High in Alaska’s Brooks Range, streams that once ran so clear you could drink from them are now the color of rusty tea. The water looks hazy, smells metallic, and can stain rocks orange for miles.&nbsp;



Fish are struggling, insect life is smothered, and the change has arrived with startling speed. Scientists say the culprit isn’t industry. It’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thawing-permafrost-could-tip-earths-climate-balance/">thawing permafrost</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-frozen-ground-wakes-up">When frozen ground wakes up</h2>



For millennia, Arctic permafrost - permanently frozen soil - locked minerals in place. As the region warms, that icy seal is failing. Water and oxygen seep into freshly thawed ground and set off a chain reaction in sulfide-rich rocks (pyrite is a prime example).&nbsp;



The chemistry is textbook: sulfides oxidize, sulfuric acid forms, and the acid leaches metals like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iron-was-lifes-first-essential-metal-and-shaped-early-evolution/">iron</a>, aluminum, and cadmium from surrounding rock. Those metals then flush into rivers and streams.



“This is what acid mine drainage looks like,” said Tim Lyons, a biogeochemist at the University of California, Riverside. “But here, there’s no mine. The permafrost is thawing and changing the chemistry of the landscape.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astounding-changes-in-water-chemistry">Astounding changes in water chemistry</h2>



A new study zeroes in on the Salmon River, a key waterway in the Brooks Range, documenting just how far the contamination has progressed.&nbsp;



But the authors stress the pattern isn’t isolated. Similar transformations are underway across dozens of Arctic watersheds that share the same mix of geology and thaw.



“I have worked and traveled in the Brooks Range since 1976, and the recent changes in landforms and water chemistry are truly astounding,” said David Cooper, a <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a> research scientist and co-author of the study.



The alarm first sounded in 2019. Ecologist Paddy Sullivan of the <a href="https://www.alaska.edu/alaska/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alaska</a> was flying into the backcountry to study northward-shifting forests when his bush pilot mentioned the Salmon hadn’t cleared after snowmelt - it looked, he said, “like sewage.”&nbsp;



Sullivan’s field observations led to a collaboration with Lyons, <a href="https://www.alaskapacific.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alaska Pacific University</a>’s Roman Dial, and others to trace the cause and measure the ecological fallout.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxic-metals-in-alaska-s-rivers">Toxic metals in Alaska's rivers</h2>



The team’s analysis confirmed a geochemical cascade. Permafrost thaw exposes sulfide-bearing rocks, oxidation generates acidity, and the resulting acid mobilizes a suite of metals.&nbsp;



In small doses many metals are harmless or even essential. But at higher concentrations they become toxic to aquatic life - and the Salmon River’s waters now exceed the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a> thresholds for several metals detrimental to fish and invertebrates.



Iron is the most visible signal. As iron oxidizes, it forms fine, orange precipitates that cloud the water and coat the streambed. That haze blocks sunlight that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-algae-that-once-cooled-earth-are-now-disappearing/">algae</a> and aquatic plants need, and the sludge blankets the gravel and cobbles where insect larvae live and fish spawn. 



Cadmium is more insidious: it can accumulate in fish organs, potentially affecting predators from Dolly Varden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trout-living-in-polluted-rivers-evolved-to-tolerate-high-metal-levels-in-the-waters/">trout</a> and grayling to birds and bears.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-in-the-food-chain">Ripple effects in the food chain</h2>



For now, the researchers say metal levels in edible fish tissue are not considered hazardous to humans. But indirect risks loom large.&nbsp;



Chum salmon - central to the diets and culture of many Indigenous communities - lay their eggs in clean, oxygenated gravel. When those spaces fill with fine sediment and metal precipitates, the oxygen drops and eggs can suffocate. 



Changes in insect communities ripple up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-twilight-zone-stabilizes-the-marine-food-chain/">food chain</a>, weakening the foundation that supports juvenile fish and the species that eat them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irreversible-shift-in-alaska-s-rivers">Irreversible shift in Alaska's rivers</h2>



Unlike mine sites - where engineers can install liners, drains, or neutralizing systems - these rivers wind through remote, roadless country, and the sources of contamination are everywhere thaw has reached the right rock. There is no single pipe to plug, no settling pond to build.



“Wherever you have the right kind of rock and thawing permafrost, this process can start,” Lyons said. And once it does, it tends to keep going. The only true “off switch” would be for the permafrost to refreeze - an unlikely prospect in a warming climate.



“There’s no fixing this once it starts,” Lyons said. “It’s another irreversible shift driven by a warming planet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fingerprints-of-global-warming">Fingerprints of global warming</h2>



The experts hope their findings will help communities, land managers, and fisheries prepare - by expanding water quality monitoring, identifying vulnerable spawning grounds, planning alternative harvests if runs falter, and adapting management practices as conditions change.



The broader message is sobering. The Brooks Range is about as far from cities and smokestacks as you can get. Yet its rivers are wearing the unmistakable fingerprints of global warming.



“There are few places left on Earth as untouched as these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alaskas-rivers-are-rusting-and-the-changes-are-visible-from-space/">rivers</a>,” Lyons said. “But even here, far from cities and highways, the fingerprint of global warming is unmistakable. No place is spared.”



Rivers once known for their wild clarity are telling a new story - one where ancient ice, long trusted to keep the land’s chemistry in check, is finally letting go.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2425644122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



Image Credit: Taylor Rhoades



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Alaska's rivers are turning orange, and the changes are irreversible

High in Alaska’s Brooks Range, streams that once ran so clear you could drink from them are now the color of rusty tea. The water looks hazy, smells metallic, and can stain rocks orange for miles.&nbsp; Fish are struggling, insect life is smothered, and the change has arrived with startling speed. Scientists say the culprit isn’t industry. It’s thawing permafrost. When frozen ground wakes up For millennia, Arctic permafrost - permanently frozen soil - locked minerals in place. As the region warms, that icy seal is failing....

Most people reach for a refreshing beer without giving a second thought to the water that went into the can. In a recent study, researchers explored how invisible chemicals wind up in everyday beverages, and the results are cause for concern.



It turns out that certain chemicals do not simply vanish after industrial or household use. The research was conducted by experts from <a href="https://www.rti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RTI International</a> and the <a href="https://www.acs.org/membership/student-member.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Chemical Society</a>.



The study suggests that consumers might be getting more than they bargained for when they crack open a beer brewed with water from tainted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-threaten-arctic-wildlife-and-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supplies</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-forever-chemicals">What are forever chemicals?</h2>



Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - often called “forever chemicals” - include a broad class of compounds known for their extreme resistance to breaking down. 



When PFAS slip into water supplies, they can be tough to remove with ordinary filtration. In some parts of the United States, PFAS have seeped into surface and groundwater sources. Certain regions <a href="https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/third-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> alarmingly high levels. 



This is relevant to breweries that rely on local tap water, since standard treatment methods often fail to capture every trace of these contaminants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemicals-in-rivers-and-tap-water">Chemicals in rivers and tap water</h2>



These chemicals didn’t just appear out of nowhere. For decades, PFAS were added to nonstick pans, waterproof clothing, fast food wrappers, and firefighting foam.



Rain, runoff, and improper disposal helped them spread into rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Once there, they don’t break down easily - and most water treatment plants aren’t equipped to filter them out.



“As an occasional beer drinker myself, I wondered whether PFAS in water supplies was making its way into our pints,” said Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, lead author of the study. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemicals-found-in-locally-brewed-beer">Chemicals found in locally brewed beer </h2>



The researchers tested popular beers from places where local water is known to be problematic. They found a strong link between PFAS levels in municipal drinking water and those in locally brewed beer - a connection not previously studied in U.S. retail beer. 



PFAS were detected in 95% of the beers tested, including PFOS and PFOA, two chemicals now regulated by the EPA. Beers brewed near North Carolina’s PFAS-contaminated Cape Fear River Basin had the highest levels and widest variety of these “forever chemicals.”



The findings demonstrate how local water conditions can shape what ends up in a final brew. Although it might sound unsettling, these substances are already on the radar of health agencies worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-pfas-is-a-public-concern">Why PFAS is a public concern</h2>



Beer is reported to be the third most popular beverage after water and tea. With so many people enjoying beer, any contamination in its key ingredient becomes a public concern.



