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...

Nearly three out of four older adults in the United States have experienced at least one extreme weather event in the past two years. Living through such conditions has apparently heightened their concerns about climate change’s impact on health. 



These are among the new findings released by the <a href="https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging</a>, which surveyed over 3,400 people aged 50 to 94 across the nation in August 2024.



The poll found that 59% of respondents worried about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> could harm their health. That figure jumped to 70% among individuals who had been through a major weather emergency - such as a wildfire, heat wave, severe storm, or prolonged power outage lasting more than a day - within the last two years.&nbsp;



By contrast, only 26% of those who hadn’t encountered such events expressed similar concerns.&nbsp;



Sue Anne Bell is a nurse practitioner and associate professor at the U-M School of Nursing who specializes in evaluating how disasters and public health crises affect seniors.



“Our findings suggest a need to help more older adults understand and take steps to prepare for the impacts of wildfires, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-hurricanes-help-oceans-fight-climate-change/">hurricanes</a>, tornadoes, extreme heat waves, winter storms and more, especially when it comes to the medications, medical supplies, electricity and access to care that these emergencies can disrupt,” said Bell.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-fears-and-missed-opportunities">Climate fears and missed opportunities</h2>



While a considerable segment of older Americans are anxious about climate change’s ramifications, the poll also indicates that only 6% have had a conversation with a health care provider about how extreme weather might endanger their health or how to prepare accordingly.&nbsp;



Potential discussion topics could include lung protection from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire smoke</a>, strategies to manage essential medical equipment during blackouts, and how to find local cooling or warming centers when temperatures spike or plummet.



The new results emerged from a poll run by the <a href="https://ihpi.umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation</a>, with support from <a href="https://www.michiganmedicine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan Medicine</a>, the university’s academic medical center.&nbsp;



NORC at the University of Chicago administered the survey, collecting data both online and by phone. The sample was then weighted to mirror the demographic profile of the U.S. population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personal-experience-increases-concern">Personal experience increases concern</h2>



In addition to the overall 59% who had climate fears, the poll found certain subgroups reporting higher levels of anxiety. Women, those with fair or poor mental health, and residents of urban areas all showed heightened apprehension. 



It appears the experience of living through severe weather events - ranging from hurricanes and tornadoes to winter storms - plays a critical role in shaping older Americans’ perspectives on climate’s link to well-being.



Poll director Jeffrey Kullgren is an internal medicine physician at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and an associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan.



“These kinds of events can affect an older adult’s health directly - for instance, people with asthma and other lung diseases can have trouble breathing due to wildfire smoke, home medical equipment can be affected by power outages, and older adults can be more vulnerable to extreme heat and cold,” said Kullgren.&nbsp;



“But there are also indirect effects, including mental stress, lack of access to medications and medical care, and in extreme cases, lack of ability to evacuate safely or find shelter.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widening-reach-of-severe-weather">Widening reach of severe weather</h2>



The poll data was gathered in August 2024, before major weather disasters like Hurricane Helene - described as the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina in 2005 - and wildfires in the Los Angeles area in January 2025.&nbsp;



Officials note that 2023 and 2024 saw close to record-high numbers of weather events costing more than a billion dollars each, a trend that has escalated over older adults’ lifetimes.



According to poll data, the most prevalent forms of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> reported by older adults included extreme heat (cited by 63%), poor air quality from wildfire smoke (35%), severe storms (31%), and multi-day power outages (13%).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-fears-for-future-generations">Climate fears for future generations</h2>



Older adults’ worry about climate change extends beyond their personal health. Seventy-four percent said they also feared the potential effects of a warming planet on younger generations.&nbsp;



More than four in ten (43%) said they were “very concerned,” and another 31% identified themselves as “somewhat concerned.” Among those who had experienced a severe weather event, 83% expressed concern, compared with 45% of those who had not.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emergency-preparedness-and-advice">Emergency preparedness and advice</h2>



Despite these figures, only 8% of older adults with health conditions that limit daily activities reported discussing disaster preparedness with a health care professional - though that was slightly higher than the 5% among older adults overall who had done so.&nbsp;



Sixty-four percent of those who did talk with their doctors took at least one concrete step to be better prepared.



Still, the poll underscores that more comprehensive guidance is needed. Federal resources, such as the U.S. government’s <a href="http://ready.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ready.gov</a> website, can help older Americans devise personal action plans for storms, wildfires, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">floods</a>, or other emergencies.&nbsp;



Bell adds that an older individual’s unique medical circumstances, such as needing electric medical devices or taking multiple daily prescriptions, can become critical if a power outage or evacuation scenario occurs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



Going forward, the poll team suggests that health professionals, policy makers, and community organizations could work together to emphasize the connections between climate fears, extreme weather, and older adults’ health. 



Such initiatives might involve: health systems proactively offering risk assessments and preventive tips to senior patients. In addition, city planners could design accessible cooling and warming centers, or ensure reliable transit to those centers.



Furthermore, community groups could help older residents stock up on medications and medical essentials ahead of storms or heat waves.



The experts hope these findings prompt broader efforts to engage older adults on climate change’s health impacts - before the next big storm, heat wave, or wildfire hits.



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Older adults’ climate fears surge after extreme weather

Nearly three out of four older adults in the United...

Climate targets set by nations under the Paris Agreement outline voluntary commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These targets, known as Percentage Reduction Pledges (PRPs), reflect the commitments of individual countries to combating climate change. 



However, this does not necessarily reflect the willingness of citizens in these countries to contribute financially to climate action.



A recent study from the <a href="https://uol.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oldenburg</a> in Germany examines the question of how closely the PRPs represent citizen buy in, in terms of willingness to contribute financially. The research explores the relationship between national climate targets and the public's willingness to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-initiative-led-to-health-benefits-for-800-u-s-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate initiatives</a> financially. 



The findings reveal that, while higher-income countries tend to set more ambitious reduction goals, their populations are often less willing to contribute personally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-targets-and-public-willingness">Climate targets and public willingness</h2>



The experts analyzed climate pledges from 123 countries, and used data from nearly 130,000 individuals surveyed in 125 nations as part of the Global Climate Change Survey.



The findings highlight that, while 89% of respondents believe their governments should take stronger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservatives-liberals-unite-climate-action-despite-different-beliefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate action</a>, only 69% expressed willingness to allocate 1% of their income toward climate mitigation.



The analysis uncovered key economic and environmental factors that influence both national pledges and individual contributions. Higher per-capita income and emissions correlated with more ambitious governmental targets. However, the same factors negatively influenced public willingness to contribute. 



