<p>Last summer felt different across large parts of Europe and the Mediterranean. Temperatures broke local records, forests dried out, and daily life bent under relentless heat.</p>



<p>A new study goes further than asking whether climate change played a role. It quantifies how much specific fossil fuel and cement producers contributed to 213 major heatwaves from 2000 to 2023.</p>



<p>The team examined heatwaves reported by governments and media because they caused serious losses or triggered emergency help.</p>



<p>Researchers analyzed whether human-driven warming made those events more likely or more intense, then linked those changes to emissions from 180 large producers known as “carbon majors.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-real-costs-of-heat">The real costs of heat</h2>



<p>Heatwaves are not just uncomfortable. They threaten health, strain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-vehicles-cant-help-the-planet-without-a-smarter-power-grid/">power grids</a>, and hit farms and factories with real economic pain. </p>



<p>Connecting events to sources provides a clearer picture of responsibility than broad national averages.</p>



<p>The study answers two questions: first, how much has climate change amped up these events, and second, how much did each company’s emissions add to that amplification.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-waves-and-climate-change">Heat waves and climate change</h2>



<p>An attribution study estimates how climate change shifts the odds and severity of an extreme event. Scientists compare the world we live in with a modeled preindustrial baseline to quantify the difference.</p>



<p>They use global mean surface <a href="https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/?intent=121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> as a yardstick for how much the planet has warmed overall. A probability ratio tells you how many times more likely an event became compared with the historical world before major industrial emissions.</p>



<p>Across all 213 heatwaves, climate change increased both the intensity and the likelihood. The median boost in intensity rose from about 1.4 °C (2.5 °F) in 2000 to 2009 to about 2.2 °C (4.0 °F) in 2020 to 2023, which matches the broader warming trend reported over land surfaces.</p>



<p>The odds jumped as well. Heatwaves became about 20 times more likely during 2000 to 2009 and about 200 times more likely during 2010 to 2019 compared with 1850 to 1900.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-fuel-companies-and-heatwaves">Fossil fuel companies and heatwaves</h2>



<p>The authors traced heatwave contributions from the 180 largest fossil fuel and cement producers. Those emissions account for a major share of historical carbon dioxide and methane released into the atmosphere.</p>



<p>Fourteen entities stand out because their total contribution to warming matches that of the other 166 combined. That pattern shows scale matters, but smaller producers still matter, since even modest shares can push rare events over the edge.</p>



<p>Past research often grouped emissions by country or individual. This work focuses on firms because they extract and sell products with high carbon footprints and have steered business strategies in light of what they knew about climate risks.</p>



<p>The paper highlights that companies have pursued profit within systems that long undervalued climate costs. That context may inform debates about responsibility, insurance, and how to fund adaptation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-extreme-heat-events">Tracing extreme heat events</h2>



<p>First, the team applied an established event attribution protocol maintained by World Weather Attribution. The approach compares observed temperatures during each heatwave to a modeled preindustrial world, tests statistical fit, and combines multiple lines of evidence.</p>



<p>Second, they used an <a href="https://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/earth-system-model/">Earth system model</a> to calculate how each carbon major’s emissions changed global temperature over time. Removing one entity’s emissions from the historical record in a model run shows the temperature difference that producer made.</p>



<p>Take the Pacific Northwest heat dome of June 2021. Analyses found human induced warming increased its intensity by several degrees Celsius (roughly 4-9 °F) and made such an event far more likely than it would have been before industrialization.</p>



<p>The new study used a similar framework consistently across the world’s continents. That consistency allows a fairer comparison among many events rather than a handful of famous ones.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corporate-share-of-heat">Corporate share of heat</h2>



<p>The researchers estimate that about half of the increase in heatwave intensity since preindustrial times can be traced to the carbon majors. Median contributions from the top group to the intensity of these events range up to a few tenths of a degree Celsius (about 0.5 °F).</p>



<p>Some heatwaves would have been virtually impossible without the added warming. The authors report that dozens of events cross that threshold when considering the total human effect.</p>



<p>"It just shows that it's not that many actors ... who are responsible for a very strong fraction of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-new-source-of-methane-emissions-discovered-glacial-fracking-arctic/">emissions</a>," said Sonia Seneviratne of ETH Zurich (ETHZ).</p>



<p>That perspective reflects the study’s focus on tracing causal chains from producers to real world impacts. It does not erase individual or national roles, but it sharpens the picture of who profits directly from high emitting activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-and-open-questions">Limitations and open questions</h2>



<p>Reporting gaps in Africa and parts of South America mean some heatwaves did not make it into the dataset. That undercounts risk in regions that are warming rapidly and often have fewer resources to cope.</p>



<p>Attribution can also be harder for very rare events and where observational records are shorter. Still, the paper documents careful checks on model performance and statistical causality to build confidence in the results.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-s-toll-on-society">Heat’s toll on society</h2>



<p>Heat risk scales with age, outdoor work, housing, and access to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-antarctic-waters-are-cooling-in-a-warming-world/">cooling</a>. Better early warning, more shade, and grid upgrades reduce harm now, even as long term solutions tackle emissions.</p>



<p>The legal and policy landscape may shift as attribution strengthens. Courts, regulators, and insurers are already weighing how to assign costs when heat pushes systems beyond design limits, and when losses stack up across sectors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-science-to-action">Connecting science to action</h2>



<p>For students and the public, this study shows how scientific tools connect dots from physics to policy. It uses transparent data, multiple models, and clear statistical tests to answer questions many communities are already asking.</p>



<p>It also shows that choices by concentrated actors can have global effects. Understanding that chain helps people think more clearly about accountability and investment.</p>



<p>Researchers plan to apply the same framework to other extremes, including heavy rain, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/">drought</a>, and wildfires. Each hazard will bring its own statistical wrinkles and data needs.</p>



<p>As methods evolve, expect sharper estimates and more open datasets. That progress will help cities, health systems, and courts make decisions that match the scale of the risk.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09450-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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



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Worsening global heatwaves linked to the fossil fuel industry

Last summer felt different across large parts of Europe and the Mediterranean. Temperatures broke local records, forests dried out, and daily life bent under relentless heat. A new study goes further than asking whether climate change played a role. It quantifies how much specific fossil fuel and cement producers contributed to 213 major heatwaves from 2000 to 2023. The team examined heatwaves reported by governments and media because they caused serious losses or triggered emergency help. Researchers analyzed whether human-driven warming made those events more likely or...

<p>The cosmos, and the building blocks of life, just got a little more complex. A team of scientists led by Professor Joaquin Vieira and graduate student Kedar Phadke from the <a href="https://illinois.edu/">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>, in partnership with Texas A&amp;M University, have discovered complex organic molecules in a galaxy 12 billion light-years from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-new-quasi-moon-will-stick-around-for-hundreds-of-years/">Earth</a>. This makes it the furthest galaxy to harbor these molecules known to date. </p>



<p>Their findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05998-6"><em>Nature</em></a>, open a new window into understanding the intricate chemical processes that took place in the early universe's first galaxies.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-discovery-was-made">How the discovery was made</h2>



<p>How did they make this astonishing discovery? The experts utilized the recently deployed James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), coupled with rigorous data analysis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This project started when I was in graduate school studying hard-to-detect, very distant galaxies obscured by dust," said Vieira.</p>



<p>The dust grains in these galaxies absorb and re-emit approximately half of the stellar radiation in the universe, rendering the infrared light from distant objects incredibly faint and often undetectable by ground-based telescopes.</p>



<p>In this mind-blowing research, the team took advantage of what they term "nature's magnifying glass," a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing, to identify the building blocks of life.</p>



<p>"This magnification happens when two galaxies are almost perfectly aligned from the Earth’s point of view, and light from the background galaxy is warped and magnified by the foreground galaxy into a ring-like shape, known as an Einstein ring," explained Vieira.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-astronomers-were-focused-on">What the astronomers were focused on</h2>



<p>Their attention honed in on an object named SPT0418-47, initially discovered using the National Science Foundation's South Pole Telescope. This object had previously been classified as a dust-obscured galaxy, magnified by gravitational lensing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Located 12 billion light-years from Earth, SPT0418-47 hails from a period when the universe was a mere 10 percent of its present age or less than 1.5 billion years old. "Before having access to the combined power of gravitational lensing and the JWST, we could neither see nor spatially resolve the actual background galaxy through all of the dust," said Vieira.</p>



<p>Through analyzing spectroscopic data from the JWST, the team found signs of heavy elements within the obscured interstellar gas of SPT0418-47. This discovery hints that generations of stars, along with building blocks of life, have come and gone within the galaxy. </p>



<h2 id="h-jwst-once-again-proves-to-be-a-game-changer">JWST once again proves to be a game-changer</h2>



<p>The researchers identified a specific compound, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), a molecule found on Earth in substances like combustion engine exhaust or forest fire smoke. PAHs, made of carbon chains, are considered fundamental building blocks of life -- the earliest forms of life.</p>



<p>Graduate student Phadke shares his enthusiasm about the research: “What this research is telling us right now - and we are still learning - is that we can see all of the regions where these smaller dust grains are located – regions that we could never see before the JWST.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The new spectroscopic data paints a vivid picture of the galaxy's atomic and molecular composition, giving us invaluable insights into galaxy formation, their lifecycle, and how they evolve.</p>



<h2 id="h-research-team-is-surprised-and-ready-for-the-next-step">Research team is surprised and ready for the next step</h2>



<p>The team was pleasantly surprised by the outcome of their research. “Detecting these complex organic molecules at such a vast distance is game-changing regarding future observations," said Vieira. "This work is just the first step, and we’re just now learning how to use it and learn its capabilities. We are very excited to see how this plays out.”</p>



<p>“It’s extremely cool that galaxies I discovered while writing my thesis would one day be observed by the JWST. I am grateful to the U.S. taxpayers, the NSF, and NASA for funding and supporting both the SPT and the JWST. Without these instruments, this discovery could have never been made.”</p>



<p>Vieira also serves as the director of the Center for AstroPhysical Surveys (CAPS), funded by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at Illinois, while Phadke is a CAPS graduate fellow.</p>



<p>This remarkable discovery, finding the building blocks of life 12 billion light years away, is a testament to the capabilities of the JWST, which is operated by the Space Telescope Science Institute under the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., and its management through NASA contract NAS 5-03127.</p>



