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....

Wildfires have been a dominant ecological force in Southern forests for millennia, shaping longleaf pine ecosystems, wiregrass savannas, and oak-hickory uplands. Yet the way fire moves through the landscape is changing, and so are the lives and livelihoods that lie in its path.



A new assessment from the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/">USDA Forest Service</a>, produced with the Southern Group of State Foresters, takes a close look at how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-for-disaster-raising-awareness-to-reduce-wildfire-risks/">wildfire risk</a> may evolve across the southeastern United States between now and the middle of the century. It also explores what land managers can do to stay ahead of the flames.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-today-s-fire-danger-zones">Today's fire danger zones</h2>



Research ecologist Lars Pomara and his colleagues began by modeling current hazards in every county from Virginia to Texas.



The team considered two kinds of danger to people: direct exposure to flames and indirect exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-making-wildfire-smoke-more-deadly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoke</a>, which can travel far beyond a fire line.



The researchers also analyzed the likelihood that high-intensity burns could release vast stores of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-from-forest-fires-have-surged-by-60-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> from living trees and soil, as well as the risk that ash and erosion could impair watersheds supplying drinking water.



The resulting maps reveal a patchwork of vulnerabilities. Fast-growing coastal counties, for example, already face some of the highest combined threats because new subdivisions press up against fire-prone pine plantations.



Mountain valleys in the southern Appalachians and Ozarks look safer at first glance, but many of their steep slopes are covered in dense fuel thanks to decades of fire suppression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-outlook-to-2050">Fire outlook to 2050</h2>



After capturing the baseline, the team explored several plausible futures. These included hotter or milder climates, changing rural populations, and forests either actively managed with fire or left to grow dense.



Even in mild scenarios, parts of the Southeastern Coastal Plain face greater wildfire risk by the 2050s. Under hotter, drier projections, patterns in parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama began to resemble the fire regimes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/texas-could-face-the-worst-drought-conditions-in-1000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Texas</a> today.



Population trends amplify those ecological shifts. The South is the fastest-growing region of the United States, and many newcomers favor wooded lots on the urban fringe.



As houses spread into what scientists call the wildland-urban interface, straightforward brush fires can turn into multi-million-dollar emergencies almost overnight. The report warns that people are likely to become more exposed to dangerous fires and smoke as these interfaces expand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-as-friend-and-foe">Fire as friend and foe</h2>



At the center of the analysis lies an apparent contradiction: the best tool for preventing catastrophic wildfire is more fire. 



Many southern ecosystems rely on regular, low-intensity burns to recycle nutrients and allow sunlight to reach the forest floor. These fires also prevent the buildup of leaves, twigs, and saplings that can turn a lightning strike into a destructive crown fire.



That is why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/controlled-fires-can-help-us-save-grasslands-from-disappearing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prescribed burning</a> - carefully planned and executed by trained crews - features prominently in every management strategy the authors tested.



When fire isn’t safe, mechanical thinning and fire-smart planning can help reduce wildfire risk. In densely populated counties, the researchers found that combining fuel treatments with defensible-space ordinances around homes could significantly reduce structure loss. This holds true even under hotter future climate scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-to-focus-limited-resources">Where to focus limited resources</h2>



Because budgets and personnel are limited, the report layers its risk maps with maps of potential payoffs from fuel reduction. The goal is to target efforts where they protect the most people, key watersheds, or carbon reserves per acre treated.



“Anyone who is working in the Southeast in conservation or forest management needs to be able to prioritize work and point their resources at the places where they see opportunities to get the most efficient and effective work done, including wildfire risk management,” Pomara said.



A triage mindset is essential, the authors note, as climate change may shrink the safe window for prescribed burns. Warmer springs and falls can extend the natural fire season; summer humidity, once a reliable brake on flames, may no longer suffice.



Forest conditions, too, are shifting. Blight-killed red bay stands along the coast and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-fires-diminish-forests-carbon-storage-ability/">drought</a>-stressed pines in the Piedmont both add to regional fuel loads.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-western-neighbors">Lessons from western neighbors</h2>



One eye-catching conclusion is that by mid-century, conditions in much of the Southeast could resemble those in Texas and parts of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/american-southwest-megadrought-is-the-worst-in-12-centuries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwest</a>. These regions are already hotter, windier, and more fire-adapted.



That realization invites cross-regional learning. Western crews have developed techniques for large-scale burns, smoke modeling, and community evacuation planning. These skills could be invaluable as the South enters its own era of increased wildfire activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-southern-forests">Changing southern forests</h2>



The wildfire outlook is the third report in the Southern Forest Outlook series, following earlier studies on timber markets and water supply. Each chapter powers an interactive map where users can explore local wildfire projections and access risk-management resources.



“Forest management will be challenged in coming decades to confront the threats posed by wildfire while sustaining the positive roles of fire in southern forests,” Pomara said.



His team’s work implies that the challenge is daunting but not impossible. Where prescribed fire is used and mechanical thinning fills the gaps, forest health can be maintained. When communities also reduce ignition risks, the South can better protect both people and property.



By highlighting both hotspots of future danger and corridors of opportunity, the report offers a roadmap for action. The flames of tomorrow are not yet burning, and with strategic effort today, many of them never will.



The full Forest Service report can be found <a href="https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/69155" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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Wildfire risk is rapidly rising across the southern U.S.

Wildfires have been a dominant ecological force in Southern forests...

A growing number of scientists and Indigenous people around the world are spotlighting a powerful concept for sustainability: reciprocity between humans and nature.



A new collection of 18 scientific case studies published in the journal <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pan3.70036">People and Nature</a> presents compelling global evidence that caring, mutual relationships with the natural world are not only possible - they’re already shaping more resilient and balanced communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-human-nature-relationships">Rethinking human-nature relationships</h2>



The international team behind this collection spent over two years studying how societies worldwide practice reciprocity with their environments. The study was led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.uab.cat/web/universitat-autonoma-de-barcelona-1345467954774.html">Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona</a>, the <a href="https://en.ird.fr/">French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development</a>, and the <a href="https://www.uvic.ca/">University of Victoria</a> in Canada.



The result is a hopeful collection challenging extractive growth models and offering real-world, cooperation-based alternatives.



“These wonderful examples of the multiple ways people and nature benefit each other provide hope for the future because they illustrate that there are better paths,” said Natalie Ban, a co-editor of the collection.



Rather than viewing nature as a passive provider of resources, the authors highlight communities that actively give back. They cultivate, protect, and restore their local ecosystems as a form of ethical engagement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-in-harmony-with-nature">Living in harmony with nature</h2>



For many Indigenous and local communities, reciprocity with nature is a core part of their identity and everyday life. These practices arise from direct experience and deep spiritual and cultural ties to the land, often expressed through gratitude, respect, and moral responsibility.



“Many of the articles demonstrate that humans can care for ecosystems in ways that sustain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/">biodiversity</a>,” said co-editor Irene Teixidor-Toneu.



For instance, the collection includes case studies on sustainable palm harvesting in the Ecuadorian Amazon, respectful gathering of abalone along the Northwest Pacific coast of North America. It also highlights <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-sea-ice-makes-it-harder-for-seabirds-to-find-food/">seabird</a> egg collection in Estonia. These practices reflect generations of knowledge passed down about how to use natural resources without depleting them.



In Chilean Patagonia, fishers return discarded fish parts to the sea to nourish seabird populations. In Cameroon, wild foods are gathered not just for individual consumption, but for sharing within the community. These are small acts with large ripple effects, nourishing both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-plays-critical-role-ecosystem-health/">ecosystem health </a>and social cohesion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-contrast-to-capitalist-exploitation">A contrast to capitalist exploitation</h2>



These practices contrast sharply with globalized capitalism, which often promotes one-way resource extraction without giving anything back. By comparison, reciprocity offers a vision of the world where humans are part of nature, not separate from or above it.



“Reciprocity can be a cultural norm for a certain culture, but it can also be the result of accurate observations of the consequences of trespassing ecosystem boundaries,” Teixidor-Toneu said. “People can learn from their immediate actions and change their relation with their environments for more sustainable outcomes rather quickly.”



The researchers emphasize that reciprocity isn’t just about tradition - it’s a dynamic, adaptive way of living that can offer powerful tools for navigating modern environmental crises. As climate change, biodiversity loss, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/">pollution</a> escalate, these relationships with nature offer a blueprint for resilience and restoration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-for-bold-change">Time for bold change</h2>



“This Special Feature is a heartfelt compilation of 18 scientific articles from different corners of the world,” said co-editor Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares of <a href="https://www.uab.cat/web/icta-1345819904184.html">ICTA-UAB</a>. “These studies highlight the strong emphasis on cultivating positive, reciprocal, and responsible relationships among humans and their non-human kin.”



