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...

This year’s winter buildup of Arctic sea ice is the weakest ever recorded, according to a team of scientists. 



On March 23, the ice peaked at about 5.53 million square miles (14.33 million square kilometers) - roughly 30,000 square miles less than the previous record low in 2017. In other words, a region the size of California is missing.



The alarming number marks the fifth time since 2015 that the winter sea ice maximum has been at or near all-time lows.&nbsp;



Data scientist Walt Meier from the <a href="https://nsidc.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Snow and Ice Data Center</a> emphasized how close Arctic conditions hover around freezing.



“Warming temperatures are what's causing the ice to decline,” said Meier. “Sea ice in particular is very sensitive... 31 degrees is ice skating and 33 degrees it's swimming.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-wake-up-call">A global wake-up call</h2>



Jennifer Francis, a scientist with the <a href="https://www.woodwellclimate.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodwell Climate Research Center</a>, called the record low yet another ringing alarm bell. She sees <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-arctic-ice-changing-global-climate-warm-arctic-cold-eurasia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic sea ice</a> as a kind of early warning system, sensitive to changes that may not yet be evident elsewhere.&nbsp;



And it doesn’t just matter for polar bears or seals: the region’s warming is believed to be reshaping weather patterns worldwide by altering the jet stream. That, in turn, can bring more erratic or prolonged storms, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rain-and-snow-are-difficult-to-forecast-at-near-freezing-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rain</a>, and cold snaps to lower latitudes.



Scientists point out that the Arctic is warming around four times faster than the global average. This outsized heat gain in the far north diminishes the temperature difference that drives the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-accelerate-jet-stream-winds-and-airplane-turbulence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jet stream</a>, letting it meander and linger, sometimes with extreme consequences for regions well outside the Arctic Circle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winter-ice-holds-unique-importance">Winter ice holds unique importance</h2>



The continuing reduction in winter ice raises concerns for marine mammals, including polar bears, seals, and certain fish, that depend on the cold season’s stable ice.&nbsp;



Meier noted that even though summer melting tends to get more attention, the seasonal maximum is also critical because it sets the stage for how the ice will fare in the hotter months. Thinner or more fragmented winter ice can melt away more rapidly when summer arrives.



As Julienne Stroeve, an ice scientist at the <a href="https://umanitoba.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manitoba</a>, put it, it’s not only that there’s less ice, but the ice that remains is thinner and more vulnerable. She cautioned, however, that a record-low winter doesn’t always portend a record-low summer.&nbsp;



Nevertheless, this historically weak buildup does place Arctic sea ice in a precarious position.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-of-declining-winter-ice">Decades of declining winter ice</h2>



The contrast with earlier observations is striking. In 1979 - the first year of satellite records - the winter peak measured around 6.42 million square miles. This means the Arctic has lost an area larger than Pakistan - some 900,000 square miles - over four decades of monitoring.



The center also points out that severe warming events in the past eight years have somewhat muted the 40-year cooling trend overall. But the repeated record lows for winter ice highlight the accelerating nature of Arctic change.&nbsp;



The region’s warming winter atmosphere does influence large-scale weather patterns, Stroeve said, pointing to how a warm polar region can shift the patterns that steer storms and cold snaps far below the Arctic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-on-wildlife-and-beyond">Effects on wildlife and beyond</h2>



Less winter sea ice spells bad news for iconic Arctic animals. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-polar-bear-day-keeping-moms-and-cubs-safe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polar bears</a> rely on thick ice to hunt seals; thin or absent ice forces them onto land with fewer hunting opportunities, leaving them weaker.&nbsp;



Seals need stable ice for breeding. Fish populations can also shift as ice recedes, sometimes altering Indigenous hunting traditions and local fisheries. Thus, the winter sea ice is crucial not just for summer ice survival but for whole ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-impacts-of-arctic-sea-ice-nbsp">Broader impacts of Arctic sea ice&nbsp;</h2>



The meltdown extends beyond the Arctic. Antarctica recently flirted with a record low in its own annual sea ice minimum - this while the Arctic hits an unprecedented winter low. As a result, Meier notes that global sea ice coverage in February dropped to a record minimum, signifying a broader, planet-wide shift.



Scientists and policymakers worldwide watch the poles because the polar regions have a profound influence on global oceans and atmospheric patterns.&nbsp;



Melting Arctic sea ice can accelerate additional warming through what is known as the albedo effect: as bright, reflective ice disappears, more sunlight gets absorbed by darker open water, fueling further temperature increases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warning-signs-of-changes-ahead">Warning signs of changes ahead</h2>



What happens in the Arctic might prove a harbinger of deeper shifts affecting global coastlines, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-pushing-nature-toward-a-breaking-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather extremes</a>, and ecological systems.&nbsp;



Amid these warning signs, researchers continue refining models to anticipate how the Arctic will evolve in the coming decades, hoping to give communities from Alaska to Europe a clearer sense of the changes ahead.&nbsp;



For now, the winter sea ice record serves as one more urgent reminder that a warming world is leaving fewer and fewer safe harbors for the frozen North.



Image Credit: AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka



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Arctic sea ice hits record winter low, raising global alarm

This year’s winter buildup of Arctic sea ice is the...

Wind and Earth’s spin keep the ocean’s surface currents constantly moving, and those currents are the main reason floating plastic and other debris travel so far. A prime example of this phenomenon is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.



Two types of currents do most of the work: geostrophic currents, which form from the balance between gravity and Earth’s rotation, and Ekman currents, which wind drives directly. Together, they carry debris across vast stretches of the ocean.



As these currents swirl, they naturally pull trash toward the centers of the world’s five subtropical gyres - massive, slow-moving whirlpools in the ocean. Over time, these zones turn into plastic hotspots, where all kinds of floating junk gathers.



The North Pacific subtropical gyre is the most infamous of the bunch. That’s home to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the biggest and most studied plastic pile-up in the ocean. 



It’s drawn the attention of scientists, environmentalists, and the public alike. And not surprisingly, many of the first large-scale ocean cleanup projects have started right there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-great-pacific-garbage-patch">Understanding the Great Pacific Garbage Patch</h2>



The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive collection of plastic debris, abandoned fishing gear, and other trash that accumulates in the North Pacific Ocean. 



These plastics can take hundreds of years to break down, and even when they do, they become tiny microplastics that enter marine food chains. 



This swirling soup of litter poses a big threat to marine life, seabirds, and even human health when contaminated seafood ends up on our plates.



You might picture the patch as a giant floating island of trash, but in reality, it’s more like a massive zone of scattered debris. 



This makes it difficult to clean up, as much of the garbage is tiny bits of plastic dispersed throughout the water. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smarter-alternative-hiding-in-plain-sight">Smarter alternative hiding in plain sight</h2>



Instead of chasing the trash, scientists now suggest using the ocean’s own natural flow to do the work. A new study has mapped out zones where water tends to converge and pull debris into tight pockets.



“Instead of boats slowly trawling and burning fuel, they can hold their position and keep the nets steady at a location where currents funnel and aggregate drifting objects,” said <a href="https://www.psi.edu/staff/profile/rodrigo-duran/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rodrigo Duran</a>, a research scientist at the <a href="https://www.psi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planetary Science Institute</a>, and co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-patterns-pull-trash-into-zones">Ocean patterns pull trash into zones</h2>



The team, led by <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luca_Kunz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luca Kunz</a> from the University of Hamburg, used over 20 years of satellite and drifter data to spot high-traffic areas for floating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-currents-may-soon-clean-up-waste-thanks-to-space-tech/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">debris</a>. 



These zones, called Transient Attracting Profiles (<a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024OcSci..20.1611K/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRAPs</a>), are temporary regions where swirling currents push trash together.



TRAPs form when four eddies - circular currents - spin in just the right pattern. About 60% of the time, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/critical-ocean-current-may-be-more-stable-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pattern</a> pulls debris into a stable zone roughly 60 miles (96 kilometers) wide. Most of these zones stick around for about six days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-changes-cleanup-strategy">Why this changes cleanup strategy</h2>



Instead of moving across hundreds of miles, crews could now wait at known TRAP locations. When positioned right, nets could skim off trash that is funneled in by the current.



