Natural,Environment,Climate-neutral,Long-term,Emissions,Strategy,Net,Zero,2050,Carbon

Balancing cleaner air with rising incomes is not a luxury question for developing countries. It is a real-world, and real-life, policy problem that shapes health, jobs, and the future of their cities.



A new <a href="https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/10.1142/S0217590825500304" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> lays out when zero emissions can go hand in hand with steady <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-will-cut-world-gdp-by-a-staggering-40-percent-if-nothing-changes/">growth</a>, even when governments rely on foreign aid.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zero-emissions-and-economic-growth">Zero emissions and economic growth</h2>



The work comes from <a href="https://tus.elsevierpure.com/en/persons/hideo-noda" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hideo Noda</a> at the Tokyo University of Science (<a href="https://www.tus.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TUS</a>) with coauthor Fengqi Fang, a Ph.D. candidate in Business Administration from the Graduate School of Business Administration at TUS. 



The team builds a simple but testable way to check if a country can hit zero net <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-trade-is-fueling-a-dangerous-rise-in-methane-emissions/">emissions</a> while its economy keeps expanding.



They also verify the model numerically using real world style parameters so it is not just a chalkboard exercise. 



The paper connects theory to a specific United Nations target on decoupling growth from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5c-is-almost-certainly-out-of-reach/">environmental damage</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zero-emissions-models">Zero emissions models</h2>



First, the authors define a zero-emissions <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/net-zero-coalition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">policy</a> as keeping net pollution at zero at every point in time, by matching abatement to emissions. That requires money, technology, and clear rules to assign who pays.



They run two versions of the economy. 



One is a public goods <a href="https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/stantcheva/files/lecture8.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">model</a> where government services like roads or schools lift private production for everyone at once, a standard growth <a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/261726" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">model</a> introduced by Robert Barro in 1990. 



The second adds <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-will-climate-change-hit-hardest-global-index-reveals-vulnerability/">congestion</a>, where more people share the same public services so the boost per person shrinks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimum-income-rule">Minimum income rule</h2>



The key test is whether gross domestic product (<a href="https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GDP</a>) per capita rises above a minimum income threshold so a country can fully clean what it emits. 



The authors call this the kindergarten rule level of abatement, as in: “clean-up what you make dirty.”



"Following the Kindergarten rule means implementing zero emission technologies in either finite time or asymptotically," noted M. Scott Taylor and William Brock in their related <a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w9597" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>. 



This frame anchors the new threshold concept for developing countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aid-supports-clean-income-growth">Aid supports clean income growth</h2>



Many low income governments fund services with official development assistance (<a href="https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/policy-issues/official-development-assistance-oda.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ODA</a>), so the model lets outside aid pay for both cleaning and public services. 



That design reflects classic work showing how aid aimed at productive public services can shift long run growth.



In related <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304387806000290" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theory</a>, flexible labor and aid tied to public capital influence the path of output and welfare. The new paper extends this logic to pollution control that must be paid for every year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-income-threshold">Changing income threshold</h2>



The threshold depends on clean technology, population size, and how much aid is fixed to environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/expanding-oil-and-gas-fields-threaten-global-climate-goals/">uses</a>. Better abatement technology lowers the income bar because each dollar of cleanup removes more pollution.



Population matters differently across the two models. In the public goods case, a larger labor force can raise growth because services scale with the economy, while in the congestion case that scale effect drops out as services get diluted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taxes-and-zero-emissions-targets">Taxes and zero emissions targets</h2>



The model also looks at tax policy, focusing on a labor income tax that finances services. 



There is a tax rate that maximizes the growth of income per person, and under both models governments can reach the needed income threshold in finite time if they choose that growth maximizing rate.



Public services that complement private capital are the link. When governments tax and spend on those services efficiently, private firms produce more and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-action-economies-can-grow-while-cutting-emissions/">economy climbs</a> to the income level that makes full abatement feasible.



"Both models indicate that implementing the zero-emissions policy is compatible with sustainable economic growth," wrote Noda. 



They also show the kindergarten rule threshold is higher with congestion than without it, so crowding of public services slows the crossing.



"We call this threshold the kindergarten rule level of pollution abatement in terms of GDP per capita," wrote Noda. The result gives policymakers a clear income target, not just a slogan about decoupling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-income-growth-and-sdgs">Income growth and SDGs</h2>



Target 8.4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (<a href="https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SDGs</a>) asks countries to decouple growth from environmental degradation. 



The authors argue their framework helps explain when that is possible in practice, and how policy levers change the timing.



The UN defines the <a href="https://metadata.un.org/sdg/8.4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">target</a> as improving resource efficiency and decoupling growth from environmental harm through 2030. The paper’s threshold view fits that mandate with a concrete yardstick.



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



Earlier <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652621009112" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> in the same research stream focused on developed, innovation-driven economies and showed that zero emissions could be achieved alongside continued growth. 



That study examined whether sustained economic expansion could occur while also maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-net-zero-world-will-require-75-trillion-of-investment-and-1-billion-electric-cars/">zero net pollution emissions</a>.



The new paper shows the same compatibility can hold in aid dependent settings where innovation is not the main growth engine. 



That extension fills a real gap, because many low income countries face tighter fiscal and technological limits.



Build or buy cleaner technology so the threshold falls. Treat tied aid for environmental programs as a growth tool and not just a cost center.



Set tax policy to raise the growth rate of income per person, then sustain it long enough to pass the threshold. Guard against congestion by scaling services with population, so gains are not diluted.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/10.1142/S0217590825500304" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Singapore Economic Review</a>.



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Net-zero emissions and rising income levels can both be achieved simultaneously

Balancing cleaner air with rising incomes is not a luxury question for developing countries. It is a real-world, and real-life, policy problem that shapes health, jobs, and the future of their cities. A new study lays out when zero emissions can go hand in hand with steady growth, even when governments rely on foreign aid. Zero emissions and economic growth The work comes from Hideo Noda at the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) with coauthor Fengqi Fang, a Ph.D. candidate in Business Administration from the Graduate School...

Every April 22, Earth Day calls us to reflect on our planet’s well-being. But this year, there’s a different tone in the United States - one of Earth-focused success. Over the past twelve months, the country has taken meaningful steps toward environmental sustainability.



These weren’t just small shifts or symbolic gestures. They were measurable gains that affect ecosystems, the climate, and public health. As the world grapples with the dual pressures of climate change and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> loss, the U.S. now offers several stories of hope.



Whether through energy innovation, wildlife protection, or global atmospheric recovery, 2024 gave us many reasons to believe in action.



That belief matters - because Earth Day isn’t just about celebration, it’s about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2024-the-tide-may-finally-be-turning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">commitment</a> and action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-success-powers-a-cleaner-earth">Solar success powers a cleaner Earth</h2>



Clean energy usage continued to surge across the United States in 2024. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-panels-are-1000-times-more-powerful-with-new-tech-breakthrough/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar energy</a> led the charge, expanding at a pace that had never been seen before.



By the end of the year, 37 gigawatts of solar power had been added to the national grid. That figure nearly doubled what was installed the year before. It signals a decisive move away from using fossil fuels and toward energy systems that don’t damage the planet.



Government data backs this growth. The Energy Information Administration (<a href="https://www.eia.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EIA</a>) now expects solar to account for the majority of new electricity generation through 2026. 



Solar panels aren’t just being added to rooftops - they’re shaping the country’s energy future. And, unlike fossil fuel plants, they do it quietly, without making smoke or pollution.



This shift also reflects the public’s changing attitude. People want cleaner choices. Companies see renewable energy as practical, not just ethical. And local governments are learning that the sun offers not only power, but independence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investment-sparks-manufacturing-boom">Investment sparks manufacturing boom</h2>



Policy has played a huge role in this energy transition. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/inflation-reduction-act-of-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inflation Reduction Act</a>, passed in 2022, triggered a wave of clean energy investment across the country. 



Since then, over $500 billion has been committed to clean energy-related projects. These include solar panel factories, battery plants, and infrastructure for electric vehicles.



So far, around $75 billion has already been spent. That money has helped launch at least 160 new clean energy manufacturing sites. These aren’t just job titles on paper. Together, the projects have created nearly 100,000 new positions, many in areas that were long dependent on fossil fuels.



The clean energy boom has moved beyond the coasts. States in the Midwest and South are building advanced manufacturing facilities. The result is a reworked energy economy that supports both climate goals and community livelihoods. 



Earth Day 2025 arrives in the middle of this shift. It reminds us that environmental gains and economic health can grow together.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-success-through-science">Conservation success through science</h2>



Earth's environmental success wasn’t limited to energy. In 2024, wildlife conservation also took a leap forward through science and strategy.



One standout story came from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. There, a cloned black-footed ferret named Antonia gave birth to three healthy kits. This marked the first time a cloned animal of this species had reproduced successfully.