The implications are profound. By embracing reciprocity, societies can shift away from short-term gains and toward long-term sustainability. 



This requires rethinking how we relate to nature - not as something to be dominated, but as something to be respected, cared for, and collaborated with.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-way-forward-rooted-in-respect">A way forward rooted in respect</h2>



The collection of case studies reveals that reciprocity is not an abstract ideal - it is already being practiced in diverse ways across continents. These stories illustrate that hope is not lost.



While industrialized societies often struggle to reduce their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-hidden-and-destructive-environmental-impact-of-bitcoin-mining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impact</a>, some communities live in close relationship with their surroundings. These communities offer living examples of how mutual care can foster both ecological and social well-being.



By listening to these communities and learning from their ways of life, we can begin to create more just, sustainable futures for all species - human and non-human alike.



As climate-related challenges deepen, reciprocity may be one of the most powerful ideas we have left. It shows that sustainability isn’t just about science and policy. It’s also about values, relationships, and the daily choices we make about nature and how to live on this planet.



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Mutual relationships with nature offer hope for a sustainable future

A growing number of scientists and Indigenous people around the...

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already impressing scientists with its ability to forecast the weather days in advance. These new models can run faster and use far less computing power than traditional weather systems. 



But there's a catch: AI can only predict what it's seen before. And when it comes to extreme weather, that's a serious problem.



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a>, New York University, and the University of California Santa Cruz set out to explore this issue. 



The study shows that while AI can do a great job with typical day-to-day forecasting, it struggles with rare or unprecedented events. These include things like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-causes-the-rapid-intensification-of-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Category 5 hurricanes</a>, once-in-a-century floods, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-are-intense-heat-waves-affecting-life-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat waves</a> that break all historical records.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clever-models-with-clear-limits">Clever models with clear limits</h2>



AI models like ChatGPT learn from massive amounts of data. Weather-focused neural networks work the same way. Scientists feed them decades of past weather observations. Based on that, the models learn to predict what might happen next.



When you give these models the latest weather data, they can quickly generate forecasts that rival the accuracy of traditional supercomputer models. But the problem comes when something totally unexpected happens.



Pedram Hassanzadeh is an associate professor of geophysical sciences at UChicago and a corresponding author of the study.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-prediction-model-is-a-major-breakthrough-in-weather-forecasting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI weather models</a> are one of the biggest achievements in AI in science. What we found is that they are remarkable, but not magical,” said Hassanzadeh. "We’ve only had these models for a few years, so there’s a lot of room for innovation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-underestimates-dangerous-weather">AI underestimates dangerous weather</h2>



The concern is this: if a dangerous weather event hasn’t happened in the training data, will the AI model still catch it?



The researchers tested this by training an AI model with weather data that excluded all hurricanes above Category 2 strength. Then they asked the model to forecast a scenario that would typically lead to a Category 5 hurricane. The result?



“It always underestimated the event. The model knows something is coming, but it always predicts it’ll only be a Category 2 hurricane,” said Yongqiang Sun, research scientist at UChicago and co-author of the study.



This kind of error is called a false negative. In weather <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-forecasting-ai-will-improve-extreme-weather-warnings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecasting</a>, it can be deadly. Overestimating a storm might cause an unnecessary evacuation, which is costly but not dangerous. Underestimating it, however, can leave people unprepared for disaster.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-remembers-extreme-weather">AI remembers extreme weather </h2>



Traditional weather models use equations that describe how the atmosphere works. They include physics, math, and knowledge of how heat, pressure, and wind interact. 



Neural networks don’t do this. They’re more like fancy autocomplete tools - offering predictions based only on what they’ve seen before. This difference matters. It means AI models might miss events that fall outside their training history. 



Scientists are beginning to use AI to explore long-term risks and future climate scenarios. But if AI can’t forecast extremes, its usefulness for those tasks becomes limited.



Still, there’s hope. The researchers found that if the model had seen a similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-tens-of-millions-of-people-love-watching-videos-of-extreme-weather-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme event</a> - even in a different part of the world - it could make better predictions. For instance, if the AI never saw an Atlantic hurricane but had seen strong Pacific hurricanes, it could still forecast powerful Atlantic storms.



“This was a surprising and encouraging finding: it means that the models can forecast an event that was unpresented in one region but occurred once in a while in another region,” Hassanzadeh said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combining-ai-with-classic-tools">Combining AI with classic tools</h2>



So what’s the solution? The researchers believe that blending traditional physics with AI is the next step.



“The hope is that if AI models can really learn atmospheric dynamics, they will be able to figure out how to forecast gray swans,” Hassanzadeh said.



To make that happen, scientists are exploring new techniques. One of them is called active learning. In this approach, AI models help guide physics-based simulations to create more examples of rare events. These examples can then be used to improve the AI's accuracy.



Study co-author Jonathan Weare is a professor at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University.



“Longer simulated or observed datasets aren't going to work. We need to think about smarter ways to generate data,” said Weare.



“In this case, that means answering the question 'where should I place my training data to achieve better performance on extremes?' Fortunately, we think AI weather models themselves, when paired with the right mathematical tools, can help answer this question.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-ai-weather-forecasting">The future of AI weather forecasting</h2>



As AI becomes a bigger part of how we forecast and prepare for extreme weather, knowing its limits is key. 



The technology is improving fast. But until it can truly grasp the physics of our atmosphere, it won’t be able to predict everything. 



That’s not a reason to give up on AI forecasts - it's just motivation to make them even better.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2420914122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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AI can predict the weather - but what about extreme events?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already impressing scientists with its ability...

Marine protected areas in Brazil are often viewed as safe havens for biodiversity. But even the strictest of these zones aren't free from pollution. 



A new study shows that microplastics are turning up in these supposedly untouched waters, raising concerns about the true extent of environmental protection.



The research was carried out by scientists from the <a href="https://observatorioimar.unifesp.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal University of São Paulo</a> (UNIFESP) in collaboration with Australian colleagues. 



The team examined ten marine protected areas (MPAs) categorized under the highest level of restriction, known as “integral protection areas.” These places prohibit all forms of human activity, including tourism. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remote-waters-are-affected">Remote waters are affected</h2>



To measure the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-are-accumulating-in-nearly-every-habitat-of-galapagos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">level of pollution</a>, researchers used bivalve mollusks such as oysters and mussels. These creatures filter seawater to feed and naturally collect any contaminants in their tissues. That makes them ideal for monitoring long-term pollution trends in the ocean.



Ítalo Braga is the coordinator of the research funded by FAPESP and professor at the Institute of Marine Science of the Federal University of São Paulo (IMar-UNIFESP) in Brazil.



“Our study showed that microplastic contamination occurs even in the most restrictive environmental protection areas. For example, in Atol das Rocas, where there’s no economic activity and tourists aren’t allowed to visit. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastics</a> can reach places like this by being carried by the wind or ocean currents,” said Braga.



These findings are alarming because they confirm that pollution can infiltrate even areas that are theoretically shielded from human interference. Plastic particles don’t respect borders. They travel freely on air and ocean currents, spreading their impact across vast distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-invading-protected-areas">Microplastics invading protected areas </h2>



The microplastics discovered in these marine areas were mostly smaller than 1 millimeter and appeared in shades of black, white, or transparent. Chemical analysis identified 59.4% of the particles. 



The most common materials included alkyd polymers (28.1%), typically used in paints and varnishes and likely originating from boats or marine equipment. 



Cellulose made up 21% and was traced to both natural sources, such as algae and marine plants, and human-made materials like paper waste. 



Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is commonly found in synthetic fabrics and plastic packaging, accounted for 14% of the identified microplastics. Another 12.3% consisted of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon), often used in non-stick and industrial coatings. 



The remaining 40.6% of the particles could not be identified, underscoring the complex and varied nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastic-pollution-has-become-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine plastic pollution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-found-in-every-protected-area">Microplastics found in every protected area </h2>



The team studied ten sites across Brazil: Jericoacoara National Park, Atol das Rocas, Fernando de Noronha, Rio dos Frades, Abrolhos, Tamoios, Alcatrazes, Guaraqueçaba, Carijós, and Arvoredo. All showed signs of contamination.



“Along the Brazilian coast, there are several protected areas with different levels of management. National parks, such as Abrolhos and Fernando de Noronha, are highly protected, while others, such as some APAs [environmental protection areas], allow some degree of human intervention," said Braga.



"Our study focused on integral protection areas, called ‘no-takes’ in the specialized international literature, which are more restrictive marine protected areas. We selected ten of them."



Alcatrazes Archipelago Wildlife Refuge had the highest contamination, with 0.90 ± 0.59 particles per gram of wet tissue. Atol das Rocas Biological Reserve had the lowest, with 0.23 particles per gram. Across all sites, the average was 0.42 ± 0.34 particles per gram.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-than-average-but-still-concerning">Better than average - but still concerning</h2>



In some ways, the results were encouraging. The contamination levels were below the international average for marine protected areas. They were also far lower than the levels found in unprotected Brazilian coastal zones.