That saves fuel, time, and effort - and reduces the environmental cost of sweeping up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-are-rapidly-changing-colors-matching-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-ocean-trash">More than just ocean trash</h2>



While TRAPs are useful for plastic cleanup, Duran says they could also be used for search and rescue, cargo loss, oil spill containment, or tracking volcanic ash and wildfire smoke as it drifts across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-draining-nutrients-from-the-oceans-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> and air.



“This can even be used for atmospheric data,” Duran said, pointing to how the technique can predict movement across multiple systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-past-predictions-fell-short">Why past predictions fell short</h2>



Previous models tried to guess where trash was heading based on <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/030193229090034G" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lagrangian simulations</a>, which track particles drifting on oceans over time. But at the smaller scale - about 1 to 10 miles (1.6 to 16 kilometers) - those methods break down.



TRAPs flip the question. Instead of asking where an object will go, they ask: where will things gather? That shift makes all the difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-patterns">Testing the patterns</h2>



To verify these zones, the team analyzed how drifters (floating sensors that move with surface currents) behaved around TRAPs. Most stayed near a TRAP for an average of six days. A few stuck around for over a month.



Researchers also noticed that drifters weren’t just spinning in circles. They were pulled straight into a TRAP, then funneled along its length - like getting sucked into a current and pushed out the other side.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-this-can-change-everything">How this can change everything</h2>



The most effective TRAPs form in clusters of four eddies with alternating spin directions. These structures appear often in areas of high turbulence, like near <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/oceanography-northern-california-current-study-area" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California’s upwelling zone</a> or around the <a href="https://hilo.hawaii.edu/~kenhon/GEOL205/Chain/default.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawaiian Ridge</a>.



Tracking them in real time could help cleanup crews navigate better and use far fewer resources. Long-lasting TRAPs, in particular, offer a clear target: the longer they exist, the more plastic they tend to gather.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-coming-for-ocean-trash-cleanup">What’s coming for ocean trash cleanup</h2>



This technique isn’t just theory. It’s backed by decades of observations and tested with real ocean data. Cleanup crews could start using TRAP tracking to guide where and when they deploy nets.



As satellite monitoring improves and new missions deliver higher-resolution data, smaller TRAPs near coastlines may also be tracked more easily.



“It’s a very exciting time,” Duran remarked. The scale of the garbage patch is overwhelming, but knowing where and when debris gathers gives crews a fighting chance.&nbsp;



If cleanup systems can act more like filters than drag nets, sitting still while the ocean delivers the trash, then this could mark a shift in how we tackle plastic pollution at sea.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-22939-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Science</a>.



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New ideas on how to cleanup the 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch'

Wind and Earth’s spin keep the ocean’s surface currents constantly...

For the first time, scientists have captured detailed measurements of water vapor high above Greenland’s vast ice sheet, using a custom-built drone to reach the upper atmosphere.&nbsp;



The breakthrough provides a new window into how water moves across and away from the island - and offers an important step toward more accurate models of ice loss in the Arctic’s rapidly changing climate.



The study was led by Kevin Rozmiarek, a doctoral researcher at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/instaar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research</a> (INSTAAR) at the University of Colorado Boulder. The research could reshape how scientists calculate Greenland’s future contributions to global sea level rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-melting-giant-with-global-impacts">A melting giant with global impacts</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-is-approaching-a-critical-tipping-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland’s ice sheet</a> is a freshwater giant, containing about 8% of Earth’s total supply. But it’s rapidly shrinking. 



According to the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA), between fall 2023 and fall 2024 alone, Greenland shed around 55 gigatons of ice and snow - enough to fill over 20 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. 



The island has lost ice every year for nearly three decades, with more than 5 trillion tons melted away since 1992.



Most of that loss comes from visible processes: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-reshaping-landscapes-and-national-borders-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> calving into the sea and melting ice and snow at the surface. But there’s another, less obvious way ice can vanish - through sublimation, when ice transforms directly into vapor without becoming liquid first. 



Some studies suggest that in parts of Greenland, up to 30% of summer snow might sublimate into the atmosphere. Where that vapor ends up, however, has been a mystery.



According to the experts, it is unclear whether that vapor recondenses and returns to the surface, or if it escapes the system entirely. Understanding the fate of this water is key to calculating Greenland’s long-term water balance - and predicting how much melt will contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-did-sea-levels-rise-after-the-last-ice-age-alarming-new-clues-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flying-into-the-unknown">Flying into the unknown</h2>



Traditionally, studying Arctic water vapor meant mounting costly plane flights into inhospitable environments and hauling air samples back to a lab. But Rozmiarek’s team found a better solution: a drone.&nbsp;



Outfitted with advanced sampling equipment and boasting a wingspan of 10 feet, the drone was launched 104 times during the summer of 2022 from a camp in Greenland’s interior run by the <a href="https://eastgrip.nbi.ku.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen’s East Greenland Ice-Core Project</a>.



The drone ascended to nearly 5,000 feet on each flight, collecting air samples at different altitudes. The goal was to measure the isotopes - unique combinations of hydrogen and oxygen - within water vapor molecules. These isotopic signatures act like a molecular fingerprint, helping scientists trace the vapor’s origin.



“Isotopes are water’s fingerprints,” Rozmiarek said. “By following these fingerprints, we can trace back to the source where the water vapor came from.”



Until now, scientists had good data on where Greenland’s water starts and ends - coming in from tropical air currents and freezing on the surface. But little was known about what happens to that water while it’s moving through the atmosphere. This missing piece was crucial.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-the-future-of-greenland-ice-nbsp">Predicting the future of Greenland ice&nbsp;</h2>



Once the team gathered their isotopic data, they compared it to an existing climate model of the Arctic water cycle.&nbsp;



The results were striking: the model significantly underestimated how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precipitation</a> Greenland receives. But when the researchers added their new isotopic data into the simulation, the model aligned closely with reality.



“It’s really important to be able to predict what’s going to happen to Greenland in the warming world as accurately as possible,” Rozmiarek said. “We demonstrated how useful water vapor isotope data is by successfully improving an existing model.”



This kind of refinement could lead to better predictions of melt rates, atmospheric circulation, and even how Greenland’s changes affect weather patterns far beyond the Arctic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensitivity-of-greenland-s-ice-nbsp">Sensitivity of Greenland’s ice&nbsp;</h2>



History shows that Greenland’s ice is sensitive to warming. About 125,000 years ago, during a naturally warmer period in Earth’s history, the ice sheet was much smaller, and global sea levels were up to 19 feet higher than today.&nbsp;



Now, with the planet once again heating up, scientists fear we could be heading toward a similar future.



The United Nations estimates that sea level rise already affects one billion people globally, threatening communities and ecosystems. Understanding exactly how - and how quickly - Greenland’s ice sheet might respond to further warming is critical.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-the-arctic">Next steps in the Arctic</h2>



Rozmiarek hopes to return to Greenland for more drone flights and extend this new method to other parts of the Arctic. The research is just beginning, but its implications are vast.



“It’s like we just figured out how to discover fingerprints at a crime scene,” he said. “This is a concrete step forward in understanding where water is going and where it is coming from in this important system at a time when we need it most.”



By combining cutting-edge drone technology with isotope science, researchers are piecing together the invisible flows of water that shape the future of one of Earth’s most vulnerable regions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2024JD042719" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JGR Atmospheres</a>.



Image Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio



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Drones reveal hidden details about Greenland’s melting ice

For the first time, scientists have captured detailed measurements of...

Hearing is one of our most vital senses. It helps us stay alert, connect with others, and make sense of the world. But not everyone hears the same way. While most people know hearing tends to decline with age, new research shows that sex and environment play an even bigger role.



Scientists have now confirmed that women generally have more sensitive hearing than men. The study, published in Scientific Reports, also uncovers how local surroundings - forests, cities, mountains - shape the way we hear.



These findings reshape how we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/useless-ear-muscles-may-actually-serve-a-purpose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understand hearing</a> across different human populations and could improve how we approach hearing loss.