The black-footed ferret is one of North America’s most endangered mammals. For years, conservationists feared the species might vanish completely. 



Antonia’s kits now offer new genetic diversity and a path forward for recovery. The cloning effort, once experimental, has become a real solution for saving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-movement-predictions-matter-more-than-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> with limited populations.



This kind of conservation success blends technology with patience. It involves scientists, wildlife experts, and public support. Together, they show that extinction is not inevitable - not if humans act with care and urgency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-success-for-earth-s-ecosystems">Success for Earth’s ecosystems</h2>



Another major breakthrough came in California’s Klamath River. For the first time in more than a hundred years, Chinook salmon returned to spawn in the river’s upper reaches. Their return came after the removal of four dams that had long blocked access to spawning grounds.



The decision to remove the dams was not quick or easy. It followed years of advocacy by Native tribes, environmental groups, and local communities. 



The result now speaks for itself: salmon are swimming freely again. This means restored food chains, improved water quality, and cultural renewal for tribal communities.



The Klamath River case offers more than just a local win. It shows what happens when people prioritize river health over short-term economic gain. Dams once symbolized progress. Now, their removal can be a sign of renewal. 



The return of salmon in 2024 reminds us that ecosystems, when given the chance, can recover.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-success-in-healing-earth-s-ozone">Global success in healing Earth’s ozone</h2>



Above us, far from city lights and farmland, the Earth’s atmosphere continues its slow recovery. 



The Antarctic ozone hole in 2024 measured as the seventh smallest since tracking began in 1992. This shrinking hole is a clear signal that decades of global cooperation are paying off.



The ozone layer shields life from harmful ultraviolet rays. Its damage in the late 20th century sparked one of the first major global environmental agreements: the Montreal Protocol. Nations agreed to cut the use of ozone-depleting substances. Since then, many of those chemicals have been phased out.



Recovery has not been fast, but it has been steady. Scientists now project that the ozone layer will return to pre-1980 conditions by 2066. That timeline may feel long, but it’s grounded in progress. 



Each year of improvement brings better protection for humans, animals, and plants. And it proves that when nations act together, change is possible - even in the upper atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-road-ahead-clear-goals">The road ahead: Clear goals</h2>



As Earth Day 2025 arrives, the United States has more than good intentions to show. It has results. The use of solar power is increasing, manufacturing is shifting, rivers are rebounding and rare animals are getting a second chance. These stories aren’t fiction - they are part of the environmental progress made since last year's Earth Day. 



Yet the work isn’t done. Climate pressures continue, species remain at risk, and policy must stay aligned with science. But this past year shows that even in a vast, complex country, real environmental change can take root.



Earth Day exists to remind us of responsibility and environmental success. But this year, it also reminds us of possibility.



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Earth Day honors success in clean energy and wildlife recovery

Every April 22, Earth Day calls us to reflect on...

In November 2018, a deadly wildfire devastated parts of Northern California. Lives were uprooted, communities were reshaped, and mental health challenges lingered long after the embers cooled. 



Many survivors faced not only physical loss but also struggles tied to anxiety and mood changes. Early discussions hinted that post-fire stress could alter ways people think and behave.



Dr. Jyoti Mishra from <a href="https://ucsd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC San Diego</a>, an associate professor at the School of Medicine and co-director of the University of California Climate Resilience Initiative, helped confirm that such major disasters may produce a kind of climate-related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intense-forest-fires-leave-scorched-earth-heating-the-planet-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trauma</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-disasters-damage-mental-health">Climate disasters damage mental health</h2>



Climate disasters can lead to long-lasting mental health consequences, which researchers sometimes call <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wnet/peril-and-promise/2022/02/when-climate-change-becomes-climate-trauma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate trauma</a>. 



Large fires, intense storms, and prolonged droughts can overwhelm communities, both physically and psychologically.



Various studies have shown that these events can trigger <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/410326" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">post-traumatic stress disorder</a>, also known as PTSD. Worry and tension become constant companions, and routine decisions might feel more challenging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-survivors-struggle-with-decisions">Fire survivors struggle with decisions</h2>



One newly published study examined how survivors of the 2018 Camp Fire approached choices that could pay off with bigger rewards over time. 



Participants performed a computer-based task that tracked how often they stuck to an option that offered higher gains in the long run. The team discovered that those who directly experienced the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-fire-risk-has-grown-exponentially-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fire</a> were more likely to abandon the choice that yielded better long-term outcomes.



“It was clear that brains of study participants directly exposed to wildfires - as opposed to those not exposed - became significantly hyper-aroused when trying to make proper decision choices but they were still unable to execute the task well,” said Jason Nan, a UC San Diego bioengineering graduate student and study first author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influence-of-stress-on-the-brain">Influence of stress on the brain</h2>



Elevated vigilance may help individuals react swiftly to real threats. Yet continuous hyperarousal can derail the planning needed for long-range benefits. Heightened focus on short-term safety often leaves little energy for calm reasoning.



<a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1607171113" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> indicates that trauma-related responses can disrupt areas of the brain responsible for reward processing. People under extreme stress might switch away from strategies that require sustained effort and stick to choices with smaller, more frequent payoffs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-s-effect-on-focus-and-memory">Fire’s effect on focus and memory</h2>



In the study, specialists used <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/electroencephalogram-eeg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electroencephalogram</a> recordings to watch the brain’s electrical signals during the decision task. The results showed that those who lived through the Camp Fire had unusual activity in the parietal region. That area often handles memory, attention, and rumination.



“Our previous research has shown that survivors of <a href="https://rems.ed.gov/docs/2021ToolBox/CA_Case_Study_1_Wildfire.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California’s 2018 Camp Fire</a> experience prolonged symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression alongside hyper-distractibility,” said Dr. Mishra.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-mental-health-and-recovery-paths">Early mental health and recovery paths</h2>



Left unchecked, altered decision-making patterns might create more complications for those trying to rebuild their lives. 



Day-to-day tasks like budgeting or health management could become overwhelming. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8083197/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfulness-based tools</a> have shown some promise for managing rumination by gently redirecting attention.



Community-based programs that support mental health soon after a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire</a> can be a lifeline. They have the potential to reduce anxiety symptoms and encourage a proactive mind-set. These programs also help people regain the confidence to make choices that benefit their long-term well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-trauma-to-future-challenges">Linking trauma to future challenges</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-pushing-nature-toward-a-breaking-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildfire</a> survivors who feel anxious may struggle with planning that hinges on delayed rewards. 



That might include saving money or setting aside time for personal growth. Over time, small setbacks can stack up when immediate needs overshadow bigger-picture goals.



Some participants in the study reported PTSD-like traits on screening tools such as the <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/410326">GAD-7</a>&nbsp; and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PHQ-9</a>. These measures assess anxiety and depression levels, respectively, and can identify those at risk for prolonged distress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifts-in-thinking-among-fire-survivors">Shifts in thinking among fire survivors</h2>



Efforts to monitor mood, memory, and decision styles across fire-prone areas could inform public health strategies. 



Screening for shifts in thinking might lead to early interventions. That might curb severe issues like substance misuse or difficulties with job performance.



Mental health experts also suggest that it is wise to train responders to watch for subtle cognitive changes among survivors. In future climate disasters, frontline volunteers and counselors may spot signs of immediate decision-making changes and direct those affected to additional support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-side-of-climate-uncertainty">The human side of climate uncertainty</h2>



Local communities often come together when wildfires strike. That unity remains vital in the months or years following a large blaze. Temporary housing, donated supplies, and relocation assistance all play a part.



Emotional support is equally important. Friends, family, counselors, and neighbors can make a difference by listening without judgment. Even simple check-ins let survivors know they are not alone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-survivors-can-regain-control">Fire survivors can regain control </h2>



In a world facing hotter summers and drier landscapes, the emotional toll of climate emergencies may only grow. 



Studies highlight a need for greater resilience not just in physical infrastructure but also in mental health resources. Many communities are already stepping up efforts to safeguard both body and mind.



Continuous research helps identify those at higher risk of cognitive strain. With that knowledge, specialists can tailor therapies that combine evidence-based treatments and practical coping skills.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-94672-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Climate trauma can rewire the brain, causing chronic fear and anxiety

In November 2018, a deadly wildfire devastated parts of Northern...

Earth,Water,Surface,Global,Warming,Concept,Illustration

Satellite instruments that have been circling Earth since the early 1980s now paint a stark picture of our warm ocean temperatures: not only are they rising, they are doing so more quickly with each passing decade. 



According to a new study, between 1985 and 1989, global averages increased by about 0.06 °C every ten years.