“The positive thing is that pollution in all these areas is below the international average for marine protected areas. And well below the Brazilian average for non-protected areas," noted doctoral student Beatriz Zachello Nunes. 



"Heavily contaminated areas, such as Santos and some beaches in Rio de Janeiro, are 50 to 60 times more polluted. In fact, Santos has one of the highest concentrations of microplastics in the world."



Even so, the findings suggest that pollution is now a truly global problem. Local restrictions are not enough if foreign sources continue to push contaminants into protected zones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-bivalves-matter">Why bivalves matter</h2>



The use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bivalve-mollusks-may-hold-the-secrets-of-longevity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bivalves</a> was key to this study. These animals serve as nature’s filters. Because they remain in place and continually filter the same waters, they offer a clearer picture of what’s happening over time.



“Bivalve mollusks (oysters, clams, mussels and others) feed by filtering seawater. The food in the water is retained in their gills, which act as sieves. And tiny cilia carry it to their stomachs. If that water contains contaminants, such as microplastics, the bivalves will retain them as well," explained Braga.



"So instead of taking water samples, which vary all the time, we analyze the bivalves because they accumulate pollutants over time and provide a more reliable history of contamination."



This approach avoids the fluctuations that come with direct water sampling and offers a more accurate view of long-term pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protected-areas-need-support">Protected areas need support</h2>



The results serve as a warning. Marine protected areas are no longer safe from microplastics. More effort is needed to enforce rules, manage these areas effectively, and - crucially - reduce pollution at the source.



“The creation of MPAs alone isn’t enough to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-must-be-phased-out-to-stop-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stop pollution</a>. It’s essential that these areas have efficient environmental management and strict enforcement. But even this isn’t enough if we consider that the microplastics may not be generated locally, but brought in from afar by the atmosphere and ocean currents," said Braga.



"To mitigate this, only global measures, such as the Global Plastics Treaty currently being negotiated and developed under the coordination of the United Nations Environment Program [UNEP], can make a difference."



Efforts at the international level may be the only way to protect even the most isolated marine ecosystems from invisible but dangerous plastic pollution.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0013935125004827">Environmental Research</a>.



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Microplastics are now invading fully protected marine areas

Marine protected areas in Brazil are often viewed as safe...

The slow march of seawater across riverbanks and through underground aquifers may not grab headlines like a flood or wildfire. Yet, in many coastal regions, especially in river deltas, salinity is advancing with relentless force.



Salinization - the intrusion of saltwater into freshwater systems - is reshaping landscapes, threatening crops, displacing families, and challenging the resilience of communities.



This creeping threat stems from rising seas, dwindling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-about-earths-bending-rivers-could-help-us-find-water-on-other-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> flows, and intensifying storms. The changes are quiet but far-reaching. 



One of the most vivid and instructive examples comes from the Bengal Delta in Bangladesh, where scientists have tracked salinity changes for nearly two decades. Their work is more than a regional study; it’s a glimpse into the future of low-lying coasts everywhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salinity-rises-across-bangladesh">Salinity rises across Bangladesh</h2>



The Bengal Delta, formed by the mighty Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna Rivers, is home to over 150 million people. 



Its vast wetlands and intricate network of rivers, creeks, and estuaries support rice paddies, mangrove forests, and some of the densest rural populations on Earth. But as global temperatures rise, this fragile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-amount-of-water-do-earths-rivers-hold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a> is being transformed.



Salinity has become an especially serious concern here. Ocean tides, which already reach deep inland through the delta’s tidal creeks, are now carrying more salt. 



Researchers found that since the mid-2000s, salinity levels have climbed steadily, especially in the western delta near Khulna, where levels exceed 25,000 µS/cm. In comparison, the eastern stretches near the Meghna River maintain much lower levels below 3,000 µS/cm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-decades-of-growing-salinity">Two decades of growing salinity </h2>



The study, conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a>, <a href="https://www.du.ac.bd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dhaka University</a>, and <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curtin University</a>, used data from 54 monitoring stations from 2000 to 2017. 



The team discovered an average annual rise in river salinity of 76 µS/cm, with some sites recording increases above 800 µS/cm per year. These rates are not uniform. The western delta shows the fastest and most intense changes, while the east remains relatively buffered.



But the most striking observation was the pattern of stepwise increases. Around 2007, salinity jumped noticeably and remained elevated. This sudden rise coincided with major cyclonic events, including Cyclone Sidr. 



The data showed that storm surges, compounded by rising sea levels and shifting offshore dynamics, played a central role in pushing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-disrupting-the-seasonal-flow-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saltwater</a> inland and keeping it there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-delta-salinity-is-rising-faster">Why delta salinity is rising faster</h2>



To decode these changes, the researchers proposed a new conceptual model: the Offshore Controlled Estuarine and Aquifer Nexus (OCEAN) framework. 



This model explains how offshore bathymetry, particularly steep underwater slopes like the Swatch-of-No-Ground, interacts with tides and sedimentation to trap salt in estuarine and groundwater systems.



The steeper gradient in the west dissipates tidal energy, leading to slower water flushing and more salt entrapment. Embankments and polders - human-made dikes - exacerbate the issue by limiting the movement of freshwater. 



Dense networks of tidal creeks in these low-lying zones act as storage areas for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-heat-of-2024-triggered-a-surge-in-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saline</a> water, which eventually seeps into shallow aquifers.



“What we’re seeing in the Bengal Delta is not just a local crisis, it’s a signal of what’s coming for low-lying coastal areas around the world,” Dr. Mohammad Hoque explained.



“Salinity is rising faster and reaching farther inland than many people realise, and it's happening quietly with major consequences for water security, agriculture, and livelihoods. This study helps us understand the mechanics behind it, and underscores the urgency for coordinated, global action.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-river-flow-makes-salinity-worse">Reduced river flow makes salinity worse </h2>



Seasonal changes in river discharge used to help flush salt from the delta during monsoons. However, upstream water withdrawals, reduced rainfall, and sediment buildup are weakening this natural defense. 



The experts found that salinity levels surged when river flows dropped, especially in the dry months. In the Gorai River system, for example, reduced freshwater flow correlated closely with rising salinity at sites like SW241 and SW244.



The fluvial dominance of the eastern delta helps maintain lower salinity. The eastern zone receives stronger flows from the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers, which dilutes incoming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salty-plants-can-teach-us-how-to-grow-crops-with-seawater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salt</a>. In contrast, the western zone, with fewer freshwater inputs, is at greater risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cyclones-transfer-seawater-to-rivers">Cyclones transfer seawater to rivers</h2>



Cyclonic storms have become increasingly destructive, not only due to wind and rain but because they carry seawater deep into freshwater regions. During La Niña years, which are linked to intensified cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal, salinity spikes have been particularly severe.



Between 2006 and 2009, the study recorded a pronounced rise in salinity across the delta. This period coincided with Cyclones Akash, Sidr, Bijli, and Aila. 



The geomorphological disruptions caused by these storms - such as scouring of riverbeds and changes in sediment flow - may have altered the very shape of channels, making them more vulnerable to future saltwater intrusions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fertile-lands-turning-into-barren-fields">Fertile lands turning into barren fields</h2>



Rising salinity in rivers is not just a water issue. It is also a soil issue. The researchers used satellite imagery to observe trends in soil salinity near monitoring stations. 



The team found that areas like SW24, SW258, and SW259 experienced increased soil salinity between 2000 and 2020, especially after 2007. As river water became saltier, the soil nearby became less fertile.



This affects farmers first. High salt levels reduce crop yields, damage irrigation systems, and push families toward debt or migration. The mangrove-rich Sundarbans region, which buffers the coast from storms, also faces threats. 



With higher salinity, its delicate ecosystem may struggle to survive, further exposing inland areas to climate extremes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-bangladesh-s-crisis-means">What Bangladesh’s crisis means</h2>



“While the focus is on Bangladesh, the study’s implications are global,” noted Dr Sean Feist, a co-author of the study.



“Coastal regions from the Mekong Delta in Vietnam to Louisiana’s wetlands in the United States face similar pressures. As sea levels continue to rise, the risk of agricultural land turning salty, drinking water becoming undrinkable, and shallow groundwater becoming permanently brackish grows ever more serious.”



The patterns seen in Bangladesh are also emerging in the Mekong and Pearl River Deltas. Model projections show that even a modest 30 cm rise in sea level could significantly increase salinisation in these areas. This study offers a roadmap to understand and manage similar risks elsewhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-planning-is-key">Long-term planning is key</h2>



The researchers call for long-term monitoring, not just short-term surveys. Data from 1965 to 2017 helped them detect slow-building patterns that would have been missed otherwise. 