Some breweries already take steps to treat their water. Yet those steps usually target minerals or excess chlorine. 



More specialized treatments like <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24216232/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reverse osmosis</a> or activated carbon can tackle PFAS, though smaller craft operations might find these upgrades costly. This leaves a gap that could let PFAS remain in final products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beer-breweries-and-forever-chemicals">Beer breweries and forever chemicals</h2>



Many craft breweries are only just becoming aware of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-strain-identified-that-can-eat-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> as a potential problem in their process. They’re already juggling hops, yeast strains, and seasonal demand - so something as invisible and persistent as PFAS hasn’t been a high priority until now.



Some are beginning to review their water quality reports more carefully. But most don’t have the budget to test for trace contaminants or upgrade filtration systems that weren’t designed to catch these chemicals in the first place.



Public health officials are already fielding questions about how rules to regulate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-in-tap-water-increase-cancer-risk-by-up-to-33/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forever chemicals</a> might extend to beer. While drinking water standards have tightened, beer remains in a gray zone.



With beer being a direct-consumption product that relies on local water, some experts are calling for broader testing and clearer guidelines. Until then, it’s up to state agencies and watchdog groups to keep the issue on the radar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-beer-drinkers-can-do">What beer drinkers can do </h2>



“I hope these findings inspire water treatment strategies and policies that help reduce the likelihood of PFAS in future pours,” said Redmon. 



Upgrades to municipal or on-site systems stand out as a clear path forward. In regions that already have stronger water treatment technology, PFAS concentrations in local beer appear lower.



Occasional drinkers can look into where their preferred brands are made and what approach those breweries take to filtration. Although is not be the only source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-alter-gene-expression-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exposure to PFAS</a>, limiting it is one way to lessen overall intake.



"Nearly every American has PFAS in their blood, indicating that exposure is common. Consumption of contaminated drinking water is a major, if not primary contributor to total exposure," noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-to-protect-consumers">Steps to protect consumers </h2>



Regulatory changes often follow discoveries of new contaminants. As more data surface, government agencies may consider ways to keep PFAS from sneaking into products. Brewers can stay alert to practices that address filtration, testing, and reporting.



Other beverages, including certain seltzers, might face similar issues. Since water is a principal ingredient in nearly all drinks, this situation will stay on the scientific radar. 



If breweries apply rigorous control methods, consumers can keep enjoying their pours while managing any concerns about these chemicals.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.4c11265" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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Some popular beers in the U.S. contain 'forever chemicals'

Most people reach for a refreshing beer without giving a...

More than one-fifth of the ocean - over 46 million square miles - has gotten noticeably darker in the past two decades. This shift isn't just about color; it signals a dramatic change in the ocean’s ability to support marine life.



Sunlight and moonlight drive life in the ocean's photic zone - the upper layer where most marine organisms live and interact. 



When the ocean darkens, less light gets through, shrinking this vital zone. That means less space for life to thrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-ocean-light-loss">Tracking ocean light loss</h2>



Scientists from the <a href="https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Plymouth</a> and the <a href="https://pml.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plymouth Marine Laboratory</a> spent years analyzing changes in light penetration across the globe.



They combined NASA satellite data with light measurement models to track changes in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/secrets-of-the-oceans-mysterious-mesopelagic-zone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photic zone</a> from 2003 to 2022.



The results were startling. Around 21% of the global ocean has darkened. Over nine percent of the ocean has lost more than 164 feet (50 meters) of light depth. 



And in 2.6% of the ocean, the photic zone has shrunk by over 328 feet (100 meters) - an area roughly the size of India.



Interestingly, not all the news is dark. About 10% of the ocean, or 23 million square miles, has become lighter during the same time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-causing-the-darkness">What’s causing the darkness?</h2>



The causes of ocean darkening vary depending on the location. In coastal areas, rain carries sediment, nutrients, and organic material from land into the ocean.



This cloudy water blocks sunlight. Agricultural runoff and changing weather patterns are partly to blame.



In the open ocean, factors like algal blooms and shifting sea surface temperatures are making it harder for sunlight to penetrate. These changes could be altering the entire structure of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-dust-plays-surprisingly-crucial-role-in-stabilizing-ocean-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean ecosystems</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-impacts-on-marine-life">Big impacts on marine life</h2>



“There has been research showing how the surface of the ocean has changed color over the last 20 years, potentially as a result of changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-profoundly-affect-plankton-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plankton communities</a>,” said Dr. Thomas Davies, professor of marine conservation at the University of Plymouth.



“But our results provide evidence that such changes cause widespread darkening that reduces the amount of ocean available for animals that rely on the sun and the moon for their survival and reproduction."



The ocean’s photic zones sustain essential life-supporting functions, so threats to them are deeply concerning.



“The ocean is far more dynamic than it is often given credit for. For example, we know the light levels within the water column vary massively over any 24-hour period, and animals whose behavior is directly influenced by light are far more sensitive to its processes and change," said Professor Tim Smyth from the Plymouth Marine Laboratory.



If the photic zone shrinks, light-dependent animals will crowd the surface and compete harder for resources. "That could bring about fundamental changes in the entire marine ecosystem,” Smyth added. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-changes-with-satellites">Tracking changes with satellites</h2>



The team used data from NASA’s Ocean Color Web, which splits the ocean into 9km-wide pixels. For each pixel, they tracked surface changes using satellite imagery.



To estimate how deep light reached, the researchers applied an algorithm that calculates how light moves through water.



They included both solar and lunar light models to account for changes in daylight and moonlight conditions. While nighttime changes were smaller, they still had ecological effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-darkening-hotspots">Ocean darkening hotspots</h2>



Some of the largest declines in light depth were seen in the Gulf Stream and polar regions. 



These areas are also among the most affected by climate change, experiencing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-are-rising-faster-than-expected-and-likely-to-accelerate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising temperatures</a>, melting ice, and shifting currents - all of which contribute to changes in how light penetrates the ocean.



Coastal areas and enclosed seas, like the Baltic Sea, have also seen major darkening. Rainfall flushes in nutrients and sediment from land, triggering plankton growth. 



The result is murkier water that blocks sunlight from reaching deeper layers. In shallow areas, this can disrupt fish behavior, coral health, and breeding cycles - further unsettling fragile marine ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70227" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



Image Credit: University of Plymouth



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Earth's oceans are quickly getting darker, a big problem for all life on our planet

More than one-fifth of the ocean - over 46 million...

Experts have identified an enormous water storage system, sitting beneath layers of volcanic rock, and holding roughly 81 cubic kilometers of groundwater. This new estimate is far larger than past predictions, highlighting a valuable supply for the region.



Such a discovery brings renewed attention to Oregon’s volcanic peaks, which have long captured imaginations with their rugged slopes. Right after confirming its scale, the research team shared fresh insights. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-hidden-water-source">A hidden water source</h2>



“Water is one of our most critical resources and will become more so as climate change proceeds,” said lead investigator, <a href="https://news.uoregon.edu/expert/leif-karlstrom-department-earth-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leif Karlstrom</a>, a volcanologist at the <a href="https://www.uoregon.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oregon</a>. 



This underground reservoir sits among volcanic formations that are relatively young by geological standards. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hot-springs-may-have-played-a-key-role-in-the-emergence-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hot springs</a>, porous rock layers, and minimal faulting have contributed to an intricate groundwater network. 



Some of these ancient lava flows act like sponges, allowing melted snow to seep deep underground. 



Researchers found that these pathways can run over half a mile below the surface, creating cooler temperatures in drill holes that otherwise would heat up at those depths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-volcanic-rocks-store-water">How volcanic rocks store water</h2>



Water in the high Cascades mostly depends on <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/water-availability-and-use-science-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowpack</a>, which accumulates on peaks and later melts. That meltwater seeps through cracks and channels in younger volcanic rock. Near-surface geophysics provided clues on how deep groundwater travels.



