains, in the northern Alpine foreland, and in the region of what is now the Czech Republic and Austria. However, not only the population size, but also the social structures changed with climate fluctuations,” the authors concluded.</p>



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Climate change significantly impacted early human Neolithic populations

Fluctuations in human populations in Neolithic Europe were significantly influenced...

<p>A new report conducted by the <a href="https://unu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations University</a> has recently found that substantial changes are urgently needed to preserve our critical socioecological systems from potential threats.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://interconnectedrisks.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 Interconnected Disaster Risks Report</a> by the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) outlines six forthcoming risk tipping points:</p>



<ul>
<li>Escalation in species extinctions<br></li>



<li>Over-extraction of groundwater<br></li>



<li>Shrinking mountain glaciers<br></li>



<li>Accumulating space debris<br></li>



<li>Surging unbearable heat<br></li>



<li>Uninsurable futures</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radical-changes">Radical changes</h2>



<p>Various systems are all around us (and interacting with us), such as ecosystems, agricultural systems, and water systems. When these systems degrade, the process is often non-linear and unpredictable.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They gradually become unstable until a tipping point is reached, leading to potential radical changes or even system collapse, resulting in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-under-siege-earths-vital-signs-reach-an-all-time-low/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">severe repercussions</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-tipping-points">Risk tipping points</h2>



<p>The report defines a risk tipping point as a situation where a socioecological system can no longer mitigate risks and function as expected, significantly increasing the likelihood of disastrous outcomes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These risk tipping points are not confined to single domains like climate, ecosystems, society, or technology; they are complexly interconnected and closely associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-negatively-impact-wildlife-even-in-protected-areas/">human activities</a> and well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-reserves-nbsp">Water reserves&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The intersection of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural and physical worlds</a> with human society brings forth numerous risks. Groundwater depletion serves as an important example. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underground-water-could-be-a-great-source-of-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aquifers</a>, underground water reserves, are vital for freshwater supply globally, catering to over two billion people. </p>



<p>Nearly 70 percent of groundwater extracted is utilized for agricultural purposes, particularly when surface water is scarce.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Currently, aquifers compensate for half of the agricultural losses due to drought, a challenge expected to intensify with climate change. However, the report warns that aquifers themselves are nearing a critical tipping point.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agricultural-systems">Agricultural systems</h2>



<p>At the moment, over 50 percent of the primary aquifers worldwide are diminishing more quickly than they can recover naturally. When the water level drops to a point that is too low for current wells to reach, this leaves farmers without a means to obtain water, jeopardizing entire agricultural production systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Nations like Saudi Arabia have already crossed this critical threshold of groundwater risk, while others, including India, are dangerously close to reaching this point.</p>



<p>“As we indiscriminately extract our water resources, damage nature and biodiversity, and pollute both Earth and space, we are moving dangerously close to the brink of multiple risk tipping points that could destroy the very systems that our life depends on,” said lead author&nbsp; Zita Sebesvari, the Deputy Director of UNU-EHS. “Additionally, we also lose some of our tools and options to deal with future disaster risk.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emerging-risks">Emerging risks</h2>



<p>The report emphasizes that risk tipping points cover a wide range, affecting various sectors and are closely related to human actions and lifestyles. The emerging risks are diverse, and many are still unknown.</p>



<p>“As we approach these tipping points, we will already begin to experience the impacts. Once crossed it will be difficult to go back,” warned lead author Jack O’Connor, a senior expert at UNU-EHS. “Our report can help us see risks ahead of us, the causes behind them, and the urgent changes required to avoid them.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avoid-and-adapt-solutions">Avoid and Adapt solutions</h2>



<p>The report goes beyond identifying risk tipping points; it introduces a comprehensive framework for mitigating or preventing their consequences, categorized into Avoid and Adapt solutions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Avoid solutions address the root causes to prevent tipping points, while Adapt solutions aim to mitigate the impacts if they are unavoidable. Actions can be either Delay, working within the existing system, or Transform, requiring a fundamental system overhaul.</p>



<p>For instance, in the case of unbearable heat due to human-induced climate change, an Adapt-Delay action might involve installing air conditioners, while an Avoid-Transform action would necessitate reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to low-carbon living.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delay-actions">Delay actions</h2>



<p>The report notes a current preference for Delay actions but emphasizes the need for transformative change. Achieving this necessitates collective and individual efforts.</p>



<p>“Real transformative change involves everyone,” said Sebesvari. “The report serves as a timely reminder before the UN Climate Conference that we must all be part of the solution.”</p>