Using robust statistical methods like the modified Mann-Kendall test and robust linear models, they were able to identify critical change points, especially around 2007.



Solutions require more than engineering fixes. Short-term projects like dredging rivers or building embankments may help temporarily but won’t reverse the underlying trend. 



The study stresses the need for integrated planning - across river basins, national boundaries, and environmental systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-protect-the-future">A call to protect the future</h2>



“Ultimately, this study highlights that the creeping salinisation of deltas is a slow-moving but deeply disruptive force," noted Dr. Ashraf Dewan.



"Without urgent investment in salt-tolerant agriculture, better water storage, and strategic planning across entire river basins, the disruptive impacts of salinity are likely to intensify."



“The Bengal Delta is on the frontline of climate change, but it is not alone. The patterns observed here are emerging in many of the world’s great coastal regions. What happens next depends on how quickly we respond.”



The time for action is now. While saltwater rises quietly, its effects are loud and lasting. Without decisive, collective, and long-term interventions, the fertile deltas that nourish millions may turn into barren landscapes. The Bengal Delta’s story is a warning - but it’s also a guide, if we choose to listen.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470160X2500473X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecological Indicators</a>.



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Salinity is rising in coastal areas and hurting farmlands

The slow march of seawater across riverbanks and through underground...

Honey bees are essential for the production of many foods people enjoy daily. In recent months, beekeepers across the country have <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/650342507631075013d25a2c/t/67ee7771794a6241afde95aa/1743681414601/PAm+Complete+Colony+Losses+Survey+Summary+Apr+2025.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> a widespread loss of bee hives and colonies, with some commercial operations sustaining major economic hits.



<a href="https://cals.cornell.edu/wayne-anderson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wayne Anderson</a> from Cornell University has been working behind the scenes to gather samples and investigate potential causes. 



His team hopes that a closer look at pollen, wax, and bees will offer tangible clues about what’s hurting these crucial pollinators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examining-bee-hive-clues">Examining bee hive clues</h2>



Researchers <a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/oc/br/ccd/index/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> that up to 60% of managed honey bee colonies in the United States have been lost this year, leading to an estimated $139 million in financial <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/650342507631075013d25a2c/t/67ee7771794a6241afde95aa/1743681414601/PAm+Complete+Colony+Losses+Survey+Summary+Apr+2025.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">setbacks</a> for beekeepers. 



Many beekeepers first noticed trouble during the buildup to almond pollination season in California, which usually draws around 70% of all U.S. hives each year.



“Based on early numbers that are coming in, it’s suggestive that this will be the biggest loss of honey bee colonies in U.S. history,” said <a href="https://cals.cornell.edu/scott-mcart" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scott McArt</a>, associate professor of entomology and program director for the Dyce Lab for Honey Bee Studies at Cornell. 



Their <a href="https://cals.cornell.edu/pollinator-network/beekeeping" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> focuses on analyzing samples with mass spectrometry methods, which can detect even trace levels of harmful chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-questions">Chemical questions</h2>



Some beekeepers worry that certain <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19706391/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticides or fungicides</a> used in farming might compromise bee health. Even a small amount of chemical residue in pollen can have an impact on bee nutrition and immunity.



Wayne Anderson has been processing hundreds of these samples in a specialized lab. By looking at chemical signatures, his group hopes to reveal whether specific substances in wax or honey are contributing to colony losses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bee-hive-parasites">Bee hive parasites</h2>



<a href="https://beeaware.org.au/archive-pest/varroa-mites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Varroa mites</a> often top the list of threats. These mites feed on bee blood and can spread viruses that weaken entire colonies.



In severe cases, the colony can collapse quickly after mite populations spiral out of control. 



Researchers at several institutions are running parallel <a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/60500500/PDFFiles/501-600/582-Rinkevich--Influence%20of%20Varroa%20Mite.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> to measure how effective current mite treatments are and whether resistance to those treatments is emerging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutritional-challenges">Nutritional challenges</h2>



Urban expansion and the rise of single-crop agriculture reduce the variety of blooms that bees rely on for food. Many beekeepers provide supplemental sugar or protein to give hives a boost, but that is not always enough.



A shortage of high-quality forage can leave bees more vulnerable to stressors. 



Some experts suspect that limited natural nutrition might amplify the effects of viruses and chemicals, making each hive more fragile.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hopes-for-answers">Hopes for answers</h2>



Scientists at the <a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2024/usda-researchers-use-an-edible-blue-green-algae-to-protect-honey-bees-against-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Agriculture</a> are testing bees for viruses, mites, and new pathogens. McArt’s group aims to complement those efforts by speeding up the turnaround time for pesticide analyses.



Wayne Anderson believes that results from their combined work will offer a clearer picture of what is harming bees. They hope to finish initial testing soon and share the data with apiculture groups across the country.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-is-key">Collaboration is key</h2>



Commercial beekeepers, small-scale hobbyists, and research labs have pulled together resources to address these alarming losses. 



They regularly exchange updates about colony health, management techniques, and findings from lab analyses.



Experts say that everyone benefits when new data are made public. That openness keeps all parties informed and helps farmers reduce potential risks to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-bee-day-2025-protecting-the-pollinators-that-feed-the-world/">bees</a> during crucial pollination periods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-operations-pushed-to-the-edge">Small operations pushed to the edge</h2>



Smaller beekeeping businesses are facing especially steep challenges. Without the financial cushion of large-scale operations, many are struggling to recover from the cost of lost colonies and reduced honey output.



Some may not survive the year. Rebuilding a hive from scratch takes time, resources, and healthy queens, which are also in short supply. A small hive cannot be split to rebuild numbers, and it won’t produce honey either.



Large-scale pollination services remain a <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0004071" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">major pillar of American agriculture</a>. Some orchard owners now pay premium prices to secure strong, healthy hives for their crops.



Policymakers and extension services are also weighing in. Better habitat conservation, improved pest management, and ongoing education could give <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-dangers-threaten-the-survival-of-bees-and-pollinators/">bees</a> the support they need to bounce back.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-losing-bee-hives-has-ripple-effects">Losing bee hives has ripple effects</h2>



The pollination crisis doesn’t just affect bees and beekeepers. Farmers who rely on rented hives to pollinate almonds, apples, melons, and other crops are already seeing fewer bees available, and at higher prices.



With fewer colonies to go around, some crops may suffer from poor yields or reduced quality. This can trickle down to consumers through increased grocery bills or limited availability of certain foods.



If the pollination shortage continues, shoppers may see higher prices for fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Local honey supplies could shrink too, making it harder to find or more expensive.



There’s still hope that focused efforts can stop the decline in honey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bee-survival-depends-on-more-than-just-pollen-abundance/">bee</a> numbers. Researchers are working hard to find practical ways for beekeepers to safeguard their hives and support a healthy environment.



Strong collaboration between scientists, farmers, and beekeepers will be key to moving forward. Everyone has a role to play in keeping pollinators, and our food system, alive and thriving.



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Scientists are highly concerned that so many bee hives have disappeared

Honey bees are essential for the production of many foods...

Caribbean,Sea,Covered,By,Sargasso,Algae.,Seaweed,Top,View

The Atlantic Ocean holds a secret: a patch of calm water ringed by swift currents, sitting about 590 miles east of Florida yet never touching land. Known as the Sargasso Sea, sailors have crossed it for centuries, but few notice the border when they slip into glassy indigo waters. 



Those who linger find the surface scattered with golden-brown seaweed - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-drives-the-great-atlantic-sargassum-belt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sargassum</a> - named for the Portuguese word sargaço, a type of grape-like algae. The plants bob in slow motion, rolling gently like tumbleweeds on a prairie of water.



Within minutes, the stillness feels uncanny. No surf pounds. No gulls scream from cliffs. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sargassum-seaweed-a-growing-problem-could-become-a-sustainable-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The seaweed</a>, however, bursts with residents: shrimp the size of rice grains, neon juvenile fish, porcelain-white crabs, and even young loggerhead turtles paddling their first miles of life. 



This floating cover grows so thick that early Spanish crews feared their wooden caravels would halt and “never again feel a breath of wind,” as Christopher Columbus wrote in 1492.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-sargasso-sea-holds-a-drifting-forest">The Sargasso Sea holds a drifting forest</h2>



Strip away the romance, and the Sargasso Sea looks like an 800-mile-wide nursery. Scientists call the drifting mats “habitat islands,” and for good reason. Hatchling turtles hide here until their shells harden.



Porbeagle sharks cruise the shade below, while Bermuda storm-petrels skim the fringe, plucking shrimp in mid-dive.



Researchers have counted more than 100 invertebrate species clinging to the weed—tiny colonists that hitch a ride for years before the mats eventually break apart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycles-in-migration">Life cycles in migration</h2>



European and American eels begin their lives beneath these mats, no bigger than clear threads. They drift west or east on ocean currents, slip into rivers as far inland as Indiana, then, after decades in freshwater, swim back the entire 3,000-mile journey to spawn once and die. 