Scientists have discovered that the porous rock can hold tremendous amounts of water. In some cases, they believe deep circulation may happen over hundreds of years, although exact timescales remain under study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-it-matters-for-cities-and-farms">Why it matters for cities and farms</h2>



Communities across the West need reliable water sources, especially as climate change can intensify <a href="https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/Drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> conditions. 



Many municipalities in Oregon and Washington rely on high-mountain runoff for household and agricultural needs. 



The new data help water planners understand how this hidden resource might maintain river flow during drier seasons.



“The volume of water that we found in just the central portion of the Cascades is equal to twice the reservoir storage capacity for the entire Columbia River, taking you all the way up to Canada, or twice the storage capacity of what California has for reservoirs,” explained <a href="https://wpg.forestry.oregonstate.edu/gordon-grant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gordon Grant</a>, a research hydrologist for the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Forest Service</a>. 



This single statement underscores how regional water budgets might shift when factoring in such an immense underground supply.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-water-sources-and-wildfire">Volcanic water sources and wildfire</h2>



Large underground aquifers help maintain steady river and stream flows, especially during dry summer months. 



That water plays a role in regulating forest health, feeding root systems and sustaining ecosystems when surface conditions are harsh.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-are-changing-the-quality-of-our-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">With wildfires increasing</a> in intensity across the Western U.S., a stable groundwater supply might also reduce the severity of seasonal fire risk. 



If vegetation stays hydrated longer into summer, some areas might burn less aggressively or recover more quickly after fires.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-near-surface-geophysics">Lessons from near-surface geophysics</h2>



Scientists measured temperatures in deep drilling projects originally intended for geothermal exploration. They noticed unusual temperature distributions, which suggested <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-molecule-discovery-will-force-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/">water</a> was circulating much deeper than expected. 



By mapping out these thermal signatures, the research team pieced together a picture of the aquifer’s size.



These efforts also shed light on volcanic hazards. Where magma interacts with abundant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-people-in-the-u-s-rely-on-contaminated-groundwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a>, certain eruptions can become more explosive. 



Project findings point to potential hotspots where subsurface water could influence volcanic activity, although further data are needed to confirm specific risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-water-to-volcanic-activity">Linking water to volcanic activity</h2>



The<a href="https://www.sherpaadventuregear.com/blogs/journal/the-cascade-volcanic-arc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Cascade Volcanic Arc</a> isn’t just a scenic backdrop, it’s an active geological system. 



Researchers now understand that groundwater can influence volcanic eruptions by interacting with rising magma, potentially turning mild activity into explosive blasts.



This link raises new concerns about how water storage may contribute to eruption styles, especially in regions with deep <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/magma-chamber" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magma chambers</a>. 



Mapping aquifers may help forecast which volcanoes pose higher risk, depending on how much water sits beneath them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-concerns-and-future-steps">Climate concerns and future steps</h2>



“We have a lot of water, and it is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distress-signals-earths-water-cycle-is-becoming-more-erratic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensitive to a change in climate</a>,” Grant concluded. Researchers emphasize that, while the aquifer is large, it’s not infinite. 



Several consecutive years of low snowfall may reduce recharge, and shifting precipitation patterns could change water availability in the Cascades over the long run.



Scientists hope to refine models that link surface weather patterns with subterranean flows. 



Better understanding of water retention underground may support decisions about reservoir management, habitat protection, and drought response plans. 



Many believe this is just the beginning of deeper inquiries into volcanic terrains and their hidden resources.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2415155122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Scientists discover giant underground sponge capable of supplying water to rivers and cities

Experts have identified an enormous water storage system, sitting beneath...

Weather patterns across the Middle East are shifting as the planet warms, and new findings suggest these shifts could undermine wind energy potential in surprising ways. 



While some areas may see slight boosts at ground level, several wind hotspots could lose strength where turbines typically operate, affecting key development <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2025-our-power-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plans</a>.



The research, led by Melissa Latt from the <a href="https://www.kit.edu/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karlsruhe Institute of Technology</a> and Assaf Hochman from the <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University of Jerusalem</a>, explored future climate conditions.



High-resolution models revealed that surface breezes might climb by about 1.6 miles per hour, yet wind speeds at around 490 feet could dip by up to 2.2 miles per hour.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-wind-heights-and-energy-potential">Shifting wind heights and energy potential</h2>



The scientists used a regional climate model with about 5-mile resolution to capture details of summer wind flows in deserts, coastlines, and mountain ranges. 



By comparing past climate data to projections through 2070, they found that shifts in sea-level temperature contrasts could boost ground-level winds in certain spots.



“This is a critical component of the region’s sustainable future, and understanding how climate change reshapes wind patterns is key to smart, long-term investment,” said Dr. Hochman. 



However, turbine-height currents could weaken across much of the region, leading to a possible loss of roughly 6.64 million Btu of wind energy within six hours.&nbsp;



Many planners focus on land-based wind installations, so these changes raise concerns about cost-effective energy placement in the coming decades. A few zones, such as parts of the Red Sea coast, still show promising wind capacity, but inland sites might struggle to maintain previous productivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surface-winds-rise-but-energy-may-slow">Surface winds rise but energy may slow</h2>



Across the Middle East, daytime heat is already punishing for communities trying to handle drought, crop losses, and rising power demands for cooling. 



With surface breezes possibly rising by around 1.6 miles per hour, some areas may get a little break from the scorching sun, though that won’t reverse larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-honors-success-in-clean-energy-and-wildlife-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a> trends.



This midday breeze could serve as a minor relief for people enduring brutal heat, but it may not offer enough for stable energy output. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-models-predict-wind-energy-potential">Models predict wind energy potential </h2>



Projections indicate that larger-scale wind systems at higher altitudes, which power turbines, could fade just when the region needs reliable power the most.



This contrast between stronger near-ground gusts and weaker turbine-level winds shows why experts recommend more comprehensive models for future-proof energy investment. 



The models can factor in local geography, shifting large-scale patterns, and the height-specific wind measurements that separate a gentle breeze from a solid power source.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-also-weakens-mangroves">Climate change also weakens mangroves</h2>



Changing atmospheric conditions also matter for coastal mangroves, which safeguard coastlines, store carbon, and provide habitats for marine life. 



A recent international <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-025-01701-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> showed that El Niño and La Niña patterns influence over half of the world’s mangrove forests, suggesting broad vulnerabilities to climate shifts.



“We wanted to know whether these events were isolated or part of a broader pattern. Our findings confirm that ENSO has large-scale, recurring effects on mangrove ecosystems around the world,” said <a href="https://sse.tulane.edu/zhen-zhang" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zhen Zhang</a>, a postdoctoral scholar at Tulane School of Science and Engineering.&nbsp;



This insight highlights a key message: distinct climates worldwide are interlinked through processes like ocean temperature swings and atmospheric patterns.



Just as turbines lose precious wind resources in one location, mangroves can wither in another, reflecting how climate variability crosses boundaries with real impacts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-strategies-may-balance-wind-losses">New strategies may balance wind losses</h2>



Countries seeking more wind power in the Middle East may consider diversified <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2025-innovation-takes-the-lead-in-environmental-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategies</a>, including better mapping of low-level gusts and possibly exploring offshore sites. Offshore turbines, while more complex to install, might tap into steadier breezes and circumvent certain weaknesses found in land-based wind corridors.



Another option involves pairing solar and wind projects to balance each resource’s output, maximizing returns even if wind potential dips at key hours. 



On extremely hot afternoons with lagging turbine performance, solar panels can fill the gap, especially where sunlight is abundant and power grids are expanding.



Strategic planning also means prioritizing regions that maintain consistent upper-level winds despite temperature shifts, which may demand carefully sited towers or advanced turbine technology. 



Collaborative research among meteorologists, engineers, and policy experts is underway to refine predictions and develop equipment that handles changing gust patterns more effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-energy-needs-smarter-choices">Future energy needs smarter choices</h2>



Shifting wind forecasts in the Middle East connect to bigger themes about how climate change can disrupt longstanding assumptions around energy, ecosystems, and daily life. 



As the Tulane study on mangroves shows, small variations can trigger significant damage when combined with hotter temperatures or shifting water levels.



Ramping up resilience measures will demand local knowledge, technological innovation, and flexible policies that respond to these changes in real time.



