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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lightning will ignite even more wildfires as the climate heats up

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

<p>As post-tropical cyclone <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/post-tropical-cyclone-lee-takes-aim-at-new-england-and-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lee</a> sweeps through the western part of Nova Scotia, tens of thousands of people are grappling with power outages and facing the consequences of the storm's wrath. </p>



<p>With hurricane-force winds that have surged across coastal Maine and Atlantic Canada, the storm has become a force to be reckoned with, leading to multiple devastating incidents.</p>



<p>The cyclone's northeastward trajectory is expected to accelerate in the coming days, with forecasts indicating that Lee will traverse Newfoundland by this afternoon and journey into the vast Atlantic by early Monday. Current readings from the U.S National Hurricane Center pinpoint Lee's speed at approximately 22 mph (35 km/h) towards the northeast.</p>



<p>The rainfall forecast from the <a href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Hurricane Center</a> isn't promising for eastern parts of Canada’s New Brunswick province either, expecting an additional inch (25 mm) or less. This past Saturday, New Brunswick was already feeling the storm’s impacts, with downed trees and severed power lines leaving 20,000 residents without electricity.</p>



<h2 id="h-post-tropical-cyclone-lee-pummels-nova-scotia">Post-tropical cyclone Lee pummels Nova Scotia</h2>



<p>Nova Scotia, on the other hand, has seen a staggering 120,000 customers without power. The <a href="https://weather.gc.ca/hurricane/track_e.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian Hurricane Center</a>'s forecast paints a grim picture for the region, warning of sustained impacts from post-tropical cyclone Lee, including continuous rain or showers, gusty winds, and towering waves along the Atlantic coastline. </p>



<p>Maritime transportation in Nova Scotia has been severely disrupted, with ferries suspending operations and Halifax Stanfield International Airport cancelling flights.</p>



<p>Addressing the challenges posed by the storm, Senior Manager of Energy Delivery at <a href="https://www.nspower.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nova Scotia Power</a>, Matt Drover, expressed concerns over deteriorating conditions. "While our crews have managed to restore power in some parts," he said, "the worsening weather, especially with winds exceeding 80 km/h (49.7 mph), means our teams are often facing unsafe conditions."</p>



<p>Recent memory of severe flooding that afflicted the province this summer adds to the current woes. With rainfall reaching up to 250 millimeters (10 inches) in certain regions, the resultant damage was extensive. </p>



<p>Six bridges were obliterated, 19 suffered damages, and over 50 roads faced significant impairment. Pam Lovelace, a Halifax councilor, commented on the province's hardships, saying, “People are exhausted. … It’s so much in such a small time period.”</p>



<h2>Conditions in Maine</h2>



<p>In a distressing incident further south in Maine, a whale watch boat was torn from its mooring, subsequently crashing onto the shore near Bar Harbor – a key gateway to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Acadia National Park</a>. To prevent an environmental catastrophe, officials had to hurriedly remove 1,800 gallons of diesel from the vessel.</p>



<p>Adding to post-tropical cyclone Lee's grim tally was its first fatality on U.S Highway 1 in Searsport, where a 51-year-old man met a tragic end. A massive tree limb, brought down by the storm's fierce winds, crashed onto his vehicle. </p>



<p>Police Chief Brian Lunt narrated the tragic series of events, revealing that live power wires were also dragged down by the falling branch. Before any rescue attempts could be made, utility personnel had to switch off the power. Sadly, the individual succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.</p>



<p>As Lee continues its path, residents are urged to stay vigilant and prioritize safety in these trying times.</p>



<p>---</p>



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Power outage, one death as post-tropical cyclone Lee batters the US and Canada

As post-tropical cyclone Lee sweeps through the western part of...

Sand Tiger Shark

<p>A recent publication in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jfb.15539" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Fish Biology</em></a> emphasizes the need for more research on shark activity in the New York Bight, a triangular coastal region from New Jersey to New York City and Long Island.</p>



<p>The researchers say that the lack of evidence about shark biology, their prey, and changes in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-dust-plays-surprisingly-crucial-role-in-stabilizing-ocean-ecosystems/">ecosystems</a> of New York area coastal waters is a driving force to expand research about sharks and their populations in the region.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This call to action is led by Oliver N. Shipley, PhD, from the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) at <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In recent years, Dr. Shipley has observed a discrepancy between scientific facts and media information regarding the presence of sharks in the costal waters of New York.</p>



<h2 id="h-lack-of-historical-data">Lack of historical data</h2>



<p>"Recent spikes in interactions between humans and sharks in the New York Bight have sparked widespread reporting of possible causalities, many of which lack empirical support," explained the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Here we comment on the current state of knowledge regarding shark biology and management in New York waters emphasizing that the possible drivers of increased human–shark interactions are confounded by a lack of historical monitoring data."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We outline several key research avenues that should be considered to ensure the safe and sustainable coexistence of humans, sharks, and their prey, in an era of accelerated environmental change."</p>



<h2 id="h-human-shark-interactions">Human-shark interactions</h2>



<p>As the summer of 2023 winds down, there is widespread belief that the New York Bight has seen an upsurge in human-shark interactions. This perspective is linked to alleged increasing shark populations and alterations in their feeding patterns.</p>



<p>“Shark populations are poorly studied in the New York Bight. When human-shark interactions occur, this paucity of scientific data has resulted in inaccurate messages from some mainstream media trying to assign causality to these incidents,” said Dr. Shipley.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We are calling for steps to be taken to advance scientific knowledge in order to better understand shark populations and why human-shark interactions may be occurring.”</p>



<h2 id="h-increased-shark-activities">Increased shark activities</h2>



<p>Shark populations have been declining worldwide due to issues such as targeted fishing and accidental captures. However, the waters of the New York Bight have received heightened media attention due to claims of increased shark activities near the shoreline.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Along the south shore of Long Island, several people reported being bitten over the July 4th weekend, including two 15-year-olds. None of the injuries were fatal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study authors caution against drawing hasty conclusions, pointing out that while shark sightings and reports of human-shark encounters have risen, it would be "irresponsible and risky" to assign any immediate cause without scientific backing.</p>



<h2 id="h-future-research">Future research</h2>



<p>The researchers outlined several critical areas for future research that they hope will promote positive attitudes of sharks and their conservation and help mitigate future human-shark conflicts.</p>