How they locate the same watery cradle baffles zoologists. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-humpback-whales-are-born-in-places-we-didnt-expect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humpback whales</a> also cross the sea each spring, and high-speed tuna streak through on their way to spawning grounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-climate-engine-calls-the-shots">Unique climate engine calls the shots</h2>



Longtime observers quickly learn that calm water masks heavy lifting. In summer, the surface warms to about 82–86 °F; in winter, it cools to roughly 64–68 °F. 



Those seasonal swings drive mixing that helps push warm, salty water northward and return cooler water south - a conveyor that steadies weather patterns on both sides of the Atlantic. 



The open water also pulls carbon dioxide from the air, locking it into plankton shells that eventually snow to the seafloor.



Only after two years of sampling did chemical oceanographer Nicholas Bates and colleagues at the <a href="https://bios.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences</a> realize just how much heat the sea was absorbing. 



“The ocean is the warmest it’s been for ‘millions and millions of years,’” he told LiveScience, warning that the trend could reshape “where it rains or where it doesn’t.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-problems-threaten-the-sargasso-sea">Human problems threaten the Sargasso Sea</h2>



Jules Verne once called the Sargasso “a perfect lake in the open Atlantic.” Today that lake collects trash from four converging currents: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collapse-of-main-atlantic-ocean-circulaton-current-amoc-is-already-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Atlantic Current</a>, Canary Current, North Equatorial Current, and Antilles Current. 



Those loops act like a mile-wide drain, funneling plastic bags, bottle caps, and ghost fishing gear into a slowly rotating slick. 



One survey estimated roughly 200,000 pieces of debris per square kilometer - about 518,000 pieces per square mile - spreading for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-hotspots-currents-identified-cleanup-efforts-great-pacific-garbage-patch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">several hundred miles</a>.



Underwater microphones pick up the growl of cargo vessels cutting straight through mats. Propellers shred the weed; paint chips flake from hulls, releasing copper and zinc. 



Noise can mask the low-frequency calls of sperm whales passing beneath. Meanwhile, floating nets entangle juvenile turtles exactly where they once found refuge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-change-through-decades">Tracking change through decades</h2>



Researchers have monitored these waters near Bermuda since 1954, recording temperature, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caribbean-salt-affects-global-climate-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a>, dissolved oxygen, and pH every month. 



Instruments show that winter water is slightly saltier than summer water, thanks to dry winds that whisk moisture off the surface, while rainfall each June and July freshens the mix. 



Since the 1980s, the average temperature has climbed roughly 1 °C - a small number that packs a punch. Warmer layers resist vertical mixing, starving deeper water of oxygen and hoarding nutrients that would normally rise to feed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-from-africa-sparked-a-massive-phytoplankton-bloom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plankton blooms</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sargasso-sea_map-location_credit-Bates-Johnson_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sargasso-sea_map-location_credit-Bates-Johnson_1s.webp" alt="Location map of the island of Bermuda and two ocean time-series (Hydrostation S, 1954 to present; and the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series, BATS, 1988 to present) sites. The position of the Ocean Flux Program (OFP, 1978 to present; deep ocean sediment trap program) is also shown. Ruth Curry is thanked for the main panel figure which is modified here. Credit: Bates and Johnson" class="wp-image-1970759"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Location map of the island of Bermuda and two ocean time-series (Hydrostation S, 1954 to present; and the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series, BATS, 1988 to present) sites. The position of the Ocean Flux Program (OFP, 1978 to present; deep ocean sediment trap program) is also shown. Ruth Curry is thanked for the main panel figure which is modified here. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Bates and Johnson</figcaption></figure>



Scientists have developed new metrics, such as “salinity anomaly” maps and basin-scale alkalinity indices, to compare one year to the next. 



Paired with drifting Argo floats and satellite color scans, the 60-year record has become a gold standard for tracking ocean acidification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-race-against-warmth">Race against warmth</h2>



<a href="https://www.sargassoseacommission.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sargasso Sea Commission</a>, an intergovernmental body formed in 2014, calls the region a “haven of biodiversity” and urges countries to designate shipping lanes that skirt dense mats. 



Marine protected area status remains complicated; no nation owns the sea, and enforcement on the high seas is costly. 



Yet conservationists note that simple steps - rerouting tankers by 50 miles or banning longline fishing during peak turtle season - could preserve critical habitat without hampering trade.



Policy moves slowly, while climate shifts quickly. 



Between stronger hurricanes and hotter summers, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robot-discovers-surprising-food-source-sargassum-for-deep-ocean-creatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sargassum</a> now grows so prolifically in the Caribbean that beach resorts hire bulldozers to clear it. Excess weed sinks, rots, and releases greenhouse gases, turning a carbon sink into a source. 



Paradoxically, the very organism that lends the sea its name may become a casualty of warming if rising acidity weakens its holdfasts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-protecting-the-sargasso-sea">Importance of protecting the Sargasso Sea</h2>



If we lose the Sargasso Sea, rivers from Newfoundland to the Gulf of Mexico would send eels searching in vain for a birthplace erased by heat. 



Humpbacks might arrive in spring to find the larder bare. Storm tracks over Europe could drift, and the Atlantic might store even more of the planet’s excess heat, accelerating feedback loops we scarcely understand.



Governments are now weighing a treaty to curb plastic discharge at sea and expand no-take zones around key migratory corridors. 



Shipping firms experiment with quieter propeller designs and biodegradable packing bands. None of these fixes alone will restore the Sargasso, but together they could keep the floating forest alive long enough for cooler heads - and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-hidden-skin-could-protect-us-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooler oceans</a> - to prevail.



For something that looks like an empty patch of blue on a map, the Sargasso Sea manages to knit continents together, nourish creatures halfway across the world, and offer humanity a running log of planetary change. 



The still water speaks softly, but its message rings clear: protect the calm, or brace for the storm that follows.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1289931/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a>.



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Earth has one sea that touches no land, because it has no shore

The Atlantic Ocean holds a secret: a patch of calm...

States around the country are forging ahead on reducing carbon emissions, even when national policies seem stuck in a holding pattern. 



Researchers have analyzed state-level actions and discovered that localized strategies can cut nearly half of the nation’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse</a> gases by the middle of the century, with costs that differ from those of a unified approach by less than one percent.



Jeremiah Johnson is an associate professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a>.



“We think there is significant value in assessing what kind of difference state-led efforts could make,” said Johnson. He sees this pattern as vital for regions eager to protect their economies and communities.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-some-states-lead-on-climate">Why some states lead on climate</h2>



Some places feel a direct impact from shifting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather</a>, so local leaders seek methods that keep their energy grids flexible and their industries secure. 



They often implement firm timelines to reach <a href="https://netzeroclimate.org/what-is-net-zero-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">net-zero goals</a>, which ensures each part of their economy invests in cleaner fuels and infrastructure.



Others try a mix of regulations and economic steps to spark homegrown innovation. That can mean new policies for industrial heating, more efficient transport, or robust local power systems that lean on wind, solar, and carbon capture rather than coal or oil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-states-can-cut-emissions-at-low-costs">States can cut emissions at low costs</h2>



The researchers found that states following their own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cutting-methane-emissions-could-quickly-slow-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> plans could still reach emissions targets at a total cost only 0.7% higher than what a nationwide approach would require.



The study also showed that different policy paths lead to diverse technology solutions, including advanced manufacturing processes or cleaner power sources in certain corners of the country.



Modeling suggests that regional strategies might rely more on industry-specific changes. Meanwhile, a broad effort might tap wind and solar resources across all states, especially areas with steady breezes or plenty of sunshine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emissions-across-state-lines">Emissions across state lines</h2>



Varying approaches can affect surrounding areas. If some states slash emissions through electrification or <a href="https://www.iea.org/energy-system/carbon-capture-utilisation-and-storage/direct-air-capture" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">direct air capture</a>, others might shift their energy mix in unexpected ways that raise or lower their own pollution.



When a region invests in cleaner power, cheap electricity could flow across state lines. On the flip side, places without mandates might ramp up cheaper fossil options and export certain goods or services, which affects overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-absorb-31-more-co2-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse</a> gas levels nationwide.



When only some states commit to climate action, others may increase their own emissions to meet demand for power or fuel. This <a href="https://clear.ucdavis.edu/news/what-carbon-leakage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon leakage</a> can cancel out progress made by cleaner regions.



Models show this happening when unconstrained areas export fossil-based electricity or biofuels to states with strict targets. Without safeguards, the emissions just shift around instead of decreasing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-state-action-brings-jobs-and-growth">State action brings jobs and growth</h2>



State-led decarbonization isn't just about cutting pollution - it could unlock long-term economic growth. Regions that take early action might attract new jobs in clean energy, grid modernization, or next-gen manufacturing.