In the most recent five‑year collection of data from 2019 to 2023, that figure leapt to roughly 0.27 °C per decade. In practical terms, the thin skin of water covering our planet is heating more than four times faster today than it was a generation ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-record-of-ocean-temperatures">Long-term record of ocean temperatures</h2>



The researchers analyzed sea‑surface temperature (SST) fields created through the European Space Agency’s <a href="https://climate.esa.int/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Change Initiative</a> (ESA-CCI SST). They stitched together a single, carefully calibrated record extending from 1980 right up to 2023.



The experts took measurements from 20 satellite‑borne infrared radiometers, including sensors on missions such as ERS‑1, ERS‑2, Envisat and Copernicus Sentinel‑3, together with two microwave instruments that penetrate cloud cover at high latitudes.



Each satellite required meticulous cross‑calibration; otherwise, subtle drifts in sensor performance or orbital changes might be misread as genuine changes in ocean heat. 



By comparing satellite values with data from ships and drifting buoys, the team produced what is currently one of the world’s most reliable long‑term SST series.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trapped-heat-and-energy-imbalance"><a></a>Trapped heat and energy imbalance</h2>



With data in hand, investigators set out to identify the forces responsible for the accelerating climb. They examined <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic eruptions</a>, which sometimes cool the Earth’s surface for a year or two by shading incoming sunlight.



The team also mapped out the impacts of recurring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> and La Niña events that alternately cool and warm oceans. Solar cycles, which raise or lower the Sun’s energy output on an eleven‑year rhythm, were also weighed.



Although each of these natural processes leaves a recognizable fingerprint, none could explain the long‑running upward trend, much less the recent acceleration. The prime driver, the authors conclude, is the long‑term energy imbalance caused by the build‑up of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-hidden-sources-of-greenhouse-gases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a>.



Greenhouse gases trapping heat in the atmosphere result in an imbalance in the energy received by our planet from the Sun, while the energy radiates back out to space, resulting in an excess energy imbalance, according to lead author Chris Merchant from the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a>.



To keep pace with the changing climate, he added, “we need ongoing monitoring and data improvements to ensure our climate models can accurately reflect future temperature increases.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dominant-driver-of-ocean-warming">Dominant driver of ocean warming</h2>



Owen Embury, scientific lead for the ESA‑CCI SST project, elaborated on the balance between short‑term fluctuations and the persistent warming signal. 



“Our study clearly identifies the increasing accumulation of planetary energy as the dominant driver of long‑term sea surface warming, while short‑term variations from El Niño, volcanic activity and solar changes add variability but do not alter the overall accelerating trend,” he explained.



The research therefore disentangles the temporary bumps and dips from the steadily ticking metronome of human‑driven change. Mounting heat in the oceans does more than shift a thermometer reading. 



Warmer surface water supplies extra fuel for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-moving-tropical-cyclones-are-becoming-more-powerful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical cyclones</a>, allowing storms to intensify faster and reach higher peak winds. As temperature thresholds are crossed, coral reefs bleach, fisheries relocate, and weather patterns on land alter in response to changed heat exchange between sea and atmosphere. 



Warmer water also expands, pushing sea level upward alongside meltwater from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-patterns-point-to-rapid-melting-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheets</a> and glaciers. These knock‑on effects affect everything from coastal infrastructure to global food security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasting-future-ocean-temperatures">Forecasting future ocean temperatures </h2>



Because consequences of accelerating ocean warming reach into many corners of society and the biosphere, the findings have already been integrated into <a href="https://climate.esa.int/en/Cross_ECV_Projects/motecusoma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA’s MOTECUSOMA project</a>, which examines Earth’s energy imbalance and its downstream effects.



The same SST data set will also serve as a touchstone for refining climate models, which must reproduce the observed rate of heat uptake if they are to forecast future conditions credibly.



“Addressing these challenges requires accurate climate projections - increasing ocean heat uptake intensifies extreme weather events, disrupts ecosystems, and accelerates sea level rise, making continued observation and model refinement essential,” Embury said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-vigilance"><a></a>A call for vigilance</h2>



Looking ahead, several forthcoming satellite missions promise to sharpen the picture further. Additional Copernicus Sentinel‑3 satellites will lengthen the infrared record, while ESA’s proposed TRUTHS mission plans to carry an ultra‑stable reference spectrometer.



The spectrometer will improve calibration across the entire suite of Earth‑observing instruments. Such advances are vital, because even small errors in measuring the ocean’s surface can accumulate into large uncertainties about total planetary heat.



Although the new study focuses on sea‑surface temperature, the implications extend well beyond. Surface warming is often just the tip of the iceberg. 



Heat propagates downward on timescales of decades to centuries, altering currents, destabilizing ice shelves from below and setting the stage for further climate shifts long after atmospheric greenhouse‑gas levels are stabilized. 



By tracking the surface layer with high precision, scientists gain clues about how much thermal energy is entering the deeper ocean and how quickly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-influence-on-ocean-temperatures">Human influence on ocean temperatures</h2>



The quadrupling of the warming rate since the late 1980s serves as a sobering marker of humanity’s influence on the climate system. It illustrates not only that the oceans are acting as a buffer, absorbing enormous amounts of excess heat, but also that this buffer is filling up faster than before.



Continued satellite surveillance of warm oceans, combined with in‑situ measurements and refined climate models, provides the clearest picture yet of how and why the ocean is changing - and helps societies plan responses. 



Whether the next forty years see another acceleration or a slowdown will depend largely on how soon and how vigorously global greenhouse‑gas emissions are curbed.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/adaa8a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Ocean temperatures are rising faster than expected, and likely to accelerate

Satellite instruments that have been circling Earth since the early...

Warm sunshine, soft sand, rolling dunes, and the scent of saltwater can make it easy to forget that every beach getaway relies on a fragile coastal balance. In many regions, that balance is maintained by barrier islands - narrow offshore landforms that serve as nature’s protective shield for inland communities.



Researchers have been investigating how these islands stand firm against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-dunes-lala-lallia-origin-of-earths-largest-desert-sands-mystery-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storms</a> and shifting sea levels. 



One such effort has been led by Orencio Duran Vinent, an assistant professor in the <a href="https://engineering.tamu.edu/ocean/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Ocean Engineering</a> at Texas A&amp;M University, who recently studied how an island’s dunes factor into its survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dunes-lose-strength-after-storms">Dunes lose strength after storms</h2>



Many coastal communities rely on these islands to slow down erosion and reduce the force of crashing waves. When a major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-arabia-was-once-green-and-lush-with-rivers-lakes-and-grasslands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storm</a> hits, a robust dune system can keep floodwaters and pounding surf from destroying roads and homes.



These dunes work like natural walls, but they need healthy vegetation and enough elevation to hold their ground. A recent <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01611-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paper</a> co-authored by Professor Duran Vinent highlights how storms and sea-level shifts can strip away that plant cover, leaving behind a sandy expanse that gives no real protection.



Once the dunes vanish, the shoreline can begin to lose land at a rapid pace. Some researchers call the bare expanse a barren state, and see it as marking a low point from which it is difficult to rebound.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tall-dunes-protect-beaches">Tall dunes protect beaches </h2>



Dunes sprout where winds carry sand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-coastal-cities-around-the-world-could-disappear-under-rising-seas-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inland</a>, then vegetation anchors those grains in place. That green cover also helps the dunes grow tall enough to act as a sturdy barricade.



When dunes stand at a comfortable height, they are sometimes called the high state, hinting at their role in keeping storm waters at bay. This state represents more than just a sand pile because it supports plants, habitats for local wildlife, and a measure of safety for property owners.



If strong floods sweep over these dunes, they can break apart and lose the vegetation that once solidified the structure. Recovery is possible if the plant life can take root again, but everything depends on how frequently storms bombard the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-seas-are-already-toppling-coastal-cities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">island</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-dunes-cannot-recover">When dunes cannot recover</h2>



The recent findings mention a key threshold that separates a healthy dune system from a flattened shoreline. Once the island’s elevation dips below that point, its chances of bouncing back get slimmer with every wave.



If flooding becomes a regular event, the island’s dunes may fail to restore themselves in time. That path leads toward the barren state, in which the dunes lack enough height to safeguard the land behind them.



According to a <a href="https://geonarrative.usgs.gov/cch-bi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USGS</a> overview, these islands often have two fates: they either hold onto dunes or end up with a barren profile. The difference lies in how quickly vegetation can regrow and how much time passes between storm assaults.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-nature-to-rebuild-island-dunes">Using nature to rebuild island dunes</h2>



“Modern coastal engineering aims to use natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dynamics</a> rather than concrete constructions, promoting sustainable approaches that include and protect natural systems,” said Professor Duran Vinent.



He and his collaborators see a chance to protect shorelines by working with wind, waves, and plants instead of fighting them head-on.



Interventions could involve planting hardy vegetation or creating gentle slopes that encourage natural sand buildup. Small changes may cut down the frequency of flooding events that push islands toward a barren state.