<h3 id="h-key-areas-of-study">Key areas of study</h3>



<h4 id="h-coastwide-monitoring-programs">Coastwide monitoring programs</h4>



<p>With the backdrop of climate change, there’s an urgent need to monitor shark activities through diverse methodologies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This could encompass coastal drone surveys, environmental DNA assessments, and in-depth spatial analyses to understand the relationship between sharks, their prey, and changing climates.</p>



<h4 id="h-long-term-data-collection">Long-term data collection</h4>



<p>Study senior author Dr. Michael Frisk believes that such surveys will yield long-term data that can help determine how sharks distribute in response to environmental changes and prey movement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This, in turn, could offer insights into potential human-shark interactions, aiding in predicting and possibly averting them.</p>



<h4 id="h-hotspots-exploration">"Hotspots" exploration</h4>



<p>Research teams at SoMAS are delving into the identification of “hotspots” or regions of heightened shark-prey interaction along southern Long Island, especially those affected by rising ocean temperatures.</p>



<p>To support these initiatives, Dr. Shipley and his team plan to conduct drone surveys at several beaches.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The goal is to obtain more precise data about the likelihood of human-shark encounters and the environmental factors that may influence them.</p>



<p>The team hopes to provide more informed understanding of sharks, dispelling myths and misconceptions, and consequently ensuring safer coexistence.</p>



<p><em>Image Credit: Julie Larsen, Wildlife Conservation Society</em></p>



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Are sharks becoming more dangerous?

A recent publication in the Journal of Fish Biology emphasizes...

<p>New technology from <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas at Austin</a> can transform hot summer air into drinkable water, a potential game-changer for regions of the world dealing with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/despite-record-snowpack-in-the-west-early-melting-could-lead-to-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water scarcity</a>.</p>



<p>Over the years, the researchers have focused on exploiting the moisture in the air as a viable drinking water source for populations enduring droughts.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-hydrogel-device">Hydrogel device</h2>



<p>The research, which is documented in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2308969120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>, has resulted in a notable achievement: a molecularly engineered hydrogel capable of generating pure water using sunlight.</p>



<p>The team successfully extracted atmospheric moisture and converted it into drinking water using solar power.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Impressively, this conversion can happen in temperatures as low as 104 degrees, which is comparable to the summer climate of Texas and other regions.</p>



<p>The hydrogel device could be simply placed outside, requiring no further human intervention, to spontaneously generate drinkable water.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-remarkable-capability">Remarkable capability&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“With our new hydrogel, we’re not just pulling water out of thin air. We’re doing it extremely fast and without consuming too much energy,” said Guihua Yu, a professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering’s Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering and Texas Materials Institute.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“What’s really fascinating about our hydrogel is how it releases water. Think about a hot Texas summer - we could just use our temperatures’ natural ups and downs, no need to crank up any heaters.”</p>



<p>The device's capability is remarkable, yielding between 3.5 and 7 kilograms of water for each kilogram of gel materials, depending on humidity.</p>



<h2 id="h-rapid-water-capture">Rapid water capture</h2>



<p>Another crucial development is the hydrogel's transformation into "microgels" or microparticles. This conversion boosts the device's performance, making water capture and release incredibly rapid.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“By transforming the hydrogel into micro-sized particles, we can make the water capture and release ultrafast,” said study lead author Weixin Guan, a graduate student in Yu’s lab.</p>



<p>“This offers a new, highly efficient type of sorbents that can significantly enhance the water production by multiple daily cycling.”</p>



<h2 id="h-revolutionizing-water-access">Revolutionizing water access&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Efforts are underway to refine the technology, especially optimizing the microgel engineering to elevate efficiency.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The broader objective is to realize a scalable, cost-effective, and portable solution, potentially revolutionizing water access in nations like Ethiopia, where nearly 60% of residents don’t have clean water access.</p>



<p>“We developed this device with the ultimate goal to be available to people around the world who need quick and consistent access to clean, drinkable water, particularly in those arid areas,” said study co-author Yaxuan Zhao, who is also a graduate student in Yu’s lab.</p>



<h2 id="h-further-exploration">Further exploration&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team is exploring organic material-based versions of the device to ensure affordability during mass production. These innovations aim to maintain product durability and facilitate absorption of moisture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research is also focused on making the devices portable for various applications.</p>



<h2 id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



<p>"With increasing global demand for freshwater and the concurrent dwindling of traditional water resources, it’s imperative to explore sustainable alternatives for water supply," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), a potential solution, faces challenges due to the energy-intensive release of captured water."</p>



<p>"Addressing this issue, our study introduces the concept of molecularly confined hydration in thermoresponsive hydrogels, enabling more efficient water release at lower temperatures. This technique, when coupled with photothermal absorbers, harnesses solar energy, bolstering the sustainability of AWH."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This advancement contributes to our understanding of hydrogel design for AWH and signifies a crucial step in the global efforts to mitigate the intensifying water scarcity crisis."</p>



<p>The project is supported by the Norman Hackerman Award in Chemical Research from The Welch Foundation and the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award.</p>



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Breakthrough hydrogel device turns hot summer air into drinkable water

New technology from The University of Texas at Austin can...

Young,Smiling,Happy,Woman,Wearing,Casual,Clothes,Shopping,At,Supermaket

<p>In a landmark environmental move, multinational retailer <a href="https://www.marksandspencer.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marks &amp; Spencer</a> (M&amp;S) has announced the discontinuation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-dropped-into-the-ocean-can-travel-hundreds-of-miles-while-sinking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic carrier bags</a>. Instead, the retailer is set to introduce eco-friendlier paper bags.</p>



<p>Developed in collaboration with the <a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sheffield</a>, these new bags are designed to be both strong and sustainable. With a capacity to hold as much as six four-pint bottles of milk, M&amp;S claims that the bag can be reused up to 100 times. </p>



<p>What makes these bags stand out is the method of their production. They are manufactured at a Scandinavian paper mill powered entirely by hydroelectricity, ensuring that their production leaves a minimal carbon footprint.</p>



<h2 id="h-environmental-impact-of-paper-bags">Environmental impact of paper bags</h2>



<p>The university team assessed the environmental impact of these bags, and the results appear promising. Besides being produced using renewable energy, the bags incorporate natural resin which provides a waterproofing quality. Moreover, their eco-friendly attributes have been endorsed by the <a href="https://fsc.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Stewardship Council</a> (FSC).</p>