In wealthier, high-emission nations, citizens were less inclined to accept personal financial sacrifices in support of climate initiatives.



Temperature trends further shaped responses. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brutal-effects-of-climate-change-have-already-arrived-in-the-uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warmer countries</a> demonstrated higher individual willingness to contribute, whereas colder countries adopted stronger national targets. 



The study suggests that residents of colder regions may perceive climate change as a less immediate threat, making them less willing to engage in mitigation efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-support-of-climate-policies">Public support of climate policies </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-flood-disaster-in-germany-raises-new-questions-about-extreme-precipitation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Germany</a> exemplifies this trend. It ranks among the top nations in climate pledges, committing to a 39.7% emissions reduction between 2019 and 2030. This places it 12th out of 123 countries in terms of its PRP.



Yet, despite its ambitious government targets, public willingness to contribute financially remains lower than in many other countries. Germany ranks 74th in this category, with 67.9% of its citizens agreeing to allocate a portion of their income toward climate action. 



Meanwhile, only 86% of German respondents supported stronger governmental climate policies, ranking the country 89th globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ethical-and-political-dilemma">The ethical and political dilemma</h2>



The study interprets these findings as a reflection of a broader tension between climate policy and public perception. 



The United Nations’ principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" emphasizes equity in climate action. However, individuals often prioritize economic considerations over ethical responsibility.



"People assume that the lower the temperatures in a country are, the less impact climate change will have there," explained Dr. Heinz Welsch, an environmental economist at the University of Oldenburg.



Additionally, individuals in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/industrialized-countries-owe-roughly-170-trillion-for-co2-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-emission nations</a> worry about economic setbacks caused by strict climate regulations. 



"Cost-benefit calculations, therefore, make it likely that in colder, richer and more carbon-intensive countries there will be less willingness to contribute to climate protection," said Dr. Welsch.



Another layer to this issue is democratic satisfaction. The research highlights a notable pattern: when a government's climate targets exceed public willingness to contribute, citizens report lower satisfaction with democracy.



While the study does not establish causation, it suggests that climate policies requiring public sacrifices without broad support could create political challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-for-bridging-the-gap">Solutions for bridging the gap</h2>



To bridge this gap, the report recommends policy strategies that minimize the economic cost of climate action for citizens. One such strategy can be a climate fund that recycles revenue from carbon taxes and uses it to benefit poorer citizens. 



These structures can make effective climate policies that are ambitious and also acceptable to people, so action is not undertaken at the risk of political destabilization.



The study underlines the complexity of climate policy. While governments might make firm commitments, public involvement is still necessary for significant progress.



To develop effective, long-lasting climate policies, understanding the determinants of both policy and individual willingness is vital.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgency-of-achieving-climate-targets">Urgency of achieving climate targets</h2>



Climate change is not an inevitable fate - it is a challenge that can be mitigated through decisive action.



Meeting climate targets is crucial to slowing global warming, reducing extreme weather events, and protecting ecosystems for future generations. 



Every degree of warming prevented means fewer droughts, wildfires and damaging storms, and less increase in sea level.



The window for meaningful action is closing, but success remains within reach if nations commit to real, enforceable solutions. The future depends on turning promises into progress before it’s too late.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800925000035?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecological Economics</a>.



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Wealthier nations set bold climate targets,  but citizens give less

Climate targets set by nations under the Paris Agreement outline...

In the face of climate change, forests have become more than green landscapes. They regulate temperatures, purify air and water, protect soil, and support biodiversity. 



Forests also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in trees and soil, helping to reduce global warming.



Oceans do the same, but forests offer a land-based solution, one that we can manage directly. The idea of planting more trees has taken hold worldwide. But the story doesn’t end there.



Not all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-losing-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> offer the same benefits. Some grow quickly, others slowly. Some survive tough climates, others do well only in ideal conditions. 



The challenge for forest managers is figuring out which trees will trap the most carbon where they are planted.



The answer lies in matching tree traits with the land on which they grow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-study-seeks-answers">A global study seeks answers</h2>



To explore this issue, researchers from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INRAE</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agro-bordeaux.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bordeaux Sciences Agro</a>&nbsp;teamed up with global partners. The project brought together the&nbsp;French National Forest Office (<a href="https://www.onf.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ONF</a>)&nbsp;and the&nbsp;French National Center for Private Forest Ownership (<a href="https://www.cnpf.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNPF</a>).



Together, they studied 223 tree species in 160 forest sites around the world. These included locations in Western Europe, the United States, Brazil, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and South-East Asia.



Each species was chosen to represent one of the world’s major forest biomes. The team focused on functional traits - specific characteristics that affect how a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-crops-a-path-to-feeding-the-world-and-saving-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> grows, uses water and nutrients, and stores carbon. 



Their goal was simple yet ambitious: to identify which traits lead to better growth and carbon capture in real-world forest conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-beliefs-on-carbon-and-trees">Old beliefs on carbon and trees</h2>



For a long time, scientists believed that trees with acquisitive traits grew the fastest. These trees absorb resources like sunlight, water, and soil nutrients very efficiently. In controlled experiments, such as those in greenhouses, they outperform other trees in height, leaf size, and biomass.



Examples include maples, poplars, English oaks, and sessile oaks. These species have large leaves and long roots that gather nutrients quickly. Their leaves also contain large amounts of nitrogen, which supports rapid photosynthesis. All these features make them ideal candidates for storing carbon - at least on paper.



On the other side are conservative species. These trees invest less energy in fast growth. Instead, they survive by conserving internal resources like water and energy. Fir trees, downy oaks, and holm oaks fit this model. They usually grow more slowly but are better at handling environmental stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-surprise-from-real-forests">A surprise from real forests</h2>



When the team took their research into real forests, their findings turned the old beliefs upside down. Under natural conditions in boreal and temperate zones, conservative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-forests-which-tree-species-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> actually stored more carbon and grew faster than acquisitive ones. That may seem surprising, but the explanation lies in how these forests function.



Boreal and temperate forests often have cold climates, poor soil, or both. In such settings, being efficient with internal resources becomes more important than fast nutrient absorption.



In tropical forests, the story changes again. These regions have ideal growing conditions - warm temperatures and high rainfall. Here, acquisitive and conservative species grow at similar speeds. Neither group holds a strong advantage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-matching-trees-with-their-environment">Matching trees with their environment</h2>



The biggest lesson from this research is that one size does not fit all. You cannot plant fast-growing trees everywhere and expect success. Tree performance depends heavily on local soil and climate conditions.