This global investigation, led by Dr. Patricia Balaresque from the&nbsp;Center for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (<a href="https://www.cbiolab.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRBE</a>)&nbsp;in France and Professor Turi King from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a>, brought together researchers from multiple countries.



Their work is the first to explore how biology, geography, and culture intersect to shape human hearing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hearing-varies-by-global-environment">Hearing varies by global environment</h2>



The team tested hearing in 450 individuals across 13 populations. Participants came from diverse settings, including Ecuador, England, Gabon, South Africa, and Uzbekistan. 



These locations were selected for their rich variety in ecology and culture. The goal was to go beyond urban, Western groups often overrepresented in medical research.



By choosing people from rural villages, high-altitude settlements, forests, and cities, the study captured how different environments might <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drugs-may-be-available-to-prevent-hearing-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact</a> how we hear. 



For the tests, the researchers used a technique called Transient-Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE). This method measures the cochlea’s response to sound and tracks how the ear sends signals to the brain.



This approach allowed scientists to understand not just how loudly someone hears but how their hearing responds across different sound frequencies. Until now, very little work had examined how sex or geographic setting affects these biological reactions. The results were striking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sex-has-the-strongest-impact">Sex has the strongest impact</h2>



It’s long been accepted that hearing sensitivity drops as people age. However, this study revealed that sex plays an even greater role than age. Across every population tested, women had an average of two decibels more sensitive hearing than men. This trend held true regardless of location, language, or lifestyle.



The differences also extended beyond basic sensitivity. Women performed better in other hearing tests, including those involving speech <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-mind-when-the-inner-voice-fades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perception</a>. This suggests not only greater auditory sensitivity but also superior brain processing of sound.



"We were surprised to find that women had two decibels more sensitive hearing across all the populations we measured, and this accounted for most of the variations between individuals," said Professor King.



"This could be due to different exposure to hormones during development in the womb, due to men and women having slight structural differences in cochlear anatomy."



Professor King noted that, in addition to having higher hearing sensitivity, women also perform better in other hearing tests and speech perception, indicating that their brains are also better at processing the information.



"We don't really know why this might be, but given the detrimental effect of noise on overall health such as sleep quality and increased cardiovascular disease, having more sensitive hearing in noisy environments may not always be a good thing."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment-changes-how-we-hear">Environment changes how we hear</h2>



Next to sex, the most important factor influencing hearing was the environment. 



Where a person lived not only affected their response to sound volume but also altered how they processed different sound frequencies. People living in forests had the best hearing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-gamers-may-be-at-risk-of-irreversible-hearing-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensitivity</a> overall, while those in high-altitude regions showed the weakest.



The researchers believe this may be due to environmental adaptation. Forests are full of non-human sounds - bird calls, rustling leaves, distant movements - that demand attention.



In such settings, sharper hearing may have offered survival advantages. In contrast, high-altitude environments offer less auditory stimulation and involve other stressors like low oxygen and air pressure, which might dull hearing over time.



"Our findings challenge existing assumptions and highlight the need to consider both biological and environmental factors when studying hearing. Identifying drivers behind natural hearing variation will improve our understanding of hearing loss and individual differences in noise tolerance," said Dr. Balaresque.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-city-noise-alters-frequency-perception">City noise alters frequency perception</h2>



Urban life presented a different kind of challenge. People from city areas showed a distinct shift in sensitivity toward higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spatial-hearing-how-humans-know-where-sounds-come-from/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frequencies</a>. 



The researchers suggest this may be the result of needing to filter out low-frequency noise from traffic and construction. Over time, the brain might adapt by tuning in more sharply to higher-pitched sounds.



This kind of adjustment could represent a modern form of sensory adaptation. Just as vision can change in response to light conditions, hearing might shift to suit the surrounding noise environment. While this ability may help urban residents focus on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spatial-hearing-how-humans-know-where-sounds-come-from/">speech</a> in noisy areas, it could also limit their range of auditory perception over time.



Professor King collected samples from the UK participants while at the <a href="https://le.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a>. 



"We wanted to investigate in more detail what factors shape our hearing and the diversity of hearing sensitivities and see how our hearing has adapted to our local environment," she added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sound-pollution-and-human-health">Sound, pollution, and human health</h2>



Another theory links hearing sensitivity to pollution. People living in quieter, less polluted regions - like forests - might retain better hearing due to lower exposure to environmental toxins.



In contrast, city dwellers may be constantly exposed to noise, smoke, and chemicals that harm ear structures over time.



Hearing loss is not just a matter of inconvenience. Studies have connected poor hearing to cognitive decline, disturbed sleep, and even heart disease. These findings suggest that understanding how hearing works in different settings could help protect public health in more targeted ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hearing-and-human-evolution">Hearing and human evolution</h2>



This research also adds to the ongoing conversation about human evolution. Our hearing is not static - it reflects both our biology and the world we live in. As soundscapes change, so too might our ability to perceive them.



"We know that humans are continuing to evolve, so the next question is whether our hearing is able to change in response to different environments generally or whether there are genetic adaptations involved," said Professor King.



This study opens the door to further research on how our senses respond to change. It invites us to rethink hearing not just as a fixed ability, but as something deeply shaped by sex, biology, and the places we call home.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-92763-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Women hear better than men across all environments

Hearing is one of our most vital senses. It helps...

Young,Woman,Drinking,Water,Outdoors,,Promoting,Healthy,Hydration,And,An

Plastic containers and packaging are everywhere, as many people rely on them for food storage, convenience, and hydration. Plastics have improved modern life in countless ways, but the ultimate price of this convenience is only now coming clearly into focus.



We have reached the point as a society where researchers have begun looking beyond the environmental hazards of plastic pollution to uncover hidden connections between plastic exposure and human well-being. 



Questions are emerging about how microplastics might be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-chewing-gum-may-be-full-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affecting our bodies</a> and whether this is something we should address.



Some everyday items, such as water bottles, may contribute far more than trash. They could be releasing tiny plastic particles that slip into our bodies. 



Early studies suggest that plastic particles are influencing human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-over-2000-genetic-markers-that-affect-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood pressure</a>, a condition linked to serious cardiovascular problems. 



According to Dr. Johanna Fischer from the Department of Medicine at <a href="https://www.dp-uni.ac.at/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danube Private University</a> in Austria, a few recent findings have sparked new debates about what happens when microplastics flow through our bloodstream.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-pieces-of-plastic-wreaking-havoc">Tiny pieces of plastic wreaking havoc</h2>



Microplastics measure less than 5 mm, arising from the breakdown of larger plastics or from everyday sources like car tires and synthetic clothing. 



They have been detected in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food, water, and the air</a>. Scientists have identified them in the placenta, in certain organs, and even in the bloodstream. 



Their presence has raised concerns because they might trigger inflammation or hormonal imbalances. By entering daily routines unnoticed, these microscopic bits could pose health hazards that are still under investigation.



Recent work has pointed to an unexpected culprit for high blood pressure. Their investigations indicate that common water bottles can release particles into the liquid we drink. 



According to preliminary insights, microplastics can migrate into our system, with potential effects on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-smell-control-your-blood-pressure-new-research-says-yes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood pressure measurements</a>. 



Investigators also discovered these minute fragments in glass containers, which complicates efforts to avoid them altogether. 



This points to a wider issue that stretches beyond visible waste and calls for innovative approaches to monitoring exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastics-linked-to-blood-pressure">Plastics linked to blood pressure</h2>



Eight healthy adults took part in a project aimed at exploring any links between plastics and blood pressure. 



They were asked to rely on tap water instead of bottled drinks for about a month. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-gold-the-vitamin-packed-fruit-that-regulates-blood-sugar-and-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blood pressure</a> readings were collected at the outset, after two weeks, and at the end of four weeks. 



The findings indicated that women showed a noticeable dip in blood pressure levels, particularly in diastolic readings, while men did not exhibit the same changes.



One explanation might be that only three men participated. That small number makes it difficult to form broad conclusions. 



Still, the overall data hint that cutting back on plastics could influence cardiovascular health by reducing the number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-widespread-in-the-seafood-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic particles</a> present in the bloodstream. 



