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 <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.



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



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.



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. 



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



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. 



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.



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



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.



“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.”



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>. 



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.



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.



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



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. 



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.



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.



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



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. 



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.



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.



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



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.



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. 



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.



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



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.



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. 



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.



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



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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...

Plants play a pivotal role in our ecosystem, but many are at risk of extinction due to increasing challenges like droughts and wildfires.&nbsp;



A new study by botanists from <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/">UC Riverside</a> highlights the urgency to identify the conditions that lead plants to their demise. By understanding these triggers, we can improve conservation efforts.



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



In a paper recently published in the Oxford Academic journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coad073">Conservation Physiology</a>, the UC Riverside team emphasizes the importance of discerning the exact point beyond which a plant’s vital functions cease.&nbsp;



According to study co-author Professor Louis Santiago, it's crucial to identify the amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-respond-to-rising-co2-levels-by-conserving-water/">water loss</a> a plant can endure before wilting and the temperature at which photosynthesis stops for various plants.



“It is so important to measure the critical limits of when things will fail, and not just how they’re doing now,” said Professor Santiago.



The paper reveals an alarming reality: while there are about 700,000 plant species on our planet, the critical stress limits are only known for about 1,000 of them.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fatal-exposure">Fatal exposure</h2>



Although plants might occasionally recover after surpassing their limits - just like houseplants bounce back after wilting from insufficient water - consistent exposure can be fatal.&nbsp;



“Wilting, what we refer to as losing turgor pressure, is not always fatal but it’s one step toward death,” said Professor Santiago. “Just like people with extremely high blood pressure might die if they don’t get it to come down.”



Understanding the stress points of a plant, especially with the increasing temperatures and altered climatic conditions, is more than academic curiosity. It offers a metric showing how close some plants are to local extinction.&nbsp;



When this data is combined with knowledge about a plant's current physiological state under stress, limited conservation funds can be strategically utilized, allowing early interventions before the plants show visible signs of stress or deterioration.



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



Santiago's lab, which primarily focuses on plant physiology, has recently pivoted to studying these critical limits.&nbsp;



“It started after the last drought when we saw species suffering. We wanted to do these measurements to see if we could have predicted the die-offs that we saw,” said Santiago.&nbsp;&nbsp;



For this particular study, the team investigated the wilting points of six Southern California chapparal shrubs, including the California lilac and two sage varieties.&nbsp;



Their findings not only highlight the availability of various means to determine these critical limits, but also highlight how such data can positively impact conservation results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-efforts-are-needed">Collaborative efforts are needed</h2>



“Generally, we have the capacity to find the most vulnerable, rare species and focus on them. We have the ability to find which plants are most at risk from climate changes, but it’s going to take a collaboration of plant physiologists, conservation biologists, and land managers."



Professor Santiago believes that while many plant species might face unfamiliar stressors in the upcoming decades due to climate changes, enthusiasts can still play a part in aiding their survival. He encourages joining native plant societies.



“You can join them in pulling out invasive species, or count numbers of rare organisms, and there are countless volunteer projects,” said Santiago. “Let’s work smarter, and work together.”



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Understanding the critical limits of plants could help save them

Plants play a pivotal role in our ecosystem, but many...

Greenland’s ice surface has been experiencing an accelerated rate of melting in recent years, while Antarctica is witnessing a contrasting trend, according to a team of experts led by the <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Irvine</a> (UCI) and <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> in the Netherlands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-downslope-winds-nbsp">Downslope winds&nbsp;</h2>



In a study released in the American Geophysical Union’s journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GL102828" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>, the team delved into the impact of Foehn and katabatic winds on glacial formations. These winds, which move downslope, carry warm, dry air, coming into contact with the glacier summits.&nbsp;



In the past 20 years, the melting associated with downslope winds in Greenland has increased by over ten percent. In stark contrast, the influence of these winds on Antarctica’s ice sheet has seen a decrease of 32 percent in ice melting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surface-melting">Surface melting</h2>



“We used regional climate model simulations to study ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, and the results showed that downslope winds are responsible for a significant amount of surface melt of the ice sheets in both regions,” said study co-author Charlie Zender, a professor of Earth System Science at UCI. “Surface melt leads to runoff and ice shelf hydrofracture that increase freshwater flow to oceans – causing sea level rise.”



Yet, Zender was quick to note the unique patterns of global warming exhibited in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. These differences are central to the varying ice melt trends in these regions.



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



In Greenland’s context, the sheer warmth means that even sunlight, in the absence of wind, can induce melting. This, when combined with the ten percent increase in wind-induced melting and the warmer atmospheric conditions, translates to a 34 percent surge in overall surface ice melting.&nbsp;



Zender attributes this to the effects of global warming on the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), an index of sea level pressure difference. This movement of NAO towards a positive phase has facilitated warm air to envelop Greenland and other northern areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-nbsp">Antarctica&nbsp;</h2>



On the other end of the spectrum, Antarctica has experienced about 15 percent less total surface melting since 2000. This downturn is attributed mainly to the 32 percent reduction in wind-induced melting in the Antarctic Peninsula. This area is especially concerning since two ice shelves here have already disintegrated.&nbsp;



The silver lining, as Zender argues, is the ongoing recovery of the Antarctic stratospheric ozone hole detected in the 1980s. This recovery process temporarily shields the region from further melting.



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



&nbsp;“The ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica keep over 200 feet of water out of the ocean, and their melt has raised global sea level by about three-quarters of an inch since 1992,” Zender explained.&nbsp;



“Although Greenland has been the No. 1 driver of sea level rise in recent decades, Antarctica is close behind and catching up and will eventually dominate sea level rise.”