The ongoing research demonstrates how each shift in wind strength can ripple through entire energy systems and leave big impacts on local communities. 



With careful planning and fresh technology, officials can still turn climate challenges into opportunities for more resilient and balanced energy production.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-025-03951-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climatic Change</a>.



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Wind energy potential could drop as climate changes

Weather patterns across the Middle East are shifting as the...

In a remarkable twist of ecological fate, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-fish-coelacanth-presumed-extinct-for-60-million-years-before-rediscovery/">fish species</a> thought extinct for over eight decades has reappeared in a remote Himalayan river. The Chel snakehead, scientifically known as Channa amphibeus, had not been officially recorded since 1933, leaving scientists certain it had vanished forever.



This rediscovery sheds light on the incredible resilience hidden in the world's freshwater ecosystems, especially amid rising threats to global biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rediscovering-the-chel-snakehead">Rediscovering the Chel snakehead</h2>



For decades, the Chel snakehead eluded every scientific effort to confirm its existence. Between 1918 and 1933, researchers collected several specimens along the Chel River in northern India, leading to initial documentation.



After that period, extensive searches yielded nothing, pushing scientists to conclude the fish had likely died out. However, that all changed when three fresh specimens emerged in 2024, overturning decades of assumptions.



“We knew local tribes were eating something unusual,” said wildlife biologist <a href="https://www.forrestgalante.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forrest Galante</a>. His team received clues from these communities that eventually led to confirming the Chel snakehead’s survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-species-survives-unnoticed">Remarkable species survives unnoticed</h2>



The Chel snakehead is endemic to the Chel River system in Kalimpong, West Bengal, a mountainous region known for its rich biodiversity. 



This species is particularly striking due to its vibrant appearance, featuring bright green scales interspersed with yellow stripes.



The Chel snakehead stands out as the largest among the snakehead family, a group of predatory freshwater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/photographer-captures-killer-whales-wearing-fish-hats/">fishes</a> that are often elusive and hard to study. Its vivid coloration and size make its prolonged absence even more puzzling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-local-communities">The role of local communities</h2>



Local tribal communities unknowingly became the key to unlocking this zoological mystery. For generations, these communities consumed the Chel snakehead without realizing its significance to the scientific world.



Their dietary practices provided vital clues that scientists used to pinpoint the fish’s precise location. Engaging these communities in conservation efforts now becomes crucial in protecting this rediscovered treasure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freshwater-species-under-threat">Freshwater species under threat</h2>



Despite the uplifting nature of this rediscovery, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-pushing-freshwater-fish-toward-the-poles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater fish</a> species are in serious trouble, facing unprecedented pressures around the world - and humans are largely to blame.



We’ve dammed and diverted rivers, choking off <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-catastrophic-decline-in-migratory-freshwater-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration routes</a> and altering natural flows that fish rely on to breed and feed. 



Pollution from farms, factories, and cities poisons waterways, triggering oxygen-sapping algal blooms and spreading toxins through fragile food webs. 



Invasive species, often thriving in these degraded habitats, outcompete or prey on native fish already struggling to survive. 



Add climate change - warmer waters, erratic rainfall, shrinking streams - and the pressure only grows.



According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://apistaging.iucnredlist.org/en/species/166612/6247381" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>), freshwater habitats make up less than 1% of Earth’s surface but harbor over 10% of all known species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuing-exploration-is-crucial">Continuing exploration is crucial</h2>



“Resolving this mystery in Indian ichthyology emphasizes the importance of ongoing exploration and the endurance of biodiversity, even in species once considered lost forever,” explained <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tejas-Thackeray">Tejas Thackeray</a>, founder of the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thackeraywildlifefoundation/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thackeray Wildlife Foundation</a>.



Thackeray and his team contributed significantly to the research, highlighting how dedicated fieldwork can yield astonishing results. Future efforts will likely focus on protecting the Chel River ecosystem, ensuring this rediscovered species continues to survive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chel-snakehead-conservation">Chel snakehead conservation</h2>



With the Chel snakehead now officially back from extinction, conservationists face a new challenge: securing its future. 



Immediate actions include detailed habitat assessments, determining its current population status, and implementing protective measures to safeguard its environment.



Collaboration between local communities, researchers, and conservationists will determine the Chel snakehead’s fate. 



Empowering residents through awareness and education programs is a crucial next step, aligning local interests with global conservation goals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freshwater-ecosystems-need-help-now">Freshwater ecosystems need help now</h2>



The Chel snakehead’s remarkable reappearance carries two vital messages for humanity. First, nature is resilient and can surprise even the most seasoned experts. 



Second, such surprises underscore the urgency of protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-freshwater-species-are-threatened-with-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater ecosystems</a> before irreversible damage occurs.



Each rediscovery acts as a powerful motivator for conservation action. 



Beyond the excitement of finding a lost species, scientists and local stakeholders now have an opportunity and responsibility to preserve the Chel snakehead and the rich biodiversity it represents.



The study is published in <a href="https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5583.1.4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zootaxa</a>.



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Fish thought extinct for 85 years reappears in Himalayan river

In a remarkable twist of ecological fate, a fish species...

Current climate policies could allow global temperatures to rise by 2.7°C (4.9°F) by the end of this century. That level of warming would reshape coastlines, threaten ecosystems, and disrupt freshwater supplies. 



Scientists emphasize the importance of limiting warming to 1.5°C (2.7°F) to protect glacier-dependent regions.



In a recent study published in the journal Science, experts modeled over 200,000 glaciers outside of the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets.



"Using eight glacier models, we simulated global glacier evolution over multicentennial timescales, allowing glaciers to equilibrate with climate under various constant global temperature scenarios," noted the researchers. 



The results showed that even if global temperatures stopped rising today, 39% of glacier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-reshaping-landscapes-and-national-borders-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass</a> would still vanish, raising sea levels by over four inches. However, strong climate policy could save twice as much ice as current warming paths allow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-locked-into-significant-glacier-loss">Locked into significant glacier loss</h2>



Glaciers don’t react instantly. Instead, they adjust slowly, over centuries. That lag means today’s glacier retreat reflects past emissions, not just current warming. 



“The glacier melt we’re seeing today reflects warming from decades ago,” said study co-author David Rounce of <a href="https://www.cmu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carnegie Mellon University</a>.



Even with no more warming, we are locked into significant glacier loss. This “committed” loss arises because glaciers are out of balance with today’s climate. According to the study, 113 mm of sea-level rise will occur even if current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-glaciers-face-centuries-of-irreversible-loss-if-warming-surpasses-1-5c/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a> hold steady.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-each-fraction-of-a-degree-counts">Each fraction of a degree counts</h2>



The study found a steep cost for every bit of extra <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-2025-preserving-glaciers-protecting-our-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a>. For each 0.1°C (0.18°F) rise, we lose another 2% of glacier ice and gain 6.5 mm (0.26 inches) in sea-level rise. 



Under a 2.7°C (4.9°F) scenario, 76% of glacier mass would be lost. Sea levels would rise by 230 mm (9.1 inches). By contrast, staying within 1.5°C (2.7°F) preserves 53% of global glacier mass. 



“Decisions we make now will determine the future of our water, coastlines, and ecosystems around the world,” said Rounce. The message is clear: small policy shifts today shape glacier survival centuries ahead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-glaciers-will-disappear-first">Where glaciers will disappear first</h2>



Not all glaciers face the same risk. Regions like Arctic Canada South, Western Canada, and Scandinavia could lose over 65% of their mass - even if warming stopped.



In contrast, South Asia West and New Zealand show lower losses under current temperatures, but they are more vulnerable to future warming.



Why? Glacier elevation range matters. Wide elevation ranges allow glaciers to retreat upward and persist. In flatter regions, that’s not possible. 



For example, Arctic Canada South is warming 2.2 times faster than the global average. It’s home to relic glaciers from the last Ice Age that can’t survive current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-glaciers-are-helping-farmers-survive-a-water-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-policy-and-glacier-timelines">Climate policy and glacier timelines</h2>



How long do glaciers take to respond? The answer: centuries. Some regions, like the Subantarctic Islands, need 800 years to lose 80% of their committed ice under a 1.5°C (2.7°F) scenario. Others, like New Zealand or the Caucasus, react in just a few decades.