In rich, well-watered environments, acquisitive species like maples and poplars will outperform others. They can absorb nutrients quickly and convert them into biomass, storing more carbon. But in dry, cold, or nutrient-poor conditions, conservative species shine. Oaks, firs, and pines may grow more slowly, but they store more carbon over time because they survive and grow when others cannot.



The study highlights the need for precision in reforestation efforts. Forest managers must consider each site’s unique conditions. Planting the right <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-have-an-amazing-ability-to-adapt-to-new-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> in the right place is far more effective than planting the same fast-growers everywhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choosing-trees-for-better-carbon-impact">Choosing trees for better carbon impact</h2>



This new understanding gives forest managers a sharper tool in the fight against climate change. They can now look beyond growth speed and consider how a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree’s traits</a> interact with its environment. This leads to smarter choices and healthier forests.



Climate action often demands quick results. But nature does not always work that way. Sometimes the slow-growing, stress-tolerant tree is the one that captures the most carbon in the long run. 



With this knowledge, reforestation can become both more effective and more sustainable.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08692-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Slow and steady tree growth wins the race for carbon capture

In the face of climate change, forests have become more...

Every great civilization began by a river. Empires rose where water flowed freely. Today, we live in a world more connected than ever, yet 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe water. 



Each year on March 22, World Water Day reminds us that the water crisis is not a distant issue - it is already here, and it is growing. 



Since 1993, this <a href="https://www.un.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations</a> observance has emphasized the critical role of freshwater, the lifeblood of our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-themes-of-world-water-day">Themes of World Water Day </h2>



Each year, UN-Water selects a theme to reflect the world’s most pressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wave-ripples-discovered-mars-surface-indicate-liquid-water-present-4-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> concern. 



In 2023, we were asked to speed up progress with "Accelerating Change." In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-a-focus-on-prosperity-and-peace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024</a>, we saw water as a bridge, not a boundary, with "Leveraging Water for Peace." 



In 2025, the world will turn its focus to "Glacier Preservation," as the silent towers of ice that hold our freshwater reserves are now vanishing at alarming speed.



Glaciers store nearly 70% of the world’s freshwater. They feed rivers, support agriculture, and cool the planet. But they are melting faster than ever. In many parts of the world, these icy reserves are shrinking to record lows. Their disappearance threatens billions of lives.



​According to reports from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-glaciers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESCO</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://public.wmo.int/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Meteorological Organization</a>, many tropical glaciers may vanish completely by the end of this century.&nbsp;This loss signifies more than just rising sea levels; it threatens the primary freshwater sources for millions, especially during dry seasons.



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



Even if you’re far from the Himalayas or Andes, melting glaciers still affect you. They influence river flow, alter ocean currents, and shape weather patterns. Their decline impacts agriculture, drinking water, wildlife, and energy resources across the globe.



Glacial retreat also destabilizes the surrounding land. Floods, droughts, and landslides become more frequent. In countries like Peru and Bhutan, entire communities face relocation as their water sources dry up.



Glaciers serve as climate indicators. When they melt too fast, they show us something is deeply wrong. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-climate-crisis-to-water-crisis">From climate crisis to water crisis</h2>



Climate change and the water crisis are deeply intertwined. Rising global temperatures accelerate glacier melt and destabilize freshwater sources, creating scarcity and fueling conflict.



The 2024 theme, "Leveraging Water for Peace," recognized that water stress can spark geopolitical tensions. Rivers that cross borders often become points of disagreement. 



But they can also become grounds for cooperation. Joint management and fair sharing of water resources can build trust and prevent conflict.



With glacier-fed rivers drying up, disputes will likely rise. World Water Day 2025 aims to make nations act before tensions escalate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-goals-on-world-water-day">Global goals on World Water Day </h2>



World Water Day supports Sustainable Development <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goal 6</a>: water and sanitation for all by 2030. Glaciers are central to that mission. Preserving them isn’t just about protecting nature - it’s about protecting human rights.



Without consistent water, schools can’t operate, hospitals can’t function, and economies collapse. Women and children often bear the burden, walking miles for a daily bucket of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-arrived-on-earth-gradually-not-in-one-big-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a>. In mountain communities, where glacier melt is the main supply, that burden grows heavier with each passing year.



Preserving glaciers helps us ensure future generations are not born into thirst. It means infrastructure today must account for shrinking ice tomorrow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-action-on-world-water-day">Take action on World Water Day </h2>



World Water Day doesn’t just ask governments to act. It invites everyone to participate. From households to corporations, everyone has a role in managing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-might-have-formed-long-before-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> wisely.



It starts with understanding the issue. Education remains a powerful tool. People need to know where their water comes from, how it is used, and how it is wasted. Campaigns, school programs, and media outreach matter more than ever.



On a policy level, governments must invest in glacier monitoring, support clean energy to slow climate change, and ensure mountain communities are protected. Cross-border cooperation will also be essential in managing shared water sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead-at-our-legacy">Looking ahead at our legacy</h2>



Glaciers stay silent, never protest - yet their silence signals danger, not peace. Their absence will be felt in rivers that dry, crops that fail, and cities that burn in thirst. 



By observing World Water Day, we give glaciers a voice. We turn their melting into a message.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-appears-to-have-a-secret-liquid-phase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Water</a> connects us all. It flows through our histories, our cultures, and our futures. If we choose not to act, future generations will look back and wonder why.



This World Water Day, let’s be remembered not for our silence, but for our action.



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World Water Day 2025: Preserving glaciers, protecting our future

Every great civilization began by a river. Empires rose where...

The Earth is exposed to restless forces that are never still or settled. Over thousands of years, it has shifted, cracked, and reformed itself in ways both violent and gradual. 



Ice has come and gone, swallowing landscapes and then revealing them again. And through it all, the sea has kept its own record - rising, falling, shaping coastlines, and erasing entire worlds.



Today, as melting ice sheets push <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-heat-of-2024-triggered-a-surge-in-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean levels</a> higher, scientists are looking back to a time when the planet last emerged from an ice age and experienced changes in sea level.



A recent study published in the journal Nature provides a rare and detailed look at how sea levels rose during the early Holocene epoch, about 11,700 years ago.



​Led by researchers from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.deltares.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deltares</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a>, and the&nbsp;Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (<a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIOZ</a>), the study reveals the staggering speed at which ice sheets once melted, and offers unsettling parallels to our modern climate crisis.​



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-was-swallowed-by-sea-level-rise">Land was swallowed by sea-level rise</h2>



There was a time when the North Sea was not a sea at all. It was a vast, habitable land, home to rivers, forests, and early human settlements. 



That land, Doggerland, now rests beneath the ocean, a drowned world preserved in layers of sediment. Scientists have long known that rising waters consumed it, but exactly how fast and how much the sea rose remained uncertain - until now.