These findings will help increase the accuracy and reliability of Earth system models, offering deeper insights for climate scientists on the major problems our planet currently faces.



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Ice is melting faster in Greenland, and slower in Antarctica

Greenland’s ice surface has been experiencing an accelerated rate of...

An,Asian,Boy,Is,Picking,Vegetables,From,A,Plot,In

In a world that continually strives for efficient agricultural production, the use of herbicides has become commonplace. However, a recent study has exposed the potential dangers associated with the use of certain herbicides, particularly their impact on the brain function of adolescents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbicides-and-brain-health">Herbicides and brain health</h2>



Scientists from the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at the <a href="https://hwsph.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> have discovered alarming associations between exposure to popular herbicides and diminished brain function in adolescents. Their research highlights the presence of herbicides in various environments and the corresponding risks they pose to young individuals.



The study focused on metabolite concentrations of widely used herbicides — glyphosate and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) — and the insect repellent DEET in adolescents. These substances were found in urine samples of individuals aged 11 to 17, living in the agriculturally intensive region of Pedro Moncayo, Ecuador.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-several-critical-issues-with-herbicides">Several critical issues with herbicides</h2>



The research, led by senior author Dr. Jose Ricardo Suarez, underlines several critical findings. Notably, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weed-killer-glyphosate-cancer-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glyphosate</a>, a nonselective herbicide integral to numerous crops and residential vegetation control, was found in 98 percent of the participants. Simultaneously, 2,4-D, known for its broadleaf weed control in various settings, was detected in 66 percent of individuals.



The presence of these chemicals is not benign. Higher concentrations of 2,4-D corresponded with lower neurobehavioral performance across several domains, including attention, inhibitory control, memory, learning, and language skills. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weed-killer-roundup-causes-convulsions-in-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glyphosate</a>'s impact appeared somewhat less broad, significantly affecting only social perception, while DEET metabolites showed no association with neurobehavioral performance.



The implications of these findings are substantial, considering the global reliance on these herbicides following the introduction of genetically modified, herbicide-resistant crops.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-concerns-from-herbicides">Mental health concerns from herbicides</h2>



Dr. Briana Chronister, the study's first author, emphasizes the herbicides' prevalence in agricultural industries worldwide, outlining the exposure risks for both children and adults, particularly in agricultural communities. Alarmingly, there is still much unknown about how these chemicals affect life stages.



The study resonates with growing global health concerns, as 20 percent of adolescents and 26 percent of young adults now face diagnosable mental health conditions. The distressing rise in issues such as anxiety, depression, and learning disorders over the past two decades highlights the urgent need to understand environmental neurotoxicants' roles in this trend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-research-and-regulation-needed">Comprehensive research and regulation needed</h2>



With 2,4-D negatively impacting all assessed neurobehavioral areas and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/popular-herbicide-impairs-bumblebee-color-vision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glyphosate</a> significantly affecting social perception, the study underscores an urgent call for more extensive research on the chemicals we release into our environment.



Dr. Suarez points out the shocking reality: every year, hundreds of new chemicals enter the market, with over 80,000 currently registered for use, and yet, there is minimal understanding of their long-term human impact. This knowledge gap suggests potential oversight in the regulatory practices surrounding chemical approval and use.



The research is a crucial part of <a href="https://knit.ucsd.edu/espina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPINA</a>, a study focused on understanding pesticide exposures' effect on human development from childhood through adulthood. As the team moves into the 15th year of follow-up, there is a planned evaluation to determine if these associations persist as the participants transition into early adulthood.



This disturbing study is a wake-up call. The findings serve as a stark reminder of the unseen dangers lurking in our environment, particularly in practices considered standard in industries such as agriculture.



The evidence linking common herbicides to developmental issues in adolescents highlights the need for immediate action. This action involves not only further scientific research but also a comprehensive re-evaluation of regulatory standards governing chemical use. The safety and well-being of future generations may very well depend on such proactive measures.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP11383" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Health Perspectives</a>.



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Common herbicides linked to diminished brain functioning in young adults

In a world that continually strives for efficient agricultural production,...

Every national park has its own unique acoustic environment or "soundscape," but anthropogenic noise increasingly threatens these sounds of nature.&nbsp;



Whitney Wyche, a recent graduate from Franklin &amp; Marshall College, conducted a study to document how the soundscape of Glacier National Park has transformed over the past 19 years. The research is published by the <a href="https://www.geosociety.org/GSA/GSA/News/pr/2023/23-38.aspx">Geological Society of America</a>.



“The focus of my project in Glacier was to conduct sound monitoring to see how the soundscape has changed," said Wyche. “Many visitors come to national parks to experience natural peace and the sounds of nature. To preserve this natural soundscape for future generations, it needs to be monitored and managed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-impacts-of-noise">Understanding the impacts of noise</h2>



Noise affects our environment more than we might think. It can disrupt both marine and terrestrial wildlife, causing shifts in their vocal and foraging behaviors.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the abundance of species decreases in noisy habitats, and this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-turtles-suffer-from-hearing-loss-caused-by-noise-pollution/">noise</a> can alter how they navigate their environments.&nbsp;



Wyche noted the profound effect of even a small increase in noise. For example, a predator that typically hears sounds within a 9m^2 radius in a natural environment would find this radius reduced to 7m^2 with the addition of just one decibel of sound, she explained.&nbsp;



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



“My project, which is a continuation of a soundscape project in Glacier from 2004, can provide more information about the natural soundscape,” said Wyche.