This time lag means glacier changes we see in the next 100 years are only part of the story. Some glaciers that seem safe today may still vanish in the long run if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-hidden-sources-of-greenhouse-gases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a> continues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-in-a-5-c-warmer-world">What happens in a 5°C warmer world</h2>



At 5°C (9°F) above pre-industrial levels - an extreme possibility - only 9% of glacier mass would remain. That would raise sea levels by 282 mm (11.1 inches). Many mid-latitude regions would completely deglaciate, losing almost all their ice.



Though this scenario may seem distant, the difference between it and the 1.5°C (2.7°F) target is huge. That’s why every 0.1°C (0.18°F) matters. 



The study shows the most glacier-sensitive regions are also the ones with the most to lose from small policy failures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-action-to-protect-glaciers">Climate action to protect glaciers </h2>



The <a href="https://www.un.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations</a> has named 2025 the&nbsp;International Year of Glacier Preservation, highlighting the urgent need to protect glaciers worldwide. 



The Carnegie Mellon study has revealed a key insight: glaciers take centuries to fully adjust to new climate conditions. That means we haven’t yet seen the full impact of past emissions - and what we do now will shape glacier survival far into the future.



Glacier loss is not a short-term crisis with quick fixes. It's a slow-moving disaster that builds over generations. Even if we stabilize temperatures today, many glaciers are still committed to melting. 



But with strong climate action, much of that loss can be avoided. The line “not just for ice, but for life” captures the stakes. Glaciers provide freshwater, prevent flooding, and support ecosystems. 



Letting them vanish means risking vital resources for millions. This year, more than ever, climate pledges must be treated seriously. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adu4675" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Half of the world's glaciers can be saved with strong climate action

Current climate policies could allow global temperatures to rise by...

Lithium is one of the most important minerals powering the world’s clean energy transition. Found in the batteries of electric vehicles, laptops, and smartphones, it is increasingly in demand all over the world.



But before lithium makes its way into devices and cars, it often begins its journey in some of the world’s most extreme environments, such as massive salt flats nestled high in the mountains.



Roughly 40% of the world’s lithium is extracted from brine - a type of super-salty water that is found beneath salt pans in the Andes of South America and the Tibetan Plateau in Asia.



A new study from <a href="https://duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a> sheds light on a surprising detail: these lithium-rich waters have a completely different chemical makeup than other saline waters, like seawater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-your-average-saltwater">Not your average saltwater</h2>



In these isolated, high-altitude regions, lithium lies beneath the earth’s surface in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-life-extremophiles-discovered-at-bottom-of-the-red-sea-brine-pools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brine pools</a>. These pools are extremely salty, but they behave very differently from water in the ocean.



“We discovered that the pH of brines in these regions is almost entirely driven by boron, unlike seawater and other common saline waters. This is a totally different geochemical landscape, like studying an extraterrestrial planet,” said Avner Vengosh, Chair of the Division of Earth and Climate Sciences at Duke University's <a href="https://nicholas.duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicholas School of the Environment</a>, who oversaw the research.



pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a solution is. In most natural waters, this balance is controlled by carbonate molecules. 



But what the researchers found at Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni - a giant salt pan known to hold the world’s largest lithium brine deposit - was something else entirely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lithium-brine-and-mining">Lithium brine and mining</h2>



The traditional method for extracting lithium from salt pans is straightforward but slow. Brine is pumped from underground into shallow ponds. 



Over time, the water evaporates, and the remaining liquid becomes more concentrated with lithium, boron, and other salts. Eventually, lithium is separated out in a processing plant.



But this method triggers important chemical changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acidity-changes-in-ponds">Acidity changes in ponds</h2>



The team analyzed both the natural brine and samples taken from the evaporation ponds. They noticed a striking contrast. The underground brine samples were close to neutral pH, but the pond samples were far more acidic.



Using computer models, they identified the culprit: boron.



“Through a chain of geochemical reactions, the carbonate alkalinity is diminished in the brine from the Salar de Uyuni, while boron alkalinity becomes predominant,” explained lead author Gordon Williams, a Ph.D. student in the <a href="https://sites.nicholas.duke.edu/avnervengosh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vengosh Lab</a>.



The natural brine contains a lot of boron, existing as boric acid and borate compounds. As water evaporates from the ponds, these compounds become more concentrated. Boric acid begins to break down and it releases hydrogen ions that lowering the pH.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boron-brine-and-lithium">Boron, brine, and lithium</h2>



To better understand boron’s behavior, the researchers built detailed models to measure how its molecular forms contribute to the brine’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-alkalinity-may-safely-boost-the-carbon-storage-capacity-of-seawater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alkalinity</a>.



“The integration of the chemical analysis with geochemical modeling helped us to quantify the different molecular structures of boron that contribute to alkalinity in these lithium brines,” added Paz Nativ, a postdoctoral researcher in the Vengosh Lab.



The team didn’t stop with Bolivia. They analyzed data from more than 300 brine samples across the Lithium Triangle - Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia - as well as the Tibetan Plateau. In most cases, boron had the greatest effect on the water’s pH and alkalinity.



“In addition to the new data we generated, we compiled a geochemical database of lithium brines from around the world and consistently found that boron is often the predominant component in brine alkalinity and controls brine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-making-the-ocean-more-acidic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pH</a>,” explained Williams. 



These results supported reinforced the findings from the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-brine-means-for-lithium-mining">What brine means for lithium mining</h2>



This is the first time scientists have shown how boron shapes the chemical evolution of brines during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/huge-lithium-deposit-from-volanic-ash-found-in-pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lithium mining</a>. 



Understanding this unique chemistry could help make lithium extraction more efficient and environmentally responsible.



As demand for lithium continues to rise, knowing how to manage the chemistry of these valuable waters - especially their acidity and boron content - could shape the future of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-energy-biodiversity-wildlife-habitats-delicate-balancing-act/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clean energy</a>.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adw3268" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Lithium discovery has vast implications for future mining operations

Lithium is one of the most important minerals powering the...

Wildfires are no longer rare. They’re bigger, more frequent, and far more destructive - especially in the Western United States.



But the flames themselves aren’t the only danger. The smoke they leave behind is also devastating. It fills the skies and slips into our lungs.



Scientists have been working to understand how these smoky days are changing the air we breathe, affecting our health, and even influencing the weather.



A new study from scientists at the <a href="https://www.dri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Desert Research Institute</a> (DRI) in Nevada takes a closer look at what’s in wildfire smoke and how it impacts people and the environment. 



The research was recently published after a detailed 19-month investigation of air quality in Reno, Nevada, spanning both clear and smoky days between 2017 and 2020.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reno-s-air-under-the-microscope">Reno's air under the microscope</h2>



Over the course of the study, Reno was affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoke</a> from more than 100 wildfires. 



The researchers found that on smoky days, there was a major increase in carbon monoxide and fine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosols-have-an-underestimated-effect-on-clouds-and-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a> - known as PM2.5. These particles and gases don’t just float in the air. They’re small enough to travel deep into our lungs and affect how we breathe.



“We know that Reno is frequently impacted by wildfires in summer, so we wanted to compare smoky and non-smoky days and measure the impacts on local air quality,” said Kristine Lu, who completed the research as part of her Ph.D. work. 



“Although we focused on Reno for this study, we developed the method so that it can theoretically be applied anywhere."



To capture the data, the team set up equipment on the rooftop of DRI’s Reno campus. These instruments measured the size of airborne particles.



That size matters - not just for visibility, but for how the particles affect the body. Larger particles tend to irritate the nose and throat, while fine aerosols go deeper and reach the lungs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-tech-tools-behind-wildfire-tracking">High-tech tools behind wildfire tracking</h2>



In addition to the rooftop setup, the team used an EPA monitoring station in downtown Reno that provided hourly updates on levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/specific-air-pollutants-linked-to-asthma-attacks-in-urban-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollutants</a> such as PM2.5, ozone, and carbon monoxide. 