The research group emphasizes that larger trials are needed. They aim to measure the actual concentration of microplastics in the blood, providing a clearer picture of how plastic exposure might relate to changes in blood pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-pressure-and-plastics-the-results">Blood pressure and plastics - the results</h2>



“We concluded, after extensive research, that beverages packaged in plastic bottles should be avoided,” the research team warned. 



The changes observed in blood pressure suggest that reducing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-the-brain-alarming-new-details-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intake of plastic particles</a> could lower cardiovascular risk, emphasizing how these findings may fit into the bigger picture. 



For these scientists, a lower exposure to plastics seems to correlate with improvements in some blood pressure markers.



By stating that “plastic particles <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-every-semen-sample-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">present in the bloodstream</a> could contribute to increased blood pressure,” the team highlighted a potential link between microplastics and cardiovascular concerns. 



Although their study involved only a small group, they view the results as a motivation to investigate these interactions further. 



While the precise pathways remain unclear, the prospect that tiny plastic fragments might affect blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health should encourage us all to rethink these common habits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



Because hypertension is a leading cause of heart complications, any factor that might raise blood pressure deserves scrutiny. 



Humans already face multiple risks for cardiovascular disease, so identifying one that might be avoidable is compelling. 



Limiting bottled beverages or opting for tap water in reusable non-plastic containers will definitely help reduce exposure, though additional verification is needed to confirm the long-term impacts.



Reviewing many different studies, it's very clear that microplastics have infiltrated every nook and cranny of our bodies, natural environments, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sounding-the-alarm-microplastics-are-disrupting-photosynthesis-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global ecosystems at large</a>. 



On top of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular health issues that arise from the consumption of microplastics, scientists and physicians are concerned about inflammation, endocrine problems, and oxidative stress, all of which can harm overall health. 



Though the convenience of disposable products is tempting, making a personal choice of removing single-use plastics from our everyday lives will undoubtedly yield benefits - both for our health and the global environment. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8929/3/3/26" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastics</a>.



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Drinking from plastic bottles directly linked to high blood pressure and heart problems

Plastic containers and packaging are everywhere, as many people rely...

Our global food system stands at a dangerous crossroads. As the world heats up and air quality declines, the challenge of feeding nearly 8 billion people grows harder. At the same time, the very system meant to nourish humanity contributes heavily to climate change, air pollution, and rising emissions.



A recent review in the journal Engineering offers a detailed examination of this tangled relationship. It brings forward the idea that food, climate, and air pollution are no longer separate issues. They form a feedback loop - where each reinforces the other.



This growing realization has prompted researchers and policymakers to seek strategies that address them all at once. The solutions must not only protect crops and diets today but also reshape the food system for long-term resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-is-damaging-how-we-grow-food">Air pollution is damaging how we grow food</h2>



Climate change disrupts the natural rhythm of agriculture. Crops grow within specific temperature and rainfall windows. As global temperatures rise and weather grows erratic, those windows shift. 



Farmers face shortened or mistimed growing seasons. Floods, droughts, and storms now damage fields with greater frequency.



Meanwhile, polluted air compounds the damage. Ground-level ozone, in particular, harms plant leaves. This weakens photosynthesis and reduces growth. 



Fine particulate matter from combustion sources also affects pollination and soil health. All of this adds stress to crops that are already <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/critical-food-crops-are-threatened-by-rising-temperatures-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">struggling to adapt</a>.



Livestock suffer as well. Heat stress impacts growth, fertility, and milk production. Poor air quality affects their respiratory systems and increases disease risks. These challenges create ripples through the food supply chain, reducing both quantity and quality of food available to people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-production-drives-emissions">Food production drives emissions</h2>



While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-crisis-why-u-s-goals-remain-out-of-reach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a> suffers from climate change and pollution, it is also a major driver of both. The food sector is responsible for over 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions globally. 



These emissions don’t only come from farms. They stretch from soil to store - covering growing, harvesting, transport, processing, packaging, and waste.



Key sources include methane from livestock digestion and rice paddies, nitrous oxide from fertilizer use, and carbon dioxide from fuel combustion. 



"Over the past three decades, emissions beyond the farm gate have nearly doubled, emerging as a primary driver of emissions growth in the agri-food system," the authors note.



Agriculture also emits harmful pollutants such as ammonia, black carbon, and volatile organic compounds. These contribute to both global warming and local air quality problems. 



The feedback loop tightens: the more the system pollutes, the harder it becomes to grow food under safe, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-molecule-could-shape-the-future-of-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stable conditions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smarter-food-practices-reduce-emissions">Smarter food practices reduce emissions</h2>



To address this, the review identifies several strategies that can reduce emissions without compromising productivity. Fertilizer management is a top priority. 



The 4R approach - right source, right rate, right timing, and right placement - can prevent nitrous oxide from escaping into the air. This not only cuts emissions but also improves soil health.



Rice farming presents another opportunity. Traditional flooded fields generate large amounts of methane. By adopting non-continuous flooding and mid-season drainage, farmers can reduce this output significantly. These techniques are already gaining ground in parts of Asia.



Livestock practices also hold promise. Adjusting animal diets, reducing herd sizes, and improving feed conversion rates can limit methane. Feed additives - like seaweed or plant extracts - suppress methane production in the stomachs of ruminants.



"Improved enteric fermentation mitigation strategies, including dietary adjustments and additive use, hold significant potential for reducing CH₄ emissions," noted the researchers.



"However, successful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">implementation</a> requires these measures to be integrated with broader agricultural policies to address trade-offs and ensure sustainable livestock management."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-manure-soil-and-supply-chains">Managing manure, soil, and supply chains</h2>



Beyond animal feed, manure management plays a key role. 



Simple changes such as covering manure storage tanks or switching to anaerobic digestion can reduce methane and ammonia. In colder regions, composting with additives like biochar helps control emissions even more.



Emissions also occur after food leaves the farm. Transport, refrigeration, and retail operations generate pollutants, especially when powered by fossil fuels. Switching to cleaner logistics and reducing spoilage can cut these downstream emissions.



The review emphasizes that demand-side changes are just as important. Dietary shifts - especially toward more plant-based foods - offer large reductions in emissions. Food waste, which currently squanders nearly one-third of all food produced, must also be tackled.



Models show that combined demand-side actions could lower global emissions by over 4 GtCO2eq per year. These actions require education, policy support, and market changes to make sustainable choices easy and affordable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-producers-in-a-changing-climate">Food producers in a changing climate </h2>



While reducing emissions is essential, farmers also need help adapting to the changing climate. 



Crops bred for drought resistance, heat tolerance, and disease resistance can thrive where others fail. Adjusting sowing times, crop rotations, and irrigation techniques boosts resilience.



In livestock, adaptation means more than survival. Farmers can use cross-breeding programs to produce animals better suited for heat or disease resistance. Improving animal housing ventilation also reduces stress and mortality during extreme weather.



Water use becomes critical. Climate change disrupts rainfall patterns, often bringing too much or too little. 



Technologies like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting help manage this uncertainty. In areas where water is scarce, choosing less water-intensive crops can preserve supplies for future use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-case-studies-show-what-s-possible">Case studies show what’s possible</h2>



The review cites several global examples of progress. In parts of Africa, agroecological farming systems mix crops, trees, and livestock in ways that mimic natural ecosystems. This improves biodiversity and yields while reducing environmental pressure.



In Asia, the “climate-smart village” model has introduced early-warning weather systems, improved seeds, and resource-sharing networks. These villages offer a practical demonstration of what sustainable, climate-resilient farming looks like.



These initiatives show that local knowledge and global science can come together. They highlight that success lies not in any single technology but in rethinking the food system as a whole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-and-emission-data-gaps">Food and emission data gaps</h2>



Despite progress, large gaps in understanding remain. Many emissions estimates focus only on carbon dioxide, ignoring methane and nitrous oxide. There is little high-resolution data that tracks emissions across entire food supply chains.



Another concern is nutrient loss in crops. Air pollution and climate change can reduce protein, vitamin, and mineral levels in food. This impacts not just yield but the nutritional value of diets.