By analyzing layers of ancient peat and borehole samples from the seabed, researchers reconstructed sea-level changes with remarkable precision. 



Their findings show that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea levels</a> did not rise steadily. Instead, there were sudden surges - two in particular - that transformed the landscape in dramatic ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-planet-in-flux">A planet in flux</h2>



The end of the last ice age triggered a global transformation. As temperatures increased, glaciers that had once towered over North America and Europe began to shrink. 



Some of this meltwater trickled into the oceans slowly, but at times, vast quantities were released all at once.



This study identified two major pulses of rapid sea-level rise, one around 10,300 years ago and another at 8,300 years ago. 



During these peak periods, waters rose at rates exceeding one meter per century, which is comparable to the worst-case projections for the future.



One of the reasons for the rapid rise was a catastrophic drainage event from Lake Agassiz–Ojibway, an immense glacial lake in North America. 



When its ice dams collapsed, an enormous surge of freshwater spilled into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-hidden-ice-dynamics-will-redefine-sea-level-projections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>, contributing to one of the most rapid rises in recorded history.



These events reshaped coastlines, submerged settlements, and forced human populations to adapt or move.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-ancient-sea-level-rise">Mapping ancient sea-level rise </h2>



Reconstructing ancient sea levels is no small feat. The research team compiled 88 sea-level data points from the North Sea and removed the effects of glacial isostatic adjustment - the slow rebounding of land after the weight of ice sheets disappears. 



The result, a much clearer picture was obtained of how much water was added to the oceans and how quickly this happened.



Earlier estimates of sea-level rise between 11,000 and 3,000 years ago have ranged from 32 to 55 meters (105 and 180 feet). 



The current study refined these previous estimates, narrowing down the total rise to approximately 38 meters (125 feet). This updated figure provides crucial insight into how Earth's climate system responds to rapid warming.



Another key finding involved the role of thermosteric effects - the expansion of seawater as it warms. While not the dominant factor, this process still contributed to the overall rise, adding yet another layer to the complex relationship between temperature and sea level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-if-sea-levels-rise-125-feet">What happens if sea levels rise 125 feet?</h2>



If sea levels rose by 38 meters (125 feet), the world would look completely different. Entire coastal cities like New York, Miami, London, and Shanghai would vanish beneath the waves. 



Major ports and power plants would be lost, along with roads, subways, and historical landmarks. 



People living in low-lying regions - places like Florida, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and parts of Southeast Asia - would have no choice but to move inland or across borders. 



We're not talking about thousands or even millions of climate refugees here - we're talking about hundreds of millions, maybe over a billion. 



That kind of mass migration would put enormous pressure on food supplies, housing, governments, and economies, reshaping politics and societies around the world.



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



In just a few thousand years, Doggerland went from a thriving environment to an underwater relic. The forests disappeared. The rivers merged with the sea. Entire communities were destroyed or displaced.



The lesson from this is that the Earth doesn’t wait. It doesn’t pause for human civilization to catch up. When the conditions are right, changes happen fast.



The peak rates of early Holocene sea-level rise reached nearly 9 mm (0.35 inches) per year - a number that is concerning to anyone following modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-coastal-cities-around-the-world-could-disappear-under-rising-seas-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate projections</a>. 



The ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica are already melting rapidly. The oceans are rising. And the conditions that led to rapid change in the past are aligning once again.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-warning-from-the-past">A warning from the past</h2>



Marc Hijma, a geologist at Deltares and the lead author of the study, spoke to the broader significance of these findings. 



"With this groundbreaking research, we have taken an important step towards a better understanding of sea level rise after the last ice age," said Hijma.



"By drawing on detailed data for the North Sea region, we can now better unravel the complex interaction between ice sheets, climate, and sea level. This provides insights for both scientists and policymakers, so that we can prepare better for the impacts of current climate change, for example by focusing on climate adaptation."



The implications are massive. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a>) warns that, if current trends persist, sea levels could rise by several meters by 2300. 



Some projections suggest an increase of more than a meter per century - on par with what the ancient world experienced after the last ice age.



The big difference now is that today’s coastlines are home to cities, industries, and billions of people. The stakes are infinitely higher.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-the-water-s-edge">Learning from the water’s edge</h2>



Modern satellites can track sea-level rise with incredible accuracy. Yet, even with all our technology, there is no substitute for the deep records stored in the Earth itself.



The seabed holds a memory that no human archive can match - a history of climate, ice, and water that stretches back through time.



The data from Doggerland is more than just numbers and graphs. It’s a message from a world that no longer exists. 



It tells us what happens when ice melts too fast, when seas rise unchecked, and when the planet reshapes itself with little regard for what stands in the way.



This research is not just about the past - it’s a glimpse into our future. What happened once can happen again. The only difference is whether we choose to listen.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08769-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Alarming new data on sea level rise does not bode well for humanity

The Earth is exposed to restless forces that are never...

New research highlights how certain storms can briefly transform parts of the Sahara into watery landscapes. Scientists have long been curious about occasional lakes in this desert, which is usually considered too dry to sustain these features for long.



The study involved meticulous analysis of rare flooding patterns in northwestern Algeria.



The research was led by Dr. Moshe Armon from the Institute of Earth Sciences at <a href="https://www.studyinjerusalem.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=US+ALO+Google+Search&amp;utm_content=Brand&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwnPS-BhBxEiwAZjMF0oGGYSkwUHMUnpDuPfeYKd8UHEwdldQR_xZB8s7sLLV6EnQ-UqrOsRoCz1gQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University</a> and Dr. Franziska Aemisegger from <a href="https://www.unibe.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bern</a>, in collaboration with colleagues at University of Haifa and ETH Zurich.



The team investigated how strong rainfall events can temporarily fill a usually empty lake called <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/36093/sebkhat-el-melah-tunisia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sebkha el Melah</a>, challenging older ideas about how moisture used to reach the desert in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saudi-arabia-is-turning-degraded-desert-sand-into-blooming-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">past</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-causes-rare-desert-lakes">What causes rare desert lakes?</h2>



Rain rarely falls in this region. The researchers wanted to see why short-lived lakes still appear now and then. They collected satellite data on heavy-precipitation events (<a href="https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-heavy-precipitation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HPEs</a>) and mapped out when those storms coincided with significant increases in lake volume. 



“Results show that hundreds of HPEs occurred between 2000 and 2021, but only six LFEs (Lake-Filling Events) eventuated,” noted the study authors. 



These episodes involved exceptionally intense storms that bypassed the usual rain shadow of the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Atlas-Mountains" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlas Mountains</a> and carried oceanic moisture deep into the desert.