This approach has gained attention because it costs less in the long run and blends better with local habitats. Some designs even factor in shifting tides and seasonal wind patterns to allow dunes to expand naturally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dunes-protect-homes-and-tourism">Dunes protect homes and tourism</h2>



From seafood joints to boardwalk shops, many livelihoods sit on the strip of land just behind these protective islands. One big storm could wash away tourism revenue, so local leaders are tuning in to research that highlights these natural defenses.



Whenever dunes flourish, families, restaurants, and entire ecosystems see fewer disruptions from flooding. That stability can help keep roads open, preserve local wildlife, and maintain the scenic charm that folks love.



“A better understanding of the natural dynamics of barrier islands will allow a more timely and effective intervention from coastal engineers, mitigating the risks to coastal infrastructure,” said Duran Vinent.



He noted that this outlook calls for close collaboration among ecologists, geologists, and city planners who share a stake in a stable shoreline.



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



Communities that sit near the water can help by limiting construction in sensitive dune zones. Strong dunes form more easily when the beach isn’t overcrowded with walls or heavy equipment that deflect windblown sand.



Local governments might offer guidelines that restrict development near fragile dune ecosystems, thus ensuring that vegetation can grow where it’s needed most. Scientists suggest that these proactive steps stop small storms from doing big harm.



Such measures can be tough decisions for places that depend on beach tourism, but they are essential for long-term safety. If the barrier island dips below that critical elevation, it may never return to a robust dune profile.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-and-protecting-island-dunes">Monitoring and protecting island dunes</h2>



<a href="https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/coastal-engineer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coastal engineers</a> are looking beyond sand and concrete by joining forces with ecologists who track plant growth. That teamwork reveals how dunes can flourish or fail under shifting water levels and changing climates.



“A deeper understanding of the connection between the natural environment and coastal engineering is essential. Fresh insights might help everyone predict which spots are most at risk and how to keep vital vegetation alive,” explained Professor Duran Vinent.&nbsp;



Future research could include advanced computer models that pinpoint weak links in these systems. Better data might also guide decisions on restoring islands that have already flattened out.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-dunes-to-save-islands">Restoring dunes to save islands</h2>



Efforts that restore a failing barrier island offer big payoffs for marine life, beach-goers, and folks who worry about eroding coastlines. These efforts can bring back the taller dunes that block storm surge and protect local homes.



It may take patience, but many see no better way to keep beaches safe and welcoming for future generations. Prioritizing natural systems can save money, preserve landscapes, and keep that salty breeze blowing over sandy shores.



Discussions around climate change make the role of barrier islands even more pressing. Some predict stronger storms and higher sea levels, which calls for solutions that nurture dunes in a natural way.



Research continues to offer new ideas that blend ecological wisdom with engineering know-how. Beach lovers everywhere stand to gain if these protective stretches of sand stay healthy in the face of future challenges.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01611-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Healthy dune systems on barrier islands protect coastal cities

Warm sunshine, soft sand, rolling dunes, and the scent of...

Most people imagine crocodiles as relics from the dinosaur era - unchanged, prehistoric predators lurking in murky waters. But their survival story is much more complex.



New research from the <a href="https://www.uco.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Central Oklahoma</a> and the University of Utah shows that these animals aren’t just fossils with teeth. They’ve made it through two mass extinctions, thanks in part to one big advantage: adaptability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-crocodiles-survived">Why crocodiles survived</h2>



Crocodylians - today’s crocodiles, alligators, and gharials - are the last surviving members of a larger group called crocodylomorphs, which goes back 230 million years.



These ancient creatures included many now-extinct species that once lived in a range of environments.



The research is the first to closely examine the diets of these extinct animals to understand how some survived while others did not.



“Lots of groups closely related to crocodylians were more diverse, more abundant, and exhibited different ecologies, yet they all disappeared except these few generalist crocodylians alive today,” said Keegan Melstrom, lead author and assistant professor at UCO. 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-extinction-risk-is-heavily-influenced-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extinction</a> and survivorship are two sides of the same coin. Through all mass extinctions, some groups manage to persist and diversify. What can we learn by studying the deeper evolutionary patterns imparted by these events?”



Today, many scientists believe Earth is entering its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sixth-mass-extinction-is-currently-in-progress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sixth mass extinction</a>, fueled by habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. Studying past survivors, like crocodylians, may offer clues on how to protect today’s wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crocodylians-vs-mammals">Crocodylians vs. mammals</h2>



For years, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-ground-dwellers-survived-the-asteroid-impact-that-killed-the-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals</a> have been the go-to group for studying extinction and survival. Their flexible diets and ability to live in many habitats seemed to explain their resilience. But crocodylomorphs have long been overlooked in this conversation. This crocodylian study changes that.



“There’s a danger of trying to draw conclusions from millions of years ago and directly apply it to conservation. We have to be cautious,” said co-author Randy Irmis. 



“If people study mammals and reptiles and find the same patterns with respect to extinction survival, then we might predict that species with a generalist diet may do better. That information helps us make predictions, but it’s unlikely we’ll ever be able to pick out which individual species will survive.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrinking-diversity-of-crocodile-ancestors">Shrinking diversity of crocodile ancestors</h2>



Modern crocodylians are known for living in water and eating just about anything that crosses their path - fish, small mammals, even fellow crocodiles. But this lifestyle is only a narrow snapshot of their past.



In the Late Triassic Period, crocodylomorph ancestors lived mostly on land. They were small-to-medium-sized predators feeding on small animals. Other reptile groups were more dominant at the time, showing off a wide range of sizes and shapes. 



But when the end-Triassic extinction struck, these dominant groups vanished. Only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-crocodiles-weighed-1000-pounds-and-walked-on-two-legs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodylomorphs</a>, especially those with flexible diets, pulled through.



“After that, it goes bananas,” said Melstrom. “Aquatic hypercarnivores, terrestrial generalists, terrestrial hypercarnivores, terrestrial herbivores - crocodylomorphs evolved a massive number of ecological roles throughout the time of the dinosaurs.”



For a while, crocodylomorphs thrived in every corner of their ecosystems. But during the Late Cretaceous Period, their diversity began to shrink. By the time a meteor ended the age of dinosaurs 66 million years ago, only a few crocodylian lineages survived - most of them semi-aquatic generalists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-evolution-of-crocodylians">The evolution of crocodylians</h2>



To understand what these animals ate, the researchers studied the shape of fossilized teeth and skulls. 



Sharp, pointed teeth suggested a meat-heavy diet, while flatter, grinding teeth pointed to a plant-based menu. Skull structure also offered clues about how the animals hunted and fed.



The crocodylian study was massive in scope. The researchers traveled to museum collections in seven countries across four continents. 



The experts examined the skulls of 99 extinct crocodylomorph species and 20 living crocodylian species. To compare, they also analyzed dietary traits in 89 mammals and 47 lizards. This fossil record, stretching over 230 million years, revealed how crocodylians evolved into a variety of forms.



Some were fast-moving land predators. Others grazed like herbivores. Many returned to the water. Today, that wide-ranging history is mostly hidden behind the toothy grin of a croc.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-will-crocodiles-survive-future-changes">Will crocodiles survive future changes?</h2>



While modern crocodylians continue to thrive in rivers and swamps, many face serious threats. The gharial of the Himalayan foothills and the Cuban crocodile in the Zapata Swamp are critically endangered. Their survival may still hinge on one of their oldest traits - a flexible diet.



“When we see living crocodiles and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alligators-birds-hearing-dinosaur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alligators</a>, rather than thinking of ferocious beasts or expensive handbags, I hope people appreciate their amazing 200+ million years of evolution, and how they’ve survived so many tumultuous events in Earth history,” said Irmis. 



“Crocodylians are equipped to survive many future changes - if we’re willing to help preserve their habitats.”



The full crocodylian study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pala.70005" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palaeontology</a>.



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How crocodiles survived Earth's biggest mass extinctions

Most people imagine crocodiles as relics from the dinosaur era...

California’s Sierra Nevada range is known for its rugged peaks, vast wilderness, and iconic trees. For centuries, botanists and hikers alike have climbed these mountains, encountering the same types of conifers as they ascend in elevation - lodgepole, foxtail, and limber pines staking their claim in the uppermost zones of tree life.



But sometimes, nature throws a curveball. In the fall of last year, a routine hike in Sequoia National Park turned into a rare discovery. Professor Hugh Safford of <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> was not searching for scientific revelations. 



He was simply out for a walk in the mountains. Yet what Professor Safford found has rewritten the elevation record books and raised urgent questions about how trees are responding to climate change.



His discovery, now published in Madroño, a journal of the California Botanical Society, is a glimpse into the High Sierra’s changing face - and a reminder of the power of simply being present in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-losing-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tree-where-it-should-not-exist">A tree where it should not exist</h2>



Safford, a forest ecologist in the UC Davis Department of Environmental Science and Policy, had paused during his hike along the timberline on the south slopes of Mount Kaweah. 