<p>Here is a concise summary of the six risk tipping points highlighted in the report.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerating-extinctions">Accelerating extinctions</h2>



<p>Human-induced factors such as habitat alteration, excessive exploitation, climate change, pollution, and introducing non-native species are driving species extinction rates that are 10 to 100 times higher than the natural baseline.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-are-riparian-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosystems</a>, reliant on the complex interconnections among species, are at risk when key species are lost, potentially leading to a domino effect of extinctions and potential ecosystem collapse.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A pertinent example is the gopher tortoise, whose extinction could lead to the loss of the endangered dusky gopher frog and disrupt insect control in certain forest ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundwater-depletion">Groundwater depletion</h2>



<p>Over half of the world’s significant aquifers are diminishing quicker than they can naturally recover, posing a serious threat to the two billion people reliant on them for drinking water and the 70 percent of water withdrawals used in agriculture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A critical point is reached when water levels fall too low for existing wells to reach, endangering global food production and ecosystems. Saudi Arabia and India exemplify countries on opposite sides of this tipping point.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-glaciers">Melting glaciers</h2>



<p>The world’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers are melting</a> at an unprecedented rate due to global warming, threatening the freshwater supply for entire regions. The “peak water” phenomenon marks a crucial tipping point, beyond which water availability from melting glaciers will consistently decline.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Regions like Central Europe, Western Canada, South America, and the Andes are already experiencing or nearing this critical juncture, with significant implications for local communities and nearly 870 million people dependent on the glaciers of the Himalayas, Karakorum, and Hindu Kush mountains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-debris">Space debris</h2>



<p>Space is increasingly cluttered with defunct satellites and debris, with potential catastrophic consequences. Currently, only about 25 percent of tracked objects in orbit are operational satellites. The rest, along with millions of smaller, untracked debris, pose a serious collision risk.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The tipping point here is a potential chain reaction of collisions rendering Earth’s orbit unusable, jeopardizing satellite operations critical for weather monitoring and disaster warnings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unbearable-heat">Unbearable heat</h2>



<p>Human-induced climate change is escalating global temperatures, leading to more severe and frequent heatwaves. Extreme heat has already been responsible for an average of 500,000 excess deaths annually over the last two decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The critical threshold, or tipping point, is a “wet-bulb temperature” above 35°C, a level that has been surpassed in some regions and is projected to become more common, threatening large portions of the global population.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uninsurable-futures">Uninsurable futures</h2>



<p>The insurance industry is facing challenges as weather-related disasters and associated damages have increased exponentially since the 1970s.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The tipping point here is when insurance becomes either unobtainable or prohibitively expensive, leaving populations, particularly the most vulnerable, without financial protection in the face of disasters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Changes in weather patterns are also expanding the range of at-risk areas, further straining the industry and increasing the number of uninsurable properties.</p>



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Our planet faces six "risk tipping points" with irreversible impacts

A new report conducted by the United Nations University has...

Pig,On,A,Pig,Farm,In,Dalarna,,Sweden

<p>In the contemporary realm of food production, ethical considerations are becoming as substantial as taste and tradition. A new study dives into consumer attitudes, revealing that while climate impact is a concern, animal welfare significantly leads buyer priorities. This revelation poses new challenges and directions for producers, retailers, and policymakers in the pork industry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-animal-welfare-and-the-environment">Balancing animal welfare and the environment</h2>



<p>Pork, a staple in many diets worldwide, is under scrutiny for various reasons. These include antibiotic use, infectious diseases, animal welfare, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-welfare-is-essential-to-sustainable-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental implications</a>. Despite the notable climate footprint of industries like beef, coffee, and chocolate, pork consumption contributes significantly to global CO2 emissions.</p>



<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://ifro.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>’s Department of Food and Resource Economics sought to understand consumers' willingness to pay for 'improved' pork. This improvement encompasses better animal welfare, reduced climate impact, minimized antibiotics usage, assurance against harmful bacteria, and avoiding feed that contributes to deforestation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-price-of-ethical-consumption">The price of ethical consumption</h2>



<p>The study, conducted across Denmark, Germany, the UK, and Shanghai, China, indicates a readiness among consumers to pay more for enhanced pork. However, when it comes to prioritizing where their money goes, European consumers, in particular, demonstrate a clear preference for improved animal welfare.</p>