The station also measured potassium, a key marker released when trees and wood burn, which makes it a useful fingerprint for wildfire smoke.



The researchers confirmed the presence of smoke with satellite images and fire location data from NASA and NOAA. 



Using a NOAA wind-tracking tool, they were even able to trace the winds backward to see if they had passed through a fire zone before reaching Reno.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-smoke-and-the-weather-puzzle">Wildfire smoke and the weather puzzle</h2>



What’s in the smoke also matters for weather. Some aerosols reflect sunlight and cool the atmosphere. Others, like soot, absorb heat and contribute to warming. 



The size of the particles also plays a role in cloud behavior. Larger particles help water vapor condense, forming clouds. On smoky days, Reno’s air had as much as 13 times more cloud-forming particles than usual.



“We figured out that the size of particles is quite distinct during fires from a normal day in Reno, which has implications for cloud formation and how sunlight scatters, as well as public health,” said Dr. Andrei Khlystov, research professor of chemistry at DRI.



Carbon monoxide was also found in higher amounts during wildfire events. This gas can interfere with how oxygen moves through the bloodstream, making it harder for the body to get the oxygen it needs - especially to the brain and other vital organs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-all-pollutants-spike-with-smoke">Not all pollutants spike with smoke</h2>



Interestingly, the study showed that nitrogen oxides and ozone levels didn’t change much between smoky and non-smoky days. This is likely because these pollutants are also caused by everyday <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reduced-vehicle-emissions-have-saved-thousands-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions</a> and interactions with sunlight, not just by wildfires.



“Our research offers one of the most comprehensive looks at how wildfire smoke is affecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-driven-wildfires-worsen-u-s-air-quality-and-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> in the Western U.S.,” Lu said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smarter-tools-for-cleaner-air">Smarter tools for cleaner air</h2>



Lu is now developing a machine-learning tool that can detect wildfire smoke in real-time. The hope is to create an app that can automatically identify when smoke is in the air and provide up-to-date health alerts. 



This could help improve how we study air quality and how we communicate with the public when the air becomes unsafe.



As wildfires continue to reshape the landscape, studies like this show how the smoke is changing more than just the view - it’s changing our health and our skies in ways we’re only just beginning to understand.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/ea/d5ea00007f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science Atmospheres</a>.



Photo credit: Trevor Bexton



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Wildfires are changing the quality of our air

Wildfires are no longer rare. They’re bigger, more frequent, and...

For decades, scientists assumed that birds, with their ability to fly long distances and nest in a range of habitats, would cope better with a warmer climate than most other animals.



A new study from <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a> upends that optimism, showing that even the continent’s feathered high-flyers cannot relocate quickly enough to escape rising temperatures.



The researchers examined 406 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-bird-species-face-extinction-risks-in-the-neotropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird species</a> across North America. Using 20 years of sightings from thousands of volunteer birdwatchers and matched to detailed local weather records, the team asked a simple question: Can birds move far enough and fast enough to keep living in their preferred climate? The short answer is no.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-warming-on-the-rise">Climate warming on the rise</h2>



During summer, many species did exactly what textbooks predict: they edged north or climbed to higher ground. On average, populations shifted between 40 and 50 miles toward cooler latitudes, trimming about 1.3°C from the heat they would otherwise have faced.



Yet the continent warmed even faster. In their newly adopted territories, birds still endured an average summer increase of roughly 1.35°C compared with the conditions in their original range two decades earlier.



Winter was worse. Although some species crept into chillier regions, those movements reduced the warming they experienced by only 11 percent. 



Over 20 years, typical winter temperatures in the places birds actually occupied rose by a staggering 3.7 °C. Relocation shaved off barely half a degree.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-birds-stay-behind">Some birds stay behind</h2>



Birds that clock up marathon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vanishing-forests-make-bird-migration-harder-across-the-corn-belt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migrations</a> coped best. The blue-winged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-competition-how-warblers-share-trees-without-fighting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warbler</a>, an energetic insect-eater, shifted its breeding range more than 100 miles north, avoiding roughly two degrees of extra heat. Even success stories may falter as birds now face warmer climates than those at the start of the millennium.



At the other end of the scale are species essentially stuck in place. The cactus wren, tied to the thorny desert scrub of the American Southwest, barely budged. 



Constrained by specialized habitat needs and competition for new territories, these birds face the full brunt of desert warming without an obvious escape route.



About three-quarters of species moved north or upslope, but their progress was limited and inconsistent. Males, females, and juveniles did not respond in lockstep. Many populations overshot suitable habitat or encountered barriers like mountains, farmland, or suburbs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wings-can-t-match-warming">Wings can't match warming</h2>



Lead scientist Jeremy Cohen, an associate research scientist in Yale’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, noted that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-adapt-their-survival-strategies-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> is moving the goalposts faster than wings can follow.



Temperature zones are marching poleward at an average of 20 to 50 miles per decade in North America - comparable to the distances the birds moved over the entire twenty-year study.



 To keep up, birds would need to shift the size of a small state every few decades. That pace is hampered by geography, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-moisture-can-predict-severe-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storms</a>, and the biological reality that individuals usually return to the same breeding and wintering grounds year after year.



Another complication is that climate is only one piece of a bird’s ecological puzzle. Food supply, nesting trees, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-birds-use-snake-skins-in-their-nests-to-deter-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator</a> pressures all vary unpredictably across the landscape.



A route that looks thermally comfortable may be barren of insects or overrun by competing species. As a result, many birds tolerate hotter conditions rather than gamble on unknown habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-about-species-that-are-less-mobile">What about species that are less mobile?</h2>



If birds - arguably the planet’s most mobile vertebrates - struggle to match climate velocity, prospects for ground-bound animals look bleak. Reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals cannot outrun rising heat and are often hemmed in by roads or urban sprawl.



“In a uniquely well-studied continental system, we find that even a highly mobile group, such as birds, is unable to relocate quickly enough to keep up with this velocity,” said senior author Walter Jetz, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Yale. 



“This raises deep concerns about the ability of all the other, less mobile species and lesser known species to persist in a warmer world."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-an-extinction-crisis">Preventing an extinction crisis</h2>



A better understanding and management of the bird species most vulnerable to a warmer climate is needed to prevent a looming extinction crisis.



The study highlights a widening mismatch between the environmental conditions species evolved to handle and the realities they now encounter.



Over thousands of years, each bird developed a “climatic niche,” a sweet spot of temperature and rainfall. Human-driven warming is shifting those niches faster than evolutionary adaptation or migration can compensate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-birds-in-hot-times">Saving birds in hot times</h2>



The findings do not mean that every species is doomed, but they shift the conservation spotlight. Efforts that focus only on protecting traditional breeding grounds may fail if those areas become too hot.



Instead, wildlife managers may need to safeguard corridors of suitable habitat that allow gradual, multi-generational range shifts. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colorful-urban-environments-promote-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Urban planners</a> can also help by reducing glass collisions and creating green spaces that serve as stepping-stones.



Meanwhile, the most effective long-term solution remains slowing climate change itself. The faster global emissions are curtailed, the smaller the gap between where species are and where they need to be.



For bird lovers, the takeaway is bittersweet. Spring migrants will still return, but many will arrive earlier, seek shade more often, and raise their young in warmer nests than their ancestors ever knew. Their journey north is a race they are already losing - a stark reminder that flight alone cannot lift wildlife clear of a rapidly warming planet.



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Birds are struggling to keep pace with a warming climate

For decades, scientists assumed that birds, with their ability to...

Many travelers love hearing about faraway places few have set foot in. The fascination grows when those spots hold something spectacular beneath the ground.



In 2021, a group of Czech explorers came across a sprawling underground lake in southern Albania but lacked the tools to measure it. 



They returned in 2024 with advanced gear and realized it is the biggest known subterranean thermal lake on record, according to details shared by the <a href="https://www.nfneuron.cz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neuron Foundation</a>, the group supporting their journey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-thermal-lakes-the-basics">Understanding thermal lakes - the basics</h2>



A thermal lake is a natural body of water heated by geothermal energy from deep within the Earth. 