He admired a foxtail pine, then a lodgepole pine - both expected residents of the subalpine zone. But then, something unexpected caught his eye.



“Then I thought, ‘What’s that?’” said Safford. “I walk over, and it’s a Jeffrey pine! It made no sense. What is a Jeffrey pine doing above 11,500 feet?”



Jeffrey pines typically dominate the upper montane <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-and-steady-tree-growth-wins-the-race-for-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> of the Sierra Nevada. They’re the common backdrop around Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes. 



But they are not known for living among the rugged, wind-battered zones of traditional subalpine species. What Safford found was extraordinary: a healthy Jeffrey pine growing far above its expected range.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jeffrey-trees-break-mountain-height-records">Jeffrey trees break mountain height records</h2>



After that first encounter, Professor Safford began looking more closely. Over the course of his hike, he identified 14 Jeffrey pine trees thriving above 11,800 feet. Some were over 20 years old. The highest of them stood at 12,657 feet. That shattered the previous known elevation record for the species by 1,860 feet.



Even more surprising, these pines were growing higher than any of California’s traditional subalpine species, including the foxtail, limber, and lodgepole pines. Until now, none of those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-trees-might-be-misleading-us-about-climate-change-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> had been documented above 12,034 feet.



Safford’s field observations suggest that our existing databases, satellite data, and models may be significantly underestimating where certain tree species are managing to survive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-grow-higher-up-mountain-slopes">Trees grow higher up mountain slopes</h2>



Why are Jeffrey pines now taking root at elevations once deemed too extreme for their survival? 



The answer, Safford suspects, lies in the warming climate. Rising air temperatures and earlier snowmelts are reshaping the ecological dynamics of the High Sierra.



The high mountain soils, once locked under snow for months, are thawing earlier. This opens short windows of opportunity for seeds to germinate and grow. In this altered climate rhythm, some species are seizing the chance to move upward.



The Jeffrey pine’s tolerance to both cold and drought may be key to its success in these harsh new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-crops-a-path-to-feeding-the-world-and-saving-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environments</a>. But trees don’t move on their own. Something - or someone - has helped them get there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-trees-and-mountain-heights">Birds, trees, and mountain heights</h2>



Safford suspects that the Clark’s nutcracker, a high alpine bird with an excellent memory, may be playing an unexpected role in this ecological shift. 



Known for its relationship with the whitebark pine, the bird collects seeds and stores them in high mountain “caches” for future meals. For Jeffrey pines, the bird might be acting as an unintentional gardener.



“Much as this nutcracker does for whitebark pine trees, preliminary evidence suggests the bird carries fleshy Jeffrey pine seeds up the mountain from thousands of feet below, storing them in the High Sierra’s ‘refrigerator’ for an early summer snack.”



Some of those snacks never get eaten. And when the conditions are right - less snow, warmer soil - those seeds take root and start a new population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-aren-t-migrating-slowly">Trees aren’t migrating slowly</h2>



Trees generally move slowly in response to climate change. Their range shifts inch upward over decades. But Safford’s discovery hints at a more chaotic process, influenced by outside forces like birds and sudden environmental windows.



“I’m looking at trees surviving in habitats where they couldn’t before, but they’re also dying in places they used to live before,” Safford said. 



“They’re not just holding hands and walking uphill. This crazy leapfrogging of species challenges what we think we know about these systems reacting as the climate warms.”



This leapfrogging defies the gentle, predictable march that many models assume. It reveals a more fragmented and opportunistic reality, where chance encounters between birds and seeds create new ecological frontiers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-trees-reaching-new-heights">Mountain trees reaching new heights</h2>



Perhaps one of the most telling aspects of Safford’s discovery is how it happened. Not through satellite imagery. Not through remote sensors or AI-driven models. But by someone walking in the mountains and paying attention.



“People aren’t marching to the tops of the mountains to see where the trees really are,” Safford said. "Instead, they are relying on satellite imagery, which can’t see most small trees. What science does is help us understand how the world functions."



”In this case, where you see the impacts of climate change most dramatically are at high elevations and high latitudes. If we want our finger on the pulse of how the climate is warming and what the impacts are, that’s where it will be happening first. We just need to get people out there.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-story-of-resilience">A story of resilience </h2>



Safford and his team of students will return this summer to the southern Sierra Nevada. They’ll hike Mount Kaweah, Mount Whitney, and nearby parks, searching for more of these high-altitude outliers. 



Their work will include identifying seedlings, measuring mountain tree heights, and refining elevation models based on actual ground conditions.



The mission is simple: understand what’s happening before more changes go unnoticed. The Jeffrey pine may not remain the state’s highest tree forever, but for now, it tells a story of change, resilience, and the surprising ways life finds new ground.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://bioone.org/journals/madro%c3%b1o/volume-72/issue-1/0024-9637-72.1.a7/NEW-ELEVATION-RECORDS-FOR-JEFFREY-PINE-PINUS-JEFFREYI-AMURRAY-BIS/10.3120/0024-9637-72.1.a7.short" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madroño</a>.



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Why trees are reaching new heights in the mountains

California’s Sierra Nevada range is known for its rugged peaks,...

Plastic waste has a habit of sneaking into every corner of our lives. It’s in packaging, containers, housewares, and even hidden in places we don’t expect. 



Despite growing awareness and recycling efforts, less than ten percent of all plastic manufactured around the world last year was made from previously used materials.



That startling figure comes from an in-depth analysis led by Quanyin Tan from the <a href="https://www.the-ies.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institution of Environmental Sciences</a>, an international organization with member countries all over the world. 



This research team aimed to crunch fresh data on how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-normal-plastic-turns-into-dangerous-micro-and-nanoplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> is produced, consumed, and disposed of.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-use-is-outpacing-recycling">Plastic use is outpacing recycling</h2>



Worldwide, manufacturing of plastic goods has exploded, hitting 400 million tons in 2022. That is part of a decades-long rise tied to easy availability of <a href="https://chandra-asri.com/en/blog/what-is-petrochemical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">petrochemicals</a> and a growing demand for convenience goods.



Most feedstocks, or basic materials used to make <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a>, still come from oil and coal. This reliance continues to cause <a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-petrochemicals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concern</a> for policymakers who worry about pollution and greenhouse emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-plastic-is-burned-or-dumped">Most plastic is burned or dumped</h2>



Even though new plastic goods keep rolling off the conveyor belts, billions of pounds of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-levels-of-microplastics-found-in-every-major-european-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waste</a> pile up in landfills. 



Many communities are trying to move away from tossing items into the ground, so incineration - high-temperature burning of trash - has become normal practice in several regions.



Recycling has not caught up. Only a small slice of global plastic waste heads for proper sorting, and an even tinier portion makes it into fresh products.



Burning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coca-cola-may-dump-1-3b-pounds-plastic-into-oceans-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> can reduce landfill buildup. Yet it creates questions about whether harmful byproducts make their way into the environment.



In some places, waste-to-energy plants harness the heat from incineration to generate electricity. But critics argue that this discourages efforts to lower production of throwaway items or boost recycling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-recycling-trends-differ-worldwide">Plastic recycling trends differ worldwide</h2>



In the United States, people use more plastic per person than anywhere else, averaging 216 kilograms annually. Not all of that waste is dealt with locally, as a portion still travels overseas in search of processing facilities.



China, with the biggest overall use, faces a different set of obstacles. The country has seen a shift toward incineration, in an attempt to cut the amount of trash going into dumps.



Consumers often assume throwing a plastic cup in the blue bin solves the problem. The reality is more complicated, because <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2008.0311">mechanical recycling facilities</a> struggle with contaminated or hard-to-sort materials.



“This study provides important data for devising future policies and regulations,” said Tan. The authors highlight another bottleneck: even after plastics are collected for recycling, about half end up in the incinerator anyway. 



One approach relies on boosting demand for items made of reused plastic. When manufacturers see value in secondhand resin, they are more likely to invest in the technology needed to process it.



Governments can step in by drafting standards that require products to contain a certain percent of reclaimed materials. These rules help build a reliable market for suppliers who repurpose waste.



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



Plastics offer convenience and durability. That same toughness means <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-treaty-is-a-historic-opportunity-to-stop-a-human-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> debris persists for a very long time, often escaping into waterways and farmland as it slowly degrades into smaller fragments.



Tiny particles known as microplastics turn up in soil and even inside living organisms. Such discoveries raise questions about health impacts, and fuel a push to fix <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b01517" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the plastic loop</a> once and for all.



It starts with cutting back on disposable items. Simple decisions like opting for long-lasting goods or switching to refillable containers will reduce overall usage.



Proper sorting is also key. If more families rinse and separate their plastics, it takes less effort at the recycling facility, creating a cleaner stream of usable material.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-recycling-must-improve">Plastic recycling must improve</h2>



Tracking plastic flows helps scientists pinpoint the most serious leaks in the system. They can see which nations and industries are cleaning up their act and which ones still need help.