As the authors state, more precise measurement tools, better emissions inventories, and long-term field trials are needed. Without this, policies may target the wrong sources or overlook key mitigation options.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-responsibility-global-solutions">Shared responsibility, global solutions</h2>



Fixing food systems requires global cooperation. Governments must design policies that reward sustainable farming. Companies must reduce supply chain emissions. Farmers must adopt new practices, and consumers must rethink their choices.



These efforts should be fair and inclusive. Many low-income countries depend on agriculture for survival. Climate action must support - not punish - those who are most vulnerable to its effects.



As the review concludes, the path forward lies in unity. A food system that supports both people and planet is within reach, but only if we work together.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095809924007380?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Engineering</a>.



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Vicious cycle: Food systems both suffer from and cause emissions

Our global food system stands at a dangerous crossroads. As...

Aerial,View,Of,Sossusvlei,Sometimes,Written,Sossus,Vlei,Is,A

Sand dunes shape some of the most fascinating scenery on Earth, particularly in arid regions. Among them, star dunes - sometimes called pyramid dunes - stand out for their towering height and eye-catching form. 



Sand seas, located in places like Africa, Arabia, China, and North America, are home to these beautiful, star-like formations.



Star dunes form in areas where wind arrives from multiple directions and where sand accumulates in large quantities.



They have a tall, pyramid-like center with several arms spreading out, creating a star shape when seen from above. 



Some reach extraordinary heights, including one in China’s Badain Jaran Desert that measures about 984 feet, placing it on par with a famous landmark in Paris. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-dunes-and-the-geological-record">Star dunes and the geological record</h2>



Despite being common in modern deserts and even appearing on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-had-ancient-beaches-shorelines-similar-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a> and Saturn’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturns-moon-titan-has-shorelines-shaped-by-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon Titan</a>, they have been unusually difficult to find in the geological record. 



Researchers have often wondered why these dunes leave so little trace in old sandstone layers.



Professor Geoff Duller, from the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at <a href="https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aberystwyth University</a>, has been at the forefront of investigating these hidden giants. 



His latest study, undertaken alongside collaborators at <a href="https://www.bbk.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birkbeck</a> and University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>), offers new insights into the internal structure and speed of formation of a star dune in Morocco. 



This research helps explain why geologists have had trouble identifying these dunes in ancient deposits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-patterns-in-the-sahara">Hidden patterns in the Sahara</h2>



Until now, star dunes received limited attention compared to other well-known dune varieties. The recent study in the Erg Chebbi region of southeastern Morocco reveals a star dune named Lala Lallia, meaning “highest sacred point” in the Berber language. 



It rises about 328 feet and stretches about 2,297 feet across its base. Scientists found that its oldest layers date back roughly 13,000 years, around the time of the Younger Dryas, a sudden cooling phase in Earth’s past.



Ground-penetrating radar scans show that the dune remained mostly dormant for about 8,000 years. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/star-dune_Lala-Lallia_Erg-Chebbi_Morocco_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/star-dune_Lala-Lallia_Erg-Chebbi_Morocco_1s.webp" alt="Lala Lallia star dune in Erg Chebbi, the largest sand Dune in Morocco at sunset. Merzouga has become a popular destination for tourists because of this feature." class="wp-image-1963690"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lala Lallia star dune in Erg Chebbi, the largest sand Dune in Morocco at sunset. Merzouga has become a popular destination for tourists because of this feature. Click to enlarge.</figcaption></figure>



Pottery discovered nearby suggests wetter conditions, possibly driven by an expanded monsoon, that kept sand from piling up. Once drier weather arrived, sand began accumulating at a much faster pace. 



The results, published in the journal Scientific Reports, indicate that the dune gained most of its size in the last thousand years and is currently shifting westward at about 1.6 feet each year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radar-and-luminescence-offer-clues">Radar and luminescence offer clues</h2>



“Using ground-penetrating radar to look inside this star dune has allowed us to show how these immense dunes form, and to develop a new model so geologists know better what to look for in the rock record to identify these amazing desert features," explained Professor Charlie Bristow of Birkbeck and UCL.



Researchers also used optically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/golds-glow-luminescence-caused-quantum-realm-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stimulated luminescence</a> (OSL) dating to determine when minerals in the sand were last exposed to sunlight. 



This approach made it possible to figure out precisely when the dune began building after the African Humid Period had ended. 



The study concludes that large star dunes may form far more rapidly than many geologists once assumed.



“This research is really the case of the missing sand dune - it had been a mystery why we could not see them in the geological record. It’s only because of new technology that we can now start to uncover their secrets," noted Professor Duller.



"These findings will probably surprise a lot of people as we can see how quickly this enormous dune formed, and that it is moving across the desert at about 50 cm a year. These fantastic star dunes are one of the natural wonders of the world.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-dunes-and-ancient-deserts">Star dunes and ancient deserts</h2>



The discovery sheds light on why star dunes appear absent in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-microbes-discovered-in-2-billion-year-old-rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older rocks</a>. Their internal layers can mimic those of other dune types, making them hard to recognize once they have turned to stone. 



This new model, drawn from the Moroccan site, gives geologists a better guide for identifying similar formations preserved deep underground.



“It’s quite a privilege to think that the luminescence dating techniques developed here in Aberystwyth are unlocking some of the secrets of the most challenging climates in the world," Professor Duller added.



"They are giving us insight into geology that could have wider implications including geological deposits that are used for water resources and storing carbon.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-shifting-winds-across-eons">Tracking the shifting winds across eons</h2>



Experts note that changes in wind direction contributed to the dune’s star-like shape. As the desert climate became drier, gusts from different angles helped shape the steep pyramid center and radiating arms. 



The speed with which it gained height shows that dramatic environmental shifts can build a towering dune in a geologically short window. 



Researchers also point out that similar wind shifts might have influenced dunes in other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saudi-arabia-is-turning-degraded-desert-sand-into-blooming-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deserts worldwide</a>.



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



To sum it all up, star dunes hold importance for the study of past environments. The tools and findings from Morocco offer a chance to spot these features in buried <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gale-crater-reveals-secrets-of-water-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sandstone layers</a>. 



That means geologists can learn more about the behavior of ancient winds, as well as periods of relative stability or intense dryness. 



Understanding these long-past climatic patterns might help in present-day attempts to manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-storms-create-temporary-lakes-in-the-sahara-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water in desert regions</a>.



Studying how star dunes grow in modern deserts could open new avenues for interpreting desert rocks of the past. 



By pinpointing signs of varied wind directions, geologists gain a clearer picture of what conditions shaped Earth’s surface thousands of years ago.



With fresh ways to identify these pyramidal giants in ancient layers, scientists are better equipped to find the missing chapters of desert history.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-53485-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Star dunes: Shrouded in beauty and wonder, they are now a bit less mysterious

Sand dunes shape some of the most fascinating scenery on...

Predicting whether it will rain or snow might seem like a basic job for weather forecasters. But, as it turns out, classifying precipitation as either rain or snow - especially when temperatures hover around freezing - is far trickier than we might think.



A recent study, led by researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, puts this challenge into sharp focus.



Using massive datasets and both traditional and machine learning models, the experts found that even the most advanced tools can struggle with one key problem: nature doesn’t always make a clear distinction between rain and snow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-importance-of-getting-it-right">The importance of getting it right</h2>



Knowing whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-forecast-more-extreme-precipitation-ahead/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precipitation</a> is falling as rain or snow matters more than most people realize. It affects road and air travel, flood forecasting, reservoir planning, and infrastructure maintenance. 



In mountainous regions, it’s even more critical. A snow-heavy storm may boost a ski season or replenish water reserves. But if that same storm delivers rain instead, it could trigger floods or damage roads and bridges.



Despite the stakes, weather stations rarely have direct measurements that can tell us whether it's raining or snowing. Most surface data - such as temperature, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humidity-increases-urban-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humidity</a>, and pressure - come from airports and don’t reflect the complex conditions in mountainous terrain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rain-and-snow-at-the-freezing-point">Rain and snow at the freezing point</h2>



To fill the gap, meteorologists use something called “precipitation phase partitioning.” These are mathematical methods that estimate rain or snow based on surface data. 