<p>Customers can expect a sturdy bag for their groceries, while those shopping from the Clothing and Home departments of M&amp;S will receive a slightly simpler version of the bag.</p>



<p>Victoria McKenzie-Gould, the Director of Corporate Affairs at M&amp;S, expressed her optimism about this shift in a blog post. She remarked, "We now have a solution that is better environmentally and which helps customers looking to make small changes to reduce their environmental footprint. For most who reuse their own bags – which remains the most sustainable option – not much will change. But when the need for an extra bag arises, we’re pleased to be offering a more sustainable choice.”</p>



<p>This isn’t M&amp;S’s maiden voyage into eco-friendliness. Earlier, the company introduced recyclable paper bags and boxes for its rice, pulses, and grains range.</p>



<h2>Many retailers switching to paper bags</h2>



<p>M&amp;S isn’t alone in this pursuit. Morrisons transitioned from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-plastic-pollution-increases-with-depth-and-near-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> to paper bags in 2021 after a successful trial run. Sainsbury’s claimed to be the pioneer in eliminating plastic bags for vegetables, pastries, and unpacked fruits in 2019. Tesco also ditched plastic bags for its online orders in the same year.</p>



<p>The shift away from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-dropped-into-the-ocean-can-travel-hundreds-of-miles-while-sinking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> has become a significant trend in the UK retail sector. According to data from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), there has been a whopping 98% decline in the use of single-use plastic bags since 2015 when English stores initiated a charge for them. Remarkably, seven of the largest grocery chains saw their annual distribution of plastic carrier bags plummet from 7.6 billion in 2014 to just 133 million in 2022.</p>



<p>Minister for Environmental Quality and Resilience, Rebecca Pow, lauded the policy, stating it has prevented billions of single-use carrier bags from polluting the environment or ending up in landfills.</p>



<p>With these efforts, it's evident that British retailers are heeding the call to promote sustainability, aligning their business strategies with global environmental goals.</p>



<h2>Benefits of paper bags over plastic bags</h2>



<p>Switching from plastic to paper bags, as M&amp;S did recently, offers numerous advantages, both for the environment and for society. Let's examine the myriad benefits of making this environmentally conscious choice.</p>



<h3>Biodegradability</h3>



<p>Paper bags break down naturally within weeks or months, while plastic bags can take hundreds of years to decompose. By choosing paper, we significantly reduce the longevity of litter in our environment.</p>



<h3>Paper bags are easy to recycle</h3>



<p>People can easily recycle paper bags. Many municipalities and cities include paper bags in their curbside recycling programs. In contrast, only a few recycling centers accept plastic bags, which often end up clogging machinery.</p>



<h3>Renewable resource</h3>



<p>Manufacturers make paper bags from trees, a renewable resource. With sustainable forestry practices, we can ensure an endless supply of paper, whereas plastic bags come from petroleum, a non-renewable resource.</p>



<h3>Reduces plastic pollution</h3>



<p>When we opt for paper bags, we directly reduce the amount of plastic entering our environment. This helps prevent plastic from harming marine life, birds, and other animals that often mistake plastic fragments for food.</p>



<h3>Consumes less energy in production</h3>



<p>Producing paper bags requires less energy compared to plastic bags. Reduced energy consumption means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a lesser carbon footprint.</p>



<h3>Paper bags are less toxic</h3>



<p>Plastic bags undergo a production process that involves many toxic chemicals. These toxins can leach into the environment when plastic bags break down, poisoning water and soil. Paper bags don't have this issue, as their manufacturing involves fewer harmful chemicals.</p>



<h3>Economic benefits</h3>



<p>The rising demand for eco-friendly paper bags opens up new avenues for job creation in the paper industry. This growth not only helps local economies but also encourages sustainable practices.</p>



<h3>Encourages reusability</h3>



<p>Although paper bags have a limited life compared to heavy-duty reusable bags, many consumers reuse them for a variety of purposes, such as organizing, crafting, or as compostable waste liners.</p>



<h3>Improved waste management</h3>



<p>Unlike plastics, which can remain in landfills for centuries, paper bags will decompose and reduce landfill clutter. This also means reduced costs for waste management in the long run.</p>



<h3>Consumer preference</h3>



<p>With growing environmental awareness, consumers prefer businesses that prioritize sustainability. Offering paper bags can enhance a brand's image, showing commitment to environmental responsibility.</p>



<p>In summary, while the best option remains reusable cloth or heavy-duty bags, paper bags offer a far more sustainable alternative to plastic bags. Embracing paper bags not only supports the environment but also aligns with consumer preferences and global sustainability goals.</p>



<p>---</p>



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Large retailers are replacing plastic bags with eco-friendly paper bags

In a landmark environmental move, multinational retailer Marks &amp; Spencer...

<p>Our world is in a state of change, and as global temperatures rise, they cause ripple effects throughout our natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/">ecosystems</a>. Some of these effects - like animals shifting northward to seek ideal temperatures - are easy to observe, but others are much less obvious.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-plant-decomposition">Plant decomposition</h2>



<p>One important ecosystem process that is often overlooked is plant litter decomposition. Dead plant material is broken down by animals, fungi, and microbes, which in turn releases essential nutrients back into the ecosystem for the next generation of plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The speed of plant decomposition plays a crucial role in determining the carbon storage capacity of an ecosystem. Furthermore, the storage capacity of ecosystems directly affects the levels of carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas responsible for current warming trends.</p>



<p>Just as different plant species possess distinct nutrient profiles, the decomposition products vary depending on the plant species. But it's not just about the plants. Microbes in the soil, responsible for most of the decomposition, are also influenced by warming temperatures.</p>



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



<p>In a study led by <a href="https://holdenfg.org/">Holden Arboretum</a> ecologists, researchers set out to investigate the interactions between plants, microbes, and increasing temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our study is exciting because scientists haven’t extensively explored how changes in the plant and decomposer communities will interact under climate warming,” said study lead author Emma Dawson-Glass.</p>



<p>“Studying how decomposition is impacted by warming can help us better understand how the function of our environment is being altered by climate change. By improving our understanding of the changes caused by climate warming, we can also help to better inform climate intervention strategies.”</p>



<h2 id="h-evolving-microbial-communities">Evolving microbial communities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Building on prior research, the team recognized that while warming temperatures expedited microbial decomposition, they also shifted plant communities in ways that slowed the process. The team conducted lab experiments to take a closer look at these responses.</p>