That big-picture view allows leaders to craft better laws. These regulations might prioritize cutting single-use packaging, boosting recycling plants, or funding incineration upgrades to handle toxic fumes.



As production inches toward 800 million tons per year by 2050, extra plastic could swamp the planet if we keep using the same playbook. 



Cutting reliance on virgin feedstocks can slow the tide, especially if more recycled content edges its way into new manufacturing.



Those shifts demand cooperation across borders and industries. Otherwise, next-generation efforts might fail to tackle a problem that grows bigger and more threatening each year.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02169-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Disturbingly small amount of plastic is recycled around the world

Plastic waste has a habit of sneaking into every corner...

As the planet heats up, the challenges of climate change reach into every part of life - including our hospitals. The global blood supply is among the systems under increasing stress. For decades, health services have relied on a stable network of volunteer donors, rigorous testing, temperature-sensitive storage, and timely transport.



But as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> change drives more extreme weather, alters disease patterns, and affects public health on multiple fronts, researchers are warning that blood safety and availability may no longer be assured.



A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health offers the most comprehensive analysis yet.



Conducted by experts at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usc.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Sunshine Coast</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lifeblood.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Red Cross Lifeblood</a>, the research lays out the many ways climate instability could disrupt the blood supply chain - from donor health and logistics to storage and distribution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-disrupts-the-blood-supply-chain">Climate disrupts the blood supply chain</h2>



The blood supply system is complex. It depends on a series of tightly coordinated steps: identifying eligible donors, collecting blood, transporting it for processing, screening it for diseases, and finally distributing it to clinics and hospitals. 



Each step requires infrastructure, reliable energy, and human effort. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-2025-preserving-glaciers-protecting-our-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate</a> change threatens all of these.



“Warmer temperatures and natural disasters such as heatwaves, floods, cyclones, and bushfires are expected to become more frequent and severe,” noted Dr. Elvina Viennet, Lifeblood researcher and UniSC Adjunct Research Fellow.



“As well as limiting the mobility of large numbers of people, these events disrupt the storage, safety, and transportation of blood, which has a short shelf life."



“We experienced this recently with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Australia, when an extreme weather event drastically reduced national blood supplies for the first time."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-diseases-old-fears">New diseases, old fears</h2>



One of the most alarming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threats</a> is the rise of infectious diseases that can spread through blood. As the climate shifts, mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, malaria, and West Nile virus are moving into new territories. These diseases not only raise demand for transfusions but also disqualify many donors.



Study lead author Dr. Helen Faddy, an associate professor at UniSC, elaborated on the focus of the research.



“While many studies have explored the broader health effects of climate change, we sought to fill gaps in understanding the full extent of the risks – from donor health and collection logistics to the processing, storage and distribution of products,” said Dr. Faddy.



“For example, predictions of increased rainfall and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealthier-nations-set-bold-climate-targets-but-citizens-give-less/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmer temperatures</a> in certain regions including Australia, could intensify mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue Fever, West Nile virus and malaria, and potentially see them spread to new areas."



At the same time, shifts in disease prevalence and natural disaster frequency could increase the demand for blood transfusions.



Dr. Faddy also pointed out that rising sea levels could increase migration, making it harder to find compatible blood types for patients. To address this, it's important to recruit more donors from diverse ethnic backgrounds and expand overall donor participation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-obvious-dangers-to-donation">Less obvious dangers to donation</h2>



Beyond infections and infrastructure, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-constantly-reshuffling-earths-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> change also brings subtler problems. Heat-related illnesses, for instance, can disqualify otherwise healthy donors. 



Extreme temperatures can affect blood pressure and hydration levels. This may reduce the number of people who qualify to give blood on donation days.



Psychological stress linked to climate anxiety or natural disaster trauma also plays a role. Some may avoid public spaces or delay medical appointments, including blood donation. Displacement due to rising seas or wildfires could create so-called "blood deserts" - areas where donors and clinics are few and far between.



Nutritional changes may also matter. As more people shift to plant-based diets, iron levels may drop. Low ferritin disqualifies donors and can affect donation frequency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-disasters-disrupt-blood-testing">Climate disasters disrupt blood testing</h2>



Once blood is collected, it must be processed, tested, and delivered. Each of these steps depends on power supply, refrigeration, and reliable roads or air travel. These systems are vulnerable.



During floods or fires, transport can break down. Testing labs may lose power. Temperature-sensitive equipment may malfunction. Blood, plasma, and platelets must be stored within specific ranges. Even short delays or minor faults can spoil these precious supplies.



Samples for nucleic acid testing, used to screen for transfusion-transmissible infections, must be kept at 2–8°C and processed within 24–48 hours. Missed timelines due to climate-related disruption can result in unusable samples and wasted resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-affects-the-workforce">Climate change affects the workforce</h2>



The people who run the blood supply system are also at risk. Health workers, volunteers, and lab technicians may suffer from heat stress, illness, or burnout. In some areas, up to 70% of healthcare workers are women, many of whom juggle additional caregiving roles.



Disasters increase workloads, heighten stress, and often leave staff dealing with crises on both professional and personal fronts. Maintaining a full workforce during extended climate emergencies may become one of the hardest challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-emergencies-drive-blood-demand-nbsp">Climate emergencies drive blood demand&nbsp;</h2>



Blood isn’t just needed during disasters. Chronic illness, surgery, childbirth, and cancer treatments all depend on a regular supply. But climate change may worsen many of these conditions.



Bushfires and storms raise respiratory risks. Cardiovascular conditions can spike during heatwaves. Mental health disorders linked to climate disasters can raise the risk of self-harm and trauma, leading to more transfusions.



In disaster zones, the need for blood may surge just as clinics are flooded or roads are blocked. Hospitals need to keep up with these unpredictable spikes, often with limited resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-new-paths-forward">Finding new paths forward</h2>



While the threats are serious, solutions are emerging. Some innovations - like drone deliveries and walking blood banks - are already in use. In Rwanda, drones carry blood to remote clinics. In Australia, new emergency protocols allow blood to be collected at crisis sites.



Cell salvage, which recycles a patient’s own blood during surgery, reduces reliance on donors. Hospitals can prepare for climate-driven shortages by planning for alternative blood sources and developing flexible emergency protocols.



“As our environment evolves, we need to reduce reliance on traditional blood supply chains and have adaptable strategies that offer rapid responses to climate-related challenges," said Dr. Faddy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-services-and-climate-challenges">Blood services and climate challenges</h2>



Health systems must now plan for multiple types of disruption. Not only must they monitor vector-borne diseases, but they must also prepare for floods, fires, and energy outages. Emergency planning should include stock monitoring, route adjustments, and backup systems for storage and testing.



Public messaging and communication during emergencies will also be crucial. Ensuring the public understands when and where to donate - even when the usual centers are closed - could help maintain supplies in a crisis.



Experts also call for stronger international collaboration. Some countries have already helped others during disasters by sharing blood supplies or technologies. These partnerships may become essential as climate stress becomes more widespread.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-resilience-and-equity">Research, resilience, and equity</h2>



This study highlights a major research gap. Very few studies have addressed the full impact of climate change on the global blood supply. Most focus on transfusion-transmissible infections, but the threats extend far beyond that.



Further research must explore how extreme weather, migration, dietary shifts, and mental health all interact with blood systems. Understanding these factors will help governments create more resilient and equitable health networks.



If left unaddressed, climate change could shift blood from a reliable resource to a vulnerable one. But with the right tools - early warning systems, flexible protocols, and community engagement - this vital lifeline can be protected.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(25)00051-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Planetary Health</a>.



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Climate extremes could lead to critical blood supply shortages

As the planet heats up, the challenges of climate change...

Industrial fishing has been a huge food source for decades. It pulls enormous amounts of marine organisms - and their stored nutrients - out of the water every year. Scientists say these activities are tied to the loss of important nutrients that help keep aquatic systems alive.



This observation gained traction when experts found that modern fishing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-fish-species-are-the-big-catch-of-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habits</a> remove a significant share of these valuable elements from coastal and open-water habitats.



This research was led by Adrian Gonzalez Ortiz, who carried out this work while completing his master’s degree at <a href="https://www.usu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah State University</a>. 



Gonzalez Ortiz teamed up with collaborators from the <a href="https://www.seaaroundus.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea Around Us</a> initiative and other institutions to analyze the chemicals stored in the bodies of commonly fished species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fishing-shifts-ocean-nutrient-balance">Fishing shifts ocean nutrient balance</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-hidden-consequences-of-catch-and-release-sport-fishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fisheries</a> focus on certain species based on demand and convenience. A targeted approach can shift the balance of nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, which are vital for marine food webs.