The scientists observed that <a href="https://www.undrr.org/understanding-disaster-risk/terminology/hips/mh0031" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extratropical cyclones</a> along the Atlantic coast are an important driver. These weather patterns can pull in huge amounts of water vapor and direct it around the high terrain.



The moisture sometimes bounces through the Sahara, where it evaporates from falling raindrops that never reach the ground. The damp air then travels on, leading to a domino effect that amplifies water availability over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-storms-fill-the-desert-lake">Intense storms fill the desert lake</h2>



Most rain systems lose intensity over the Atlas Mountains. When these storms are powerful enough and last for several days, the wind can navigate around higher ground before dropping rainfall into the normally parched basin. 



Slower-moving cyclones can create heavier precipitation by allowing more moisture to flow into the desert.



Climate experts say such storms are more common during autumn and winter, though they occasionally happen in other seasons. The repeated appearance of these systems is crucial. A single day of light showers is not enough to fill a desert lake. 



Multiple days of downpours, mixed with local convection and large-scale air lifting, seem necessary to generate the runoff that finally pools into Sebkha el Melah.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-warming-scenarios">Future warming scenarios </h2>



The researchers also considered how rising temperatures might affect storm behavior. Some models predict an increase in moisture transport toward the Sahara under certain warming scenarios.



Any uptick in storm frequency or intensity could temporarily boost the region’s water resources. This does not promise permanent greenery, but it raises questions about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oases-grow-by-human-effort-but-face-threats-from-desertification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desert habitats</a> and human activities might adapt if such precipitation patterns become more frequent.



Another surprise is that the rare flooding of Sebkha el Melah in September 2024 aligns with the same large-scale <a href="https://ugc.berkeley.edu/background-content/atmospheric-circulation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric patterns</a>. 



Landsat imagery from <a href="https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Worldview</a> confirmed that heavy rainfall again pushed Atlantic moisture far into the desert, mirroring what had been seen in previous lake-filling events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-long-term-climate-shifts">Implications for long-term climate shifts</h2>



The researchers note that rainfall alone does not explain historical wet periods. They think massive storms, along with more frequent short-term flood events, may have shaped past moisture levels in the Sahara.



These findings add depth to the debate over how certain parts of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-desert-moss-might-help-humans-live-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desert</a> were once dotted with wetland habitats. The research also emphasizes the importance of understanding not just annual rainfall, but the specific kinds of storms likely to deliver enough water all at once.



The team calculated how each flood event translated into changes in the lake’s volume. Despite hundreds of storms over two decades, only the most powerful ones made a real difference.



This suggests that future projections about water availability should focus on both storm intensity and the pathways moisture takes, rather than looking solely at average rainfall statistics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grasping-changes-in-harsh-environments">Grasping changes in harsh environments</h2>



The team applied meteorological reanalysis, satellite data, and field expertise to confirm that mixing science disciplines is necessary to grasp changes in harsh environments. 



There is a sense of urgency when thinking about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-desert-plants-are-not-immune-to-crop-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desert</a> communities and the fragile ecosystems relying on sporadic water sources. Shifts in storm patterns could mean more frequent floods in certain pockets of the Sahara, offering hints of how water cycles might respond to a warming planet.



There is still an open question of whether these insights apply to other deserts with similar climates. The authors see value in investigating the synergy between large-scale atmospheric flows and local geographical features in regions where storms appear elusive. 



The researchers also suggest that future climate models need higher resolution to capture these fleeting, powerful rainfall events to improve forecasts for <a href="https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/1-4020-4497-6_59" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desert hydrology</a>.



The study is published in <a href="https://hess.copernicus.org/articles/29/1395/2025/#section14" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hydrology and Earth System Sciences</a>.



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Rare storms create temporary lakes in the Sahara desert

New research highlights how certain storms can briefly transform parts...

Scientists who study our planet’s energy imbalance have noticed Earth now holds onto more energy than it sends away. This extra heat is raising global temperatures, warming the planet, and sparking questions about how changes in clouds and oceans might hasten climate shifts.



<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/adb448" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> have discovered surprising cloud patterns that no longer bounce as much light back into space. This effect makes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a> from greenhouse gases worse and could speed up changes in weather, sea levels, and marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clouds-reflect-less-sunlight">Clouds reflect less sunlight </h2>



“Think of Earth as a mirror reflecting sunlight back to space,” said Professor Richard Allan from the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a>, who is the lead author of the study.



This is now referred to as a "dirty mirror" because certain clouds, especially over the ocean, have become less reflective than in past decades.



When cloud layers fade or become thin, more solar energy travels through into the water below. Warmer oceans then release <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a> into the air, which boosts temperatures in a cycle that can reshape wind and precipitation patterns.



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



Any decrease in cloud brightness increases the total heat that Earth keeps enclosed within the atmosphere. This, in turn, intensifies storms, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-chaos-the-mass-extinction-that-reshaped-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat waves</a>, and heavy rainfall. Scientists have traced these changes to areas off California and Namibia, where <a href="https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/clouds/low-level-clouds/stratocumulus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stratocumulus clouds</a> once helped bounce more light back into space.



Ongoing reductions in sea ice near Antarctica also matter. Darker seas absorb extra warmth, reinforcing the heating that <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> already cause.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-oceans-trap-heat-shift-clouds">Warm oceans trap heat, shift clouds</h2>



The top few hundred feet of the ocean, sometimes called the <a href="https://timescavengers.org/climate-change/ocean-layers-mixing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean mixed layer</a>, quickly absorb incoming heat. Warm water can then sink or shift horizontally, making temperature changes at the surface look unpredictable.



A shallower mixed layer warms up more rapidly when clouds let in extra solar radiation. This explains why we sometimes see abrupt spikes in ocean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-meltdown-is-accelerating-global-warming-already-changing-earth-in-unimaginable-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a>, followed by shifts in global weather patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-shifts">Air pollution shifts</h2>



Reduced <a href="https://earth.gsfc.nasa.gov/climate/data/deep-blue/aerosols" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a> in certain parts of Asia have also let more sunlight pass through, adding to the warming effect. Cleaner air is healthier for people but also contains fewer of the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reflective particles</a> that once helped cool some regions.



Scientists noticed that eastern China now sends less light away than expected, which may reflect better pollution controls. This change can interact with greenhouse gases to disturb cloud patterns and ocean currents over the north Pacific.



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



We rely on satellites, ocean floats, and climate models to see how much sunlight our planet reflects or stores. These systems reveal a steady increase in Earth’s net heat gain, prompting governments to plan for possible extremes.