<p>The researchers found that the presence of Indian grass, a slower-decomposing grass, generally hampered decomposition. However, the delay was nullified when soil microbes were accustomed to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This indicated that microbial communities had evolved under warmer conditions, becoming more efficient at decomposing Indian grass, which also proliferates in such conditions.</p>



<h2 id="h-simultaneous-shifts">Simultaneous shifts&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings suggest that adjustments in microbial and plant communities might actually balance out the changes in decomposition due to global warming. This realization emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach when assessing global warming's impact on ecosystems.</p>



<p>“The impacts of global warming are pervasive, but so incredibly nuanced,” said study senior author Katie Stuble. “The response of one element of the environment to warming is almost certainly influenced by simultaneous shifts in other elements. Sometimes these confounding changes may exacerbate the impacts of warming, but they may also mitigate the impacts.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Unpacking the intricate ways in which warming will modify various aspects of the environment, but also how these changes will interact with one another, will be a critical step in understanding how climate change is reshaping the world now, as well as into the future."</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.14404"><em>Functional Ecology</em></a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-plant-decomposition">More about plant decomposition&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Plant decomposition refers to the breakdown of dead plant materials, such as leaves, stems, and roots, into simpler organic and inorganic compounds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This process is primarily driven by physical factors (like temperature and moisture), chemical factors (like the material's composition), and biological agents, notably microbes (bacteria and fungi), as well as larger decomposers like insects and earthworms.</p>



<h3 id="h-why-is-plant-decomposition-important">Why is plant decomposition important?&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 id="h-nutrients">Nutrients</h4>



<p>Decomposition releases nutrients that were previously locked up in plant tissues. This provides essential nutrients for other plants and organisms in the ecosystem.</p>



<h4 id="h-soil-structure">Soil structure</h4>



<p>As plant materials decompose, they enrich the soil and help in forming humus. This improves soil's water retention, aeration, and overall health.</p>



<h4 id="h-carbon-cycle">Carbon cycle</h4>



<p>Decomposition plays a significant role in the carbon cycle. Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis and store it as carbon. When plants die, this carbon is returned to the environment as CO2 through decomposition.</p>



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Balancing act: Microbes speed up plant decomposition in a warming world

Our world is in a state of change, and as...

Aerial,View,Of,A,Log,Storage,Yard,From,Authorized,Logging

<p>Satellite data from Borneo has given conservationists and scientists a glimmer of hope in the battle against deforestation. A monumental ecological experiment initiated over two decades ago by Professor Andy Hector and his team from the<a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> University of Oxford</a> has shown that logged forests can be regenerated faster with a diverse mixture of seedlings.</p>



<h2>Forest restoration results</h2>



<p>Published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adf0938" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, the study was part of the <a href="https://www.searrp.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SE Asia Rainforest Research Partnership</a> (SEARRP). It scrutinized the regeneration process of 125 plots in a logged tropical forest, each planted with varying tree species combinations.</p>



<p>Unsurprisingly, plots enriched with a mix of 16 native tree species witnessed quicker canopy and biomass recovery than those with only 1 or 4 species. However, it’s noteworthy that even those replanted with just a single species fared better than forests left to rejuvenate on their own.</p>



<p>The main scientist spearheading the study, <a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/professor-andrew-hector" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Andy Hector</a>, opined, "Replanting logged tropical forests with diverse native tree species leads to accelerated tree cover restoration, increased biodiversity, and enhanced carbon sequestration."</p>



<h2 id="h-the-science-behind-the-success">The science behind the success</h2>



<p>The team believes the success behind diverse replanting in forest restoration projects is the distinct ‘niches’ different species fill within an ecosystem. This encompasses both their adaptation to environmental conditions and their interaction with other species.</p>



<p>Such diversity fosters overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-disrupted-66-million-years-of-ecosystem-stability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem stability</a> and functionality. For example, certain tree species that are drought-resistant because of their chemical constitution can lend resilience to the forest during low rainfall phases.</p>



<p>Comparing the benefits of ecological diversity to financial diversification, Professor Hector mentioned, "A diversified tropical forest can be equated to having an insurance effect, akin to possessing a diverse investment portfolio."</p>



<p>Further, this diverse tree mixture could also promote richer animal diversity. For instance, hornbills need large mature trees for nesting.</p>



<h2>The global importance of tropical forests</h2>



<p>With only 6% of the Earth's land mass covered by tropical forests, they astonishingly host around 80% of the world’s documented species, <a href="https://wwf.panda.org/discover/our_focus/forests_practice/importance_forests/tropical_rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to WWF</a>. They are also crucial for carbon storage. </p>



<p>But the clock is ticking for these vital ecosystems, with logging for timber and palm oil plantations causing unprecedented destruction. Between 2004 and 2017 alone, tropical forests spanning an area the size of Morocco were lost.</p>



<p>This Borneo experiment underscores the importance of active intervention in forest restoration, challenging the previously held notion of allowing natural recovery.</p>



<h2>Sabah Biodiversity Experiment</h2>



<p>The <a href="http://www.sabahbiodiversityexperiment.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sabah Biodiversity Experiment</a>, conducted on 500 hectares in the Malaysian state of Sabah, consisted of plots planted with different tree species mixtures, including the world's tallest tropical tree, Shorea faguetiana. Satellite images and statistical models were employed to gauge the regeneration, revealing plots with 16 species as the most successful.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/ryan-veryard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryan Veryard</a>, the lead author, pointed out the importance of maintaining biodiversity in untouched forests. He emphasized that while logged forests can recuperate, the real threat lies in their conversion into agricultural land.</p>



<p>The Sabah Biodiversity Experiment team isn’t stopping here. They're embarking on a comprehensive three-year project, funded by the <a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Natural Environmental Research Council</a>, to survey all the trees in the study, pairing this data with advanced remote sensing methods.</p>



<p>With the increasing threats of climate change and habitat destruction, this research brings hope and crucial insights into preserving and restoring the world's invaluable tropical forests.</p>



<h2>More about deforestation</h2>



<p>Deforestation, the act of clearing large areas of forests, dramatically reshapes our planet in numerous ways. As mentioned above, research into proper forest restoration procedures has never been more important. By understanding the consequences of deforestation, we can better appreciate the importance of sustainable practices and conservation. </p>