<p>Professor Peter Sandøe, the study’s senior author, notes, "The responses confirm that a narrow focus on climate-friendly pork production doesn't align with primary consumer concerns. They deem the pigs' quality of life crucial, overshadowing the importance of reducing the product's environmental footprint."</p>



<p>This sentiment isn't isolated to a few eco-conscious individuals. A majority of the participants across all surveyed countries placed improved pig welfare above lowering the climate footprint. This fact highlights a direct, empathetic connection with animals' living conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consumer-climate-paradox">Consumer climate paradox</h2>



<p>Despite the surge in global climate-centric dialogues, consumers seemed to undervalue the climate impact of their dietary choices, especially concerning pork. Associate Professor Thomas Bøker Lund, a co-author of the study, shares the surprise in discovering that consumers gave "relatively low priority" to reducing pork's climate footprint.</p>



<p>This attitude reflects a prevalent consumer belief. Most people feel that individual choices at the meat counter may not significantly impact broader climate issues. </p>



<p>Lund explains, "When purchasing meat, consumers feel empowered to improve a specific animal’s welfare. However, the climate impact of these choices seems more abstract, and many prefer addressing climate concerns through alternative actions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holistic-approaches-to-animal-welfare">Holistic approaches to animal welfare</h2>



<p>The findings serve as a clarion call for a comprehensive approach in the pork industry. Sandøe stresses the dilemma facing producers and policymakers, "Labeling pork as 'climate-friendly' won't suffice, as it doesn't meet consumer demand. Moreover, prioritizing climate-centric production could mean sacrificing animal welfare, potentially worsening their living conditions."</p>



<p>There's an inherent need to balance CO2 reduction with ethical animal treatment. Sandøe continues, "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cowspiracy-film-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cattle farming</a> significantly overshadows pork in CO2 emissions, so substituting beef with pork or chicken is beneficial. However, we must collectively gravitate towards a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-forward diet</a>."</p>



<p>The financial aspect, too, cannot be overlooked. While consumers expressed willingness to pay up to 20% more for 'ethical pork,' this premium falls short of covering the costs of substantial welfare improvements, according to the research team's calculations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-retail-and-regulation">Rethinking retail and regulation</h2>



<p>Innovative strategies are necessary to reconcile consumer preferences with economic and ethical realities. The researchers suggest streamlining retail offerings, reducing product variety to achieve economies of scale and savings. Doing so would subsequently enable retailers to meet higher welfare standards without astronomical costs.</p>



<p>A regulatory overhaul, Sandøe suggests, could also drive industry-wide change. Drawing parallels with past successful interventions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-can-now-decipher-the-emotional-states-of-chickens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poultry welfare</a>, he proposes establishing minimum animal welfare standards for pork, enforced at a national level.</p>



<p>"In numerous countries, piglet mortality rates are unacceptable, and many sows are overburdened by intensive production demands," Sandøe points out. He advocates for a halt in ramping up production pressures for the sake of climate concerns alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-welfare-policy-change">Animal welfare policy change</h2>



<p>The research underscores an urgent need for updated regulations, particularly since there have been no significant reforms in welfare regulations since the late 1990s. Sandøe concludes, "Rather than exacerbating production strains in the name of climate protection, we need stringent welfare standards. It's high time for decisive, compassionate action in the realm of animal welfare."</p>



<p>In summary, the implications of this study are clear. The road to a sustainable, ethical food industry requires walking the tightrope between environmental responsibility and animal welfare, all while keeping consumer preferences and awareness at the forefront.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2023.105337" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Livestock Science</a></em>.</p>



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Animal welfare concerns more people than climate change

In the contemporary realm of food production, ethical considerations are...

<p>In a stark update on the deteriorating condition of our planet, an international assembly of climate experts has reported that the Earth’s vital signs have declined to levels never before witnessed in human history. This critical state threatens the very fabric of life on our planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-scientific-consensus">Unprecedented scientific consensus</h2>



<p>Led by William Ripple, a prominent figure from the Oregon State University <a href="https://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Forestry</a>, and Christopher Wolf, formerly associated with OSU, a team comprising 12 scientists has delivered a grim prognosis on Earth's vital signs in their paper published in <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/biosci/biad080" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BioScience</a></em>. </p>



<p>Titled "The 2023 State of the climate report: Entering uncharted territory," the study underscores that a staggering 20 out of 35 planetary vital signs used as barometers for climate health have hit record extremes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-on-the-brink">World on the brink</h2>