The primary concern at the time was aircraft noise, especially from scenic helicopter rides originating outside the park that nevertheless intruded its soundscape.



In 2019, a comparative study by Worcester Polytechnic Institute students found that aircraft noise remained relatively unchanged from the 2004 baseline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-perspective">A new perspective</h2>



However, Wyche’s recent research paints a slightly different picture. Commercial air tours have decreased since 2004, thanks to the park's new Air Tour Management Plan. By contrast, visitor numbers have surged by 50%. This led to a mixed impact on the acoustic environment.



Wyche, along with co-authors Jillian McKenna and Damon Joyce from the park service, set out to understand these shifts. They used advanced monitoring equipment across various sites in the park to capture and analyze the changing sounds.&nbsp;



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



Notably, while audible propeller aircraft noise remained consistent in areas near current air tour routes, it decreased at Logan Pass, a location away from authorized air tour routes.



“The percentage of time with audible propeller aircraft remained similar at sites near the current air tour route, while decreasing at Logan Pass, which is not near the currently authorized air tour route,” said Wyche.



As the park plans to cease commercial air tours by 2029, continuous monitoring of Glacier National Park's soundscape will be crucial.&nbsp;



Wyche noted that monitoring how the park's soundscape has changed will help inform park management on threats to be addressed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosaics-in-science">Mosaics in Science</h2>



Wyche's efforts in Glacier National Park during the summer of 2023 were part of the <a href="https://www.mosaicsinscience.org/">Mosaics in Science</a> Diversity Internship Program.&nbsp;



This initiative provides underrepresented college students and recent graduates in STEM fields with hands-on experience in the National Park System, promoting diversity and inclusion. The program operates in collaboration with Environment for the Americas.



“I greatly enjoyed my experience working as a Mosaics in Science intern,” says Wyche. “I especially appreciated the goal of the internship program because it makes environmental careers more accessible to people of color.”



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How much have humans changed the soundscape of Glacier National Park?

Every national park has its own unique acoustic environment or...

Although efforts have been made to curb deforestation, the Brazilian Amazon, a key carbon sink and a hotbed of biodiversity and cultural richness, is currently grappling with escalating uncontrolled <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/">wildfires</a>.



This grave concern has been highlighted in a recent letter in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/natecolevol/">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a> titled "Increasing wildfires threaten progress on halting deforestation in Brazilian Amazonia."&nbsp;



The letter is a collaborative effort between researchers from the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/">University of East Anglia</a> (UEA), the <a href="https://www.southalabama.edu/">University of South Alabama</a>, and other prominent institutions from North and South America and Europe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-fire-activity">Increasing fire activity</h2>



According to the experts, data from June 2023 shows that the number of active Amazon fires surged to its highest since 2007. Moreover, the total number of fires for the first six months of 2023 was an alarming ten percent more than the previous year.



“Climate change has led to a rise in drought and extreme heat, priming forests to burn more often,” said co-author Matthew Jones, an environmental scientist at UEA.&nbsp;



“On top of this, deforestation and the expansion of agriculture have damaged the integrity of the region’s forests and weakened their resilience to drought. As a result, wildfires have become far more common than they would be in a normally functioning rainforest.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoupling-of-fires-from-deforestation-nbsp">Decoupling of fires from deforestation&nbsp;</h2>



Historically, fire count spikes, such as the unprecedented fires in August and September 2022, correlated with rampant deforestation, a significant fire catalyst and predictor of affected regions.&nbsp;



Interestingly, 2023 saw a 42 percent decrease in deforestation alerts from January to July compared to the same timeframe in 2022. This period also witnessed the shutdown of large-scale illegal mining operations, which posed threats to the ecosystem and Indigenous communities, especially within the Yanomami territory.



“This year’s high and climbing fire counts, in the context of reduced deforestation, highlight a decoupling of forest fires from deforestation,” explained lead author Gabriel de Oliveira, an assistant professor of Geography at Southern Alabama. “Indeed, only 19 percent of the fires were related to recent deforestation during January-June 2023, down from 39 percent in 2022.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-factors">Additional factors</h2>



The 2023 El Niño’s hotter and drier conditions have affected parts of the Amazon, potentially fueling more fires, as observed in past El Niño events.&nbsp;



Another factor increasing fire counts could be the lagging impacts of prior deforestation surges linked to lax environmental regulation enforcement during President Jair Bolsonaro’s tenure. In addition, anticipating potential fire bans later this year due to President Lula’s robust environmental governance, landowners might be setting fires earlier in the dry season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-impacts">Community impacts</h2>



“Effective and equitable fire governance is essential in order to avoid further marginalizing forest-dependent peoples who are both most heavily impacted when uncontrolled fires invade the forests upon which they depend, and most impacted by one-size-fits-all fire policy such as fire-bans,” said co-author Rachel Carmenta, a lecturer in Climate Change and International Development at UEA.



“The role of distant consumers is huge. But the small traditional communities are often blamed, representing a double burden because they also suffer the most when invasive fires damage the forest, leaving it without the game, fruits, timber, medicines and resources they depend on. Identifying ways to manage these fires is essential in order to avoid further marginalizing forest-dependent peoples who are most heavily impacted when uncontrolled fires invade their territories, and most impacted by one-size-fits-all fire policy such as fire bans.”



“While research is needed to better understand the comparative contributions of these drivers, a clear expectation is that fire incidence will rise even higher with the anticipated drier conditions over coming months,” added co-author Scott Stark, an expert in Forest-Atmosphere Interactions at <a href="https://msu.edu/">Michigan State University</a>. 