Unlike ordinary lakes that rely on sunlight or seasonal weather for warmth, thermal lakes stay warm year-round thanks to underground <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a>, hot springs, or fissures that release heat and minerals into the water. 



These lakes often bubble with energy, carrying a distinctive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sulfur-may-have-played-key-role-origin-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sulfur smell</a> and a mix of minerals that can tint the water in shades of blue, green, or even rust-red. 



Some thermal lakes are calm and inviting, while others hiss and steam like a giant kettle on the boil.



People have flocked to thermal lakes for centuries, drawn by their warmth and their reputation for healing. The mineral-rich waters are believed to soothe sore muscles, improve circulation, and even help with skin conditions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signals-from-an-underground-lake">Signals from an underground lake</h2>



A thick column of steam drifting from a craggy slope first hinted at a hidden water source. The team noticed this plume near the town of Leskovik and found it emanated from more than 330 feet below the surface.



They had to rappel deep into a rugged pit to reach an extensive cave system. The presence of lidar scanners, which use laser pulses to gather precise distance data, helped them map the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ghost-lake-tulare-returns-after-130-years-and-buries-94000-acres-of-farmland/">lake</a>.



Exploring deep cave systems like the one housing Lake Neuron comes with serious risks. Navigating unstable rock formations, extreme humidity, and limited oxygen levels requires both specialized training and equipment.



<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Marek-Audy-2013148016" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marek Audy’s</a> team relied on <a href="https://www.climbingarborist.com/srt-what-is-all-the-fuss-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single-rope technique (SRT)</a>, waterproof lighting, and rugged gear designed for wet cave environments. Even with modern tools, the journey to the lake's chamber demanded careful planning and physical endurance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revisiting-a-striking-discovery">Revisiting a striking discovery</h2>



“In order for Czech science to present this phenomenal discovery, it was necessary to conduct scientific research and precise measurements,” said Audy. He had first entered that limestone cavern in search of unique thermal features.



The explorers named the lake Neuron in honor of their sponsor. Initial estimates reveal the water volume can fill three and a half Olympic-sized pools, or roughly 294,350 cubic feet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-true-size-of-the-underground-lake">True size of the underground lake</h2>



During their first trip, the team used basic mapping equipment and quickly recognized the lake was something extraordinary. 



With better instruments during the 2024 expedition, they measured its length at 454 feet and its width at 138 feet.



Local politics once restricted access to this border region, limiting scientific research. Now that the explorers have free rein, they hope to examine the geological layers around the site.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparison-with-other-underground-lakes">Comparison with other underground lakes</h2>



Although Lake Neuron now holds the record, other <a href="https://www.nps.gov/ozar/planyourvisit/upload/Underground-lake.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">subterranean lakes</a> have made headlines in the past. <a href="https://namibian.org/news/tourism/where-no-human-has-gone-before" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dragon's Breath Cave</a> in Namibia contains the largest non-thermal underground lake by surface area, though it’s not heated by geothermal activity.



In contrast, Lake Neuron’s unique combination of size and temperature puts it in a different category altogether. It stands out not just for its dimensions, but for being tucked deep within a thermally active cave network in southeastern Europe.



Hidden lakes carry possible clues about underground ecosystems, such as isolated microbes or mineral formations. 



Hungary’s capital once held the record for a thermal lake hidden beneath city baths, as <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/world/big-underground-thermal-lake-unveiled-in-hungary-idUSTRE4AH6M2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> in 2008. The Albania finding surpasses that chamber in size and volume.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-thermal-lakes-form-underground">How thermal lakes form underground</h2>



Underground thermal lakes usually form where <a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/geothermal-basics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geothermal heat</a> warms trapped groundwater, often in areas with volcanic or tectonic activity. 



Over thousands of years, heated water seeps into natural cavities carved by pressure, erosion, or chemical weathering.



In Albania’s case, the region sits along the <a href="https://emso.eu/observatories-node/hellenic-arc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hellenic Arc</a>, a known subduction zone where the African plate is slowly sliding beneath the Eurasian plate. 



That movement creates conditions for underground heat flow, which likely feeds Lake Neuron’s thermal source.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outlook-on-future-explorations">Outlook on future explorations</h2>



Researchers plan to assess the temperature gradients within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pyramid-lake-nevada-water-turns-dark-green-with-beautiful-swirling-whirlpool-currents/">lake</a> and investigate any distinct organisms lurking in its depths. Some subterranean waterways host species that live nowhere else on Earth.



They will also evaluate how surrounding volcanic or tectonic activity might feed these hot springs. Conditions in such isolated systems can shed light on broader geological processes across continental fault lines.



This discovery highlights how much more remains to be learned about seemingly familiar regions. Curiosity continues to drive explorers toward places once deemed unreachable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-response-and-future-tourism-hopes">Local response and future tourism hopes</h2>



The discovery has already caught the attention of local leaders in Leskovik, who see potential for eco-tourism and scientific tourism in the region. 



Officials are now considering how to improve safe access to the area without disturbing its fragile underground environment.



Albania’s Ministry of Tourism and Environment is reportedly reviewing conservation plans to ensure the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-salt-lake-is-rapidly-shrinking-and-experts-have-identified-the-causes/">lake</a> is protected. 



They’ve also hinted at interest in collaborating with international researchers for long-term ecological monitoring.



This study was made possible by the <a href="https://www.nadaceneuron.cz/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neuron Foundation</a>.



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Explorers confirm the existence of an underground lake capable of filling three and a half Olympic swimming pools

Many travelers love hearing about faraway places few have set...

Trees, shrubs, and other greenery lining city streets are essential for creating healthier, more climate-resilient urban environments. They cool neighborhoods during heatwaves, absorb air pollution, support mental health, and even reduce carbon in the atmosphere.



But while these benefits are widely acknowledged, scientists have struggled to consistently monitor how street-level vegetation is changing - especially in fast-growing cities across the world.



A new study led by Giacomo Falchetta of the <a href="https://iiasa.ac.at/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis</a> (IIASA) introduces a breakthrough method for keeping tabs on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-green-spaces-are-urgently-needed-across-the-global-south/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban green spaces</a>. 



The researchers used satellite imagery and machine learning to monitor how much vegetation exists along city streets and how that is shifting over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-view-of-green">A global view of green</h2>



“Our aim was to develop a method to monitor how much green infrastructure exists along streets and how it changes over time,” said Falchetta.



“Street greenery has well-documented benefits - it reduces <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cool-roofs-on-city-buildings-secret-to-beating-urban-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban heat</a>, improves mental health, and can also absorb carbon. But until now, it’s been difficult to track it globally in a consistent and timely way.”



To tackle this issue, the team built a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-machine-learning-can-help-us-protect-chimpanzees/">machine learning</a> model to estimate what’s known as the Green View Index (GVI), a measure of how much greenery is visible from a pedestrian’s point of view.



The model was trained on labeled street-level images from cities around the world and then applied to satellite data collected between 2014 and 2022. In total, the researchers assessed 190 large urban areas across 20 global regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-subtle-but-significant-decline"><a></a>A subtle but significant decline</h2>



The findings show that, on average, cities around the world are losing street-level greenery at a rate of 0.3 to 0.5% per year. Although these numbers may sound small, over time they add up. This is especially true in areas where temperatures are rising and green spaces are already limited.



Some regions are seeing even steeper declines. Urban areas in Asia and Oceania showed the most rapid losses, with median drops in street greenery of 1.7% and 2.6% per year, respectively.



By contrast, cities in Europe and North America showed modest gains of around 1% annually. Cities in Africa and Latin America exhibited smaller and more inconsistent changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-aren-t-shared-equally">Trees aren't shared equally</h2>



“Not only is greenery decreasing in many places, but it’s also distributed unequally," said senior author Ahmed Hammad, a scientist at <a href="https://decatab.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Decatab PTE LTD</a> in Singapore. "In many cities, green space is sparse where people live." 



"This disparity raises serious questions of fairness and access, especially as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-made-heatwaves-more-deadly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwaves</a> and other climate stressors intensify.” 