But there’s a catch: they work best when it's clearly cold or warm. Around the freezing point, where conditions for rain and snow are nearly identical, the predictions often miss the mark.



“The challenge is at those temperatures near <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/north-american-lakes-are-freezing-later-thawing-earlier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freezing</a>, the air and wet bulb temperature distributions of rain and snow overlap heavily,” explained Dr. Keith Jennings, lead researcher on the project. "This means the traditional partitioning methods cannot consistently separate rain from snow."



"What surprised us is that the machine learning models did not perform much better. Even by using more data and complex mathematics, they are still trying to tease apart the same information, and they’re seeing rain and snow with almost the exact same meteorological properties.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-tech-same-problem">New tech, same problem</h2>



The team analyzed two major sources of data. One was a collection of nearly 40,000 crowd-sourced weather observations from NASA’s Mountain Rain or Snow project. The other was a dataset of over 17 million weather reports from across the Northern Hemisphere.



They tested both older partitioning techniques - like basic temperature thresholds - and more sophisticated machine learning tools such as random forest, XGBoost, and artificial neural networks. These models had access to the same types of surface weather data.



Despite their complexity, the machine learning models only performed slightly better than traditional methods. The boost in accuracy was tiny - just 0.6% at most.



All methods struggled to classify precipitation correctly near freezing, especially in the 1.0°C to 2.5°C range. The models also failed to reliably identify mixed precipitation (like sleet) and rain that falls when it is below freezing.



The study pinpointed the core issue: rain and snow simply occur under very similar conditions at these borderline <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a>. When the input data doesn’t clearly separate the two, no amount of model sophistication can compensate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-rain-on-snow-events">Increasing rain-on-snow events</h2>



This research suggests that it's time to rethink how we approach the rain-versus-snow problem. 



Instead of trying to squeeze more performance out of limited surface <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-data-could-revolutionize-weather-forecasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather data</a>, scientists may need to explore new types of input. That could mean tapping into different data streams - like radar, satellites, and more crowd-sourced reports. 



These tools might provide the missing context that surface measurements alone can't offer. As the climate continues to shift, getting precipitation forecasts right is only becoming more important.



Rain-on-snow events are expected to become more common, increasing the risk of floods and infrastructure stress. Knowing the difference between a snowstorm and a rainstorm could be the key to managing those risks.



If we want to be prepared for the storms of tomorrow, we may need to stop asking surface data to do what it simply cannot. It is time to start building smarter, more integrated systems that reflect the full picture of what's happening in the sky.



The study was a collaboration between experts from UVM, Lynker, the Desert Research Institute, the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, the University of Nevada Reno, and Utah State University.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58234-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Rain and snow are difficult to forecast at near-freezing temperatures

Predicting whether it will rain or snow might seem like...

For decades, climate models have predicted that the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica should be warming in response to global climate change. But surprisingly, real-world data show something different: much of that ocean has actually cooled over the past forty years.&nbsp;



Now, scientists at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> believe they’ve found a compelling explanation, and it’s changing how we understand one of the most important regions in Earth’s climate system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cooling-ocean-in-a-warming-climate">A cooling ocean in a warming climate</h2>



The new research, published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2024GL112639" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>, points to two overlooked but critical factors - meltwater from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica’s ice sheets</a> and increased precipitation.&nbsp;



“We found that the Southern Ocean cooling trend is actually a response to global warming, which accelerates ice sheet melting and local precipitation,” said Earle Wilson, assistant professor of Earth system science at Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability and senior author of the study.



As more ice melts and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-increases-as-a-direct-result-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rain</a> falls around Antarctica, the ocean’s surface becomes fresher and less salty. That reduction in salinity makes the water less dense, preventing the usual vertical mixing that would bring warmer waters from the deep ocean up to the surface.&nbsp;



“The fresher you make that surface layer, the harder it is to mix warm water up,” Wilson explained. The result is a kind of lid that traps cooler water at the surface - causing the region to cool rather than warm, despite the rising global temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-antarctic-waters">Changes in Antarctic waters</h2>



This cooling effect hasn’t been accurately represented in most state-of-the-art climate models. The researchers argue that this missing factor - freshwater input from melting glaciers - has long been a major blind spot in climate projections.&nbsp;



This omission could have broad implications. The Southern Ocean is a key player in regulating global climate. It absorbs a significant amount of the carbon dioxide and excess heat generated by human activity.&nbsp;



“The Southern Ocean is one of the primary places that happens,” said Zachary Kaufman, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral scholar in Earth system science at Stanford.



Because of this, changes in Southern Ocean temperatures affect much more than just the immediate region. Surface temperature shifts can influence global sea level rise, ocean heat uptake, and even climate phenomena like El Niño and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-bushfires-triggered-rare-multi-year-la-nina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Niña</a> that affect rainfall patterns as far away as California.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reconciling-global-climate-mismatches">Reconciling global climate mismatches</h2>



The discrepancy between what models predict and what observations show in the Southern Ocean is just one piece of a broader puzzle. Current global climate models also fail to simulate cooling trends in the eastern equatorial Pacific and tend to underestimate the frequency of La Niña events.&nbsp;



At the same time, they often overstate warming in other regions like the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific.



Although warming events have occurred in Antarctic waters over the last eight years, they haven’t erased the long-term cooling trend. 



According to Wilson, if real-world temperature patterns continue to deviate from model predictions, this could reshape scientific expectations for near-term climate impacts.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freshwater-near-the-antarctic-margin">Freshwater near the Antarctic margin </h2>



The researchers set out to understand just how much the observed cooling could be attributed to freshening - the dilution of salt water by rain and melting ice. Initially, they assumed it wouldn't matter much where the freshwater was added.



But they were surprised by what they found. Their analysis showed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-substantially-changing-the-seasons-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface temperatures</a> are much more sensitive to freshwater inputs concentrated near Antarctica’s coastline, as opposed to rainfall distributed across the broader ocean.&nbsp;



“Applying freshwater near the Antarctic margin has a bigger influence on sea ice formation and the seasonal cycle of sea ice extent, which then has downstream impacts on sea surface temperature,” Wilson explained.&nbsp;



The result was not only unexpected but also highlighted the importance of location in shaping ocean dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-missing-meltwater">The impact of missing meltwater</h2>



In the past, researchers have tried to measure the effects of Antarctic meltwater through so-called “hosing experiments,” where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a> is added to simulations in various ways. But differences in modeling setups made it difficult to compare results.



To overcome this, the Stanford team used a comprehensive approach. They drew on a new ensemble of simulations from the <a href="https://gmd.copernicus.org/articles/16/7289/2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Ocean Freshwater Input from Antarctica</a> (SOFIA) Initiative and combined this with older models to study ocean density and circulation changes.&nbsp;



By comparing the modeled sea surface temperatures with actual freshwater inputs between 1990 and 2021, they were able to determine just how much of the temperature mismatch was due to missing meltwater.



“There’s been some debate over whether that meltwater is enough over the historical period to really matter,” Kaufman said. “We show that it does.” Their findings indicate that up to 60% of the mismatch between observed and simulated surface temperatures in the Southern Ocean can be explained by these missing freshwater inputs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-lens-on-climate-futures">A new lens on climate futures</h2>



The implications are far-reaching. “We’ve known for some time that ice sheet melting will impact ocean circulation over the next century and beyond,” Wilson said.&nbsp;



“Our results provide new evidence that these meltwater trends are already altering ocean dynamics and possibly the global climate.”



As scientists refine their models to include these missing freshwater effects, policymakers and planners will gain a more accurate picture of how the climate is changing - and how to prepare for the challenges ahead.



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Why Antarctic waters are cooling in a warming world

For decades, climate models have predicted that the Southern Ocean...

A newly published study paints a grim picture for amphibians in the Upper Paraguay River Basin, which includes the vast Pantanal wetlands and surrounding areas. The researchers predict that the region may lose almost all suitable habitats for toads, frogs, and tree frogs by 2100. 