The researchers looked at landings across hundreds of locations worldwide. They uncovered patterns of nutrient removal that coincide with shifts in fish population structures in those regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-loss-weakens-nutrient-circulation">Fish loss weakens nutrient circulation</h2>



Estimates suggest more than 400 million tons of carbon alone were taken out through industrial catches over a span of many years. Even trace losses matter because fish play a part in passing these elements around the oceans.



“Fish and other marine organisms contain specific nutrients in their bodies,” said Gonzalez Ortiz. Capturing species that hold a lot of these elements may lower the supply that keeps ecosystems resilient.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mid-sized-fish-hold-more-nutrients">Mid-sized fish hold more nutrients</h2>



Medium-sized fish - often called <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/figure/What-is-a-mesopredator-In-this-hypothetical-ecosystem-wolves-are-the-apex-or-top_fig1_40738157" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mesopredators</a> - have been singled out in the data. They act as hunters and prey, forming a key link for energy and nutrient movement across food webs.



“They store higher proportions of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, compared to other trophic groups,” said Dr. Trisha B. Atwood, associate professor at Utah State University.



These fish supply nutrient-rich prey to top-level predators, so removing them weakens both ecosystem function and future fishing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-vessels-most-industrial-fishing-activity-is-not-publicly-tracked/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prospects</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-on-different-regions">Impacts on different regions</h2>



The study tracked major changes in coastal zones and the open sea. Some coastal waters, such as parts of Southeast Asia, recorded striking extraction rates of nutrients over the past few decades.



In other areas, catches dipped after an initial boom, leading to fewer nutrients being taken out of those spots. This pattern sometimes pushed fishing fleets to head for new territories, where harvesting rose and nutrient removal climbed as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-removal-changes-ocean-productivity">Fish removal changes ocean productivity</h2>



Nutrient extraction is not just about the fish that people eat. By removing organisms with crucial roles in cycling phosphorus and nitrogen, fisheries can change local productivity in ways that might be overlooked.



“This not only negatively impacts the ecosystem but also fisheries,” said Dr. Atwood. Fish often bring vital substances to shallower waters, and taking them out removes those chemical supplies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-at-possible-solutions">Looking at possible solutions</h2>



Experts are <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/faf.12233" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studying</a> how fisheries management might adapt to curb nutrient losses. Reducing overfishing and giving depleted stocks time to bounce back could help shore up the element flow in some regions.



Stricter catch limits or seasonal bans might lessen the strain on the most affected species. A balanced approach could keep vital trophic levels healthy and ensure that fishing can continue to support global demand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-effects-in-the-ocean">Cascading effects in the ocean</h2>



Some officials believe that new guidelines could protect fish populations and ocean nutrients. Others say that improved data collection on the basic chemistry of these creatures might spark better policies.



Changes in the nutrient makeup of the ocean can ripple through entire systems. That may impact everything from coral reefs to large migratory predators that need nutrient-packed meals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-can-guide-better-fish-policies">Research can guide better fish policies</h2>



Researchers are calling for more local studies that look at the fish in their habitats. That includes examining the full dietary range of predators and how smaller fish pass crucial chemicals around.



Most management rules focus on tonnage alone. Adding information about nutrient composition could paint a clearer picture and keep fisheries more sustainable over the long term.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-success-in-fisheries">Measuring success in fisheries</h2>



Many governments are revisiting how they measure success in fisheries. Some are exploring integrated methods that consider not only the biomass of fish but also the distribution of chemical elements needed to keep the waters productive.



The research team hopes that updated approaches will spur better evaluations of ocean health. “Such a decrease in catches resulted in fisheries expanding to other ocean areas,” said Dr. Maria ‘Deng’ Palomares, manager of the Sea Around Us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrients-and-long-term-ocean-health">Nutrients and long-term ocean health</h2>



Overlooking the chemical side of fishing could lead to unrecognized risks for marine environments. Solutions will likely require precise data, careful planning, and perhaps more restraint in how we exploit aquatic resources.



Stakeholders from the fishing industry and environmental groups acknowledge that balancing needs of people and nature is tricky. This evidence hints that a closer look at key nutrients may give leaders a sharper tool for preserving fish populations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02218-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Fishing removes key nutrients from marine ecosystems

Industrial fishing has been a huge food source for decades....

The sunshine we see every day might look the same, but research shows the amount of light hitting our planet can change over long time spans. These changes occur in patterns that can affect climate, energy production, and day-to-day life for many people.



Scientists report that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dirty-power-the-hidden-climate-cost-of-electric-vehicles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> include periods of less sunlight, or "dimming," and times of rebound, referred to as "brightening."



Martin Wild of the <a href="https://iac.ethz.ch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science</a>, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) is one of the researchers examining why these phases happen and how they may impact human life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunlight-changes-over-decades">Sunlight changes over decades</h2>



Some of the changes come from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/Aerosols" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a>, which are tiny particles in the air that can scatter or block sunlight. When pollution levels get higher, those particles can intercept more sunlight before it reaches the surface. This leads to lower light levels in many regions.



"The amount of sunlight - which is solar radiative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/swirling-electrons-could-power-future-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy</a> - we receive at the Earth’s surface is not necessarily stable over the years but can undergo substantial decadal variations," said Wild.



Cutting pollution has led to increasing sunlight in some places, but the degree of recovery is not the same everywhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunlight-recovery-and-energy-production">Sunlight recovery and energy production</h2>



Scientists have paid extra attention to China. Reduced pollution can restore past sunshine levels and possibly boost <a href="https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/photovoltaics-and-electricity.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photovoltaic</a> power generation.&nbsp;



"If China fully recovers from the dimming phase and reverts to the clean atmosphere levels of the 1960s, the country could make substantial gains in solar power production," said Wild. This matters because more light hitting panels can mean more energy for millions of homes and businesses.



Observations point to shifts in energy coming from the sun over spans of ten years or more, also called <a href="https://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/data/el-nino-la-nina-watch-and-pdo/pacific-decadal-oscillation-pdo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decadal cycles</a>. Such findings are drawn from surface-based measurements and satellite data, though each set of data comes with its own challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunlight-affects-weather-and-energy">Sunlight affects weather and energy</h2>



<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature04504" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Light changes</a> influence crops, temperature levels, and water evaporation. Some regions might see cooler days if pollution shades them, while others may notice shifts in rainfall patterns. A single percentage point dip in solar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-warnings-fossil-fuels-are-causing-climate-health-and-biodiversity-crises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy</a> could affect how farmers plan their growing seasons.



"These decadal changes of dimming and brightening in the available solar energy are not only crucial for various aspects of climate and environmental change, but are also of significant importance for resource assessments in the rapidly growing sector of solar power production," said Wild.



People might also face rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-methanol-the-next-green-power-player-clean-energy-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy</a> costs or lower crop yields when light levels decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-solutions">Urgent need for solutions</h2>



Some <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266679242300029X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientists</a> use advanced computer models to fill gaps in places where sunlight measurements are not recorded. Others monitor chemical emissions that can cut sunlight on its way down. 



More collaboration could refine data collection so that researchers can give clearer predictions to policymakers and industries.



Insights from these studies hint that <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad5371" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cutting air pollution</a> and tracking how nature itself affects clouds hold promise for stabilizing future light levels. Further sunlight monitoring, paired with data on emissions, is seen as a crucial step for protecting and expanding solar energy options.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-sunlight-helps-climate-planning">Tracking sunlight helps climate planning</h2>



<a href="https://angeo.copernicus.org/articles/35/839/2017/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Efforts</a> to gather accurate data over many years help us see when light levels drop or rise. That information is especially valuable for people who build large-scale solar plants, since they rely on a steady supply of sunlight. 



Industries need reliable expectations of how much power they can produce in any given year, and local communities want to know if weather patterns might shift.



Better measuring equipment, placed in more locations, could build a deeper understanding of how sunlight changes over time. Having these records is key for everyone from electric grid planners to local farmers. It can guide decisions about investing in new technologies or adjusting cropping schedules.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clean-air-sunlight-and-energy-costs">Clean air, sunlight, and energy costs</h2>



These shifting light levels do not always make headlines, but they underscore the careful balance between air quality and the sun’s energy at ground level. 



Researchers continue refining their data, looking for signals to warn if light dips are around the corner. Work is ongoing to see what happens under different pollution scenarios.



The potential for healthier air and better solar power output is significant. As more nations adopt cleaner energy sources, these sunlight changes carry bigger economic weight. Reducing aerosol emissions could unlock added benefits for power grids and agriculture, which may be vital to thriving cities and rural areas.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00376-025-4534-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advances in Atmospheric Sciences</a>.



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Dirty sky, less sunlight: How pollution steals our energy

The sunshine we see every day might look the same,...

Each April, Earth Day invites us to reconsider our habits, choices, and responsibilities to the planet. While tree planting, cleanups, and protests receive the spotlight, one often-overlooked climate solution sits quietly on our dinner tables. 