With rising public support for sustainable policies, states that build out local green infrastructure could become magnets for skilled workers and private investment. 



Over time, these decisions could help reshape regional economies from the ground up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-untapped-clean-energy-in-the-southeast">Untapped clean energy in the Southeast</h2>



The Southeast stands out in models as the region with the most untapped potential. When included in a national climate strategy, it delivers the largest emissions drop of any region - more than California or the Northeast.



It also has ample biomass, solar capacity, and carbon storage options. Without policy nudges, though, these assets remain idle. That makes the Southeast a crucial player in hitting national <a href="https://www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">targets</a>, even if it’s slow to act on its own.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delaying-emissions-cuts-may-raise-costs">Delaying emissions cuts may raise costs</h2>



Even though the price gap between state and national action is small, the longer states wait to implement change, the more expensive it becomes to catch up. Delays can lock in high-emission <a href="https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infrastructure</a> that’s harder and costlier to replace later.



Early movers avoid that trap. By upgrading systems now, they reduce long-term costs and position themselves for federal funding or private partnerships down the line.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-states-must-work-together">States must work together</h2>



Some experts say that states with big ambitions should coordinate with neighbors to avoid leakage of emissions. 



Joint investments in renewables, shared energy storage, or new grids could keep everyone moving in the same direction without undercutting progress.



Others highlight the power of well-designed incentives for regions that lack strict goals. If those communities harness options like direct air capture, or turn to large-scale bioenergy, the entire country benefits in ways that no single strategy can achieve on its own.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59696-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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States taking action on their own can cut half of U.S. emissions

States around the country are forging ahead on reducing carbon...

The growing conversation around microplastics is shining a light on an unsettling possibility: these tiny plastic particles may be accumulating in the human brain. Some researchers suspect that they could be related to certain mental health challenges and cognitive setbacks.



After reviewing evidence from recent publications, experts are urging further investigation into how processed food could introduce plastic fragments into our bodies.



One of those experts, Dr. Nicholas Fabiano from the <a href="https://www.uottawa.ca/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Ottawa</a>, emphasizes the potential health implications of ingesting significant amounts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-the-brain-alarming-new-details-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-microplastics-enter-our-brain">How microplastics enter our brain</h2>



Our environment is full of plastic debris, much of it invisible to the naked eye. High-quality laboratory tests have <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39901044/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">confirmed</a> that humans are exposed through diverse routes, including diet and air inhalation.



Researchers note that once these particles enter the bloodstream, they may find a path into our central nervous system. 



Some believe that the physical presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dementia-patients-have-higher-levels-of-microplastics-in-their-brains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> fragments could disturb neurons and biochemical processes in ways we have yet to understand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-processed-food-may-increase-plastic-intake">Processed food may increase plastic intake</h2>



Ultra-processed products often involve industrial techniques that can introduce more synthetic elements during manufacturing. Experts believe that this could be a major source of plastic exposure.



Efforts to measure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-infiltrating-the-human-body-even-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> concentrations in popular snack items have drawn attention to how easily particles might be consumed on a routine basis. 



Many researchers hope that a comprehensive index will make it easier to figure out who is at greatest risk based on eating habits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-persist-in-the-body">Microplastics persist in the body </h2>



Examining blood and tissue samples suggests these tiny plastic bits can reside in the body for unknown lengths of time. Some laboratory models hint that chronic exposure might trigger localized inflammation or oxidative stress in sensitive areas, such as the brain.



In one exploratory effort, <a href="https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/brainmed/aop/article-10.61373-bm025c.0020/article-10.61373-bm025c.0020.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">specialists</a> tested whether certain blood-filtering methods might remove plastic fragments from circulation. Although the results are tentative, this approach could pave the way for more targeted removal strategies if future trials confirm effectiveness.



“We’re seeing converging evidence that should concern us all,” said Dr. Fabiano. Some professionals believe that the combination of shifting dietary habits and rising plastic contamination calls for better public health guidelines.



“What emerges from this work is not a warning. It is a reckoning,” wrote <a href="https://www.upstate.edu/psych/faculty.php?empID=wongma" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Ma-Li Wong</a>. Her viewpoint underscores the urgency of addressing these invisible contaminants.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-plastic-contamination-risks">Rising plastic contamination risks</h2>



Many experts recommend practical steps for reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-linked-to-health-issues-including-cancer-and-infertility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exposure</a>. Replacing plastic water bottles with glass or stainless steel, avoiding plastic-wrapped microwave meals, and focusing on fresher meal choices may lower the daily load of plastic shards.



Cutting back on products that involve excessive packaging could also prove beneficial. While these adjustments may seem minor, they represent deliberate actions to limit what goes into our bodies over time.



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



Some nutrition researchers are concerned that chronic intake of plastic contaminants might heighten the risk of emotional difficulties. <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2809727" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> that link highly processed foods to depressive symptoms have raised questions about the role synthetic compounds may play.



Though the mental health impact of these contaminants is not yet fully established, the topic has captured the attention of psychiatrists and neurologists. They hope to see long-term population studies that evaluate dietary patterns, measured plastic exposures, and overall brain function.



Calls for more transparent food labeling are growing louder. If scientific research confirms a direct link between microplastics and cognitive health, consumers may demand stricter rules on packaging materials and clearer disclosure of what is in their snacks.



Scientists across multiple disciplines plan to collaborate on large-scale projects that track exposure levels. This combined effort could help clarify how microplastic buildup is distributed in different body systems and how those particles may intersect with individual vulnerabilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimizing-the-health-risks-of-microplastics">Minimizing the health risks of microplastics </h2>



Some food companies have started experimenting with compostable packaging, hoping to curb plastic intrusion at the source. Others are working on new processing technologies that reduce reliance on conventional polymers.



Health advocates argue that incremental progress is better than no progress at all. They note that a shift in manufacturing practices could lighten the burden placed on our bodies and our planet.



Individuals can play a part by staying up to date on recommendations from trusted health organizations. Policy developments, consumer choices, and scientific findings will likely continue to shape how we address microplastic contamination.



Researchers suggest that listening to new data and making modest lifestyle tweaks are constructive steps. 



Whether it’s switching to a reusable water bottle or urging local shops to offer plastic-free alternatives, each act adds momentum to a broader movement toward minimizing plastic infiltration.



The study is published in <a href="https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/brainmed/aop/article-10.61373-bm025g.0062/article-10.61373-bm025g.0062.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brain Medicine</a>.



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Microplastics in human brains may affect mental health

The growing conversation around microplastics is shining a light on...

Forests have long stood as symbols of hope in climate battles. Towering pines, lush rainforests, and dense boreal woodlands seemed to hold the answer to our rising emissions. Their leaves breathed in carbon dioxide. Their roots locked carbon in the soil. Their presence offered comfort in a warming world.



But this story is quickly unraveling. Climate change, once held at bay by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-forests-2024-new-solutions-for-a-better-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature’s resilience</a>, is now overwhelming the very systems built to contain it. Fires rage through continents. Smoke blots out skies. And the forests we once trusted as guardians have begun releasing more carbon than they store.



A recent policy brief by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (<a href="https://unu.edu/inweh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNU‑INWEH</a>) confronts this urgent shift. 



The report delivers a stark warning. Forests, especially in fire-prone zones, are not guaranteed allies anymore.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-are-releasing-more-carbon">Forests are releasing more carbon</h2>



The brief reveals how some forests are now “super‑emitters.” This term refers to landscapes that release massive amounts of carbon due to intense, frequent wildfires. These include boreal forests in the Arctic, stretches of the Amazon, and woodlands across Australia.



Despite this shift, many global carbon policies remain stuck in the past. Voluntary carbon markets still reward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-orangutan-day-2024-protecting-the-people-of-the-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> planting without considering how heat, drought, and pests are reshaping forest dynamics



“Planting trees is no longer enough - warming, drought‑stressed forests can flip into vast carbon sources when they burn. Forest policy must move from static protection to dynamic risk management,” noted Dr. Ju Hyoung Lee, lead author of the report.



Tree planting, once considered a reliable fix, can now backfire. In regions suffering from water stress, planting more trees might create dense fuel loads. These become dangerous when combined with dry soil, hot temperatures, and wind.



A spark in such an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a> can undo years of carbon reduction in a matter of days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-planting-programs-ignore-wildfire-risks">Tree planting programs ignore wildfire risks</h2>



The scientists emphasized that carbon-offset programs need to evolve. It's not enough to reward the act of planting. These programs must assess forest longevity and vulnerability. Drought, heatwaves, and pest infestations make it harder for forests to thrive, and easier for them to ignite.