<h3>Loss of biodiversity</h3>



<p>Forests house around 80% of the world’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-slow-down-biodiversity-loss-but-they-cant-reverse-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrestrial biodiversity</a>. When we cut down these trees, we destroy the habitats of countless animal and plant species. Many of them, unable to adapt to new environments, face extinction. Each species plays a unique role in the ecosystem, and their loss disrupts the delicate balance of life.</p>



<h3>Climate change</h3>



<p>Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making them essential players in regulating our planet's atmosphere. As we fell trees, we release the carbon they store into the atmosphere, significantly increasing the levels of greenhouse gases. This exacerbates global warming, leading to more severe weather patterns and rising sea levels.</p>



<h3>Soil erosion from deforestation</h3>



<p>Forests act as barriers that prevent soil erosion by both water and wind. Trees hold the soil together with their roots, while fallen leaves create a protective layer on the forest floor. Remove the trees, and the soil becomes vulnerable, leading to loss of fertile land and sedimentation in rivers and lakes.</p>



<h3>Disruption of the water cycle</h3>



<p>Trees play a vital role in the water cycle. They absorb rainwater, then release it back into the atmosphere through transpiration. Without forests, lands become drier, and the amount of water in the soil and atmosphere decreases, often leading to drought.</p>



<h3>Loss of livelihood for Indigenous people</h3>



<p>Forests provide shelter, food, and livelihood for millions of indigenous people. Deforestation robs them of their homes and means of subsistence, forcing them to relocate or adapt to a completely different way of life, often without adequate resources.</p>



<h3>Deforestation decreases oxygen production</h3>



<p>Forests act as the lungs of our planet. They consume carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Cut down large swaths of trees, and we reduce the amount of oxygen being released into the atmosphere, impacting air quality and overall planetary health.</p>



<h3>Spread of diseases</h3>



<p>Forests act as natural barriers, limiting the movement of disease vectors like mosquitoes. With the removal of these barriers, we see an increase in the spread of diseases such as malaria and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-viruses-make-people-smell-more-enticing-to-mosquitos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zika virus</a>.</p>



<h3>Economic impact of deforestation</h3>



<p>Forests play a significant role in the global economy. They provide timber, food, and medicine. However, unsustainable logging practices and clear-cutting for agriculture reduce the long-term availability of these resources, leading to economic instability for industries and regions dependent on them.</p>



<h3>Loss of aesthetic and recreational value</h3>



<p>Forests offer scenic beauty, peace, and recreational activities to millions of people worldwide. Their destruction not only impacts tourism industries but also denies future generations the chance to experience the wonder and serenity of untouched nature.</p>



<h3>Increased greenhouse effect</h3>



<p>Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing more carbon dioxide than they release. When we destroy them, we disturb this balance, leading to an increased greenhouse effect which heats our planet.</p>



<p>In summary, the act of deforestation has far-reaching consequences that affect all aspects of life on Earth. From the air we breathe to the health of our economies, forests play a pivotal role in ensuring a balanced, thriving planet. As global citizens, recognizing these impacts empowers us to advocate for sustainable practices and conservation efforts.</p>



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Important discovery in forest restoration and the battle against deforestation

Satellite data from Borneo has given conservationists and scientists a...

<p>A melting ice sheet is the most likely cause of a major climate change event that transpired over 8,000 years ago, according to a new study.</p>



<p>This revelation, based on geological samples extracted from the Ythan Estuary in Scotland, could provide crucial insights into our current global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-hit-a-record-high-this-month-and-theres-more-to-come/">warming</a> predicament and its potential consequences.</p>



<p>The study involved a team of geo-scientists from four prominent Yorkshire universities. It was led by Dr. Graham Rush, a distinguished scholar affiliated with both the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/">University of Leeds</a> and Leeds Beckett University.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>Over 8,000 years ago, the North Atlantic and Northern Europe experienced dramatic cooling. This was attributed to alterations in a dominant system of ocean currents known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The AMOC plays a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate by redistributing heat across the globe. When its typical flow is disrupted, significant climate changes can emerge, affecting ecosystems, sea levels, and weather patterns.</p>



<h2 id="h-breakdown-of-the-amoc">Breakdown of the AMOC</h2>



<p>The researchers propose that the melting of an expansive ice sheet was the primary catalyst for the changes in AMOC, leading to an intense cooling event.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the experts, an influx of a massive amount of freshwater into the salt-water seas of the North Atlantic may have caused the AMOC to breakdown.</p>



<h2 id="h-alarming-discovery">Alarming discovery</h2>



<p>To investigate, the research team extracted core samples from the sediment of the Ythan Estuary in Scotland.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The analysis of microfossils and sediment revealed startling findings: sea levels had surged at rates far exceeding typical background fluctuations of about two millimeters per year, spiking at 13 millimeters annually.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Individual sea-level events likely caused water levels to rise by approximately 2 meters in the Ythan Estuary.</p>



<h2 id="h-new-theory-emerges">New theory emerges</h2>



<p>Traditionally, scientists believed that a giant freshwater source responsible for the disruption of the AMOC was Lake Agassiz-Ojibway. Located near present-day northern Ontario, this lake was roughly the size of the Black Sea.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, Dr. Rush's team found that while this lake was undoubtedly substantial, it alone couldn't account for the vast influx of freshwater that their core samples indicated.</p>



<p>Instead, the team proposes an alternative source: the melting of the Hudson Bay Ice Saddle. This ancient ice sheet covered a vast region spanning eastern Canada to the northeastern United States.</p>



<p>“We have shown, that although huge, the lake was not large enough to account for all that water going into the ocean and causing the sea-level rise that we observed," said Dr. Rush.</p>



<h2 id="h-global-impacts">Global impacts</h2>



<p>Disruptions in ocean circulation have profound implications for our global climate. The historical climate event caused major drops in temperatures. </p>



<p>In the North Atlantic and Europe, temperatures plummet between 1.5 and 5 degrees C, and persisted for approximately 200 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This temperature drop also resulted in increased rainfall across Europe. Conversely, other regions, such as parts of Africa, suffered extended drought periods.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-cautionary-tale">A cautionary tale&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team believes their findings provide crucial insights into our current era, where Greenland's melting ice sheets may influence global climate systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ancient cooling event serves as a reminder of the delicate balance within our planet's climate and the potential ramifications of major shifts in oceanic and atmospheric conditions.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We know that the AMOC is currently slowing down and, although still debated, some forecasts indicate it could shutdown altogether," said Dr. Rush.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“However, by looking at past events we can learn more about what causes these changes and their likelihood."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We have shown that rapid ice-sheet retreat, which may occur in Greenland depending on the path of future fossil fuel emissions, can cause a range of significant climatic effects that would have very worrying consequences.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.qsa.2023.100119"><em>Quaternary Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Cascading climate event 8,000 years ago was caused by a melting ice sheet

A melting ice sheet is the most likely cause of...