The findings emerge from a collaboration between researchers from Brazil and Switzerland, who combined species distribution data with climate modeling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-amphibians-will-lose-their-habitats">Most amphibians will lose their habitats</h2>



The experts cross-referenced locations of amphibian species with two greenhouse gas emissions scenarios (one optimistic, one pessimistic). The team concluded that more than 80% of amphibian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amphibians-are-being-pushed-beyond-their-heat-limits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> in the Upper Paraguay River Basin would lose suitable habitats.



In the optimistic scenario, 99.87% of the basin would experience local extinctions, and in the pessimistic one, this figure rises to 99.99% of the region, according to lead author Matheus Oliveira Neves of the <a href="http://www.ufmt.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal University of Mato Grosso</a> (UFMT).&nbsp;



With these numbers, there is scant room left for doubt: amphibian biodiversity in the Pantanal and nearby zones appears to be on a steep and accelerating decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-current-protection-falls-short">Current protection falls short</h2>



The researchers also found that existing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-slow-down-biodiversity-loss-but-they-cant-reverse-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a> - integral conservation units - cover only 5.85% of the territory, and within those reserves, less than 5% of amphibians’ geographical ranges are effectively safeguarded. 



“Fully protected conservation units are currently doing very little to protect amphibian species in the Pantanal,” said Brazilian researcher Mario Ribeiro Moura, who coordinated the project while at the <a href="https://www.ib.unicamp.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Biology of the State University of Campinas</a> (IB-UNICAMP). Moura is now a professor at the <a href="https://www.ufpb.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal University of Paraíba</a> (UFPB).



The international community, alarmed by the accelerating loss of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-light-sustains-biodiversity-over-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, recently called for 30% of Earth’s surface to be set aside in protected areas by 2030. Moura notes that right now, this coverage stands at just 17%, including both conservation units and indigenous lands.&nbsp;



He and his team argue for the creation of new protection zones and enlargement of existing ones, focusing on regions that modeling indicates will remain relatively hospitable to amphibians as climate change advances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-divergent-climate-futures">Two divergent climate futures</h2>



The research used future climate projections from the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a> (IPCC). In one model, an optimistic scenario keeps emissions at current levels, leading to an estimated 2 °C increase by 2100.&nbsp;



In a more pessimistic model, emissions continue to rise, potentially pushing the temperature up by 4 °C by century’s end.&nbsp;



For the Upper Paraguay River Basin - including parts of Paraguay and Bolivia - the difference between these scenarios translates into a near-total collapse (99.87% or 99.99%, respectively) of viable amphibian habitats.



The team relied on more than 4,000 records for 74 amphibian species native to the basin. These species encompass a wide range of frogs, toads, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-frogs-live-in-trees-but-lay-eggs-on-the-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree frogs</a> that are highly dependent on moisture and aquatic environments - features that climate change, habitat conversion, and other human impacts are making increasingly rare or degraded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-few-viable-refuges-in-the-future">Few viable refuges in the future</h2>



Even in the best-case scenario, the study suggests that the most likely refuges for amphibians occur near Cuiabá in northern Mato Grosso, on the edge of the Cerrado savannah, and in the southeast near Campo Grande in Mato Grosso do Sul state.&nbsp;



Some southwestern areas near the Paraguayan Chaco may remain viable as well. However, these spots represent only a fraction of the Upper Paraguay River Basin.



The researchers also found that among the protected areas currently established, hardly any harbor an amphibian diversity above the baseline.&nbsp;



While a small number of protected zones may actually see unexpected gains in species, the authors caution that the net picture is one of overall loss.&nbsp;



“In summary, only 13.7% of the current protected areas in the Upper Paraguay River Basin have the potential to host more or lose fewer species in at least one future scenario. Most of these areas are indigenous lands,” noted Moura.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-habitats-for-amphibians">Protecting habitats for amphibians </h2>



Moura and colleagues advocate for a combination of new conservation areas, expanded existing reserves, and changes in land use practices that limit the destruction of aquatic ecosystems. They further stress the magnitude of the climate challenge.&nbsp;



“While the Paris Agreement aimed to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 °C by the end of the century, we already reached that level in 2024,” Moura said.&nbsp;



In his opinion, the global economic model remains deeply entwined with fossil fuel consumption, and without “radical” mitigation steps, both biodiversity and human society face profound risks.



For the amphibians of the Upper Paraguay River Basin - creatures that rely on stable, humid environments - time is running out.&nbsp;



The results indicate that if greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated, nearly all of the watery niches they need could vanish, drastically shrinking populations and possibly setting the stage for mass regional extinctions. 



On the other hand, through determined conservation policy and aggressive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-action-and-biodiversity-striking-the-right-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate action</a>, it may still be possible to give these species a chance to survive and thrive well beyond this century.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14846" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Applied Ecology</a>.



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99% habitat loss: The dire future of amphibians in the Pantanal

A newly published study paints a grim picture for amphibians...

Humans are having a highly detrimental impact on biodiversity worldwide. Not only is the number of species declining, but the composition of species communities is also changing.&nbsp;



These are the findings of a study by the <a href="https://www.eawag.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology</a> (Eawag).



“It is one of the largest syntheses of the human impacts on biodiversity ever conducted worldwide,” said Florian Altermatt, a professor of aquatic ecology at the University of Zurich and head of a research group at Eawag.



Many previous studies have addressed the threat of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species loss</a>. Yet most such efforts focused on particular ecosystems, a single human activity, or localized conditions, making it challenging to draw broad conclusions. 



This new study attempts an unprecedented synthesis: it compares nearly 50,000 sites around the world subject to human influence with an equal number of reference sites that remain relatively untouched. 



By covering terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments and targeting everything from microbes and fungi to larger organisms such as fish, birds, and mammals, the researchers provide a uniquely comprehensive snapshot of biodiversity challenges across the globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-pressures-on-ecosystems">Human pressures on ecosystems</h2>



The project examines the five principal human activities that affect biodiversity: habitat modification, direct exploitation (e.g., hunting or fishing), climate change, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-air-pollution-forms-may-help-us-prevent-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>, and invasive species.&nbsp;



“We analyzed the effects of the five main human impacts on biodiversity: habitat changes, direct exploitation such as hunting or fishing, climate change, pollution and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-threat-of-invasive-species-requires-immediate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a>," said lead author François Keck, a scientist at Eawag.



"Our findings show that all five factors have a strong impact on biodiversity worldwide, in all groups of organisms and in all ecosystems."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-numbers-at-impacted-sites">Species numbers at impacted sites </h2>



One clear outcome is that species numbers at impacted sites were nearly 20% lower than at unaffected ones. 



Vertebrates such as reptiles, amphibians, and mammals stand out for their major declines, likely because they typically have smaller population sizes and can vanish more readily.



However, beyond just the loss of species, the researchers also documented considerable shifts in the types of species that persist under human pressure.&nbsp;



“It’s not just the number of species that is declining,” Keck noted. “Human pressure is also changing the composition of species communities.”&nbsp;



That means even if the overall number of species remains the same at a site, the functions those species perform might be different, leading to potential disruptions in ecosystem services and stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drastic-changes-from-human-pressure">Drastic changes from human pressure</h2>



Environmental pollution and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-face-critical-threats-from-disease-and-habitat-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a> emerged from the study as especially damaging. Habitat modification frequently involves stark, abrupt transformations of a region - for example, clearing forests or converting grasslands to farmland.&nbsp;



Pollution introduces hazardous substances into the ecosystem, including everything from oil spills to agricultural pesticides. These drastic changes can weaken or kill resident organisms.



In contrast, climate change - though likely a major long-term threat - did not stand out as prominently within the timeframe of data analyzed, which Altermatt attributes to potential time lags. “However, it is likely that the full extent of its impact cannot yet be verified today,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-homogenization-or-collapse">Homogenization - or collapse?</h2>



Another important finding concerns the degree of similarity among different species communities (often termed “homogenization”). Large-scale farming tends to homogenize landscapes, making ecological communities more uniform.&nbsp;



But the study also uncovered cases where communities grew more dissimilar from one another, particularly in severely impacted locations.



“The human influence that we find is sometimes so strong that there are even signs that could indicate a complete collapse of the species communities,” Altermatt explained. Such changes might reflect temporary upheavals in biodiversity that could herald further declines.