<p>As we continue to explore the mysteries of the universe, the discovery of complex organic molecules in galaxies so incredibly distant reminds us of the importance of continued investment in space technology and research.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As the researchers continue to dissect the data gathered by the JWST, one can only wonder what other groundbreaking discoveries lie ahead. In the vast expanse of space, we've only just begun to scratch the surface.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-building-blocks-of-life">More about the building blocks of life</h2>



<p>Life as we know it relies on a few key molecular ingredients. These essential building blocks of life include water, amino acids, nucleic acids, and lipids, along with a variety of other organic compounds.</p>



<h3 id="h-water">Water</h3>



<p>Water is vital to all known forms of life, acting as a solvent in which many biochemical reactions take place. It helps in the transportation of nutrients and waste products between our body cells and the environment.</p>



<h3 id="h-amino-acids">Amino Acids</h3>



<p>Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are crucial to all biological structures and functions. Proteins are involved in nearly every function of a cell, including structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs.</p>



<h3 id="h-nucleic-acids">Nucleic Acids</h3>



<p>Nucleic acids, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid), hold the genetic information for all living organisms. DNA carries the instructions for the structure and functioning of all cells, while RNA helps to translate these instructions into proteins.</p>



<h3 id="h-lipids">Lipids</h3>



<p>Lipids, including fats and cholesterol, have several important roles. They provide energy, form the cell membrane, and contribute to the functioning of the nervous system. They also play a crucial role in hormone production.</p>



<h3 id="h-sugars-and-carbohydrates">Sugars and Carbohydrates&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Sugars, including simple sugars (monosaccharides) and complex sugars (polysaccharides), provide energy to cells and help to build structures like cell walls in plants.</p>



<h3 id="h-vitamins-and-minerals">Vitamins and Minerals</h3>



<p>Vitamins are organic compounds, and minerals are inorganic. Both types of nutrients are necessary for the body to function properly. They play a role in various biological processes, including cell development, digestion, and metabolism.</p>



<p>The mention of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the press release relates to the fact that these compounds are made up of carbon rings. Carbon is a fundamental element in all organic life, and PAHs, while not typically considered a building block of life, could possibly play a role in the formation of life due to their carbon-rich nature.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On Earth, PAHs can form through natural processes like forest fires or human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels. Their detection in a distant galaxy could suggest similar chemical processes occurring in extraterrestrial environments.</p>



<p>The discovery of such organic molecules and the building blocks of life in a galaxy far, far away might not directly imply life as we know it. Still, it does suggest that the universe might be more chemically diverse and conducive to life than we previously imagined.</p>



<p>—--</p>



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Building blocks of life found in a galaxy 12 billion light years away

The cosmos, and the building blocks of life, just got...

<p>Global ecosystems are under threat, facing a rapidly escalating biodiversity crisis with an alarmingly increasing rate of species extinction. Until now, tracking this loss on a large scale has been an elusive goal, primarily hindered by infrastructure inadequacies. A new study published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.036"><em>Current Biology</em></a>, however, introduces a surprising solution: environmental DNA (eDNA) that has been unintentionally captured in filters of air quality monitoring stations around the world.</p>



<p>"One of the biggest challenges in biodiversity is monitoring at landscape scales - and our data suggest this could be addressed using the already existing networks of air quality monitoring stations," said Elizabeth Clare, a scholar at York University Toronto, Canada.</p>



<p>These stations, she highlights, have been managed by both public and private entities for decades, but the ecological value of the samples collected has been largely overlooked.</p>



<h2 id="h-accidental-edna-jackpot-discovered">Accidental eDNA jackpot discovered</h2>



<p>Andrew Brown from the <a href="https://www.npl.co.uk/">National Physical Laboratory</a> (NPL) backs this up, arguing that these established air quality networks are "potentially a huge untapped source of biodiversity data."</p>



<p>While these monitoring stations have a long-standing history, the techniques to extract and analyze eDNA from the air have only recently been developed. This game-changing methodology was initially introduced in two prior studies, which provided preliminary evidence of its potential to identify zoo species through air sampling.</p>



<p>James Allerton, also from NPL, recalls how these early findings ignited a spark of curiosity within his team. Intrigued by the possibility that air quality data filters could serve as valuable DNA collectors, they approached Littlefair and Clare for further collaboration.</p>



<h2 id="h-objective-of-the-study">Objective of the study</h2>



<p>Together with Nina Garrett from York University Toronto, Joanne Littlefair from Queen Mary University of London, and other researchers, the experts embarked on a novel research endeavor. The objective was to explore whether these filters, used primarily to monitor heavy metals and other pollutants, could capture airborne eDNA reflective of local flora and fauna biodiversity.</p>



<p>The pioneering investigation revealed a remarkable biodiversity record trapped within the filters of two monitoring stations in the UK. Extraction and amplification of DNA from these filters identified eDNA from over 180 various species - from plants and fungi to insects, mammals, birds, amphibians, and more.</p>



<p>The species list was extensive, featuring "charismatic species such as badgers, dormice, little owls, and smooth newts, species of special conservation interest such as hedgehogs and songbirds, trees including ash, linden, pine, willow, and oak, plants like yarrows, mallows, daisy, nettles, and grasses, arable crops such as wheat, soybean, and cabbage."</p>



<p>The researchers noted that longer sampling periods resulted in the identification of more vertebrate species, which suggests an increased visitation of mammals and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diving-birds-face-a-greater-risk-of-extinction/">birds</a> over time.</p>



<p>According to the study results, air quality monitoring networks have inadvertently been gathering standardized, large-scale biodiversity data for many years, though the ecological significance of these samples has been grossly underestimated.</p>



<h2 id="h-some-samples-are-decades-old">Some samples are decades old</h2>



<p>The longevity of these samples, which in some places have been stored for decades, implies that they already embody a time capsule of ecological data. The researchers propose that with minor modifications to current monitoring practices, these samples could be instrumental in monitoring terrestrial biodiversity on a massive scale.</p>



<p>James Allerton expressed his enthusiasm for this discovery: “The most important finding, to my mind, is the demonstration that aerosol samplers typically used in national networks for ambient air quality monitoring can also collect eDNA. One can infer that such networks...must have been inadvertently picking up eDNA from the very air we breathe.”</p>



<p>"The potential of this cannot be overstated. It could be an absolute gamechanger for tracking and monitoring biodiversity," said Littlefair.</p>



<h2 id="h-next-step-how-to-use-this-edna-data-treasure-trove">Next step – how to use this eDNA data treasure trove</h2>



<p>The team is now focused on preserving as many samples as possible with this newfound purpose. Although these samples have already been collected, the team emphasizes that a coordinated global effort will be needed to fully harness the wealth of biodiversity information they contain.</p>



<p>Notably, this discovery has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the world around us. Air pollution monitoring networks exist in nearly every country, both in the form of government-operated or privately-owned systems, and often a combination of both. If utilized effectively, these existing infrastructures could provide an unprecedented solution to the global challenge of measuring biodiversity at a large scale.</p>



<p>"Almost every country has some kind of air pollution monitoring system or network...This could solve a global problem of how to measure biodiversity at a massive scale," said Littlefair.</p>



<p>The team is highly motivated to proceed with their research, eager to unlock the full potential of these underappreciated samples. Their findings offer an exciting breakthrough in the fight against biodiversity loss, redefining our ability to monitor and understand the world's ecological health on an unprecedented scale.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, to realize this promise, the researchers insist on the urgent need for a collaborative international effort. This could potentially lead to a global paradigm shift in biodiversity monitoring and conservation, turning the tide on a looming ecological crisis.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-edna">More about eDNA</h2>



<p>Environmental DNA, or eDNA, is genetic material that is collected directly from environmental samples such as soil, sediment, water, or air, rather than from an individual organism.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Organisms constantly shed cells and genetic material into their environment in the form of skin, hair, feces, urine, and even just the process of breathing out. These traces can be collected and analyzed to detect the presence of the organism that shed them.</p>



<h3 id="h-new-uses-found-for-edna">New uses found for eDNA</h3>



<p>eDNA has gained significant attention in recent years due to its wide range of applications, particularly in biodiversity monitoring and ecology. It can be used to detect species presence in a non-invasive manner, without needing to physically capture or observe the organisms. This is especially useful in aquatic environments, where traditional sampling methods can be challenging and invasive.</p>



<p>Moreover, eDNA can be used to detect elusive or rare species that are difficult to find using traditional methods. For instance, it has been used to detect the presence of endangered or invasive species in various environments, providing critical information for conservation and management efforts.</p>



<p>In the field of paleoecology, eDNA from sediments has been used to reconstruct past biodiversity, ecosystems, and climate. It's also used in forensic science, agriculture, and in the search for new pharmaceuticals.</p>



<h3 id="h-tech-advances-brings-new-uses">Tech advances brings new uses</h3>



<p>Recent technological advancements, particularly in high-throughput DNA sequencing and bioinformatics, have made it possible to not only detect the presence of specific organisms, but also to characterize entire communities of organisms from eDNA samples. This is often referred to as metabarcoding.</p>



<p>However, the field of eDNA research is still developing, and there are challenges and limitations to its use. These include issues with DNA degradation, contamination, the uneven distribution of eDNA in the environment, and the need for accurate reference databases to match eDNA sequences.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, eDNA holds great promise for advancing our understanding of biodiversity and ecosystems, particularly in the context of global environmental change.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-global-biodiversity-crisis">More about the global biodiversity crisis</h2>



<p>The term "biodiversity crisis" refers to the rapid, human-induced loss of plant and animal species at the global scale. This rate of loss is so high that it's often compared to the five mass extinction events in Earth's history, leading many scientists to refer to the current era as the sixth mass extinction.</p>



<p>Biodiversity, the variety of life in a particular habitat or on Earth as a whole, is critical to the health of ecosystems and human survival. It contributes to everything from food security and medical research to climate regulation and recreational benefits.</p>



<p>According to the United Nations' <a href="https://www.ipbes.net/global-assessment">Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services</a> released in 2019, around one million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction. The report points to five main drivers of this biodiversity loss:</p>



<h3 id="h-changes-in-land-and-sea-use">Changes in land and sea use</h3>



<p>This includes deforestation for agriculture, logging, mining, and urban expansion, as well as damage to coral reefs from fishing.</p>