Less reflective clouds - combined with increasing greenhouse gas buildup - could lead to bigger challenges for agriculture, fisheries, and coastal safety. Understanding the dirty mirror effect can guide policies that balance cleaner air with stable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-the-world-is-on-track-for-a-catastrophic-level-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather patterns</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-complex-chain-of-events">A complex chain of events</h2>



When sea surfaces get warmer, entire ecosystems shift, as species must adapt or move. Extra heat in the ocean can supercharge storms or disrupt currents that carry nutrients around the globe.



Cycles like <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ninonina.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> push heated water around the Pacific, which can heighten the overall warming signal. This motion highlights why temperature jumps might feel sudden but are actually part of a complex chain of events.



Experts note that the dirty mirror effect may keep evolving as aerosol policies shift worldwide. Future data will show whether lower pollution levels, combined with thinning clouds, will accelerate warming faster than current forecasts suggest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-clouds-and-global-warming">Tracking clouds and global warming</h2>



Long-term solutions require better insights into how clouds respond to rising ocean heat. Every region contributes to the bigger story, whether through pollution regulations, carbon cuts, or monitoring local seas.



Although this cycle looks complicated, careful tracking of clouds, aerosols, and ocean temperatures offers hope for action. Some of the same steps that protect human health may also shape how much sunlight gets reflected back into space.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/adb448" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Clouds are trapping more heat and making global warming worse

Scientists who study our planet’s energy imbalance have noticed Earth...

High in the Andes Mountains, glaciers have fed life for centuries. Their frozen stores of water support millions of people across six countries - Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. These towering ice reserves aren’t just symbols of beauty and endurance. They’re critical lifelines.



But those lifelines are now unraveling. Global warming is melting these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-threaten-global-water-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> at an alarming pace. Scientists report that Andean glaciers are thinning by 0.7 meters each year - 35 percent faster than the global average.



Glacier retreat threatens to dry up rivers, weaken farming systems, limit drinking water, and destabilize power supplies.



At the heart of this crisis is the basic human need for water. In South America, more than 90 million people rely on glacier-fed sources for daily survival. This is not a distant problem for the next generation. 



This is unfolding now. And it is doing so more rapidly than many expected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-loss-threatens-water-supply">Glacier loss threatens water supply</h2>



On March 21 2025, scientists from the <a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sheffield</a> and <a href="https://www.newcastle.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newcastle</a> will issue a direct warning to global policymakers.



The occasion is the first-ever World Day for Glaciers, hosted by UNESCO in Paris. Their policy brief, titled The Future of the Andean Water Towers, outlines how the glaciers are vanishing and what that means for water and food security across the region.



The document draws on years of research and satellite observations. It presents the reality that some feared but hoped would not come so soon. The ice loss in the Tropical Andes could reach near-total collapse, while other parts of the mountain range may lose over half their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glacier-melting-threatens-global-water-supplies-and-coastal-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> coverage if current trends continue.



“Our brief shows that what scientists have been predicting for years is now coming true, and swift action needs to be taken if we stand any hope of saving and preserving the glaciers that so many people rely on as a source of water,” noted Dr. Jeremy Ely, a researcher at the University of Sheffield.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-perfect-storm-of-climatic-pressures">A perfect storm of climatic pressures</h2>



The causes are complex but deeply connected to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-glaciers-unleashed-floods-that-reshaped-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. Rising air temperatures, more frequent droughts, decreased snowfall, and erratic weather patterns have combined to weaken the glaciers’ ability to regenerate. 



Since the year 2000, the pace of ice loss has reached levels never seen before. This acceleration aligns with rising greenhouse gas emissions around the globe.



The Andes are especially vulnerable. Many of the glaciers exist at lower elevations compared to other mountain ranges. That makes them more sensitive to even modest temperature increases. 



As warming continues, the glaciers no longer act as natural regulators of water flow. They melt too quickly in hot seasons and can’t replenish during colder months.



The results are clear: unstable water supplies, dry farming lands, energy shortages, and rising tensions over resources. These changes threaten to alter life for both rural communities and sprawling cities that rely on glacial meltwater downstream.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-loss-of-glaciers-and-water">Rapid loss of glaciers and water</h2>



The Paris Agreement of 2015 brought a measure of hope. Countries agreed to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. 



Scientists warned that exceeding this target would cause serious harm, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-ice-age-cycles-are-predictable-but-humans-may-change-that/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a>, lower crop yields, economic damage, and water scarcity.



However, that 1.5°C ceiling was already surpassed for several months in 2024. Projections now suggest that we are moving toward a world that will warm by more than 2°C. In that future, large swaths of the Andes could become completely ice-free before the century ends.



This raises troubling questions. How will countries adapt to rapid glacier loss? What happens to communities that have relied on consistent freshwater from melting snow and ice for generations? And how can international agreements hold weight when their benchmarks are already being missed?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-water-loss">Consequences of water loss</h2>



As glacier-fed rivers weaken, governments will need to act fast. One likely response is to build large-scale water storage systems, such as dams. 



These structures can store water during rainy seasons and release it during dry periods. But such infrastructure requires huge investments. Many of the countries most affected may not have the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/algae-that-thrives-on-ice-plays-an-unexpected-role-in-glacier-melting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resources</a> to afford them.



Without alternatives, rural areas may face food shortages. Crops that rely on irrigation could fail. Livestock may suffer. Urban areas might experience water rationing, which can spark unrest. The loss of water also limits hydropower production, which fuels industries and homes throughout the continent.



“Such a loss of ice across the Andes needs urgent attention as it will increase the stress on freshwater resources relied upon by communities and major cities downstream of the glaciers,” said Dr. Ely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closing-window-for-global-cooperation">A closing window for global cooperation</h2>



Global coordination is not just helpful - it’s essential. As glaciers shrink, so does the margin for error. Scientists agree that curbing carbon emissions is the only reliable way to slow the damage. No amount of policy writing will reverse the melting unless it’s backed by action.



The longer the world waits, the harder it will be to reverse or even manage the crisis. Temperature increases of up to 4.5°C by 2100 are not just theoretical - they’re becoming real possibilities. If that happens, water and food security will deteriorate for millions.



“All the targets that have been set have already been missed and failed,” Dr Ely said. "Yet the only way to preserve glaciers is to drastically reduce carbon emissions once and for all. 



"The situation is serious, and it will take global cooperation to tackle climate change and make meaningful difference for the communities around the world most vulnerable from the effects of climate change.”



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



The Andean glacier crisis is a climate emergency in motion. It touches agriculture, energy, urban life, and rural survival. It is not a regional issue - it is a global one. 