Meanwhile, Dr. de Oliveira proposed holistic approaches, such as reforestation, forest management, and agroforestry, to counter the threat of uncontrollable forest fires.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-collaboration-is-needed">International collaboration is needed</h2>



Moreover, the researchers advocate for international collaboration to effectively address this mounting challenge.



August saw Brazil hosting an Amazon nations summit, focusing on sustainable growth and forest conservation. The resulting Belém Declaration outlined several key goals but stopped short of committing to zero deforestation by 2030 or significant reductions in forest fire frequencies.&nbsp;



The declaration, however, did underscore the importance of combating deforestation and recognized fires as a pivotal concern. It also established a scientific body, akin to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), tasked with crafting evidence-backed, Amazon-specific resolutions.



In conclusion, the authors stressed the need for cooperation, urging Brazil, other Amazon nations, and the global community to “commit the support needed to rapidly advance research and governance for equitable fire-safe land management.”



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Wildfires threaten environmental gains in the Amazon

Although efforts have been made to curb deforestation, the Brazilian...

A recent study from <a href="https://www.climate.columbia.edu/">Columbia Climate School</a> has explored the effects of rising sea levels on Miami-Dade County, and the results paint a disturbing picture of the future. The research suggests that four out of five residents may face disruption or displacement, whether or not they currently reside in flood-prone areas.



“Most studies focus on the direct effects of inundation,” said lead author Nadia Seeteram. “Here, we were able to look at flooding on a very granular level, and add in other vulnerabilities.”



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



In an effort to gain a comprehensive understanding of how various resident groups might be impacted, the researchers fused projections of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seeking-ways-to-prevent-flooding-caused-by-climate-change/">flooding</a> from direct sea-level rise, rainfall, or storm surge with detailed demographic data.



The team used a range of metrics, including U.S. Census Bureau data, to discern potential vulnerabilities based on age, race, education level, income, homeownership, employment status, and more.



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



With a one-meter sea-level rise by the end of this century, 56% of the Miami-Dade population might be pressured into relocation. These individuals, primarily residing on higher ground, are classified as "displaced."



Furthermore, 19% of residents could end up "trapped," living in frequently flooded regions with no means to move to safer zones. Another 19% would be "stable," unaffected by flooding and capable of staying in their current locations.



Seven percent of Miami-Dade County residents, primarily the wealthiest, would have the means to migrate from waterfront or low-elevation areas to safer zones within the county.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-higher-sea-levels">Higher sea levels</h2>



If sea levels surge beyond one meter, the narrative shifts dramatically. At a two-meter increase, a staggering 55% of the population would face direct inundation from heightened sea levels and exacerbated rainfall, significantly transforming the area's demographic landscape.&nbsp;



This scenario would result in almost half the population becoming trapped, a quarter displaced, and only 8% remaining stable.



“This is where it gets to be more drastic, more existential." In either scenario, said Seeteram, the results would include potential depopulation of the area and devaluation of flooded properties, as people flee to safer inland regions.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-and-economic-decline-nbsp">Physical and economic decline&nbsp;</h2>



Such disruptions could severely hamper local authorities' ability to generate tax revenue, necessary for funding infrastructural adaptations to combat the rising sea. Essentially, Miami-Dade could find itself ensnared in a vicious cycle of both physical and economic decline.



Flooding is already a recurring issue for the region. Regular occurrences of "sunny day flooding" and pooling rainwater, conditions that would be considered extreme elsewhere, have become the new norm for parts of Miami during the wet season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-gentrification-nbsp">Climate gentrification&nbsp;</h2>



Signs of "climate gentrification," where low-income individuals are displaced from elevated areas, appear to be emerging. 



The Little Haiti neighborhood, for example, which stands 10 feet above sea level, has recently seen rapid property value increases. This has raised concerns among its community about their future there.



Study co-author Katharine Mach of the University of Miami said there is a great, raging debate about whether climate gentrification is underway. “I suspect it is already happening,” she said. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-real-estate-values-nbsp">Shifting real estate values&nbsp;</h2>



However, at least for now, other factors may be playing larger roles in rapidly shifting real-estate values, said Mach. These factors include longtime pro-development policies and what she calls “real-estate tourism,” with speculators snapping up relatively inexpensive properties in a still booming region.&nbsp;



“The question is, what fraction (of rising prices) can you put on climate?” said Mach. She pointed out that real-estate prices are also going up in low-lying and waterfront areas, but not as fast as in less flood-prone areas - one possible indicator that sea-level rise is playing a role in buyers’ decisions.



Seeteram remains cautiously optimistic, believing that proactive steps, such as revamping infrastructure, could mitigate some of the predicted outcomes. The real challenge lies in balancing these solutions with ensuring affordability and sustainability for the majority of residents.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/acfe22">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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More than half of Miami-Dade residents may be displaced by sea level rise

A recent study from Columbia Climate School has explored the...

Antarctic fur seals, once hunted to the brink of extinction, have made an impressive comeback in their population.&nbsp;



But now, research led by the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a> (BAS) has exposed a looming threat due to a decline in the primary food source for these seals.