<p>Bumblebees, Europe’s key pollinators, face an uncertain future due to habitat loss and rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-hit-a-record-high-this-week-with-the-worst-heat-still-to-come/">temperatures</a>. A recent study suggests that by the 2060s, over 75% of European bumblebees will lose at least one-third of their habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The outlook is even grimmer for Arctic species, with their living environments predicted to almost disappear entirely as they face the dual threat of climate change and habitat degradation.</p>



<h2 id="h-consistent-global-concern">Consistent global concern</h2>



<p>‘For several decades, scientists have been sounding the alarm about the decline of pollinators, and bumblebees in particular," said study lead author Dr. Guillaume Ghisbain, a conservation biologist at <a href="https://www.vub.be/en/vrije-universiteit-brussel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free University of Brussels</a> in Belgium.</p>



<p>"Their decline has been pronounced in many different countries, so we were only moderately surprised, although deeply saddened, by our findings."</p>



<p>"As conservation biologists, we closely observe nature and communicate with colleagues around the world, all arriving at similar conclusions - pollinators are declining, often more severely than previously thought."</p>



<h2 id="h-roots-of-the-decline">Roots of the decline</h2>



<p>While multiple factors contribute to European bumblebee decline, including pesticides and pollution, the primary concern is land use change.</p>



<p>Modern farms, with their intensive farming practices and reduced diversity, have diminished native flowers that these insects rely on for nectar.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The once-common nesting grounds like dense vegetation or unused burrows have also become rarities on these farms.</p>



<h2 id="h-dozens-of-species-are-dwindling">Dozens of species are dwindling&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Research from 2014 indicated that nearly half of Europe’s 68 bumblebee species are dwindling, with a quarter facing potential extinction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alarmingly, in countries like the UK and Belgium, several bumblebee species have already vanished locally.</p>



<h2 id="h-rising-temperatures">Rising temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Moreover, their vulnerability to climatic changes amplifies the problem. As creatures adapted to temperate climates, rising temperatures negatively impact their fertility, cognitive functions, and overall survival.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Data from 2020 revealed a 17% decline in bumblebee populations compared to the previous century, primarily due to the adverse effects of increasing temperatures.</p>



<h2 id="h-anticipating-the-future">Anticipating the future</h2>



<p>The researchers used a series of models, validated by past and present data, to predict potential changes in Europe's ecosystems and climate over the next two to six decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These models predict significant habitat losses for European bumblebees, especially in areas south of Helsinki.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although some species might increase in numbers, the overall pollination is expected to plummet. This will jeopardize crops like tomatoes, strawberries, and aubergines that rely heavily on bumblebees.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Regions such as Scandinavia, with its relatively cool climate and mountainous landscape, could potentially be a place for some species to live in the future if it is not excessively altered by human activities," said Dr. Ghisbain.</p>



<p>"However, for this to happen, it will be essential to ensure that the region remains free of other factors of decline that we didn’t account for in our models, such as the effects of extreme weather, pesticides, and disease."</p>



<p>Even if regions like Scandinavia are kept free of human intervention, there’s still no guarantee that bumblebees will be able to migrate there.</p>



<p>The future of these critical pollinators is closely tied to habitat restoration. Introducing small patches of nectar-rich plants in window boxes or small gardens could be helpful.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"While these steps can help bumblebees, their survival will ultimately depend on how we protect our natural habitats and climates at a large scale," said Dr. Ghisbain.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06471-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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European bumblebees face extinction as their habitats vanish

Bumblebees, Europe’s key pollinators, face an uncertain future due to...

Rainforest,Of,Amazon,In,South,America,From,The,Space,View,

<p>The European Union (EU) has taken a significant step forward in the fight against climate change, pledging to coordinate donations from its member states to bolster the Amazon Rainforest <a href="https://climateprincipals.org/amazon-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protection plan</a>.</p>



<p>On Friday, the EU committed to aligning a staggering €260 million, which had already been set aside for the cause by several member states such as Spain, Netherlands, Italy, France, and Germany. This move amplifies the Union’s strategic involvement and underscores the collective commitment of European countries towards the preservation of the planet's largest tropical rainforest.</p>



<p>Additionally, the EU has revealed plans to inject an undisclosed sum from its Global Gateway scheme that earmarks funds for investment in Latin America. Notably, one of the crown jewel projects of this investment initiative is the conservation and protection of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-and-the-looming-threat-of-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon rainforest</a>. </p>



<p>With a total investment of €47 billion scheduled for Latin America by 2027, it is evident that the Amazon protection initiative is among the EU's top priorities. This significant financial commitment is expected to headline the discussions between EU and Latin American Finance Ministers during their upcoming meet in Spain.</p>



<h2 id="h-european-union-steps-up">European Union steps up</h2>



<p>Historically, the EU faced criticism for lacking a robust mechanism to efficiently coordinate and monitor the usage of funds received for environmental projects. Addressing this longstanding concern, the Union has now assured that it will not merely act as a conduit for the flow of funds but will also oversee that these contributions are utilized for their intended purpose, ensuring transparency and accountability.</p>



<p>The urgency for such decisive actions is underscored by the environmental challenges the Amazon Rainforest grapples with. As a pivotal ecosystem that spans multiple Latin American countries, the Amazon has witnessed alarming rates of deforestation over the decades. With an estimated loss of 1.4 billion trees annually due to deforestation, the scale of the crisis becomes evident.</p>



<p>However, recent data brings a silver lining. According to satellite imagery and analysis from the space research agency, Inpe, there's a notable decline in deforestation rates. The data from August 2023 showcases a whopping 66.1% drop compared to the rates in August 2022. This downtrend is particularly significant, considering that August traditionally sees heightened deforestation activities.</p>



<p>While the recent decline in deforestation rates is heartening, continuous efforts and collaboration on a global scale are essential to sustain and further this trend. </p>



<p>With the EU's renewed commitment and strategic investment into the Amazon Rainforest Protection Plan, there's hope that collective global efforts can ensure the longevity and health of the Amazon rainforest, a crucial component in the battle against climate change.</p>



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EU pledges to improve efforts with the Amazon Rainforest Protection Plan

The European Union (EU) has taken a significant step forward...