<p>"Without decisive steps to address the fundamental issue of humanity's overconsumption of the Earth's resources, we are navigating towards the potential disintegration of natural and socioeconomic systems," Wolf stated, painting a picture of a future marred by intolerable heat, food scarcity, and water shortages.</p>



<p>The authors highlight alarming data from 2023, pointing out that numerous records related to climate and Earth's vital signs have been shattered "by enormous margins." This includes unprecedented ocean temperatures, drastic reductions in sea ice, and an extraordinary Canadian wildfire season contributing to record levels of carbon dioxide emissions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-echoes-of-past-warnings">Echoes of past warnings</h2>



<p>This report is not the first of its kind. It follows a significant "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-pushed-earth-to-code-red/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency</a>" published four years ago, where Ripple, alongside other collaborators, received support from over 15,000 scientists from 161 countries. </p>



<p>Despite these earlier calls to action, little progress has been made, with Ripple emphasizing, "Life on our planet is unmistakably under assault."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-climate-health-statistics">Alarming climate health statistics</h2>



<p>The report lays bare several shocking statistics that outline why Earth's vital signs are at an all-time low.</p>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-chief-fossil-fuel-era-must-end-for-humanitys-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fossil fuel</a> subsidies saw a staggering increase from $531 billion to over $1 trillion between 2021 and 2022, incentivizing harmful emissions.<br></li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-amplify-risks-for-socially-vulnerable-populations-in-western-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildfires</a> in Canada alone have already contributed more than 1 gigaton of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in 2023, surpassing the nation's total greenhouse gas emissions the previous year.<br></li>



<li>A concerning trend in global temperature rise, with 38 days already recorded where temperatures were more than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1.5 degrees Celsius</a> above pre-industrial levels.<br></li>



<li>July experienced the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/july-was-earths-hottest-month-in-120000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">highest average</a> Earth surface temperature on record, likely the most extreme in the last 100,000 years.</li>
</ul>



<p>Wolf expressed deep concern, stating, "As scientists, the sudden escalation in the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters is deeply unsettling."</p>



<p>The study cautions that these disasters' frequency and intensity might even be accelerating faster than temperature rises. The paper forecasts a dire future, where 3 to 6 billion people will find themselves in uninhabitable conditions by the end of this century.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-vital-signs-need-transformative-policies">Earth's vital signs need transformative policies</h2>



<p>The scientific community is advocating for policies that address "ecological overshoot," a scenario where humanity's demands exceed the Earth's capacity, resulting in numerous environmental crises, including a decline in biodiversity.</p>



<p>They argue that solutions focusing solely on carbon or climate will fall short of repairing Earth's vital signs unless the overarching pressures on global systems are alleviated. As Ripple puts it, the scientific community has a "moral duty" to guide humanity away from potential existential threats and lead action-driven dialogues.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steering-towards-a-just-sustainable-future">Steering towards a just, sustainable future</h2>



<p>The paper calls for a comprehensive overhaul of global economic practices. The authors of the study urge a transition that foregrounds human well-being, curtails excessive consumption, and drastically reduces affluent populations' emissions.</p>



<p>Key policy recommendations to reverse the decline of Earth's vital signs include:</p>



<ul>
<li>Eliminating fossil fuel subsidies.<br></li>



<li>Encouraging shifts towards plant-based diets.<br></li>



<li>Amplifying efforts to protect global forest areas.<br></li>



<li>Establishing international treaties focused on eliminating coal and preventing new fossil fuel exploration.</li>
</ul>



<p>The authors underscore the necessity for equity and social justice in all climate-related decisions. They clearly recognize the disproportionate impact of climate calamities on the world's most impoverished populations, who have the smallest carbon footprints.</p>



<p>In a world where climate-related disasters are becoming the norm rather than the exception, this clarion call from the scientific community is more urgent than ever. It implores global leaders, decision-makers, and individuals alike to embark on a more sustainable path, with the understanding that the very future of life on Earth hinges on the actions humanity takes now.</p>



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Life under siege: Earth’s vital signs reach an all-time low

In a stark update on the deteriorating condition of our...