Right now, many policies operate on fixed assumptions. They treat forests as stable, slow-changing entities. But reality no longer matches these models. A tree that grows in 2025 might burn before 2035. Without dynamic monitoring, carbon markets risk crediting projects that increase emissions.



According to the brief, more localized assessments are crucial. Hydrological factors like rainfall levels and soil conditions should guide decisions. So should projections of future droughts and temperature <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-face-rising-damage-risks-as-their-diversity-dwindles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extremes</a>. 



Forest health isn't just about what we plant, but where and how it's maintained over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellites-help-detect-at-risk-forests">Satellites help detect at-risk forests</h2>



Technology offers a path forward. The authors call for better integration of satellite data in forest management. Earth observation tools can detect shifts in tree health, soil moisture, and canopy density. This data, collected in near real-time, provides an early warning system for fire risk.



“Forests are our powerful allies against climate change - but only if we manage them as living, dynamic systems. By coupling satellite data with proactive management, we can prevent fires from erasing decades of carbon‑reduction progress,” noted Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU‑INWEH.



This isn’t just about prevention. It’s about transparency and smart policy design. If a forested area faces rising fire threats, it shouldn’t earn carbon credits the same way a more resilient area does. 



Policies must reflect changing realities. With satellite monitoring, decisions can stay rooted in evidence, not assumptions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-fire-risks-and-carbon-storage">Forest fire risks and carbon storage</h2>



The UNU-INWEH policy brief identifies a dangerous mismatch. On one side, global warming is accelerating wildfire risks. On the other, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-forests-which-tree-species-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> markets act as if forests are immune to change.



This disconnect has serious consequences. Carbon pricing models and credit verification systems often fail to account for fire-related emissions. 



Even the Paris Agreement and voluntary carbon initiatives continue to rely on static forest data. They rarely measure how likely a forest is to survive the next decade without burning.



Tree-planting campaigns in arid regions, especially those with degraded soil, often overlook this. In such environments, forestation might offer little carbon benefit and even invite disaster. When trees dry out, they become fuel. 



Fires that sweep through them don’t just burn wood - they release all the carbon those trees once held.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptive-strategies-for-a-warming-climate">Adaptive strategies for a warming climate</h2>



The policy brief recommends more than just updated monitoring. It suggests rethinking which actions count as carbon mitigation. In certain regions, the best approach may involve less planting and more managing.



Controlled harvesting can reduce tree density and remove dry biomass. In some cases, carefully managed grazing helps maintain soil moisture and stops flammable shrubs from spreading. These methods may seem counterintuitive, but under certain conditions, they prevent bigger losses.



This isn't a call to abandon forests. It’s a call to respect their complexity. When managed well, they can still absorb carbon and support biodiversity. But when misunderstood or left vulnerable, they can undo climate progress in weeks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-a-global-monitoring-platform">Creating a global monitoring platform</h2>



To support better decision-making, UNU-INWEH urges the creation of a dedicated global platform. This system would channel near-real-time satellite data into both voluntary carbon markets and fire management programs.



Such a platform would allow stakeholders - governments, corporations, and NGOs - to adapt strategies as conditions change. It would also bring much-needed accountability. Projects could be evaluated not just at the start, but throughout their lifespan.



The report envisions a future where carbon finance aligns with ecosystem health. To reach that future, we need to move from static carbon accounting to dynamic, informed planning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-need-smarter-carbon-policies">Forests need smarter carbon policies</h2>



The climate era has changed the rules. Forests cannot be treated as unshakable allies. They are living systems, shaped by drought, pests, and fire. 



If we continue using outdated assumptions, we risk turning climate solutions into climate threats.



As the UNU-INWEH report makes clear, real progress depends on embracing complexity. With better data, smarter policies, and an adaptive mindset, forests can still help us fight climate change. But we must protect them as much from policy failures as from flames.



Read the entire study <a href="https://collections.unu.edu/view/UNU:10167" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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Some forests are now releasing more carbon than they store

Forests have long stood as symbols of hope in climate...

Scenery,Of,The,Ice,Floe,Area,Of,The,Arctic,Ocean,

For years, climate scientists have struggled to explain the warming of the Arctic and why it is heating up three to four times faster than the planet as a whole. 



Traditional climate models capture some of that “Arctic amplification,” but they still fall short of the temperature spikes involving clouds which have been recorded in recent decades.



A new study from Kyushu University points the finger at an unlikely culprit: mixed-phase <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-and-arctic-ice-clouds-an-unexpected-connection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clouds</a> that behave like a thermal blanket during the polar night, trapping more heat than most models assume.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-arctic-s-thermal-blanket-matters"><a></a>Why the Arctic’s thermal blanket matters</h2>



Mixed-phase clouds - low-lying decks that contain both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-dust-plays-a-hidden-role-in-accelerating-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice crystals</a> and supercooled liquid droplets - dominate Arctic skies. 



In summer, when the sun never sets, they act like a parasol, reflecting incoming sunlight back into space and slowing surface warming.



In winter, when sunlight fades for weeks, those same clouds flip their role. With no solar rays to reflect, they trap long-wave radiation emitted by the ice and ocean below and reradiate it downward, warming the surface.



“However, how well these mixed-phase clouds trap heat depends on their ratio of ice to liquid,” explained lead author Momoka Nakanishi, a graduate researcher at <a href="https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyushu University</a>.



“The more liquid water the clouds contain, the better they are at trapping heat. But many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate models</a> have a large bias in representing this ratio, causing incorrect predictions.”



Nakanishi and her adviser, associate professor Takuro Michibata of Kyushu University’s Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, suspected that inaccurate cloud physics might be hiding a large chunk of the Arctic’s missing heat.



To test the idea, they examined 30 leading climate models and compared their simulated wintertime cloud properties with a decade of satellite observations over the polar seas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-heavy-models-miss-today-s-heat"><a></a>Ice-heavy models miss today’s heat</h2>



The comparison yielded a stark result: 21 of the 30 models over-predicted the proportion of ice crystals relative to liquid droplets in Arctic winter clouds. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-new-class-of-ice-called-ice-0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice-heavy clouds</a> emit less infrared radiation back to the surface than liquid-rich ones, so models with too much ice systematically underestimate the present-day greenhouse effect of clouds.



“These ice-dominant models are not properly accounting for the present-day warming potential of the clouds during the winter. That’s why they cannot account for the rapid warming we are currently seeing,” Nakanishi said.



By adjusting the models to match observed ice-to-liquid ratios, the researchers closed much of the gap between simulated and observed warming. 



The finding suggests that fine-scale cloud microphysics - droplet nucleation, crystal growth, and the freezing of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-beauty-revealed-in-ice-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">super-cooled water</a> - hold outsized influence over regional climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-arctic-clouds-on-the-ceiling">Warming Arctic: Clouds on the ceiling</h2>



Paradoxically, the same modeling error means many simulations may overstate future warming. In a warmer Arctic, mixed-phase clouds naturally shift toward higher liquid content, enhancing their heat-trapping ability in a mechanism known as cloud emissivity feedback.



But there is a ceiling: once a cloud becomes mostly liquid, it behaves like a near-perfect blackbody, fully absorbing and re-emitting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthcare-reveals-the-power-of-clouds-and-aerosols/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thermal radiation</a>. Beyond that point, additional warming does not greatly increase its greenhouse effect.



Many of the surveyed models, because they start out too icy, anticipate a larger future shift toward liquid content than observations justify. 



They therefore project a stronger, longer-lasting emissivity feedback and exaggerate the Arctic’s eventual temperature rise. Correcting present-day biases narrows that projection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-global-climate-prediction"><a></a>Implications for global climate prediction</h2>



Cloud processes remain one of the largest uncertainties in climate science. “The biggest uncertainty in our forecasts is due to clouds,” Michibata said. 



“Fixing these models is essential not just for the Arctic, but for understanding its impact on weather and climate change across the globe.”



The stakes extend well beyond the high latitudes. A warmer Arctic can warp the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-accelerate-jet-stream-winds-and-airplane-turbulence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jet stream</a>, influencing extreme weather events in North America, Europe, and Asia - involving much more than clouds.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-alters-the-color-of-ocean-light-and-life-struggles-to-adapt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea-ice losses</a> accelerate, opening shipping routes but also exposing darker ocean water that absorbs more heat. 



Permafrost thaws, releasing carbon and methane that further amplify warming. Getting cloud physics right will sharpen projections for all these knock-on effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloud-radar-helps-prevent-arctic-warming">Cloud radar helps prevent Arctic warming</h2>



The team drew on satellite data from NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/cloudsat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CloudSat</a> and <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/calipso/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CALIPSO</a> missions, which use radar and lidar to distinguish ice and liquid layers inside clouds.



They then compared these observations with outputs from models participating in the <a href="https://wcrp-cmip.org/cmip-phases/cmip6/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6</a> (CMIP6), the same ensemble that informs the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a> reports.