<h3 id="h-direct-exploitation-of-organisms">Direct exploitation of organisms</h3>



<p>Overfishing, overhunting, and illegal wildlife trade are major contributors to species decline.</p>



<h3 id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h3>



<p>Rising temperatures, sea level rise, increased frequency and severity of natural disasters, and ocean acidification all disrupt habitats and species survival.</p>



<h3 id="h-pollution">Pollution</h3>



<p>Pesticides, plastics, oil spills, heavy metals, and other pollutants can harm or kill various species.</p>



<h3 id="h-invasive-alien-species">Invasive alien species</h3>



<p>Non-native species can outcompete native species for resources, change habitats, or directly prey on native species.</p>



<p>Solving the biodiversity crisis will require addressing these drivers. This could include everything from stronger regulation and enforcement against illegal wildlife trade, to shifts in agriculture to reduce deforestation, to global action on climate change.</p>



<p>The consequences of inaction are dire. Biodiversity loss threatens food security, as fewer species mean fewer resources for human consumption. It also threatens the discovery of new medicines, as many are found by studying various species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Biodiversity loss can lead to the collapse of ecosystems, which could increase the risk of natural disasters, negatively impact climate regulation, and reduce nature's recreational, cultural, and spiritual benefits.</p>



<p>It's important to note that while the situation is severe, it's not hopeless. Changes in policies, practices, and behaviors can protect and restore biodiversity. Numerous conservation efforts around the world are underway to address this issue, but it will take a global, concerted effort to effectively combat the biodiversity crisis.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Vast amounts of eDNA captured in air quality monitoring stations

Global ecosystems are under threat, facing a rapidly escalating biodiversity...

<p>Researchers say industrial nations causing excessive CO2 emissions could end up paying a staggering $170 trillion in compensation or reparations by 2050. This is to help meet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-unleashing-ancient-zombie-viruses/">climate change</a> targets. That's close to $6 trillion annually. It's about seven percent of the yearly global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Low-emitting countries, having to speed up their decarbonization, would receive the money as compensation.</p>



<p>Climate-vulnerable countries experience losses and damages due to others' excessive CO2 emissions. Therefore, financial redress becomes crucial in international climate change negotiations. Last year's COP 27 talks in Egypt agreed to set up a Loss and Damage Fund for countries impacted by climate change.</p>



<h2 id="h-evidence-based-co2-compensation-scheme">Evidence-based CO2 compensation scheme</h2>



<p>Today, researchers, led by a University of Leeds academic, published a significant study. They examined how an evidence-based compensation scheme could operate across almost 170 countries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>An interactive website (<a href="https://goodlife.leeds.ac.uk/atmospheric-appropriation/">https://goodlife.leeds.ac.uk/atmospheric-appropriation/</a>) also accompanies the study. This site enables users to explore which countries could receive compensation and how much. Moreover, it shows which countries may need to pay.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This scheme is groundbreaking. It's the first to hold countries accountable for their historical excessive CO2 emissions. They must fund compensation as a result (see image <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/climate-compentation-graphic_credit-Andrew-Fanning-scaled.jpg">here</a>).</p>



<p>Dr Andrew Fanning, Visiting Research Fellow at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/">University of Leeds</a>' Sustainability Research Institute, led the study. He's also Research &amp; Data Analysis Lead at Oxford's Doughnut Economics Action Lab.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-different-levels-of-compensation-outlined">Different levels of compensation outlined</h2>



<p>"For the world to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, all countries must urgently stop burning fossil fuels," Dr Fanning said. “But not all countries have contributed equally to this problem."</p>



<p>The study, titled “Compensation for atmospheric appropriation,” was published today in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41893-023-01130-8"><em>Nature Sustainability</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research reveals significant figures. For example, the UK might have to pay $7.7 trillion for excessive CO2 emissions by 2050. This amount translates to nearly $3,500 per person annually until 2050. The US could have to pay $80 trillion in total, or more than $7,200 per person per year until 2050.</p>



<h2 id="h-innovative-system-for-assessing-losses">Innovative system for assessing losses</h2>



<p>Contrarily, India, a historically low carbon emitter, could receive compensation. The total could reach $57 trillion, or nearly $1,200 per person annually until 2050.</p>



<p>The compensation system is rooted in the idea that the atmosphere is a commons. It's a natural resource that everyone should use fairly and sustainably.</p>



<p>To assign a monetary value to the losses incurred by low-carbon emitting countries, the researchers first gathered the most recent global 'carbon budgets' from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). A carbon budget indicates how much carbon could be released into the atmosphere to meet a specific climate target. For example, to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Starting from 1960, that carbon budget equates to 1.8 trillion tons of CO2.</p>



<p>Next, the researchers calculated an equality-based 'fair share' of that total carbon budget for 168 countries. This was based on population size. They compared each country's fair share allocation against how much CO2 that country has released historically from 1960. Also, an ambitious scenario where it decarbonizes from current levels to 'net zero' by 2050.</p>



<p>Some countries were within their fair share allocation. Others, especially the industrialized nations of the global North, significantly overshot their allocation. This means they have used other countries' fair shares of the atmospheric commons. For instance, the UK has used 2.5 times its fair share, and the US more than four times its fair share. In contrast, India has used just under one quarter of its fair share.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-to-assign-a-monetary-value-to-excess-emissions">How to assign a monetary value to excess emissions</h2>



<p>Using carbon prices from the latest IPCC scenarios, the researchers managed to assign a monetary value to each country's excess emissions. They calculated this in a world that respects the 1.5-degree climate target.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The total amount came to $192 trillion (with a range of between $141 trillion and $298 trillion). The global North is responsible for 89 percent, or $170 trillion, and the remaining sum comes from high-emitting countries in the global South, such as oil-rich states like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.</p>



<p>This money, under the proposed scheme, would be divided among low carbon-emitting countries. The division is based on how much of their fair share allocation they stand to lose.</p>



<p>"We find 55 countries would sacrifice more than 75% of their fair shares, including most of sub-Saharan Africa and India," Dr Fanning noted. "Our results show this group of low-emitting countries would be entitled to receive an average compensation of $1,160 per capita per year, in a world that keeps global warming below 1.5 degrees."</p>



<p>Meanwhile, countries sacrificing less of their fair shares would be entitled to less compensation. The researchers found 13 countries that would lose less than 25 percent of their fair shares under their net-zero scenario. China falls under this category. It would be entitled to receive $280 per capita per year, on average.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-to-price-the-losses-from-low-emitting-countries">How to price the losses from low-emitting countries</h2>



<p>Professor Jason Hickel, from the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (ICTA-UAB), is a co-author of the study. He remarked, "Climate change reflects clear patterns of atmospheric colonization. Social movements and negotiators from the global South have long argued that countries producing excessive emissions owe compensation or reparations for climate-related damages."</p>



<p>These damages impact poorer countries disproportionately. These countries have contributed little or nothing to the crisis.</p>



<h2 id="h-atomospheric-appropriation-cost">"Atomospheric appropriation" cost</h2>



<p>"Our study focuses only on compensation owed for atmospheric appropriation," Professor Hickel continued. "This should be considered additional to broader questions about the costs of transition, adaptation, and damages."</p>



<p>He also highlighted class inequalities within nations. The wealthy classes with high consumption rates and disproportionate power over production and national policy hold much of the responsibility for excess emissions. According to Hickel, these individuals should bear the costs of compensation.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-inequality-of-co2-emissions-across-nations">More about the inequality of CO2 emissions across nations</h2>



<p>The effects of climate change are far-reaching and disproportionately impact nations across the globe. Interestingly, the inequities in CO2 emissions are a significant aspect of this. Here's more on the subject.</p>



<h3 id="h-historical-inequity">Historical Inequity</h3>



<p>Wealthy, industrialized nations have historically been responsible for a large portion of CO2 emissions. Countries like the US, UK, and those in the European Union industrialized early, using fossil fuels extensively, leading to large carbon footprints. Contrastingly, many developing nations have contributed far less to historical CO2 emissions.</p>



<h3 id="h-present-inequity">Present Inequity</h3>



<p>Even now, the per capita CO2 emissions differ widely between developed and developing nations. For instance, per capita emissions in the US and Australia are significantly higher than those in India or most African nations. Yet, these countries are often under international pressure to reduce their emissions, despite their lower contributions and ongoing development needs.</p>



<h3 id="h-climate-cost">Climate Cost</h3>



<p>The irony of climate change is that while the most significant contributors often face fewer immediate consequences, nations contributing the least to global emissions often bear the brunt of the effects. Developing countries in regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands face severe threats from rising sea levels, more intense droughts, heatwaves, and storms - despite having contributed minimal emissions.</p>



<h3 id="h-financial-burden">Financial Burden</h3>



<p>The cost of transitioning to cleaner energy sources is substantial, and the countries that most need to make these changes often have the fewest resources to do so. Moreover, they have to bear the costs of adapting to climate change - like building sea walls or developing drought-resistant crops.</p>



<h3 id="h-compensation-and-climate-justice">Compensation and Climate Justice</h3>



<p>Recognizing these inequities, there's a growing call for climate justice. The idea is that countries historically responsible for the majority of CO2 emissions should assist those now suffering from climate change's effects. This assistance can come in the form of compensation, technology transfer, or help in implementing green policies.</p>



<h3 id="h-consumption-vs-production-emissions">Consumption vs. Production Emissions</h3>



<p>An interesting point is the difference between emissions produced locally versus those tied to consumption. For instance, a wealthy country might import goods from a less developed nation. The emissions occur in the less developed nation, but it's essentially the wealthier nation's consumption driving them.</p>



<h3 id="h-inequality-within-nations">Inequality within Nations</h3>



<p>Besides the inequality between nations, there's a significant disparity within countries. Generally, wealthier individuals and households have much higher carbon footprints due to their consumption patterns and lifestyle than less affluent individuals. This fact highlights the importance of addressing inequality at all levels in the fight against climate change.</p>



<p>Climate change is a complex issue intertwined with historical inequities, economic disparities, and socio-political dynamics. Effectively addressing it requires recognizing these complexities and working towards comprehensive, fair solutions.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Industrialized countries owe roughly $170 trillion for CO2 emissions

Researchers say industrial nations causing excessive CO2 emissions could end...