Coral,Reef,And,Tropical,Fish,In,The,Red,Sea,,Egypt

<p>The United Nations has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to safeguard the world's high seas with a new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/historic-treaty-adopted-to-protect-biodiversity-in-the-high-seas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treaty</a>. This initiative, scheduled to be open for signatures on September 20 at the annual UN General Assembly, heralds the beginning of its ratification process.</p>



<h2 id="h-why-is-this-treaty-vital">Why is this treaty vital?</h2>



<p>The high seas, covering approximately 50% of the Earth's surface, play host to a rich array of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>. However, activities like deep-sea mining, overfishing, pollution, shipping, and the impacts of climate change have placed these vital waters and their ecosystems at risk.</p>



<p>Rebecca Hubbard, the director of the <a href="https://highseasalliance.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High Seas Alliance</a>, emphasized the criticality of this venture. "The high seas constitute two-thirds of the world's ocean. It's pivotal that we commence with the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) therein," she asserted.</p>



<p>This vast expanse, beyond national boundary waters and officially termed the <a href="https://press.un.org/en/highlights/BBNJ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction</a> (BBNJ), has so far been devoid of legal protection. This UN High Seas Treaty is set to alter this status quo.</p>



<h2>The process of ratification</h2>



<p>Countries signing the treaty are indicating their intention to ratify it. However, it's essential to understand that a signature is not equivalent to domestic legal approval. To truly adopt the treaty, national legislative measures are necessary for each participating country. The treaty will assume a legally binding nature once 60 nations ratify it.</p>



<h2>Current challenges on the high seas</h2>



<p>Environmental groups and conservationists worldwide are keenly observing the treaty's rollout. According to statistics provided by the <a href="https://globalfishingwatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Fishing Watch</a> and assessed by Greenpeace, the hours dedicated to fishing activities on the high seas saw an upward trend, increasing by 8.5% from 2018 to 2022.</p>



<h2>The High Seas Alliance's crucial role</h2>



<p>Comprising 52 non-governmental organizations and the <a href="https://www.iucn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Union for the Conservation of Nature</a>, the High Seas Alliance has been instrumental in championing this cause. Their dedication and efforts during treaty negotiations have been pivotal in reaching this "historic" agreement.</p>



<p>Furthermore, they have pinpointed several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-disrupts-the-distribution-of-marine-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> hubs on the high seas that necessitate immediate protection. Notable among these are the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-perfect-pathogen-storm-sargassum-and-plastic-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sargasso Sea</a>, white shark cafe, Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges, Costa Rica Thermal Dome, and the Lost City hydrothermal field.</p>



<p>Alexander Killion, Managing Director of the <a href="https://bgc.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Biodiversity and Global Change</a> at Yale University, commented on the significance of the protected areas. He noted the importance of prioritizing these zones, especially to shield species most vulnerable to threats.</p>



<h2>A unified approach to conservation</h2>



<p>In March, unity prevailed among UN member nations, leading to a unanimous agreement dedicated to the world's oceans' protection.</p>



<p>Rena Lee, the conference president, jubilantly declared from the UN Headquarters in New York, "The ship has reached the shore." Her announcement marked the culmination of nearly two decades of rigorous dialogue, with the formal adoption of the treaty following in June.</p>



<p>The treaty's inception showcases the international community's commitment to preserving the planet's vital marine ecosystems. With continued collaboration and adherence, the high seas' future may finally be on a course towards regeneration and sustainability.</p>



<p>---</p>



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UN High Seas Treaty to protect the oceans nears ratification

The United Nations has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to...

Many,Butterfly,With,Yellow,Flower,Against,Blue,Sky

<p>The annual Big Butterfly Count, a leading citizen science project in the UK organized by <a href="https://butterfly-conservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Butterfly Conservation</a>, has brought some optimistic news for butterfly enthusiasts. According to the 2023 count, the UK has seen an increase in butterfly numbers, with over 1.5 million butterflies and day-flying moths recorded, contrasting sharply with last year's record low.</p>



<p>On average, participants recorded 12 butterflies during each 15-minute counting session, a significant rise from the previous year's average of nine. This marks the highest count in the past four years. The uplifting results can be attributed to this year's summer heat, as well as the extreme temperatures and drought experienced in 2022.</p>



<h2 id="h-scientists-had-been-concerned">Scientists had been concerned</h2>



<p>The 2022 drought had scientists worried about the potential impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-solved-when-butterflies-evolved-and-what-plants-they-used-for-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterfly</a> populations. Their main concern was that the extreme heatwave might have negatively impacted the food sources of grass-feeding caterpillars, subsequently leading to a reduction in the number of adult butterflies. </p>



<p>Dr. Zoë Randle, a senior surveys officer at Butterfly Conservation, expressed relief, noting, "We now know that the effects of last year’s drought were not as bad for butterflies as we had feared."</p>



<p>Dr. Randle explained that the fluctuating weather conditions this year have been advantageous for the butterfly population. The environment had ample green food plants available for caterpillars and a bounty of nectar-rich flowers to feed adult <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-butterflies-with-more-white-spots-are-more-likely-to-survive-their-migration-journey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterflies</a>.</p>



<p>However, taking a step back and looking at the broader picture, the news isn't as rosy. Data collected from The Big Butterfly Count over the past 13 years paints a worrying picture, showing significant declines in many butterfly species. </p>



<h2>Big Butterfly Count isn't all good news</h2>



<p>Randle emphasizes, "While the number of butterflies recorded this summer has been the highest since 2019, the longer-term trends show worrying declines for some of the UK’s most common butterfly species."</p>



<p>For instance, once commonly seen Small tortoiseshell butterflies have seen their population plummet by 30%. Other species like the green-veined white, common blue, ringlet, and speckled wood have also suffered, with declines of 61%, 44%, 41%, and 38%, respectively.</p>