The science is clear, the warnings have been given, and the time for delay has passed.



Whether the glaciers remain or vanish now depends on how quickly and how boldly the world responds.



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Millions could run out of water if glaciers continue to melt

High in the Andes Mountains, glaciers have fed life for...

Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, such as wind and solar, comes with a challenge: how to store energy for use when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.



One possible solution is compressed-air energy storage (CAES), a system that compresses air and stores it underground when energy demand is low, then releases the air to generate electricity when demand is high. 



While CAES has promise, high startup costs have slowed its adoption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-role-for-abandoned-wells">A new role for abandoned wells</h2>



Researchers at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> have explored a way to make CAES more efficient by tapping into natural geothermal heat in abandoned oil and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-orphaned-oil-and-gas-wells-litter-the-world-and-must-be-cleaned-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas wells</a>. 



The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates there are around 3.9 million such wells across the country. 



According to the study, repurposing these wells for CAES could improve energy efficiency by 9.5% over current methods, making the technology more viable for widespread use.



“This improvement in efficiency can be a game changer to justify the economics of compressed-air energy storage projects,” said Arash Dahi Taleghani, a professor of petroleum and natural gas engineering at Penn State.



“And on top of that, we could significantly avoid the upfront cost by using existing oil and gas wells that are no longer in production. This could be a win, win situation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geothermal-heat-boosts-energy-storage">Geothermal heat boosts energy storage</h2>



Depleted oil and gas wells provide access to hot rock formations deep underground. Gases, like compressed air, increase in pressure as temperatures rise, meaning these wells could store more energy.



When electricity is needed, the heated, compressed air is released to drive a turbine, generating power more efficiently than traditional CAES systems.



“Without taking advantage of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geothermal-energy-is-cheap-and-clean-and-having-its-moment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geothermal</a> setup, you could not get enough encouraging numbers,” Taleghani explained. 



The researchers used numerical modeling simulations to study the effect of placing CAES systems inside abandoned wells. They found that the geothermal heat significantly increased air temperature within the system.



“And on top of that, drilling new wells may not justify the economics of this type of storage. But by combining these two factors, and by going back and forth through modeling and simulation, we found this could be a very good solution.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-crucial-step-toward-clean-energy">A crucial step toward clean energy</h2>



Energy storage is a key component of the clean energy transition. Renewables are inherently intermittent - there’s no sun at night, and wind speeds fluctuate - so storing excess energy and releasing it when needed is essential for grid stability.



“The problem is that sometimes when we need energy, there is no sunshine or there is no wind,” Taleghani said. 



“That’s a big barrier against further expansion of most of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-must-be-doubled-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a> that is available to us. That’s why it’s very important to have some storage capacity to support the grid.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-economic-benefits">Environmental and economic benefits</h2>



Beyond improving energy efficiency, repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells could help address environmental concerns. 



Many orphaned wells, if not properly sealed, can leak <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-previously-unknown-sources-of-methane-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> into the atmosphere and groundwater. Pennsylvania alone has hundreds of thousands of these wells, posing potential risks.



“If we use existing wells, we are basically hitting two birds with one stone,” Taleghani said. 



“First, we are sealing these wells. That stops any potential leaks. And then if we are repurposing these wells for energy storage, we are still using the infrastructure that is in place in these communities. It can potentially maintain employment in the area and allow communities to be part of the energy future.”



This approach could create new job opportunities in regions that were historically reliant on the fossil fuel industry.



By converting old infrastructure into an asset for renewable energy, communities can participate in the clean energy transition while preserving local employment levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-energy-storage">The future of energy storage</h2>



With improved efficiency and the potential to repurpose existing wells, CAES could become a more attractive option for large-scale energy storage. 



While further research and investment are needed, this study highlights a promising way to bridge the gap between renewable energy supply and demand, without the heavy costs of drilling new wells.



As the world moves toward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shape-shifting-membrane-could-be-the-key-to-cleaner-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cleaner energy</a>, innovative solutions like this could help reshape how we store and use power, making renewable energy more practical and reliable for the future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2352152X25000301" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Energy Storage</a>.



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Abandoned oil wells could revolutionize energy storage

Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, such as wind...

Many people focus on pollution when they worry about unhealthy air. The dryness of the air is rarely considered, even though emerging findings suggest it can inflame the lining of our airways.



Scientists say rising global temperatures allow air to grab more moisture, which can strain our <a href="https://training.seer.cancer.gov/lung/anatomy/respiratory.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">respiratory tracts</a>. Experts also suggest that as humidity hovers at the same levels in many regions, this dryness risk could escalate in the coming decades.



Air dryness is as critical to air quality as air dirtiness, explained David Edwards, adjunct professor of medicine at the <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine</a>. His team has found that dry conditions can shrink the protective <a href="https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2020/08/marvels-mucus-phlegm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mucus lining</a> inside the nose, throat, and lungs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-air-dryness-affects-the-airways">How air dryness affects the airways</h2>



Researchers have <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physrev.00039.2014" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shown</a> that low humidity can draw water from the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25868842/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bronchial epithelium</a>, the tissue lining our breathing passages. This phenomenon weakens mucus layers and can increase <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-air-pollution-forms-may-help-us-prevent-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">irritation</a> in people who suffer from asthma, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538186/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">allergic rhinitis</a>, or chronic cough.



Dehydrated tissues often release <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24585-cytokines" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cytokines</a>, which are proteins that can trigger inflammatory responses in the body. Studies indicate that these signals may spread more rapidly if the airway surface is already thinned out.



Some experts believe extended exposure to very dry conditions can lead to tissue changes deep in the respiratory tract. This shift might pave the way for recurring throat irritation or stubborn coughs in otherwise healthy individuals.



Researchers also see dryness as a concern for older adults who are prone to less efficient airway hydration. <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9013-dehydration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chronic dehydration</a> of these surfaces may intensify existing problems such as hoarseness or reactive airway symptoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-increases-air-dryness">Climate change increases air dryness</h2>



Warmer conditions raise the vapor pressure deficit of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-weakens-brain-function-and-focus-in-daily-tasks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air</a>, which is the measure of how eagerly the atmosphere wants to soak up water. This process can leave mucus layers more vulnerable to drying out, especially in places that already have lower humidity levels.



Scientists have projected that large parts of the United States may see more days with elevated dryness by the late 21st century. The combination of warmer temperatures and stable relative humidity increases the thirst of the air for moisture.



People living in regions with frequent heat waves might experience extra dryness during extended hot spells. This pattern could lead to seasonal spikes in airway inflammation and persistent discomfort.