<p>For over 450 million years, mycorrhizal fungi have been secret heroes, maintaining the balance of life on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-new-quasi-moon-will-stick-around-for-hundreds-of-years/">Earth</a>. These fungi are critical to supplying plants with essential soil nutrients, ensuring their growth and survival.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Recent scientific discoveries reveal that these tiny organisms not only form symbiotic relationships with almost all terrestrial plants but also act as vital channels, transporting carbon into soil ecosystems.</p>



<h2 id="h-mind-blowing-amount-of-carbon-exchanged-by-plants-and-fungi">Mind-blowing amount of carbon exchanged by plants and fungi</h2>



<p>According to a meta-analysis published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.02.027"><em>Current Biology</em></a>, these fungi could be managing an astronomical amount of carbon - 13.12 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) to be precise, which is approximately 36 percent of yearly global fossil fuel emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Lye0r2gd9Z-2782222-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>As nearly 70 to 90 percent of land plants engage in symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, it's been speculated for some time that a substantial amount of carbon is shuttled into the soil through the networks formed by these fungi.</p>



<p>Heidi Hawkins, research lead at Conservation South Africa, studies plant-soil-microbe interactions at the <a href="https://www.uct.ac.za/">University of Cape Town</a>. “We always suspected that we may have been overlooking a major carbon pool," said Hawkins.</p>



<p>She goes on to emphasize that despite the focus on preserving and rehabilitating forests to counter climate change, there's been a lack of attention given to the fate of the carbon dioxide drawn from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. This carbon dioxide is transmitted below ground to the mycorrhizal fungi by the plants themselves.</p>



<h2 id="h-symbiotic-relationship-between-plants-and-mycorrhizal-fungi">Symbiotic relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In this symbiotic relationship, mycorrhizal fungi reciprocate the favor by transferring mineral nutrients to their plant partners. Such mutual exchanges are enabled through the interactions between fungal mycelium - the thread-like networks constituting most of the fungal biomass, and plant roots.</p>



<p>The underground transported carbon serves two functions for the fungi. Firstly, it's used to grow a more extensive mycelium, thus allowing the fungi to further explore the soil. Secondly, the carbon gets bound in the soil due to the sticky substances released by the fungi and can remain underground as fungal necromass, providing a structural framework for soils.</p>



<h2 id="h-still-much-to-be-learned-about-this-process">Still much to be learned about this process</h2>



<p>However, a crucial piece of the puzzle is still missing. “A major gap in our knowledge is the permanence of carbon within mycorrhizal structures. We do know that it is a flux, with some being retained in mycorrhizal structures while the fungus lives, and even after it dies," said Hawkins. What remains uncertain is the duration for which the carbon stays within the fungi.</p>



<p>“We know that mycorrhizal fungi are vitally important ecosystem engineers, but they are invisible," said Toby Kiers, a professor of evolutionary biology at Vrije University Amsterdam and co-founder of the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN).</p>



<p>He emphasizes that our knowledge of these fundamental players at the base of Earth's food webs is just beginning to take shape.</p>



<h2 id="h-time-is-of-the-essence">Time is of the essence</h2>



<p>But the clock is ticking. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has issued a stark warning: by 2050, 90 percent of soils could be degraded, and fungi are conspicuously absent from most conservation and environmental policies. This could severely hamper the productivity of both natural and crop plants.</p>



<p>Study co-author Katie Field is a professor of plant-soil processes at the University of Sheffield. “Mycorrhizal fungi represent a blind spot in carbon modeling, conservation, and restoration," said Professor Field.&nbsp;</p>



<p>She warns that the disruption of ancient life support systems in the soil undermines our efforts to curb global warming and compromises the health and resilience of ecosystems upon which we rely.</p>



<p>There's a strong call to action from the research community. Merlin Sheldrake, co-author of the study, insists that humanity must not only limit destructive activities that harm underground ecosystems but also significantly accelerate research efforts.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-developing-open-source-maps-of-the-planet-s-fungal-networks">Developing open-source maps of the planet’s fungal networks</h2>



<p>Sheldrake, who is part of organizations like SPUN, the Fungi Foundation, and GlobalFungi, shares that these bodies are driving a massive global sampling endeavor. The goal is to develop open-source maps of Earth's fungal networks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These maps will help researchers identify properties of underground ecosystems, such as carbon sequestration hotspots, and document new fungal species capable of withstanding harsh conditions like drought and high temperatures.</p>



<p>However, it's important to note that while these findings and data are based on the best available evidence, they are estimates and should be interpreted carefully. Sheldrake emphasizes the need for caution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Although our numbers are only estimates, they are the best we are able to make with the data available. The limitations of our study make clear the urgent need for further empirical study of carbon and nutrient fluxes between plants and mycorrhizal fungi.”</p>



<p>Undoubtedly, mycorrhizal fungi play a significant role in our ecosystems and in the fight against climate change. The continuation and intensification of research in this area could unlock more secrets about these unsung heroes of the natural world. The question is whether we can learn enough in time to protect these vital, yet often overlooked, components of our planet's health.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-relationship-between-plants-and-fungi">More about relationship between plants and fungi</h2>



<p>The relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi is one of the most remarkable examples of symbiosis in nature. This mutualistic interaction has been critical for the survival and success of plants, especially in nutrient-poor soils, and has been in existence for millions of years.</p>



<h3 id="h-here-s-how-it-works">Here's how it works:</h3>



<h4 id="h-nutrient-exchange">Nutrient Exchange</h4>



<p>The primary benefit for plants in this symbiotic relationship is the enhanced access to nutrients. Fungi are particularly efficient at breaking down complex organic materials in the soil and absorbing nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. The fungal hyphae, or thread-like structures, extend far beyond the reach of plant roots and are also much thinner, allowing them to access soil pores that roots cannot. These nutrients are then transferred to the plant.</p>



<h4 id="h-carbon-exchange">Carbon Exchange</h4>



<p>In return for these nutrients, plants provide the fungi with carbohydrates (sugars), which they produce during photosynthesis. This serves as the primary carbon and energy source for the fungi.</p>



<h4 id="h-improved-water-uptake">Improved Water Uptake</h4>



<p>In addition to nutrient acquisition, the extensive network of fungal hyphae can also help plants with water uptake during times of drought.</p>



<h4 id="h-increased-resistance-to-pathogens">Increased Resistance to Pathogens</h4>



<p>Some types of mycorrhizal fungi can also provide increased resistance to plant diseases by serving as a physical barrier to pathogens, or by improving the plant's own immune response.</p>



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



<p>Lastly, mycorrhizal fungi contribute to soil aggregation, which is the binding of soil particles together into clusters. This process enhances soil structure, improves water holding capacity, and promotes root penetration.</p>



<h4 id="h-environmental-stress-resistance">Environmental Stress Resistance</h4>



<p>The association with mycorrhizal fungi often provides plants with increased resistance to environmental stressors such as metal toxicity and salinity.</p>



<p>These various aspects of the plant-fungi symbiosis reveal the complex and fascinating web of interdependence that exists beneath our feet. It's a classic example of mutualism in nature, where both organisms derive benefits from the relationship. It also underscores the importance of preserving these symbiotic relationships, which play a crucial role in the overall health of our ecosystems.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Cargill &amp; Oyarte-Galvez (AMOLF)</em></p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Plants distribute enormous amounts of CO2 to mycorrhizal fungi

For over 450 million years, mycorrhizal fungi have been secret...

<p>Earth's climate is indisputably heating up due to greenhouse gas emissions. This rise in temperature is causing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/">weather</a> events that we can only classify as extreme and anomalous. But the challenge arises when we try to predict and analyze the impact of these anomalies.</p>



<p>According to researchers from the University of Florida, museum specimens could provide some answers. This unique approach was unveiled in a groundbreaking study, where the scientists used natural history specimens to highlight how unseasonably hot or cold days can extend the active time of moths and butterflies by nearly a month.</p>



<p>Robert Guralnick, the lead author and curator of biodiversity informatics at the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/">Florida Museum of Natural History</a>, expressed surprise at these findings, saying, “The results are not at all what we expected.”</p>



<h2 id="h-study-produces-unexpected-results">Study produces unexpected results</h2>



<p>Conventionally, climate change studies focus on how average temperature rises impact ecosystems. As the temperature climbs, flora and fauna in a specific area become active earlier in the spring and delay their dormant phase until later in the fall.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Gradually, they adjust their habitats to survive in their most favorable climate conditions. However, erratic weather introduces an intricate layer to these patterns, generating unknown consequences that blur the scientists' vision of the future of global ecosystems.</p>



<p>Guralnick acknowledges the existing hints in scientific literature that weather anomalies may cumulatively affect ecosystems. Yet, he noted, “there wasn’t anything that directly addressed this question at a broad scale.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>This gap largely stems from the lack of sufficient data. While climate data collection has been consistent in many global regions for over a century, organism location and activity records remain elusive.</p>



<h2 id="h-digging-through-the-archives-of-natural-history-museums">Digging through the archives of natural history museums</h2>



<p>Natural history museums could offer a solution. Housing specimens for hundreds of years, these museums have now digitized their collections, making them accessible to the wider scientific community. However, digital museum records also bring their own set of challenges.</p>



<p>In 2022, Michael Belitz, co-author of this study, put together a dataset of moths and butterflies from museum collections. His goal was to provide a blueprint for other researchers who want to use similar data. This undertaking resulted in a comprehensive guide on collecting, organizing, and analyzing information from natural history specimens.</p>



<p>With this valuable tool, Belitz and his colleagues set out to detect anomalies in weather patterns. They focused on the eastern United States, analyzing records of 139 moth and butterfly species collected from the 1940s to the 2010s.</p>



<p>The findings were clear-cut: abnormal hot and cold weather has considerably modified insect activity, more so than the average global temperature increase over the past decades. The researchers noticed that the location and timing of extreme weather events affected insect response. In higher latitudes, warmer winter days prompted earlier spring activity in moths and butterflies. Unusually cold days, on the other hand, kept insects active longer across all latitudes, and the combination of extremely high and low temperatures had the strongest impact.</p>