Our food choices, particularly the consumption of meat and dairy, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> accelerates, shifting toward a plant-based diet could offer a practical and personal form of climate action.



A new <a href="https://pcrm.widen.net/s/kgwshsgq2g/physicians-committee-for-responsible-medicine-morning-consult-earth-day-food-climate-change-survey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survey</a> released just ahead of Earth Day 2025 reinforces this message. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, in partnership with <a href="https://pro.morningconsult.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Morning Consult</a>, surveyed over 2,000 American adults.



The results suggest a growing awareness of the climate-food link - but also highlight how much education and policy progress is still needed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-food-climate-and-health">Plant-based food, climate, and health</h2>



Reducing meat intake can lower individual carbon footprints and boost personal health. That’s not just opinion - it’s the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a>) conclusion in its 2022 report, Mitigation of Climate Change. The IPCC highlights diet shifts as powerful climate tools.



“This Earth Day - and every day - people should eat a plant-based diet to keep themselves and the planet healthy,” said Roxanne Becker, MBChB, DipIBLM.



She recommends plant-based diets to patients to help prevent chronic diseases and lower emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awareness-of-food-related-emissions">Awareness of food-related emissions</h2>



Despite increasing concern, 54% of Americans don’t know which foods cause the most greenhouse gases. 



Only 16% correctly identified all five foods (beef, cheese, tofu, vegetables, nuts) in order of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>. A quarter of respondents ranked tofu and nuts as more polluting than beef.



According to UN data, beef emits 70.6 kg CO₂e per kilogram of food (about 155.7 pounds CO₂e per 2.2 pounds). Cheese comes next at 23.9 kg (52.7 pounds CO₂e), followed by tofu at 3.2 kg (7 pounds), vegetables at 0.7 kg (1.5 pounds), and nuts at 0.4 kg (0.9 pounds).



Cows produce methane while digesting food, in a process called enteric fermentation. This gas escapes when they burp. Methane also forms when manure is stored in tanks or lagoons.



Though methane breaks down faster than CO₂, its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealthier-nations-set-bold-climate-targets-but-citizens-give-less/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a> effect is about 80 times stronger over 20 years. Experts call methane reduction a key climate goal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-policies-and-dietary-guidelines">Food policies and dietary guidelines </h2>



The survey revealed that 40% of Americans support taxing the meat and dairy industry to address emissions. A larger number - 59% - support incentives to help farmers shift from raising animals to growing crops and orchards.



Younger adults show stronger support for policy change. Fifty-six percent of Gen Z and 49% of Millennials say they would consider eating plant-based foods to help the climate.



Most people in the survey - about 60% - believe that the government should include the environmental impact of food in its national diet advice. Right now, the official Dietary Guidelines for Americans do not talk about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-constantly-reshuffling-earths-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, pollution, or nature at all.



However, these same guidelines do mention a vegetarian diet option. This plant-based option avoids meat, chicken, and fish. Instead, it includes foods like beans, soy products, nuts, and seeds. Choosing this vegetarian plan instead of the usual one can cut your food-related emissions in half.



So, even though the guidelines don’t mention the environment, one of the options they mention is already better for the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-food-and-climate-action">Plant-based food and climate action</h2>



Eating more plant-based meals helps in several important ways. First, it lowers greenhouse gas <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meat-reductions-could-cut-billions-of-tons-of-co2-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>, which helps slow down climate change. Producing meat, especially beef, creates a lot of pollution. In contrast, growing plants for food is much cleaner and uses less land and water.



But the benefits go beyond the environment. A plant-based diet can also make you healthier. It may lower your chances of getting diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some types of cancer. That’s because plant-based foods are often lower in unhealthy fats and higher in fiber, vitamins, and nutrients.



Choosing more fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, beans, and soy products also supports a more sustainable food system. This means food can be produced in a way that uses fewer natural resources and causes less harm to animals and climate.



As Earth Day gets closer, it’s a great time to think about how our meals affect more than just our taste buds. Every food choice we make has an impact. What we eat not only shapes our health but also helps shape the future of the planet.



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Many people are willing to eat plant-based foods to save the climate

Each April, Earth Day invites us to reconsider our habits,...

A recent study suggests that satellite data can help protect 30% of ocean habitats in the Atlantic, while minimizing the disruption to shipping and fishing. The experts propose a practical way to meet global biodiversity targets without major sacrifices to economic activity.



The study was led by scientists at the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the <a href="https://www.azti.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centro de Investigación Marina y Alimentaria</a> (AZTI), supported by the European Space Agency (ESA).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seascapes-of-the-atlantic">Seascapes of the Atlantic </h2>



The researchers divided the Atlantic Ocean into distinct zones called seascapes. These are areas defined by their unique biological and physical traits.



Using satellite data, the experts were able to identify which zones are most important to biodiversity and could benefit from protection.



“We calculated the center point of each seascape and then determined that, by diverting marine traffic around rather than through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-fall-short-on-2030-biodiversity-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a>, we would achieve the UN’s goal of effectively protecting 30% of biodiversity, without heavy disruption to fishing and shipping,” explained Dr. Asier Anabitarte, a researcher in sustainable fishing technologies at AZTI.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-satellites-to-protect-the-ocean">Using satellites to protect the ocean</h2>



The researchers used data from ESA’s Envisat and Copernicus Sentinel-3, as well as NASA and NOAA satellites, to track biological activity across different parts of the Atlantic. The team monitored organisms at all levels of the food chain - from microscopic phytoplankton to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-tag-allows-long-term-tracking-of-whale-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a> and other marine mammals.



Dr. Victor Martinez-Vicente, coordinator of the <a href="https://booms-project.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BOOMS project</a>, emphasized the importance of this method:



“The biogeography of the ocean has a long history, yet the novel application described in Asier’s paper is a demonstration of the potential that satellite-derived data has to support marine policy at the global scale,” said Dr. Martinez-Vicente.



The experts also mapped human activity - particularly shipping and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-hunting-for-food-fulmars-follow-the-fishing-vessels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> - using data from the Automatic Identification System. This allowed them to overlay areas of heavy traffic with key habitats for species such as migratory birds, turtles, dolphins, and porpoises.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-noise-affects-marine-habitats">Ocean noise affects marine habitats</h2>



The study highlights noise as one of the most damaging effects of human activity on the high seas. The constant hum of engines, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/military-sonar-does-a-lot-more-damage-to-dolphins-than-previously-disclosed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sonar</a>, and industrial equipment can severely disrupt life underwater.



“Noise pollution from human activity can be disruptive and damaging to marine habitats because it can affect how cetaceans communicate and hunt,” said Dr. Anabitarte. 



“However, it also affects fish populations by interfering with their ability to sense their environment, their ability to mate, communicate and avoid predators.”



The experts took into account the type of ship, how many were traveling through a given zone, and how much noise they produced. The analysis suggests that careful redirection of shipping lanes could reduce these impacts without adding major costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-biodiversity-in-the-atlantic">Protecting biodiversity in the Atlantic </h2>



Currently, only about 1.45% of the high seas - the vast ocean areas outside any country’s jurisdiction - are officially protected.



Yet these waters make up roughly two-thirds of the world's oceans and are under increasing pressure from climate change, overfishing, and industrial development.



In June 2023, the United Nations adopted the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement. Its aim is to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, focusing on zones with rare and threatened species. But the lack of solid biodiversity data has made progress difficult.



Satellite technology can help protect these ocean zones by monitoring biodiversity across huge, remote areas and offering science-based recommendations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-protection-shared-oceans">Smart protection, shared oceans</h2>



ESA Ocean Applications Scientist Marie-Helene Rio, who served as the technical officer for the project, sees this study as a promising first step.



“By protecting at least 30% of each seascape with activity lanes is a good starting point for high seas protection, which can be redefined later based on the presence of rare species or key habitats and socioeconomic factors agreed with stakeholders within a systematic spatial planning approach,” said Rio.



Dr. Anabitarte noted that other impacts from shipping and fishing lanes on the high seas should be considered in future studies, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/basking-sharks-are-exceptionally-vulnerable-to-ship-strikes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vessel strikes</a> on mammals, as well as consequences of fishing such as seafloor damage, accidental loss of species, and litter.



This approach - using data to guide decisions - offers a realistic way to protect ocean life while still allowing human activity to continue. Ultimately, the model may help us meet international conservation goals without choosing between nature and progress.



The research was part of ESA’s Science for Society Biodiversity in the Open Ocean: Mapping, Monitoring and Modeling (BOOMS) project.



The&nbsp;study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X25002516" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Pollution Bulletin</a>. 



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Satellite data could help protect 30% of Atlantic ocean habitats

A recent study suggests that satellite data can help protect...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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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"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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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

[sendtonews key="6SdlLLbt0t-1988946-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NTU...

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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

[sendtonews key="gRpsplpwpe-2251464-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.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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