Urban greenery is not just a luxury - it’s a form of public infrastructure with life-saving potential. Yet in many cities, wealthier neighborhoods are noticeably greener. Climate impacts hit lower-income communities harder, leaving them with fewer trees and less shade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tool-for-every-city">A tool for every city</h2>



The strength of the new monitoring method lies in its scalability and accessibility. Anyone - from local governments to international agencies - can use the model and update it in real time using free Sentinel-2 satellite data and climate records.



City planners can combine GVI data with indicators like energy use, health outcomes, and temperature trends to target greening efforts more effectively.



The model provides real-time updates and is open-source. Moreover, it supports smart, data-driven decisions for greening cities in ways that are both effective and equitable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planning-for-a-greener-future">Planning for a greener future</h2>



The research aligns closely with the <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Sustainable Development Goals</a> - particularly Goal 11, which focuses on building sustainable cities and communities.



As climate impacts grow, authors say cities must prioritize protecting and expanding green infrastructure in urban planning.



“Our results can support targeted greening policies,” Falchetta explained. “With <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-extremes-alter-how-sunlight-travels-through-clear-lakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate extremes</a> on the rise, ensuring equitable access to green space is more urgent than ever. Our work can be a valuable resource for cities to make more informed, just, and targeted greening decisions.”



In a time of rapid urbanization and climate uncertainty, cities need tools to help them grow sustainably. This new approach to monitoring street greenery offers not only a snapshot of where we stand today - but also a roadmap for a more resilient, equitable, and green urban future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2634-4505/add9c4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability</a>.



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Alarming loss of urban greenery revealed in new models

Trees, shrubs, and other greenery lining city streets are essential...

Birds don’t just fly and sing. They also molt - the process of shedding and regrowing feathers - which is as vital to survival as migration and breeding.



From insulation to attraction during mating season, the quality and timing of feather replacement can make or break a bird’s chance of survival.



A new study from <a href="https://eccles.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the University of Utah</a> highlights just how sensitive this molting process has become to climate change. 



Researchers tracked changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-explore-why-and-where-birds-molt-their-feathers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molt</a> timing - known as molt phenology - using 13 years of detailed bird-banding records gathered at the university’s Bonderman Field Station at Rio Mesa in southeastern Utah.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-feathers-tell-a-new-climate-story">Bird feathers tell a new climate story</h2>



Over 22,000 birds representing 134 species were monitored between 2011 and 2024. Mist nets, set up near sunrise and checked every 30 minutes, temporarily captured birds during their spring and fall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-migration-is-influenced-by-social-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migrations</a>. 



Each bird’s age, sex, species, feather and body condition, and molt stage were recorded before release. These seasonal captures formed the foundation for an important discovery.



“In the fall, we found that birds are shifting both their body and their flight feather molt earlier over time across the 13 years at a rate of about one day earlier per year,” said lead researcher Kyle Kittelberger.



That shift suggests a response to changing climate patterns, especially related to events like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a>. These patterns are increasingly influencing the timing of birds’ migration and breeding, indirectly prompting earlier feather molts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-bird-molting-matters">Why bird molting matters</h2>



“Molt is a really fundamental component of a bird's lifecycle. It's one of the main elements that a bird does, one of the main activities in addition to breeding and migrating,” said Kittelberger.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-molting-patterns-may-have-saved-birds-during-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molting</a> replaces old, damaged feathers, ensuring better flight performance and even helping with mate attraction. 



“If you have poor feather quality that could impact, for example, your migration. You might not be able to fly as well. It could also in the spring impact your ability to attract a mate,” he added.



But molting isn’t something birds usually do while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oil-and-gas-infrastructure-harms-breeding-birds-in-alaska/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding</a> or migrating. Those are energy-intensive periods, and feather regrowth is equally demanding. Doing both at once would stretch a bird’s resources dangerously thin.



“Birds don't want to be actively replacing feathers in their wings when they're migrating because they're going to be putting energy into replacing those feathers that will compete with the energy that they need for those long-distance flights,” said Kittelberger.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-all-seasons-are-equal">Not all seasons are equal</h2>



Interestingly, no overall shift was observed in spring molt across species. “We didn't see any shift at the community level for spring body molt," said Kittelberger.



"Some of the reasons for that might be birds tend to migrate much faster in the spring because it's more of a direct shot getting back to their breeding grounds so that they can start preparing for the breeding season, whereas in the fall, it's a slower and more meandering process." 



That slower fall pace might explain why birds now molt earlier. Other studies have also found that many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-have-new-strategy-to-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a> are breeding sooner, which could lead to earlier molting after the breeding season ends.



“A lot of molting occurs after breeding. That might be why we're seeing an earlier shift in time with molt in the fall, because they could be breeding earlier,” Kittelberger said. 



“But we're also seeing that some species are delaying their migration in the fall. So that could alternatively mean that they have an opportunity to molt more of their feathers earlier before a later migration.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-following-the-bird-s-full-journey">Following the bird's full journey</h2>



The study demonstrates the importance of long-term field stations in understanding how birds adapt - or struggle to adapt - to changing environmental cues. However, this research offers just a snapshot in a single location along the Dolores River.



“To really get a clearer picture of changes in molt, we need to go to their breeding or post-breeding grounds and assess birds there,” said Kittelberger. 



“That is the next element of this kind of research, to not only look at what's going on in the summer when they're beginning to molt but to see if that overlaps with anything like breeding.”



As the climate continues to shift, so too do the rhythms of bird life. Feather by feather, birds are adapting - but how long they can keep up remains a question worth watching.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/735848" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The American Naturalist</a>.



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Birds are molting earlier in the fall as global seasons continue shifting

Birds don’t just fly and sing. They also molt -...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

<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>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



<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>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

Closeup,Of,Fresh,Green,The,Napier,Bush,Grass,As,Animal

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="http://www.ntu.edu.sg/">NTU Singapore</a> reveals that some plants can remove toxic heavy metals from soil.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed samples of various tropical plant species to test for levels of heavy metals and metalloids. The study showed that there are existing plants with high levels of these contaminants, which means that these species are great candidates for drawing pollutants out of the soil.&nbsp;



Among the plants examined in the study, 12 species had accumulated several types of heavy metals and metalloids. These plants are widely available, including species that are native to Singapore.



“In a small nation like Singapore, land may be repurposed to support new development plans, so it is important that we have a green and sustainable way to remediate land that is contaminated," said Professor Lam Yeng Ming.



"We set out to uncover how to better make use of tropical plants to do phytoremediation and through advanced characterization techniques, we showed how some of these tropical plant species can be an environmentally friendly and literally a 'green' way to remove contaminants in soil."&nbsp;



"Phytoremediation also has benefits of cost effectiveness, simplicity of management, aesthetic advantages, and long-term applicability and sustainability. The strategy prevents erosion and metal leaching by stabilizing or accumulating heavy metals, so that helps reduce the risk of contaminant spread.”



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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



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

Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes why herbicides are not as effective in killing weeds anymore. In the 20th century, chemical companies developed thousands of herbicides. The most commonly used herbicide was glyphosate, which was introduced in 1974.



Over the past few decades, dozens of species of weeds have evolved resistance to glyphosate. Depending on the site of action, the part of the plant that an herbicide interacts with, weeds may even be resistant to herbicides that have not been developed yet.&nbsp;



With increasing resistance to glyphosate and other herbicides, weeds are - once again - becoming a major concern for farmers.&nbsp;



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> (JPL) describes a dust storm on Mars that was nearly twice the size of the United States. As the storm covered the southern hemisphere of the planet, some of NASA’s explorers had to delay their normal activities.



NASA’s Insight lander put itself in a "safe mode" for 11 days to conserve battery power because solar power was disrupted by the dust. The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter postponed flights until conditions improved.



"A fleet of NASA orbiters monitor Martian dust storms like this one and serve as lifelines to Earth by relaying data from the rovers and lander on the ground back to the team. This includes the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, MAVEN, and Odyssey," reports JPL.



"Dust storms like this recent one start close to the ground and are spread by wind as they rise – warming the cold Martian atmosphere."



The images in the video were captured by NASA’s Curiosity as the dust rolled in. A fleet of orbiters monitored the dust storm from above, relaying data from Mars’ explorers back to scientists on Earth.



Video &amp; Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS



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



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

NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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