<p>Elaborating on this, Guralnick explained, “If you have a succession of abnormally cold and warm days, it limits the ability of insects to function at peak performance. If cold doesn’t kill you, it slows you down, and it might force insects into a torpor. Insects can recover from the cold snaps pretty quickly and go on to have longer lifespans as a direct result of sudden temperature declines.”</p>



<h2 id="h-good-and-bad-of-extended-insect-activity">Good and bad of extended insect activity</h2>



<p>While extended insect activity might seem beneficial initially, co-author Lindsay Campbell, who studies mosquitos, highlights the potential downside. Longer or altered insect lifespans could lead to more opportunities for pathogen transmission.</p>



<p>She cites correlations between El Niño and rift valley fever outbreaks in East Africa. Anecdotal observations also link unusually warm or hot and dry springs, followed by a heavy precipitation event, to increased outbreaks. Campbell, an assistant professor at the University of Florida, warns about these potential repercussions.</p>



<p>Moreover, the stability of long-term ecosystems relies heavily on the synchronized activity of its components. Interestingly, plants may not respond to these extreme weather patterns the same way insects do. For instance, if moths and butterflies begin their activity too early, they might find plants that haven't yet produced leaves or flowers, wasting their energy in a fruitless quest for food.</p>



<p>Adding to this, the constant redefinition of 'extreme' brings another layer of uncertainty. Will insects be able to adapt to these changes quickly enough?</p>



<p>“As average temperature and climate variability increases, an organism’s resilience is going to drop precipitously,” Guralnick warned.&nbsp;</p>



<p>He stressed that the extreme events we witness today could become significantly more extreme in the future. At some point, organisms' capacity to buffer against these rapid changes will reach its limit, raising questions about the long-term impact on global ecosystems.</p>



<p>This intriguing study shines a light on a lesser-explored dimension of climate change impact, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between climate change and ecosystem dynamics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It serves as a wake-up call for us to delve deeper into understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change on the world's ecosystems, making it abundantly clear that every organism, down to the smallest insect, plays a crucial role in the vast web of life on our planet.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-insects-and-climate-change">More about insects and climate change</h2>



<p>Climate change is a growing concern, and its impacts on insects are a crucial area of study due to the essential roles that insects play in the ecosystems, such as pollination, decomposition, and serving as a food source for other organisms.</p>



<p>Temperature is a major factor influencing the life cycles, behaviors, and geographic distributions of insects. A shift in climate could have multiple effects on insect activity and populations:</p>



<p>Changes in Distribution</p>



<p>Climate change can affect the geographic range of insects. As the world becomes warmer, insects that prefer cooler climates could move towards higher altitudes or latitudes, while those that thrive in warmer conditions might expand their range. Some species might even invade new areas where they weren't found before, potentially leading to new ecosystem interactions.</p>



<h3>Altered Life Cycles</h3>



<p>Warmer temperatures could speed up the life cycle of many insect species, leading to more generations each year. This acceleration could increase their population size if resources remain abundant. However, if these changes don't align with the availability of food sources, such as plants for herbivorous insects, the outcome could be detrimental for the insect populations.</p>



<h3 id="h-increased-pest-activity">Increased Pest Activity</h3>



<p>Certain pests, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and crop-damaging insects, could become more active with increasing temperatures. This could lead to higher risks of vector-borne diseases, like malaria or dengue, and increased crop losses, respectively.</p>



<h3 id="h-impacts-on-biodiversity">Impacts on Biodiversity</h3>



<p>Insects with limited geographic ranges or specialized diets could face extinction if they can't adapt to the changing climate or move to new habitats. The loss of these species could disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems, with repercussions up the food chain.</p>



<h3 id="h-mismatched-phenology">Mismatched Phenology</h3>



<p>Phenology refers to the timing of biological events, such as flowering or insect activity. If climate change causes these events to fall out of sync—for instance, if insects emerge before their food plants have grown—they could face food shortages.</p>



<h3 id="h-increased-stress">Increased Stress</h3>



<p>Extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, or heatwaves, can pose direct threats to insect survival. They can also exacerbate other stresses, such as habitat loss and pollution.</p>



<p>Overall, while some insects might benefit from climate change, many could face significant challenges. Given their essential roles in ecosystems, changes in insect populations can have ripple effects across the food web and biodiversity, affecting the overall health of ecosystems and potentially human societies too. Further research is essential to better understand these impacts and to guide effective strategies for biodiversity conservation in the face of climate change.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Extreme weather has increased seasonal insect activity

Earth's climate is indisputably heating up due to greenhouse gas...

<p>Recently, an increasing number of scientists have argued that animals such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-what-killer-whales-like-to-eat/">whales</a> could actively contribute to the removal of carbon from the atmosphere and thus help mitigate climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, by reviewing the main ways in which baleen whales (such as humpback whales) remove atmospheric carbon at both regional and global scales, a team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au/">Griffith University</a> in Australia has recently found that the amount of potential carbon capture by whales is unfortunately too little to significantly alter the trajectory of climate change.</p>



<h2 id="h-creating-false-hope">Creating false hope</h2>



<p>“Our study supports that whales are important for the marine ecosystem, but their contribution to the global carbon flux is too small to effectively reduce atmospheric carbon. While our research group would very much like to highlight the opposite in order to benefit the conservation of whales and perhaps one day use carbon credits to support research, the debate is misguiding and creates false hope,” said lead author Jan-Olaf Meynecke, a research fellow in Behavioral Ecology at Griffith.</p>



<p>“This is in contrast to media perpetuating whales as climate engineers.&nbsp;Creating false hope in the ability of charismatic species to be climate engineers may act to further delay the urgent behavioral change needed to avert catastrophic climate change impacts, which can in turn have indirect consequences for the recovery of whale populations.”</p>



<p>The ocean carbon cycle is a crucial factor driving global climate, and clarifying how whales and other animals potentially contribute to it is highly important for climate mitigation efforts. According to some scientists, whales can contribute to carbon capture through their biomass in which carbon can be kept for decades (depending on their lifespan), and even after their death, if they sink to the ocean floor and are covered by sediment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, as the authors of the current study stress, overstating whales’ ability to prevent or counterbalance anthropogenic changes in global carbon budgets could unintentionally redirect attention from well-established – and highly needed – methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<h2 id="h-whales-have-other-important-values">Whales have other important values&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Previous estimations neglect the scale in which carbon sequestration occurred both temporally and spatially. Some of the pathways suggested for carbon sequestration such as whale falls (when whales die and sink to the ocean floor but retain carbon for decades) also underestimate the breathing of whales,” Meynecke explained.</p>



<p>“We think it is important to acknowledge that there are other values of whales that are more relevant to drive their conservation than carbon capture.&nbsp;Large scale protection of marine environments including the habitats of whales will build resilience and assist with natural carbon capture at a global scale,” he concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1117409"><em>Frontiers in Marine Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-carbon-capture">More about carbon capture&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Carbon capture, also known as carbon capture and storage (CCS), is a process designed to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. This technology aims to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industrial processes, preventing the CO2 from entering the atmosphere. The captured CO2 is then stored underground in geological formations.</p>



<h3 id="h-the-process-of-carbon-capture">The process of carbon capture:</h3>



<h4 id="h-capture">Capture</h4>



<p>The capture stage involves the separation of CO2 from other gases produced in electricity generation and industrial processes. There are three primary techniques used for this:</p>



<h4 id="h-post-combustion-capture">Post-combustion capture</h4>



<p>This involves capturing CO2 after fossil fuels have been burned and the resultant gases have been cleaned. This is the most widely used method as it can be retrofitted to existing power and industrial plants.</p>



<h4 id="h-pre-combustion-capture">Pre-combustion capture</h4>



<p>In this process, fossil fuels are partially oxidized to produce a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The carbon monoxide is then reacted with water to produce CO2, which can be captured. The remaining hydrogen can be used as a low-carbon fuel.</p>



<h4 id="h-oxyfuel-combustion-capture">Oxyfuel combustion capture</h4>



<p>Here, fossil fuels are burned in oxygen rather than air. As a result, the flue gas is primarily CO2 and water vapor, which can be easily separated to capture CO2.</p>



<h4 id="h-transport">Transport</h4>



<p>After the CO2 is captured, it must be transported to a storage site. This is usually done through pipelines that have been specifically constructed for this purpose. In certain situations where pipelines are impractical, other methods like shipping might be used.</p>



<h4 id="h-storage">Storage</h4>



<p>The final stage involves storing the captured CO2. This is typically done by injecting the CO2 deep underground into geological formations. These can include depleted oil and gas fields, unminable coal seams, or deep saline aquifers.</p>



<p>While carbon capture is seen as a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it also faces several challenges. These include high cost, energy required for the process, and the need for safe and long-term storage solutions. The technology also doesn't address the emissions from the extraction and transport of fossil fuels. Furthermore, some argue that investment in CCS might detract from efforts to further renewable energy sources.</p>



<p>However, newer technologies are also being developed, such as Direct Air Capture (DAC), which involves removing CO2 directly from the atmosphere, and Bio-Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), which combines biomass use with CCS.</p>



<p>—</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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

Can whales contribute to carbon capture?

Recently, an increasing number of scientists have argued that animals...