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



The study was conducted primarily on the sub-Antarctic islands of South Georgia, where most fur seals reside. The experts found that the fur seal population peaked in 2009 with around 3.5 million <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-fur-seals-are-struggling-in-a-warmer-climate/">seals</a>. Although this is a substantial figure, it's much lower than past estimations.&nbsp;



A detailed count on Bird Island indicated a sharp decrease in the availability of krill, a shrimp-like crustacean essential to the fur seal diet, over the last decade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-good-news-and-bad-news">Good news and bad news</h2>



“We found both good and bad news about the fur seals. The population has recovered very impressively throughout the twentieth century when seal hunting was banned. But twenty-first century changes to the abundance of krill in the Southern Ocean are now threatening these iconic animals all over again," explained study lead author Dr. Jaume Forcada.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflated-figures-nbsp">Inflated figures&nbsp;</h2>



Historically, fur seals were hunted for their pelts during the 1700s and 1800s. By the early 20th century, their numbers dropped so drastically that commercial hunting became unviable.&nbsp;



Benefiting from strict conservation measures, ample food, and rapid reproduction rates, the fur seal population surged, outpacing other hunted species in the region like the humpback whale.&nbsp;



It was estimated that South Georgia harbored between 4.5 to 6.2 million fur seals by 2000. Nevertheless, a closer look at this data suggests that these figures were likely inflated.&nbsp;



“Our new results show this was a massive overestimation. That matters because the fur seal population size is used to judge the overall health of the species and the wider Antarctic ecosystems. And it turns out that neither were as robust as people thought," said Dr. Forcada.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biased-surveys">Biased surveys</h2>



Contrary to what might be assumed, accurately counting seals is a complex endeavor. Standard surveys usually focus on seal breeding beaches, but these counts are often biased.&nbsp;



The majority of male fur seals in South Georgia typically breed only when they're about ten years old and even then, just for a few years.&nbsp;



Consequently, almost 80 percent of the male population is excluded from these counts, leading to potential exaggerations.&nbsp;



The recent estimate of 3.5 million is a product of intensive week-long helicopter surveys between 2007 to 2009, coupled with advanced assessment techniques.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-island-nbsp">Bird Island&nbsp;</h2>



Interestingly, Bird Island's fur seal population showcased one of the swiftest recoveries over the last century. Yet, this trend has taken a concerning turn. Since peaking in 2009, there has been an annual decline of seven percent.



This means that the island’s current population has dwindled to a level not seen since the 1970s, when the population was still recovering.



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



Upon investigating the role of krill fishing on fur seal populations, the researchers found that it has been insignificant.&nbsp;



However, preliminary climate data analysis has linked escalating sea temperatures in the area with the decline in seal numbers, suggesting that a krill shortage is the probable culprit.



"Krill can make up to 80% or more of the diet of fur seals at South Georgia, so they experience catastrophic declines in the number of pups produced and survival of individuals when environmental conditions remove the krill from their immediate foraging areas,” explained Dr. Forcada.



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



Given the fur seals' pronounced dependency on krill, and the availability of extensive population data, they serve as a pivotal indicator for the ecosystems surrounding Bird Island.



There is an urgent need for comprehensive research to investigate why Bird Island's krill availability has dwindled and the potential extent of this trend across the Southern Ocean.



“If the pressure on the fur seals at Bird Island also applies to the greater South Georgia population there could be an ongoing decline there as well," said Dr. Forcada. "So even though there were three and a half million of them there, the fast decline at Bird Island tells us they could be in trouble."



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Antarctic fur seals face an emerging threat of food shortages

Antarctic fur seals, once hunted to the brink of extinction,...

With the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters like hurricanes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flash-floods-are-set-to-become-much-more-common-in-the-u-s/">floods</a>, and heat waves across the United States, the importance of disaster planning has never been more evident.&nbsp;



Since the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act was enacted in 2000, states and local jurisdictions have been mandated to develop plans that aim to minimize the damages from such events.&nbsp;



However, a recent study from the <a href="https://ku.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Kansas</a> has shown that despite the required updates, there has been little progression in the overall quality and effectiveness of these disaster plans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inadequate-progress">Inadequate progress</h2>



Natural disaster plans are intended to guide communities in routing development to safer regions and decrease exposure of existing infrastructure.&nbsp;



For the study, the researchers analyzed two sets of plans from 84 jurisdictions - one from the late 2000s and the other from the mid-2010s. They found that these plans were of mediocre quality with negligible improvements.



“It’s like a homework assignment that could be great for helping students learn, but sadly most just aim for the minimum standard to get by,” said study lead author Professor Ward Lyles.



“Nationally, the evidence shows a tremendous increase in the amount of hazard planning since passage of the Disaster Mitigation Act 20 years ago. But we wondered if the plans get better over time, and the results unfortunately show us not really.”



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



The study was focused on three states - Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina - based on their shared experiences with recent disasters and similar hazard exposures.&nbsp;



Each state had varying policy frameworks that influenced local planning. The researchers evaluated the plans based on four critical criteria: public involvement, plan integration, land use policies, and property protection policies.



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



The experts found that there was a marked improvement in public engagement scores, indicating a growing emphasis on community involvement in formulating and disseminating the plans.&nbsp;



The integration of mitigation plans with other relevant plans like land use and transportation reflected only a slight improvement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disaster-planning">Disaster planning</h2>



“One of the most concerning findings is that too often planning for disasters occurs in a silo separate from other types of planning that shape our future risk,” said Professor Lyles.&nbsp;



“As we see time and again, whether with hurricanes in the southeast, fires out west or in Hawaii, and even with heat waves, communities make short-term choices to promote development in places that are known to be at high risk from devastating events.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-property-protection-nbsp">Property protection&nbsp;</h2>



Scores for land use and property protection showed no significant improvement. Professor Lyle noted that property protection is difficult to legislate as it is strongly influenced by local political will.