<p>On a brighter note, the red admiral species is thriving, with an impressive 338% increase in population over the last year, landing it at the top of the chart with 248,077 sightings. Additionally, other species like the holly blue, small copper, painted lady, and large white have shown an upward trend, benefiting from the climatic crisis.</p>



<p>However, it's not all sunshine for every species. For instance, while the gatekeeper took the second spot with a 12% improvement from 2022, its numbers have reduced by 28% over the past 13 years.</p>



<p>Dr. Richard Fox, the head of science at Butterfly Conservation, provides a cautionary perspective, highlighting that while weather variations do influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-butterflies-actually-expand-their-brain-by-adopting-new-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterfly</a> numbers, habitat destruction is a more pressing concern. Fox states, "Butterflies need a place to live. If they can feed, breed, and shelter, they can thrive."</p>



<p>While this year's butterfly count offers a glimmer of hope, the underlying long-term trends underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts and sustainable habitats to ensure these beautiful creatures continue to grace our gardens and wild spaces.</p>



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Big Butterfly Count count rebounds, hits four-year high

The annual Big Butterfly Count, a leading citizen science project...

Woman,Hand,Holds,A,Glass,To,Filing,It,With,Water

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Bank</a> have presented evidence which suggests that lead exposure may be a deadlier culprit for heart disease deaths than even smoking or poor diets.</p>



<p>The analysis was based on data from the 2019 <a href="https://www.healthdata.org/research-analysis/gbd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Burden of Disease</a> study, including estimates of blood lead levels in 183 countries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deadly-numbers">Deadly numbers</h2>



<p>The study simulated the number of heart disease deaths attributable to lead, concluding that approximately 5.5 million deaths worldwide could be linked to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elevated-levels-of-toxic-metals-detected-in-popular-drinks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxic metal</a>. This number starkly contrasts the 2 million deaths attributed to smoking and the 2.6 million from high cholesterol.</p>



<p>"Although global lead exposure has declined substantially since the phasing out of leaded gasoline, sources of lead exposure remain plentiful, especially in low-income and middle-income countries," wrote the study authors.&nbsp; "Lead is one of WHO's ten chemicals of major public health concern."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lead-and-water-in-america">Lead and water in America</h2>



<p>Lead finds its way into our drinking water from aging infrastructure. Service pipes connecting homes to water mains made out of the heavy metal primarily cause this. Houses in Florida, followed by Illinois and Ohio, are at the highest risk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastating-health-impacts">Devastating health impacts</h2>



<p>Lead is notorious for its cumulative toxicity. Over time, it can cause an array of heart problems by instigating high blood pressure and interfering with nerve functions leading to arrhythmias.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It does this by causing blood vessels to constrict and by impairing kidney function. High blood pressure then exacerbates heart problems by putting additional strain on the heart and contributing to arterial damage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-and-infants">Children and infants</h2>



<p>For young children and infants, the risks are even greater. Lead can severely impact brain and central nervous system development. This results in issues like speech problems, language difficulties, and developmental delays.</p>



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



<p>"Our findings suggest that global lead exposure has health and economic costs at par with PM2·5 air pollution," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, lead exposure is causing children in developing nations to lose an average of six IQ points. This alarming number is six times higher than previous estimates. The epidemic carries an estimated global economic toll of $6 trillion annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shocking-extent-of-lead-water-contamination">Shocking extent of lead water contamination</h2>



<p>The research has ignited varied reactions. Environmental economist and study lead author Bjorn Larsen expressed his astonishment at the figures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Larsen told AFP that when the researchers first saw the figure their model calculated, "we didn't even dare to whisper the number" because it was so "enormous."</p>



<p>Richard Fuller, president of <a href="https://www.pureearth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pure Earth</a>, said that in developing countries, previous surveys had mostly found higher blood lead levels than what has been estimated by World Bank. He emphasized that the study is a dire "wake-up call" to the global community.</p>



<p>Yet, skepticism remains. Notably, Dr. Roy Harrison from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a> raised concerns regarding the model's applicability on a global scale. He told AFP the research is "interesting, but subject to many uncertainties."</p>



<p>The revelations from this study have spurred essential discussions about the quality of drinking water and the potential dangers. Health officials hope that authorities will take the necessary steps to address this global threat to human health.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(23)00166-3/fulltext#%20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Lancet Planetary Health</em></a>.</p>



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Lead exposure kills more people than smoking

Researchers at the World Bank have presented evidence which suggests...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air"><strong>Invisible threat in urban air</strong></h2>



<p>City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.</p>



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



<p>Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.</p>



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



<p>The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.</p>



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



<p>Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.</p>



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



<p>These findings, published in <em><a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a></em>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.</p>



<p>As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



<p>Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.</p>



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



<p>The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.</p>



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



<p>At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.</p>



<p>"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.</p>



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



<p>The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.</p>



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



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> features images of Saturn from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The photographs capture the start of the mysterious "spoke season" on Saturn - when unexplained features appear on its rings. </p>



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



<p>"Like Earth, Saturn is tilted on its axis and therefore has four seasons, though because of Saturn's much larger orbit, each season lasts approximately seven Earth years. Equinox occurs when the rings are tilted edge-on to the Sun," explains NASA.</p>



<p>"The spokes disappear when it is near summer or winter solstice on Saturn. (When the Sun appears to reach either its highest or lowest latitude in the northern or southern hemisphere of a planet.) As the autumnal equinox of Saturn's northern hemisphere on May 6, 2025, draws near, the spokes are expected to become increasingly prominent and observable."</p>



<p>Experts believe that the spokes may be a product of the planet's variable magnetic field. When magnetic fields interact with solar wind, an electrically charged environment is created. This phenomenon is visible on Earth as the northern lights.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Scientists think that the smallest, dust-sized icy ring particles can become charged as well, which temporarily levitates those particles above the rest of the larger icy particles and boulders in the rings," says NASA.</p>



<p>The spokes were first observed in the early 1980s by NASA's Voyager mission. Depending on the angle of the rings, the spokes can appear dark or light.</p>



<p>"Thanks to Hubble's OPAL program, which is building an archive of data on the outer solar system planets, we will have longer dedicated time to study Saturn’s spokes this season than ever before," said NASA senior planetary scientist Amy Simon, head of the Hubble Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program.</p>



<p>"Despite years of excellent observations by the Cassini mission, the precise beginning and duration of the spoke season is still unpredictable, rather like predicting the first storm during hurricane season."</p>



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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