<p><a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day">World Environment Day</a> 2023 has been commemorated annually on June 5 since 1973 under the <a href="https://www.unep.org/">United Nations Environment Programme</a> (UNEP). This occasion reminds us of the urgent need to take active measures against one of the most pressing global environmental challenges: plastic pollution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The theme of World Environment Day 2023 is to #BeatPlasticPollution. This global movement demands not only the active participation of governments and businesses, but also the efforts of each individual.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-complex-problem">A complex problem</h2>



<p>The enormous volume of plastic produced each year stands at more than 400 million tons globally. A worrying fact is that about half of this plastic is designed for single-use, destined to be discarded after its brief life cycle.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, less than a tenth of this plastic waste is recycled. A staggering estimated 19-23 million tons of this waste eventually finds its way into our lakes, rivers, and seas each year, a weight equating to roughly 2,200 Eiffel Towers combined.</p>



<p>Adding another layer to the complex problem of plastic pollution are microplastics. These are minute particles of plastic, up to 5mm in diameter, that permeate our food, water, and air. Recent studies suggest that an average individual ingests more than 50,000 such particles annually - a figure that significantly rises when we consider inhalation.</p>



<p>The pervasive presence of plastic, particularly single-use ones, poses an imminent threat to human health, biodiversity, and virtually all ecosystems, extending from mountain tops to the ocean floor. Discarded or burnt plastic releases toxins that are detrimental to both humans and wildlife.</p>



<h2 id="h-transformative-action-is-needed">Transformative action is needed</h2>



<p>The seriousness of this crisis highlights the importance of World Environment Day and the crucial need for transformative action from every corner of the globe. It's an urgent call for an accelerated transition towards a circular economy, which promotes recycling and reusing resources rather than continually producing new ones.</p>



<p>The necessity of this action is evident when we consider the impact of plastic pollution on climate change. Plastic is predominantly derived from oil and gas, both of which are fossil fuels. As such, the production of plastic directly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, thus intensifying the climate crisis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If we fail to intervene, emissions from plastic production alone could account for 19 percent of the total allowable emissions established by the Paris Agreement. The target of this treaty is to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2040.</p>



<h2 id="h-urgent-action-is-needed">Urgent action is needed</h2>



<p>The potential consequences of inaction are catastrophic. Without necessary measures, air pollution could exceed safe guidelines by 50 percent within a decade. Additionally, plastic waste infiltrating aquatic ecosystems could nearly triple by 2040. To maintain global warming below 1.5°C this century, we must halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.</p>



<p>The need for urgent action is clear. Thankfully, the stage has been set for a global agreement to combat plastic pollution. Last year, a historic resolution was endorsed by 175 UN Member States to end plastic pollution and develop an international legally binding agreement by 2024. This resolution, the most significant environmental multilateral agreement since the Paris accord, promises to act as a safeguard for current and future generations to coexist with plastic, not be endangered by it.</p>



<h2 id="h-get-involved">Get involved&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The celebration of World Environment Day, this year hosted by Côte D'Ivoire, is more than a day of acknowledgment. It's a platform for public outreach, sparking discussions and inspiring actions among millions of people worldwide. By participating, we collectively signal our commitment to preserving our planet for future generations.</p>



<p>One effective way to participate is by joining the #BeatPlasticPollution movement through the official website of World Environment Day 2023. You can find a wealth of information about the issue, learn about the actions you can undertake to contribute to the solution, and access various resources to promote the movement on your social media. No action is too small.</p>



<h2 id="h-become-a-part-of-the-solution">Become a part of the solution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The fight against plastic pollution presents an opportunity for us to transition from being a source of pollution to becoming part of the solution. A striking example of the extent of plastic pollution can be seen in places as remote as the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in our oceans, and Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Despite their inaccessibility, these locations bear the scars of human activities, accumulating tiny pieces of plastic carried by air and water currents from miles away.</p>



<p>This alarming fact underscores the magnitude of the problem we are facing. To better grasp this global crisis visually, we invite you to explore an engaging report that showcases the depth of the garbage problem in our oceans. These interactive and visual stories offer a more nuanced understanding of this pressing issue.</p>



<p>With the available scientific knowledge and technological solutions, the time has come for governments, companies, and individuals to upscale and expedite actions to tackle this crisis. By transitioning to a circular economy, we can substantially reduce plastic pollution. This shift can cut the volume of plastics entering oceans by over 80 percent by 2040, decrease virgin plastic production by 55 per cent, save governments an estimated US$70 billion by 2040, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent, and even create 700,000 additional jobs, primarily in the global south.</p>



<p>This World Environment Day, as we mark half a century of its celebration, the stakes have never been higher. The urgency of our environmental challenges requires us all to participate in the movement to #BeatPlasticPollution. By working as a team, we can protect our environment and ensure a healthier future for all life on our planet.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

World Environment Day 2023: #BeatPlasticPollution

World Environment Day 2023 has been commemorated annually on June...

Split,View,In,The,Mangrove,With,Tree,Above,Water,Surface

<p>Recently, countries all over the world have been struggling to meet their international climate commitments. Nature-based approaches, such as using the potential of mangroves, seagrasses, or salt marshes to sequester carbon provide a promising solution and could help nations significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, due to the complexity of calculating how much carbon wetlands and other coastal ecosystems can sequester and where to implement such strategies in order to maximize the co-benefits for the climate, economy, or flood risk reduction, major coastal countries, including the United States, have largely overlooked such “blue carbon strategies.”</p>



<p>Now, a team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/">Stanford University</a> has quantified the value of Belize’s coastal mangrove forests in terms of how much carbon they can hold, what value they can add to fisheries and tourism, and what protection they can provide against coastal storms and other risks. Their findings could help chart a path to mitigate climate change, while also boosting the economy and making communities safer.</p>



<p>“The U.S. has one of the largest coastlines in the world, and extensive wetlands,” said study lead author&nbsp;Katie Arkema, a senior Earth scientist at the <a href="https://www.pnnl.gov/">Pacific Northwest National Laboratory</a>, who conducted this research during a fellowship at the&nbsp;<a href="https://naturalcapitalproject.stanford.edu/">Stanford Natural Capital Project</a>. “This paper offers an approach we could use for setting evidence-based climate resilience and economic development goals.”</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



<p>Collaborating with an international team of scientists, as well as Belizean policymakers and stakeholders, Arkema and her colleagues quantified carbon storage and sequestration by using land cover data from Belize and field estimates from Mexico.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts also took into account factors such as coastal flood risk reduction, tourism, and fisheries co-benefits by modeling related services - such as lobster breeding grounds - provided by mangroves under current and future protection, and possible restoration scenarios at different locations.</p>



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



<p>The analysis revealed that, in some regions, even small amounts of mangrove restoration could have significant benefits for both fisheries and tourism. However, since it takes some time for carbon stocks to accumulate in the soil and biomass, total organic carbon sequestration was found to be initially lower when restoring mangroves than when protecting already existing forests.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, the experts discovered that, as mangrove areas increase past a certain point, benefits other than carbon storage begin to decrease. Identifying such inflection points could help policymakers and stakeholders decide how to most effectively balance ecosystem protection with coastal development. At the same time, pinpointing the locations where blue carbon strategies could offer the greatest amounts of co-benefits could help bolster local support.</p>



<h2 id="h-belize-sets-new-targets">Belize sets new targets</h2>



<p>Based on these findings, Belizean policymakers pledged to protect an additional 46 miles of existing mangroves – thus bringing the national total protected area to 96 square miles – and to restore 15 square miles of mangroves by the end of this decade. If these targets will be met, the mangroves could store millions of tons of additional carbon, while also providing additional benefits, such as boosting lobster fisheries by up to 66 percent, generating mangrove tourism worth several million dollars annually, and reducing the risk of coastal hazards for at least 30 percent more people.</p>



<p>Since this approach addresses both climate and sustainable development goals, it can open new opportunities for financing nature-based solutions in other countries too. In the following months, the Natural Capital Project, the InterAmerican Development Bank, and the Asian Development Bank will collaborate with 10 countries to help translating such nature-based approaches into policy and investment processes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Belize’s example, illustrating the practical ways nature’s many benefits can be spatially quantified and inform a country’s climate policy and investments, are now primed to be scaled around the world with development banks and country leaders,” concluded co-author&nbsp;Mary Ruckelshaus, the executive director of the Stanford Natural Capital Project.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal<em> </em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-023-02081-1"><em>Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-mangroves">More about mangroves</h2>



<p>Mangroves are tropical trees and shrubs that grow in coastal and estuarine environments. They are an important part of the ecosystem because they help protect coastlines from storm surges, prevent erosion, and provide habitats for a variety of animal and plant species.</p>



<p>Mangroves have several interesting features that allow them to survive in saline, oxygen-poor environments.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-key-characteristics">Key characteristics:</h3>



<h4 id="h-salt-tolerance">Salt Tolerance</h4>



<p>Unlike most other types of trees, mangroves are able to tolerate and even thrive in saltwater. They have evolved several mechanisms to deal with high salt levels, including salt excretion through leaves and specialized root structures that limit the amount of salt taken up.</p>



<h4 id="h-specialized-root-systems">Specialized Root Systems</h4>



<p>Mangroves have unique root structures known as pneumatophores, which protrude from the water or soil and allow the trees to breathe in oxygen-poor environments. These roots also stabilize the trees in the loose, shifting sediments of the intertidal zone.</p>



<h4 id="h-tidal-adaptations">Tidal Adaptations</h4>



<p>Mangroves are well-adapted to living in intertidal zones, where water levels can fluctuate dramatically between high and low tides. Their roots help to trap sediments, which builds up the soil and allows the mangroves to keep pace with sea level rise.</p>



<p>There are about 80 different species of mangroves, and they're typically divided into two major types: the "true mangroves" and "mangrove associates." True mangroves are species that are exclusively found in mangrove habitats, while mangrove associates can be found in other environments as well.</p>



<p>Mangrove ecosystems are under threat worldwide due to a variety of factors, including coastal development, pollution, and climate change. Despite their ecological importance, mangrove forests have been cleared at an alarming rate. This not only destroys habitats for a multitude of species but also reduces the coastline's natural protection against storms and erosion. Consequently, efforts to conserve and restore mangrove habitats are vital for both local communities and global biodiversity.</p>



<p>—</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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

Restoring mangroves could help countries meet their climate goals

Recently, countries all over the world have been struggling to...