Bitcoin,,Crypto,Currency,,Electronic,Money,,Virtual,Currency,,Transitions.,Printed,Circuit

<p>The last decade has witnessed an unprecedented upsurge in cryptocurrency values, sparking significant investments in digital currencies. These advanced elements of modern finance, backed by breakthrough technologies like blockchain, have captured the interest of diverse investors worldwide. However, amidst this digital gold rush, a concerning aspect lurks in the shadows -- the environmental toll of cryptocurrency mining, particularly Bitcoin. </p>



<p>Recent findings by <a href="https://www.un.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations</a> scientists underscore the substantial environmental footprints associated with these technological marvels, highlighting an urgent need for regulatory and technological reforms.</p>



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



<p>Cryptocurrencies have revolutionized investment trends over the past decade. It has attracted an eclectic mix of stakeholders, from corporate giants to individual tech enthusiasts, and even including entities operating on the fringes of legality. Their integration into the global financial landscape speaks volumes about their potential, igniting discussions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-costs-of-bitcoin-are-getting-worse-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital currencies</a> overshadowing traditional monetary powerhouses.</p>



<p>However, akin to the bygone era of the gold rush, this digital currency frenzy brings with it significant environmental repercussions. The process of mining cryptocurrencies, especially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bitcoin-carbon-footprint-small-country/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin</a>, is energy-intensive. Bitcoin mining has drawn criticism and concern from environmentalists and sparked debates among investors and policymakers alike.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-side-of-bitcoin-mining">Dark side of bitcoin mining</h2>



<p>A new study spearheaded by Professor Kaveh Madani at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (<a href="https://inweh.unu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNU-INWEH</a>) delved into the environmental impacts of Bitcoin mining. Scrutinizing the activities across 76 nations in the 2020–2021 period, the research unveiled startling <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bitcoin-mining_environmental-impact_chart_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental consequences</a>, including considerable carbon, water, and land footprints.</p>



<p>"Technological innovations often come with unintended consequences, and Bitcoin is no exception," remarked Professor Madani. He emphasized the findings' implications on future digital currency policies and environmental sustainability initiatives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-environment-and-bitcoin-mining">The environment and bitcoin mining</h2>



<p>Bitcoin mining globally consumed 173.42 Terawatt hours of electricity during 2020–2021, placing Bitcoin's hypothetical energy consumption above nations like Pakistan. </p>



<p>The associated carbon footprint equated to burning 84 billion pounds of coal or the operation of 190 gas-fired power plants. Mitigating this environmental impact would necessitate planting 3.9 billion trees. Even if possible, this would cover an area comparable to entire countries.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the water and land resources strained by Bitcoin mining activities during this phase were enormous. The water footprint alone was analogous to filling over 660,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, highlighting the scale of environmental resources that cryptocurrency operations can deplete.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bitcoin-s-energy-conundrum">Bitcoin's energy conundrum</h2>



<p>Delving into the energy sources underpinning Bitcoin's operations, the report uncovered a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with coal and natural gas leading the pack. Although hydropower, a significant renewable contributor, satisfied a portion of Bitcoin's energy demands, its environmental impact was substantial. </p>



<p>Moreover, other renewables like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-bitcoins-energy-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar and wind energy</a> constituted a minimal share of Bitcoin's energy consumption. This fact alone raises questions about the network's sustainability.</p>



<p>Particularly striking was China's dominance in the Bitcoin mining arena, necessitating massive reforestation to offset its coal-centric operations' carbon emissions. This revelation underscores the environmental disparities and challenges different nations face, reflecting the complex interplay of technological advancement, energy consumption, and environmental stewardship.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-sustainable-practices">A call for sustainable practices</h2>



<p>The study's authors, including Dr. Sanaz Chamanara, highlighted the varied environmental impacts of Bitcoin mining across countries. They suggest a nuanced approach to understanding and addressing these consequences. The insights gained call for comprehensive interventions, from governmental oversight to investments in environmentally efficient digital currencies.</p>



<p>"It's crucial to consider the equity and justice implications of Bitcoin mining," Professor Madani stated. </p>



<p>Madani highlights the stark contrast between the entities reaping the benefits and those who will bear the environmental costs. This dichotomy serves as a clarion call for harmonizing the digital currency sector's growth with principles of environmental justice and sustainability.</p>



<p>The UN report paves the way for a critical reassessment of the cryptocurrency industry's environmental policies. Stakeholders are urged to consider the broader ecological and societal impacts. </p>



<p>As digital currencies continue to shape the financial future, the need for a balanced, sustainable approach becomes increasingly imperative. The global community's response will not only influence the cryptocurrency market's trajectory, but also define the legacy of our generation's environmental stewardship.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/2023EF003871" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Earth’s Future</em></a>.</p>



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The hidden and destructive environmental impact of Bitcoin mining

The last decade has witnessed an unprecedented upsurge in cryptocurrency...

<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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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>



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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

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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>



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[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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