“It may be easy to say ‘don’t build in a flood plain,’ but the growth machine industry, which profits by developing and selling real estate, have been historically very influential on local governments,” explained Lyles.&nbsp;



“It is in their interest to maintain maximum flexibility and prevent or reduce land-use controls. And, as we’ve seen tragically time and again, even the best warning systems and engineered protections like levees and dams have failure points.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use-planning">Land use planning</h2>



The DMA requires disaster mitigation plans but enforcement is the responsibility of state and local governments, so the requirements vary.



“It’s less about knowledge and more about political will,” said Professor Lyles said. “Floods do their worst damage in low-lying areas and fires in areas prone to burning."



"We are not compelled to allow development in high-risk areas that are cheap, scenic or otherwise desirable but ill-advised. But the Federal Emergency Management Agency – and the entire approach to disaster management in the United States – fails to require the type of land-use planning needed in the 21st century.”



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



According to the study authors, their findings provide insight into how state and federal officials can update the DMA of 2000 to meet increasingly complex demands of long-term risk reduction, especially in the face of climate change.



“With proactive, pre-event hazard planning, the idea is to talk through hard decisions when you are not in crisis, commit to those decisions and then hold firm to those decisions when a disaster occurs,” said Professor Lyles.&nbsp;



“Otherwise, the urgency to get back to normal as soon as possible after a disaster means repeating the same mistakes that created the disaster conditions in the first place.”



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0739456X231197182" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Planning Education and Research</a>.



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Natural disasters are on the rise, but hazard plans are inadequate

With the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters like...

Google Street View cars were recently used to detect hyper-local air pollution hotspots in Salt Lake Valley.&nbsp;



These "roving sentinels," as they've been termed, were equipped to sample air quality at an unprecedented fine scale, thereby capturing the varying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-costs-electric-vehicle-tires-emit-20-more-pollution/">pollution</a> levels within neighborhoods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-quality-monitors">Air quality monitors</h2>



The initiative, a collaborative effort between University of Utah atmospheric scientists, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), and other partners, began in 2019.&nbsp;



Two Google Street View cars were introduced as innovative air quality monitors. Their principal advantage over traditional monitors was their mobility and ability to detect pollution levels that were previously undetectable.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-modeling-technique">New modeling technique</h2>



John Lin, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a>, further advanced this initiative by devising a new modeling technique that combined modeled wind-patterns and statistical analysis to trace pollution to its exact source.



“With mobile vehicles, you can literally send them anywhere that they could drive to map out pollution, including sources that are off the road that previous monitoring missed," said Professor Lin. “I think the roving sentinel idea would be quite doable for a lot of cities.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detailed-pollution-map-nbsp">Detailed pollution map&nbsp;</h2>



The mobile labs journeyed through neighborhoods, taking an air sample every second, which accumulated a large dataset of air pollutant concentrations.&nbsp;



This method enabled the research team to craft the most detailed pollution map yet, revealing differences even within a 200-meter radius.



Senior air quality scientist for EDF and study co-author, Tammy Thompson, emphasized the significance of this finding.



“The big takeaway is that there is a lot of spatial variability of air pollution from one end of a block to another. There can be big differences in what people are breathing, and that scale is not captured by the typical regulatory monitors and the policy that the U.S. EPA uses to control air pollution,” said Thompson.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redlined-neighborhoods-nbsp">Redlined neighborhoods&nbsp;</h2>



Furthermore, this study confirmed the troubling correlation between lower income neighborhoods and higher pollution levels.&nbsp;



This disparity has historical roots tracing back to redlining policies from a century ago, which marked neighborhoods as "hazardous" based on racial and economic demographics.&nbsp;



These areas typically had worse air quality due to nearby industrial activities. Professor Lin emphasized the lasting repercussions of these policies.



“Air quality is not a new issue. It's been around for decades and decades, and was probably much worse back then,” said Lin.&nbsp;



“The I-15 corridor follows these redlined neighborhoods. And sadly, there's a fair bit of research supporting the fact that redline neighborhoods, from 80 years ago, still matters. Those are in the neighborhoods still struggling with air quality problems. The legacy of racial discrimination is still there because they tend to be the under-invested neighborhoods.”



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



The instruments used in the Google Street View cars could differentiate chemical signatures of key pollutants such as nitrous oxides (NOx), black carbon (BC), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and methane. Their findings also shed light on previously unknown sources of pollution.



The next step for these researchers is to inspire other cities to adopt this novel method of tracking pollution, aiming for safer urban environments.&nbsp;



An exciting application of this new atmospheric model is its integration into a unique web-based tool, Air Tracker, which provides users with real-time information on air quality in their vicinity.



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



“There are a lot of important environmental justice aspects to this work,” said Thompson. “We need to be able to understand what average air pollution looks like in different communities, and then understand why there is variability and why there are hotspots, and therefore what we can do about it."&nbsp;



"It’s really, really important as we learn more and more about inequity in air pollution and what we're breathing across the country.”



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2023.119995" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atmospheric Environment</a>.



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Google street view cars expose unknown air pollution sources

Google Street View cars were recently used to detect hyper-local...

The,Man,Gives,Planet,Earth,To,Baby.,Ecology,Concept,,Earth

Governments and organizations around the world are dealing with the challenges posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/">global warming</a>. Yet, there is a significant lack of coordination, according to a recent study led by the <a href="https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hamburg</a>.