<p>Climate change is revealing secrets trapped within our planet's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-lakes-are-releasing-methane-from-melting-permafrost/">permafrost</a>. As the icy layers melt at an alarming rate, they are uncovering organisms thought to be extinct - ancient "zombie viruses" that have been perfectly preserved for thousands of years. Scientists are discovering that these long-dormant microbes still possess the potential to infect and spread.</p>



<p>As global warming accelerates, the permafrost is thawing increasingly fast, along with the potential for zombie viruses to become infectious again. This warning comes from an international team of researchers from Russia, Germany, and France. The team includes experts in genomics, microbiology, and geoscience, some of whom have been tracking these re-emerging zombie viruses for almost a decade. The findings were published earlier this year in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/viruses"><em>Viruses</em></a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-early-warning-signs">Early warning signs</h2>



<h3 id="h-1918-influenza-virus">1918 Influenza virus</h3>



<p>One of the earliest signs of the viral resurrection came from a somewhat unexpected place. In the late 1990s, Swedish pathologist Dr. Johan V. Hultin found RNA of the 1918 Influenza virus in the lungs of an Inuit woman buried nearly 80 years prior in a mass grave of influenza victims near a remote village outside Brevig Mission, Alaska.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The discovery was possible because the permafrost had preserved enough RNA from the virus to enable researchers to sequence the entire 1918 strain's genome. But this victory was a double-edged sword, heralding the potential for other diseases long frozen in the ice to re-emerge in our modern world.</p>



<h3 id="h-two-giant-viruses-emerge-in-siberia">Two giant viruses emerge in Siberia</h3>



<p>Another zombie virus, Pithovirus sibericum, was discovered 100 feet beneath the Siberian permafrost in 2014. This ancient virus is so gigantic that it can be seen under an ordinary high school-style light microscope.&nbsp;</p>



<p>French scientists from the <a href="https://www.univ-amu.fr/en">University of Aix-Marseille</a> managed to resurrect the 30,000-year-old P. sibericum by exposing amoebas to the virus. "This is the first time we've seen a virus that's still infectious after this length of time," said ProfessorJean-Michel Claverie.</p>



<p>While P. sibericum does not pose an immediate threat to humans or animals, its re-emergence serves as a stark warning. The scientists noted the ease with which these new viruses were isolated, suggesting that infectious particles of many other viruses specific to various hosts — including humans and animals — probably remain abundant in ancient permafrost.</p>



<p>Mollivirus sibericum, another giant virus, was found alongside P. sibericum in the same 30,000-year-old Siberian permafrost samples. Though not a direct threat to humans or animals, the proximity of these two giant viruses left scientists concerned about the potential treasure trove of pathogens that the permafrost might be hiding. </p>



<p>"We cannot rule out that distant viruses of ancient Siberian human (or animal) populations could reemerge as Arctic permafrost layers melt and/or are disrupted by industrial activities," the researchers warned in their 2015 study.</p>



<h3 id="h-the-return-of-smallpox">The return of smallpox</h3>



<p>Smallpox was eradicated by the World Health Organization in 1980. However, in 2004, French and Russian scientists discovered traces of smallpox in an icy 300-year-old Siberian mummy, frozen in the tundra of Russia's Sakha Republic.</p>



<p>The chilling discovery can be traced back to the late 17th to early 18th centuries when the Siberian region was gripped by a severe smallpox outbreak. This mummy was discovered in a mass grave, a hastily arranged burial site from that era, preserved perfectly in the permafrost. Notably, this burial was unusual, as it contained not one but five frozen mummies, all believed to be victims of the same smallpox outbreak.</p>



<h2 id="h-climate-change-and-an-unclear-future">Climate change and an unclear future</h2>



<p>For the authors of the new paper in the journal <em>Viruses</em>, this discovery of the 2004 smallpox virus serves as a grim example of the potential threat thawing permafrost may pose. "Probably for safety/regulatory reasons, there were not follow-up studies attempting to "revive" these viruses (fortunately)."</p>



<p>However, the lack of attempts to reanimate these viruses does not discount the possibility that they might revive on their own, given the right conditions. Permafrost is melting at unprecedented rates, potentially setting the stage for ancient pathogens to return. "Very few studies have been published on this subject," said the researchers.</p>



<p>While these zombie viruses may not pose an immediate threat, their re-emergence is a stark reminder of the potential health risks associated with climate change. As scientists continue to study these ancient pathogens, they underscore the importance of understanding and addressing the profound impacts of global warming on our planet's frozen frontiers.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Climate change is unleashing ancient "zombie viruses" as ice layers melt

Climate change is revealing secrets trapped within our planet's permafrost....

<p>Researchers at Cal State University have discovered that juvenile great white sharks are far more prevalent along the California coastline than previously assumed. This presence has shed new light on the reality of human-shark interactions and possibly on how climate change may be affecting shark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dads-lead-young-birds-on-their-first-migration/">migration</a> patterns.</p>



<p>A two-year research project led by Professor Christopher Lowe, director of the Shark Lab and a professor of Marine Biology at <a href="https://www.csulb.edu/">Cal State Long Beach</a>, relied on drone technology to observe more than two dozen beaches along the state's extensive shoreline.</p>



<p>The study's target demographic was juvenile great whites, aged between one and five years. To the researchers' surprise, these young great whites appeared to be particularly concentrated in two locations: southern Santa Barbara County and central San Diego County.</p>



<p>The intriguing aspect of this finding was not just the unexpected frequency of the juvenile sharks in these regions but the nature of their interaction - or lack thereof - with humans. According to the results released last Friday, these aggregation sites often witnessed sharks and humans sharing the oceanic playground simultaneously 97 percent of the time.</p>



<h2 id="h-minding-their-own-business">Minding their own business</h2>



<p>The notion of sharks circling in the same waters as surfers and stand-up paddle boarders might immediately bring to mind scenes from Steven Spielberg's iconic film "Jaws." Yet, the researchers emphasize that their observations provide a clear contrast to these sensationalized Hollywood scenarios.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Rather than menacing predators, the young sharks "tend to mind their own business," says Patrick Rex, a lab technician at the Shark Lab. The researchers frequently observed juvenile whites swimming within 50 yards of where the waves break, even coming within 10 feet of beachgoers - who were often unaware of a shark's presence.</p>



<p>The important question that arises from these observations, Rex points out, is not about fear but about perception: “People think, 'If I see a shark in the lineup (the area where waves begin breaking), I'm going to get bitten or I'm in danger.' And what we've seen is that that's not necessarily the case."</p>



<p>During the entire period of the study, no shark bites were reported at any of the observed beaches. In fact, shark bites in California are quite rare, with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife documenting only 209 incidents from 1950 to November 2022.</p>



<h2 id="h-new-insights">New insights</h2>



<p>This proximity to humans without any significant incident has led the scientists to theorize that these sharks have started to recognize humans as "not food." Although this is not a definitive conclusion, given the complexities of understanding why sharks bite humans in the first place, it does offer a glimmer of insight into the nature of these majestic creatures.</p>



<p>These findings offer invaluable information to lifeguards, particularly those operating in these aggregation sites, to help ensure safe swimming and water recreation. The research also offers a fascinating window into the behaviors of young sharks, who tend to spend their time at these spots feeding on stingrays and small fish at the seafloor.</p>



<p>Interestingly, this research may also be offering insights into broader environmental shifts. The scientists noted that some of the sharks they were observing did not leave the California waters as they traditionally would when the colder seasons set in.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Rex suggests that climate change and the resultant warmer waters might be causing this shift in migratory patterns. "It means that the sharks may not be making that long migration anymore," he explained. However, he was quick to caution that this was an early hypothesis, with more data and time needed before firm conclusions could be drawn.</p>



<p>These intriguing findings emphasize the importance of continued marine research, the results of which not only bring us a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures but also of our role and responsibility in the delicate balance of our shared environment.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-great-whites">More about great whites</h2>



<p>Great white sharks are the largest predatory fish in the world, with adults typically measuring 13 to 15 feet in length, although specimens exceeding 20 feet have been recorded. These sharks are known for their torpedo-shaped bodies, which allow for speed and agility in the water, and their iconic white underbellies, which gives them their common name. Their back and sides are typically a slate-gray color, providing an effective camouflage in the water.</p>



<p>Great whites have a global distribution, and are primarily found in cool, coastal waters. They have been observed in waters with temperatures ranging from 54-75°F (12-24°C), which means they can be found in seas off the coasts of the United States, South Africa, Japan, Oceania, Chile, and the Mediterranean, among others.</p>



<p>Great white sharks are apex predators, meaning they have no natural predators aside from the occasional killer whale. Their diet mainly consists of fish, seals, small cetaceans (like dolphins), sea turtles, sea birds, and even other sharks. They are known for their "breaching" behavior when hunting seals, propelling themselves out of the water in an impressive display of power and agility.</p>



<p>Despite their reputation, attacks on humans are relatively rare and are usually a case of mistaken identity, such as a shark confusing a surfer for a seal. Contrary to popular belief, humans are not a preferred food source for these sharks.</p>



<p>Great whites are ovoviviparous, which means eggs develop and hatch within the body of the female and are born live. Little is known about their breeding habits, but pups are generally around 5 feet long at birth and are immediately self-sufficient.</p>



<p>These sharks are migratory and can travel thousands of miles. A famous shark named Nicole traveled from South Africa to Australia and back in nine months, a journey of over 12,000 miles.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, great white sharks are currently listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They face threats from hunting (for their fins, teeth, and as trophies), accidental catch (bycatch) in fishing gear, and pollution. Efforts are being made to protect these majestic creatures and ensure their survival for future generations.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Great whites are far more prevalent than expected on the California coast

Researchers at Cal State University have discovered that juvenile great...

<p>In a landscape that showcases the beauty of nature, with the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas, it seems shocking to realize that Nepal is the most polluted country in the world. Residents of this landlocked nation in South Asia are exposed to alarming levels of air pollution.</p>



<p>According to recent data by Oxford University's <a href="https://ourworldindata.org/">Our World in Data</a> platform, Nepal's average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels stand at a staggering 99.73 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) throughout the year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To grasp the scale of the problem, consider that this figure is almost twenty times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline limit of 5μg/m3. The pollution levels in the United Kingdom and the United States, comparatively, are significantly lower, standing at 10.47μg/m3 and 7.41μg/m3, respectively, ranking them as the 24th and ninth cleanest countries.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-top-five-most-polluted-countries">The top five most polluted countries&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The data, collected in 2017, reports PM2.5 levels for 195 countries worldwide. Following Nepal, Niger and Qatar are the second and third most polluted countries, with respective concentrations of 94.05μg/m3 and 91.19μg/m3. The researchers noted North Africa's high levels of pollution, attributing the issue in part to the region's dry conditions and abundance of dust and sand sources.</p>



<p>India, with a staggering population of 1.4 billion, and Saudi Arabia also fall in the top five, with PM2.5 exposures of 90.87μg/m3 and 87.95μg/m3 respectively. Excluding Qatar, PM2.5 levels in each of the top five countries have increased since 1990, indicating that efforts to reduce pollution have been unsuccessful in these nations.</p>