By ranking models according to their liquid-fraction bias, the researchers could quantify how that bias translated into temperature error.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-toward-better-microphysics"><a></a>Next steps: Toward better microphysics</h2>



Fixing the problem will require both new observations and refined parameterizations of microphysical processes inside model grid cells.



Small-scale experiments using aircraft and ground-based lidar could reveal how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a>, humidity, and temperature cooperate to keep droplets liquid at −20 °C or colder - a common state in the Arctic. 



Incorporating those insights into global models could, in turn, tighten projections for mid-latitude storm tracks and even tropical rainfall.



For now, the study delivers a clear message: the Arctic’s runaway warming cannot be understood - or slowed - without an accurate account of what happens inside its low, grey winter clouds. Addressing that microscopic uncertainty could make a macroscopic difference for the entire planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://spj.science.org/doi/10.34133/olar.0089" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Research</a>.



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Clouds also fuel Arctic warming, not just carbon emissions

For years, climate scientists have struggled to explain the warming...

We often picture plastic pollution floating in oceans or strewn across beaches. But a less visible, more dangerous form of pollution lies beneath us. Agricultural soil, once seen as a safe space for food growth, has become the planet’s largest reservoir of microplastics. 



A recent review from <a href="https://www.murdoch.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Murdoch University</a> reveals that these soils now contain nearly 23 times more microplastics than the oceans.



Unlike the visible bottles and bags we discard, these tiny plastic particles are microscopic and easily overlooked. Yet, they carry with them a chemical complexity that could reshape how we view food, farming and health. 



“These microplastics are turning food-producing land into a plastic sink,” noted PhD candidate Joseph Boctor, who led the study.



This contamination does not stay in the dirt. It travels through roots, into crops, and onto our plates. Without a shift in awareness and policy, the health of humans and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-soil-day-2024-protecting-our-planets-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> may face irreversible harm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-in-agricultural-soil">Plastic in agricultural soil </h2>



One of the most disturbing findings from Boctor’s review is that these plastics may contain up to 10,000 different chemical additives. Many of them remain completely unregulated in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-pollution-is-harming-worms-and-bugs-to-an-unknown-degree/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural</a> contexts. 



These chemicals are not just inert fillers. They actively interact with the soil, the plants growing in it, and eventually, the people consuming those plants.



Plastic packaging proudly labeled “BPA-free” might provide a false sense of safety. “And BPA-free does not equal risk free,” Boctor clarifies. 



Substitute chemicals like BPF and BPS, often used in place of BPA, have been shown to cause similar or even worse endocrine disruption. These additives interfere with the body’s hormonal balance, which is critical for everything from metabolism to fertility.



Research cited in the review confirms the presence of these compounds in lettuce, wheat and carrot crops. These plastics do not need to be visible to be harmful. They move from the soil into plant tissues, continuing the cycle of contamination that begins in the field and ends in our bodies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-agricultural-soil-into-food-crops">From agricultural soil into food crops</h2>



The movement of microplastics and nanoplastics into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-plays-an-overlooked-role-in-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a> is not hypothetical. It is now a documented fact. These particles enter plants through the roots, especially via cracks and pores, or even through a biological process known as endocytosis.



The analysis reveals that some particles can even be absorbed through leaves and move downward into the plant’s root system. This translocation means that no part of the plant is entirely safe from plastic intrusion.



The review gives an example of peanut plants, where microplastics caused a 35 percent reduction in nitrogen uptake. This decline directly affects the plant’s health and its nutritional value.



Besides impacting plant growth, these plastics interfere with key biological processes. They can hinder photosynthesis, slow down water uptake, and create oxidative stress in plant tissues. The result is a silent degradation of crop quality long before harvest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bioplastics-in-soil-may-still-harm-crops">Bioplastics in soil may still harm crops</h2>



In response to rising concerns, some researchers and companies have turned to bioplastics. These are marketed as eco-friendly alternatives that should degrade naturally without harming the environment. But Boctor’s team cautions against blind trust in this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solution</a>.



The researchers found that not all bioplastics are benign. Some, like PLA and PBAT, still reduce plant growth and disrupt soil microbial communities.



That means even “greener” plastics may contribute to environmental toxicity, just in a different form. This complexity suggests that replacing traditional plastic with any bioplastic is not enough.



Still, Boctor’s team has not abandoned hope. They are developing a more advanced, safe solution through their Smart Sprays Project. This involves a bioplastic-based spray that acts as a water barrier. It helps retain rainwater and reduce evaporation, without harming the soil or plants. 



Most importantly, it can be applied with existing farm equipment, making adoption easier for farmers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agricultural-soil-pollution-is-a-global-issue">Agricultural soil pollution is a global issue</h2>



This is not a regional issue. The review compiles data from over 30 countries. Agricultural soils everywhere from Europe to Asia are affected. 



The study reveals that plastic particle densities range from a few hundred particles per kilogram in rural zones to more than 200,000 particles per kilogram in highly industrialised areas.



This widespread contamination affects not just plant health, but the entire ecosystem beneath the soil. Earthworms exposed to microplastics have shown stunted growth, impaired reproduction, and internal damage. Insects like springtails avoid soil contaminated with plastics and fail to reproduce in those environments.



The long-term effects on biodiversity could be devastating. Microplastics can alter the delicate microbial balance that keeps soil fertile. Once disrupted, this balance is hard to restore. Healthy soil is not just dirt. It is a living system, and it is now under threat from pollution we can barely see.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastics-disrupt-agricultural-soil-chemistry">Plastics disrupt agricultural soil chemistry</h2>



Microplastics alter the very chemistry of soil. They do not decompose like organic matter. Instead, they accumulate. Over time, they interfere with how carbon and nitrogen cycle through the soil.



While some types of microplastics have been shown to increase greenhouse gas emissions like methane and carbon dioxide, others may appear chemically inert. This variability makes the problem harder to study and solve. 



The one clear outcome is that microplastics reduce nitrogen fixation and interrupt the microbial activity responsible for keeping soil fertile.



Plants in plastic-contaminated soil may grow more slowly, absorb fewer nutrients, and yield less food. With nitrogen cycles disrupted, farmers may rely more on synthetic fertilisers, which create another cycle of pollution. This means a degraded soil base, poorer crops, and further contamination. It becomes an unending loop of decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastics-reach-human-food-and-organs">Plastics reach human food and organs</h2>



Contamination does not stop at the farm gate. Microplastics have been found in nearly every type of food, including fruits, vegetables, meat, milk, and seafood. Apples, according to recent data, can contain as many as 233,000 plastic particles per gram.



Adults may unknowingly ingest more than five grams of plastic every week. That is about the weight of a credit card. And this plastic does not just pass through the body. It stays. Researchers have found plastic particles in the human bloodstream, lungs, heart, semen, placenta, and even arterial plaque.



“This makes the plastic crisis unchecked, and human health exposed,” Boctor said. The scope of contamination is not only widespread but deeply personal. 



What we eat, drink, and breathe is now laced with plastic fragments. These are not just pollutants, they are intruders in our most sensitive biological systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gaps-in-regulation-and-toxicity-testing">Gaps in regulation and toxicity testing</h2>



Boctor’s review exposes glaring regulatory failures. There are no global or national limits for microplastics in agricultural soil or food. Testing is inadequate and often misleading. 



Many laboratory studies use unrealistic plastic concentrations, underestimating the threat in real-world agricultural soil settings.



Toxicity assessments tend to ignore the combined effect of additives and environmental conditions. This piecemeal approach masks the cumulative harm caused by long-term, low-dose exposure to plastic pollution.



Even regions with some regulations fall short. The <a href="https://european-union.europa.eu/index_en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Union</a> has taken steps to limit BPA use, but most plastic additives still escape oversight. In the United States, the <a href="https://www.fda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA</a> has not revised BPA guidelines since 2013. In agriculture, the regulatory vacuum is even more severe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-for-safe-agricultural-soil">Solutions for safe agricultural soil</h2>



Boctor’s team at the Bioplastics Innovation Hub is not waiting for regulation to catch up. They are working on alternatives designed to break down safely and nourish rather than pollute the soil. But innovation alone will not solve the problem.



“This review highlights the urgent need for coordinated scientific and regulatory efforts,” Joseph said. “Regulators, scientists and industry must collaborate to close the loopholes before plastic pollution further entrenches itself in the global food chain.”



The review is not just a warning. It is a call for immediate, united action. The soil is the foundation of life. We cannot afford to let it become a toxic reservoir. The choices we make now will determine whether future generations inherit fields of nourishment or beds of plastic.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12302-025-01104-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Sciences Europe</a>.



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Agricultural soil is now the world’s biggest plastic dumping ground

We often picture plastic pollution floating in oceans or strewn...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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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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