The study reveals that individual households are the primary agents of climate change adaptation. However, a systematic networking of the various groups is lacking.&nbsp;



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



The research involved 30 experts who analyzed more than 1,400 academic articles. The result of their work is the first-ever global overview of which groups are actively involved in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> adaptation.



The researchers found that there is a notable absence of cohesive strategies designed to bolster societies, infrastructures, and risk management against the challenges posed by climate change.&nbsp;



Furthermore, collaborations between diverse governmental and non-governmental entities remain scarce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolated-efforts">Isolated efforts</h2>



“Our study indicates that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-surpassed-almost-every-safe-limit-to-keep-earth-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> adaptation continues to be largely isolated and uncoordinated,” said study co-author Dr. Kerstin Jantke..“That’s disproportionate to how pressing and vital this challenge is.”



Study first author Dr. Jan Petzold highlighted the need for comprehensive and inclusive solutions.



"Comprehensive, just and forward-thinking adaptation can be considered to be successful when not only official organizations but also a broad range of groups at all levels are involved.”&nbsp;



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



The experts noted that in the Global South, individual households are initiating measures against the effects of climate change, with minimal integration into institutional frameworks.&nbsp;



While individual households are leading climate adaptation efforts in rural areas, governments play a more dominant role in cities. 



Governments tend to focus on ratification, planning, and funding for adaptation. However, it's the smaller households that are mostly responsible for the technical implementation.&nbsp;



According to the study, the scientific community’s involvement in adaptation measures is limited, while that of the private economy is virtually non-existent.



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



“If, around the globe, it’s predominantly individuals like farmers and smallholders who are doing the heavy lifting, it also shows us the lack of cooperation between different groups of actors – which is a prerequisite for sustainable adaptation projects,” said Dr. Petzold.



Such collaboration is crucial for initiatives such as the climate-aware restructuring of forests, urban infrastructure planning, transforming farmlands into floodplains, and relocating coastal populations.



The study also highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to climate change adaptation, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).&nbsp;



Dr. Jantke pointed out potential pitfalls of singularly-focused measures, explaining how measures like levees and dams might damage coastlines and wetlands, thereby compromising biodiversity and natural CO2 storage capabilities.&nbsp;



“If I only design a given measure to address a single, pressing problem, it could make the situation worse in other areas,” said Dr. Jantke.&nbsp;



Therefore, for long-term efficacy, it's imperative to envision solutions that are sustainable and holistic.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01824-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Global climate change adaptation lacks coordination

Governments and organizations around the world are dealing with the...

TikTok may be an effective tool for farmers to cultivate empathy regarding the pressing issue of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/science-reporting-can-change-climate-change-beliefs/">climate change</a>, according to researchers at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/news/agricultural-sciences/story/tiktok-may-help-farmers-cultivate-empathy-around-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a>.&nbsp;



The team analyzed reactions to climate-focused TikTok videos posted by farmers and found that many viewers reacted with warmth and compassion, indicative of emotional empathy.



However, the videos were less successful in stimulating cognitive empathy, which is marked by viewers actively engaging in discussions, providing insights, or seeking further understanding about the content.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-communication">Enhanced communication</h2>



Ilkay Unay-Gailhard, affiliated with the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies in Germany, noted that platforms like TikTok can enhance the ways farmers communicate with consumers.&nbsp;



“Today’s consumers are increasingly looking for transparency in agri-food systems and want to know who their farmer is and how their food is produced,” said Unay-Gailhard.&nbsp;



“They’re also increasingly willing to ensure a sustainable agri-food sector by supporting farmers involved in decisions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. These trends indicate an opportunity for farmers to engage more directly with citizens, as policymakers, media, scientists and activists already have been doing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fostering-empathy-nbsp">Fostering empathy&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Mark Brennan emphasized that fostering empathy (as opposed to sympathy) can lead to more fruitful understanding and collaboration between farmers and consumers.&nbsp;



“This empathy also shows that farmers and consumers are not that different and want the same things many times," said Brennan. "Connecting with them builds understanding and breaks down the artificial divides that are often propagated in our society. We are better together in the end."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-farmers-use-tiktok">How farmers use TikTok</h2>



According to the researchers, the work was inspired by the dual way that food production both contributes to and is affected by climate change.



For example, food production can create heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions, and the subsequent climate warming has negative impacts on food production.



Unay-Gailhard said this intersection gives farmers a unique perspective, and while conversations about food production and climate change typically happen at the social and political level, the rise of new social media platforms is giving farmers new ways to speak out.



“Today’s young farmers are becoming involved in climate actions in different forms than previous generations,” she said.&nbsp;



“Even though farmers are still in the early stages of using social media to initiate conversations about climate change, some social media platforms like TikTok present an opportunity to use new forms of communication with ‘millennial- or Gen-Z-style’ humor to connect with diverse communities on the topic.”



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



To unravel TikTok's potential for fostering climate change dialogues, the team executed a two-step analysis.



They examined user engagement with farmer-generated TikTok videos from the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference held in late 2021. Their sample comprised 29 TikTok videos, including almost 3,000 conversations from six countries.



Interviews were conducted with 12 farmers active on TikTok from four countries to gauge their sentiments about climate change discourse on the platform.



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



“When we talked to farmers, they believed that creating entertaining content on TikTok resulted in more engagement more quickly than content on YouTube, where it takes longer to reach viewers,” said Unay-Gailhard.&nbsp;



“They also felt that presenting themselves and their viewpoints in ‘imperfect’ ways promotes engagement on TikTok, compared to Instagram, where pleasing aesthetics are valued, or X - previously known as Twitter - which is highly polarized.”