<p>Dr. Raj Tiwari, an assistant professor in Climate Change Data Science at the University of Hertfordshire, expressed deep concern over these findings. "Countries like Nepal (South Asia), Niger (Africa), and Qatar (Middle East) are on the top end for PM2.5, with an exposure of more than 90 - which is very alarming," said Dr. Tiwari.</p>



<p>The smallest increase in PM2.5 levels among the top five was witnessed in Nepal, with a leap of 12.13μg/m3. The list of the countries with the poorest air quality also included Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria, Bahrain, and Chad.</p>



<p>Contrasting these high pollution levels, Finland logged the lowest PM2.5 mean annual exposure at 5.86μg/m3, although still slightly exceeding WHO's safety levels. Brunei, New Zealand, Sweden, Canada, and Iceland also reported relatively low levels of the harmful PM2.5 particles. However, these figures remain above the WHO's recommended safety levels, highlighting the global scope of the air pollution problem.</p>



<h2 id="h-air-pollution-and-mortality-rates">Air pollution and mortality rates</h2>



<p>The adverse health impacts of air pollution are starkly portrayed by the national death rates linked to outdoor air pollution in 2019. Despite Nepal reporting the highest PM2.5 levels, it was Uzbekistan, a Central Asian country with a population of 20.5 million, that haf the most significant fatality rate. The country registered 179 deaths per 100,000 people due to air pollution, a more than twofold increase from the 81 deaths reported in 1990.</p>



<p>Uzbekistan was closely followed by Egypt and Qatar, which recorded death rates of 161 and 133 per 100,000 people, respectively. Considering that these countries are not the most polluted based on PM2.5 levels, the elevated death rates highlight the severe health risks associated with air pollution.</p>



<p>Dr. Tiwari elaborated on the role economics play in these patterns: "Further analysis on death rates from outdoor air pollution is really an eye-opener, as it clearly shows how air pollution is highly linked with the economy of the countries."</p>



<p>According to the United Nations, poorer countries tend to have less stringent air pollution laws, lower vehicle emission standards, and higher numbers of coal power stations. Such factors contribute to the higher levels of pollution and subsequent health impacts seen in these countries.</p>



<p>In stark contrast, Finland, the country with the world's lowest PM2.5 exposure, also reported the lowest number of deaths due to pollution exposure, with just three deaths per 100,000.</p>



<p>However, even as air pollution exacts a significant toll on public health, it is not the leading cause of death globally. The Global Burden of Disease study, published in <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/"><em>The Lancet</em></a>, reported that high blood pressure was the leading cause of death in 2019, accounting for 10.85 million fatalities, closely followed by smoking, which was responsible for 7.69 million deaths.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-fine-particle-pollution">More about fine particle pollution</h2>



<p>PM2.5 are particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, so tiny that they're about one ten-thousandth of an inch. These particles can be composed of various materials, including dust, soot, metals, and harmful chemicals. Emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities, particularly those burning fossil fuels, are the primary sources of such pollutants.</p>



<p>Due to their extremely small size, PM2.5 particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing long-term damage. A wealth of scientific evidence has linked long-term exposure to these particles to a heightened risk of severe illnesses and premature death, primarily due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Beyond physical ailments, air pollutants have also been tied to neurological effects, with studies showing correlations between exposure and increased risks of dementia and cognitive decline.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

An invisible crisis: Ranking the world's most polluted countries

In a landscape that showcases the beauty of nature, with...

<p>Nature parks, otherwise known as protected areas, have emerged as invaluable protectors of nature in the battle to save <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-mounds-play-a-critical-role-in-sustaining-biodiversity/">biodiversity</a>. Yet, many of these havens and their inhabitants face constant threats from humanity's encroachment, often due to mounting pressure from resource extraction, agricultural expansion, and population growth.</p>



<p>Recent research from <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/">Princeton University</a> brings forth an important revelation – strengthening the existing nature parks, be it under legal or local community jurisdiction, is equally important for the preservation of biodiversity as the creation of new protected areas.</p>



<h2 id="h-5-000-species-involved-in-the-study">5,000 species involved in the study</h2>



<p>The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adg0288"><em>Science Advances</em></a>, delves into the status of approximately 5,000 species. Alarmingly, around 70% of these species either have zero representation in protected areas, reside in parks that have experienced a downgrade, downsizing, or removal from protection, or face an increased risk of extinction due to prospective land-use changes.</p>



<p>However, not all is lost. The researchers highlight a compelling solution – enhancing the protection of existing parks and extending the existing network of parks across a mere 1% of the earth's land area. This step alone could safeguard the vital habitats of 1,191 animal species teetering on the brink of extinction.</p>



<p>"Parks save species. But they can do so only if the parks themselves are protected against harmful activities," emphasized Professor David Wilcove. "Our study demonstrates just how important it is to protect the places that protect species."</p>



<h2 id="h-more-evidence-proving-the-importance-of-protecting-biodiversity">More evidence proving the importance of protecting biodiversity</h2>



<p>The team's findings align with a growing global recognition of the urgency to safeguard the Earth's species diversity through the creation of new protected zones. This sentiment was echoed at the United Nations biodiversity conference COP15 in December 2022, where countries pledged to earmark 30% of the world's land and seas as protected areas.</p>



<p>Beyond this commitment, the Princeton study highlights an often-overlooked aspect of wildlife conservation, namely, ensuring that existing protected areas continue to serve as safe sanctuaries for biodiversity.</p>



<p>Yiwen Zeng, lead author of the study, commented, "Our study pinpoints where new parks can be created, but also where to restore and reinforce existing parks in order to boost wildlife conservation."</p>



<p>"Many global discussions on conservation rightfully focus on the need to create new protected areas, but our study also shows the importance of ensuring that protected areas remain effective at keeping out harmful human activity," said Zeng, who is currently a research assistant professor at the National University of Singapore's Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions.</p>



<p>This aspect is crucial because protected areas are not impervious to human activities that could undermine their conservation value, especially in the absence of adequate enforcement or political support for wildlife conservation.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-happens-when-parks-lose-their-protection">What happens when parks lose their protection</h2>



<p>The loss of protection or downgrading of parks, usually resulting from government decisions, reduces the degree or extent of protection, leaving them vulnerable to infrastructure expansion, mining, and other activities that could lead to habitat loss or degradation.</p>



<p>To illustrate, the research pointed out that as of 2021, more than 278 million hectares of parks have undergone such types of degradations. The Megophrys damrei, a critically endangered frog exclusive to Cambodia, continues to suffer habitat degradation within and around the national park boundaries, despite the area's protected status.</p>



<p>Moreover, expanding the network of protected areas could be a lifeline for species whose habitats currently lack sufficient protection. As the study suggests, shielding an additional 330 square kilometers of natural landscapes within Indonesia could secure the suitable habitats of 53 species currently deprived of protected area coverage and limited habitat areas.</p>



<p>Rebecca Senior, a former postdoctoral researcher at Princeton and currently an assistant professor of ecology at Durham University in the UK, warns of the dangers of complacency. "There are many wonderful examples in conservation of people fighting to protect species, but there is always a risk that when you take your eye off the ball, pressure builds and hard-won protection is lost," she cautioned.</p>



<p>Senior further emphasized the need for practical, sustained conservation efforts. "Designating parks on paper is not enough; they need to be in the right places, with the right management, and they need to last."</p>



<h2 id="h-research-team-calls-for-two-pronged-approach">Research team calls for two-pronged approach</h2>



<p>This study brings into sharp focus the need to view conservation as a two-pronged effort: creating new protected areas and ensuring the continued integrity of existing ones. As the research has demonstrated, these two strategies are not mutually exclusive but complementary, and both are essential to curbing the loss of biodiversity.</p>



<p>In a world increasingly threatened by human activity and climate change, the research provides a compelling case for not just the creation, but also the strengthening, of protected areas. The study underscores the essential role these areas play in biodiversity conservation and offers a roadmap to achieving better outcomes for species protection.</p>



<p>If heeded, their findings might just be the key to ensuring that parks continue to serve as refuges for thousands of species at risk, ultimately safeguarding our planet's rich tapestry of life for generations to come.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-protected-areas">More about protected areas</h2>



<p>Protected areas are regions of land or water specifically managed for the conservation of biodiversity and natural or cultural resources. These areas can take many forms, including national parks, wildlife reserves, marine protected areas, and community-managed conservation areas, among others.</p>



<p>The importance of nature parks to Earth's biodiversity is immense, as they provide a refuge for a wide variety of species, including many that are threatened or endangered.</p>



<h3 id="h-habitat-protection">Habitat Protection</h3>



<p>Protected areas are crucial for preserving habitats that species need to survive. They can shield ecosystems from destructive human activities, like deforestation, mining, and overfishing, which degrade habitats and make them uninhabitable for many species.</p>



<h3 id="h-species-preservation">Species Preservation</h3>



<p>Protected areas are often established to preserve species that are endangered or have special significance. They provide a safe haven where these species can live without threats from hunting or habitat destruction.</p>



<h3 id="h-genetic-diversity">Genetic Diversity</h3>



<p>By preserving a wide array of species, protected areas also safeguard genetic diversity. This diversity is crucial for the health and resilience of ecosystems and can provide genetic materials for future scientific discovery and potential use in medicine, agriculture, and other fields.</p>



<h3 id="h-climate-change-mitigation">Climate Change Mitigation</h3>



<p>Protected areas, especially those that contain forests, mangroves, or peatlands, can also help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Additionally, by preserving ecosystem integrity, these areas can help species adapt to changing climate conditions.</p>



<h3 id="h-cultural-importance">Cultural Importance</h3>



<p>Many protected areas also hold significant cultural value. They can protect lands that are sacred or important to Indigenous peoples and local communities, maintaining cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.</p>



<h3 id="h-ecotourism-and-economy">Ecotourism and Economy</h3>



<p>Nature parks often support local economies by attracting tourism. They provide opportunities for recreation, education, and nature appreciation, contributing to the overall quality of human life.</p>



<p>Despite their importance, protected areas face numerous challenges. Encroachment from human activities, insufficient funding for proper management, and climate change can all degrade these spaces and diminish their ability to preserve biodiversity. It's vital that these areas are not just designated, but also effectively managed and enforced, to ensure they can continue to fulfill their crucial role in biodiversity conservation.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Protecting existing nature parks is just as important as creating new ones

Nature parks, otherwise known as protected areas, have emerged as...

<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>



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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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