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



One critical lesson from this study is that measuring biodiversity strictly by counting species may overlook significant community-level changes.&nbsp;



A site could hold the same number of species as before, yet the particular species present could shift in ways detrimental to essential ecosystem services - like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-are-disappearing-and-its-bad-news-for-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination</a>, soil stability, or water purification.



The magnitude and universality of the findings “provide clear indications of which human influences are having the greatest impact on biodiversity,” Keck said. “This also shows what goals need to be set if these trends are to be reversed.”



Though every region and ecosystem experiences different pressures, the authors hope the results offer a sort of benchmark. Policymakers, conservationists, and land managers could lean on these large-scale insights as they devise more localized strategies to safeguard biodiversity.&nbsp;



For instance, focusing on preserving or restoring specific habitats, curbing pollution, or carefully managing invasive species might bring tangible benefits more swiftly than previously realized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-alter-ecosystems-worldwide">Humans alter ecosystems worldwide</h2>



Ultimately, the study emphasizes that humans are altering the face of ecosystems worldwide - not just through outright loss of species, but also by reshaping the composition of those that remain. 



The authors warn that these changes can reverberate throughout ecosystems, undermining everything from pollinator networks to fisheries. 



As the scientists emphasize, the next step is to use these insights to inform meaningful action on behalf of the countless species that still share our planet.



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Human pressure is changing biodiversity faster than we realize

Humans are having a highly detrimental impact on biodiversity worldwide....

An international research team deployed the unmanned submarine named 'Ran' beneath thick Antarctic ice. After that, things got weird. 



They captured the first detailed maps of a glacier’s underside, revealing vital clues about future sea level rise. 



They programmed ‘Ran’ to dive into the Dotson ice shelf cavity in West Antarctica and scan the ice with advanced sonar. 



Over 27 days, it traveled more than 1,000 kilometers under the glacier and reached 17 kilometers into the cavity. Previously, the team had used satellite data and ice cores to observe how glaciers change over time. 



"By navigating the submersible into the cavity, we were able to get high resolution maps of the ice underside," says lead author Anna Wåhlin, Professor of Oceanography at the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a>.



"It’s a bit like seeing the back of the moon.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctic-dotson-ice-shelf-melt">Antarctic Dotson Ice Shelf melt</h2>



The Dotson Ice Shelf in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Antarctica</a> is a significant player in the discussion about future sea levels. 



Far from being flat, passive expanses of ice, these shelves are dynamic, evolving entities. They're thick bodies of glacial ice sustained by land-based glaciers. 



Uniquely, these ice shelves float atop the sea -- and beneath them are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-meteorites-vanish-in-antarctica-due-to-melting-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice shelf cavities</a>.



One such cavity was the focus of Ran's recent mission - a survey that has unlocked new secrets about the structures and melting patterns of these ice shelves. 



The Dotson Ice Shelf, in particular, plays a crucial role in the West Antarctic ice sheet's overall stability and potential future sea level rise due to its size and location.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-lurks-beneath-antarctica-s-ice">What lurks beneath Antarctica's ice</h2>



The glacial exploration yielded expected results: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-natural-process-is-making-antarcticas-ice-melt-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice melted faster</a> where strong underwater currents erode its base. 



But what was surprising was the irregularity of the base itself. 



Instead of the smooth surface expected, the underwater landscape was reminiscent of peaks, valleys, plateaus and formations akin to sand dunes.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Antarctica_Dotson-ice-shelf_mystery-shapes_credit-UGothenburg_2m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Antarctica_Dotson-ice-shelf_mystery-shapes_credit-UGothenburg_2s.webp" alt="Never before seen &quot;swirls and scoops&quot; map the meltwater's journey as it flows beneath the ice (Credit: Filip Stedt/ University of Gothenburg)" class="wp-image-1963348"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Never before seen "swirls and scoops" map the meltwater's journey as it flows beneath the ice. Click to enlarge. Credit: Filip Stedt/ University of Gothenburg</figcaption></figure>



The team believes these features may have been sculpted by flowing water under the influence of Earth’s rotation. 



This unexpected discovery has challenged previous scientific assumptions, sparking new questions about the complex mechanisms of glacier melting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-perspective-on-antarctic-melt">Unique perspective on Antarctic melt</h2>



"By navigating the submersible into the cavity, we were able to get high-resolution maps of the ice underside. It's a bit like seeing the back of the moon for the first time," said lead author Anna Wåhlin, Professor of Oceanography at the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a> in Sweden.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Antarctica_RAN-AUV_operational-details_illustration_UGothenburg_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Antarctica_RAN-AUV_operational-details_illustration_UGothenburg_1s.webp" alt="The autonomous underwater vehicle Ran was programmed to perform missions under the ice shelf. An advanced multibeam sonar was used to map the base of the ice at a distance of about 50 meters. Credit: Anna Wåhlin/Science Advances" class="wp-image-1963354"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The autonomous underwater vehicle Ran was programmed to perform missions under the ice shelf. An advanced multibeam sonar was used to map the base of the ice at a distance of about 50 meters. Click to enlarge. Credit: Anna Wåhlin/Science Advances</figcaption></figure>



This exploration was part of the <a href="https://thwaitesglacier.org/projects/tarsan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TARSAN project</a>, a collaborative endeavor studying the atmospheric and oceanic processes influencing the behavior of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomsday-glacier-seems-to-have-lost-its-ability-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thwaites "doomsday glacier"</a> and Dotson Ice Shelves.



While the project expected to gather data, the spectacle they discovered was beyond their wildest dreams.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracks-swirls-and-patterns">Cracks, swirls and patterns</h2>



Upon receiving the first images from beneath the ice shelf, the researchers were thrilled yet baffled. 



The textures and patterns they saw were unexpected, resembling works of art more than naturally occurring formations. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Antarctica_Dotson-ice-shelf_mystery-shapes_credit-UGothenburg_3m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Antarctica_Dotson-ice-shelf_mystery-shapes_credit-UGothenburg_3s.webp" alt="Under the east side of the Dotson Ice Shelf, the water has eroded several layers of ice into structures (Credit: Filip Stedt/ University of Gothenburg)" class="wp-image-1963350"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Under the east side of the Dotson Ice Shelf, the water has eroded several layers of ice into structures. Click to enlarge. Credit: Filip Stedt/ University of Gothenburg</figcaption></figure>



Intrigued by these findings, the team brainstormed to understand the forces behind them.



As they delved deeper, they found a series of firsts - a glimpse, for the first time, into the processes that melt the underside of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-threat-lurking-in-antarcticas-ice-shelves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice shelves</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-antarctic-ice-shelves">Melting Antarctic ice shelves</h2>



While these ice shelves floating on the sea may not directly affect sea levels when they melt, the repercussions are more indirect. 



As these ice shelves melt, the land-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peru-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> they feed flow faster and destabilize, leading to a rise in sea levels.



The newly uncovered data will significantly help ice modelers reduce the uncertainties in future sea level predictions.



Despite a wealth of new discoveries, the exploration also revealed numerous processes still left to understand in future expeditions. 



Existing models could not explain the complex patterns discovered. Continued collaborative study, combining remote sensing with oceanographic field data, is needed to understand the changes taking place.



"For us, it's not just a new discovery, but also a wake-up call that many previous assumptions about melting of glacier undersides are falling short," elucidates Prof Wåhlin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-antarctic-ice-melt">Future of Antarctic ice melt</h2>



The research expedition planned to repeat the survey in January 2024, eager to document any changes. Unfortunately, the team could only complete one dive before Ran disappeared under the ice.



"Although we got valuable data back, we did not get all we had hoped for," said Prof Wåhlin. 



Despite the setback, the team remains optimistic and hopeful of continuing this crucial research.



In the midst of the climate crisis, every bit of insight matters. As we unravel the mysteries of these icy landscapes, we inch closer to understanding our planet's future. 



This important and disturbing research from the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a> and the University of Gothenburg is leading the way, and we anxiously anticipate their next expedition into the unknown.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn9188" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Strange Antarctic ice formations, never seen by humans, leave scientists baffled

An international research team deployed the unmanned submarine named 'Ran'...

<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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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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