The interviewed farmers added that, on TikTok, presenting a straightforward argument with playful and humorous tones can promote more constructive dialogues, even when disagreements arise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-about-farmers-on-tiktok">Learning about farmers on TikTok </h2>



“What is notable from the narratives of TikTok farmers is how empathy among farm-interested viewers turns the platform into a learning landscape,” said Unay Gailhard.&nbsp;



“The self-representation of farmers on TikTok with professional identities is not only about having a voice and joy but also reciprocally investing in others in their online community. This reciprocity emerges with gathering and sharing experiences and knowledge within informal educational contexts.”



Going forward, the researchers said additional studies could explore how content could go beyond triggering emotional empathy and foster cognitive empathy, as well.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0743016723001419" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Rural Studies</a>.



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TikTok can help farmers discuss climate change

TikTok may be an effective tool for farmers to cultivate...

New research from <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a> (CSU) suggests that the aftermath of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/measuring-the-effect-of-wildfires-on-air-quality/">wildfires</a> may be more dangerous than previously thought, with smoke potentially lingering in homes even after the fire is doused or the winds have shifted. This could extend residents’ exposure and increase the risk of health problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lingering-threats">Lingering threats</h2>



The study, which was recently published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adh8263">Science Advances</a>, highlights that wildfire smoke has a tendency to cling onto surfaces inside homes such as carpets, drapes, and countertops.&nbsp;



This means that even after an initial round of cleaning with air purifiers, residues can remain.&nbsp;



Professor Delphine Farmer of CSU, who played an integral role in the study, noted that simple surface cleaning - like vacuuming, dusting or mopping – can reduce exposure risk.



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



Farmer points to the increasing number of wildfires in the Western U.S. over the past decade as a potential long-term health concern.



“This research shows that events like the Marshall Fire in Colorado, the wildfires in Canada and the recent fires in Hawaii present serious exposure potential – not just when they occur but well after,” said Farmer.&nbsp;



“This paper is a key initial step towards providing actionable and practical information on how to protect yourself and clean your home.”



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



In a quest to understand how smoke penetrates and remains in buildings, the researchers used the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s net zero energy residential testing facility in Maryland.&nbsp;



At this facility, pine wood chips were burned to simulate wildfire smoke, allowing the team to study the behavior of the smoke in real-time.



Dustin Poppendieck, an environmental researcher at NIST, praised the capabilities of the facility.&nbsp;



“The NIST Net Zero House allowed the researchers to track the movement and transformation of chemicals in the air and onto surfaces in real time using instruments in ways that don’t interfere with the behavior of the smoke,” said Poppendieck.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-the-home">Changes in the home</h2>



Various measurements were taken post-smoke exposure, including the air quality and surface conditions after cleaning and the utilization of the home's built-in air cleaning systems.



A key observation from the CSU team centered on the gas-phase compounds emerging from the smoke. Comparisons were drawn between different states to determine the actual changes in the home post-burn.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indoor-smoke">Indoor smoke</h2>



Farmer mentioned previous studies on indoor cigarette smoke. She said that while nicotine reacts on surfaces to produce harmful nitrosamines, wildfire smoke releases a diverse range of organic compounds that adhere to surfaces, gradually emitting over time.



“Nicotine reacts on surfaces to create a particularly nasty set of compounds called nitrosamines, which is where the real concern from thirdhand smoke that is left behind comes from,” said Farmer.&nbsp;



“Whereas with wildfire smoke, we found there was a huge diversity of organic compounds that stick to surfaces, which then slowly bleed off.”



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



Understanding the composition and behavior of these compounds is vital for recommending effective cleaning strategies.&nbsp;



Farmer explained that the amount of smoke residue on surfaces was proportional to the surface area cleaned. This insight underscores the importance of thorough cleaning, particularly in overlooked areas like cabinets and HVAC systems.



“As we continue this research, we would like to know just how effective different cleaning approaches are and when residents should move from relatively simple steps like using commercial cleaning supplies for mopping to more drastic steps like replacing the drywall altogether,” said Farmer.



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Wildfire smoke lingers in homes long after the fire is over

New research from Colorado State University (CSU) suggests that 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=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">Invisible threat in urban air</h2>



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



These findings, published in <a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>, 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.



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.



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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>



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.



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



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.



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



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.



"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.



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



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.



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



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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>



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.



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



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.



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."



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



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.



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.



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



Published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>, 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.



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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>



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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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>



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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



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.



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%.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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>.



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



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

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>



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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">Nature Communications</a>.



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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<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>



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?



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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



Sources: 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.



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



1. Is acid rain completely gone? 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.



2. How long did solving take? 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.



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



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



5. Could acid rain return? 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.



6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"? 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>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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. 



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. 



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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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...

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. 



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



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



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



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. 



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).



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



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.



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.



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>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



“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. 



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.



“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;



“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.”



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



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.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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Today's Video of the Day 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. 



"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."



"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.



"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.”



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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."



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;



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. 



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.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

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Today's Video of the Day 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;



"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.



"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;



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.



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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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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Today’s Video of the Day 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;



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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. 



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.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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;



"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.



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day 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;



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.



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;



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. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

Today’s Video of the Day 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.



“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.”



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.



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.



“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.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



"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.



"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."



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



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.



"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."



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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.

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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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



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.



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.



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.



Video Credit: ESA



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



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.

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

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Today's Video of the Day 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. 



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



"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.



"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."



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;



"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.



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.



"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.



"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."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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