Although global concerns often revolve around wildfire smoke or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-people-die-from-air-pollution-each-year-yet-theres-still-a-lack-of-monitoring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>, dryness has flown under the radar for many. Researchers want to widen the conversation about clean air to include adequate hydration of our breathing passages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mouth-breathing-and-indoor-air">Mouth breathing and indoor air</h2>



Experts caution that mouth breathing deprives the air of the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3338294/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nasal humidification</a> step. Even relaxed mouth breathing can intensify dryness inside the throat and lungs, heightening the chances of discomfort.



Indoor conditions are another piece of this puzzle. Temperature-controlled environments can lower humidity indoors, so everyday exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-deaths-in-india-linked-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air</a> conditioning or heating systems may gradually sap moisture from airway surfaces.



One portion of this work was supported by the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institutes of Health</a>, reflecting the growing attention on dryness-related inflammation. While pollution monitoring remains a public health priority, dryness is gaining recognition as an environmental factor worth addressing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-ways-to-maintain-moisture">Practical ways to maintain moisture</h2>



Some professionals recommend placing a small humidifier in closed living or work areas to keep air from becoming too dry. This step can help keep the mucus lining properly hydrated and may lessen throat irritation.



Others encourage people to stay mindful of mouth breathing, especially during exercise or when feeling congested. Closing the mouth more often might help the nose humidify incoming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-is-fueling-more-intense-and-dangerous-thunderstorms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air</a> and shield sensitive tissues in the windpipe.



“This manuscript is a game changer for medicine," said study co-author <a href="https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/justin-s-hanes/2777120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Justin Hanes</a>, the Lewis J. Ort Professor of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine.



“Understanding how our airways dehydrate on exposure to dry air can help us avoid or reverse the inflammatory impact of dehydration by effective behavioral changes,” said Edwards.



Staying hydrated by drinking water is another common suggestion, though it may not fully counteract constant exposure to dry environments. Still, small changes in routines could make a difference in day-to-day comfort.



Some individuals have also reported relief by adjusting airflow direction from vents or heaters at home. This method reduces the direct blast of dry air, potentially minimizing irritation during extended indoor stays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-risks-and-solutions-for-air-dryness">Future risks and solutions for air dryness</h2>



Researchers are exploring whether dryness may affect other membranes, such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/eye-tissue">ocular tissue</a>. Preliminary <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4181208/">data</a> indicate that the same dehydration that troubles airways might irritate our eyes and lead to chronic dryness in more than one spot.



They also note that people living in semi-arid or desert regions should keep watch on local climate trends. Shifts in temperature and humidity patterns could amplify dryness over time, making airway problems more common in those areas.



While dryness lacks the high profile of pollution, it is a force that could grow stronger if climate models are correct. Researchers hope that more attention on this issue can spur communities to consider the moisture content of the air they breathe.



Specialists believe that further studies might open the door to preventive measures that address hydration of mucosal surfaces. That might lead to new therapies aimed at keeping the protective layers of the airways better hydrated in extreme conditions.



Long-range strategies could include better building design, improvements in public alerts during harsh weather, and medical therapies to fortify airway linings. Every bit of knowledge gained now might shape healthier breathing for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02161-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Air dryness might be as harmful to your lungs as air pollution

Many people focus on pollution when they worry about unhealthy...

Antarctica has always been a place of mystery, with its icy surface concealing an entire world beneath. Scientists have long sought to understand what lies below the vast ice sheet and, now, a new map offers the most detailed view yet.



Known as Bedmap3, this remarkable project has been led by the British Antarctic Survey (<a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BAS</a>) and brings together more than six decades of data. 



By combining information gathered from satellites, aircraft, ships, and even dog-drawn sleds, scientists have created a stunningly precise model of the bedrock beneath the Antarctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-hidden-ice-dynamics-will-redefine-sea-level-projections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a>.



This map offers insights into the highest mountains, the deepest canyons, and the overall structure of the land hidden beneath 27 million cubic kilometers (6.5 million cubic miles) of ice.



The findings, published in the journal Scientific Data, will help researchers understand how Antarctica’s ice might shift in response to climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quest-to-map-the-hidden-world">Quest to map the hidden world</h2>



Efforts to map <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-waters-are-dramatically-changing-microbial-life-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>’s ice-covered terrain have been ongoing for decades. The first version of Bedmap was released in 2001, followed by an improved second version. 



Now, Bedmap3 takes precision to a new level, incorporating twice as many data points as its predecessor - 82 million in total. 



This enormous dataset allows scientists to visualize the layout of the ice-covered continent as if its ice were completely stripped away.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/antarctica_under-the-ice_topography_BedMap3_credit-Scientific-Data_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/antarctica_under-the-ice_topography_BedMap3_credit-Scientific-Data_1s.webp" alt="Removing the 27 million cubic km of ice that covers Antarctica, the hidden locations of the tallest mountains are revealed. Credit: Scientific Data (2025)" class="wp-image-1962797"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Removing the 27 million cubic km of ice that covers Antarctica, the hidden locations of the tallest mountains are revealed. Credit: Scientific Data (2025)</figcaption></figure>



One of the most remarkable revelations in the new map is the location of the thickest ice. Earlier studies placed it in the Astrolabe Basin in Adélie Land. 



However, the latest findings pinpoint the thickest ice in an unnamed canyon in Wilkes Land, located at 76.052°S, 118.378°E. 



This ice reaches a staggering thickness of 4,757 meters (about 16,000 feet), which is more than 15 times the height of the Shard, the tallest skyscraper in the U.K.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-antarctica-s-ice-movement">Predicting Antarctica’s ice movement </h2>



Understanding the shape of Antarctica’s bedrock is key to predicting how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-zones-found-in-antarctica-were-recently-mapped-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a> will move as global temperatures rise. 



"This is the fundamental information that underpins the computer models we use to investigate how the ice will flow across the continent as temperatures rise. Imagine pouring syrup over a rock cake - all the lumps, all the bumps, will determine where the syrup goes and how fast," explained Dr. Hamish Pritchard, a glaciologist at BAS.



"And so it is with Antarctica: some ridges will hold up the flowing ice; the hollows and smooth bits are where that ice could accelerate."



The ice sheet’s movement depends on the features beneath it. Some areas of high ground can slow down the ice, while lower, smoother areas may allow it to slide more quickly. 



If temperatures continue to rise, this map will help scientists determine which parts of the ice sheet are most vulnerable to melting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-filling-the-gaps-in-antarctica-s-geography">Filling the gaps in Antarctica’s geography</h2>



For years, Antarctica has kept its secrets, with its hidden world buried beneath thick ice. Scientists had only fragments of the full picture. 



But now, new surveys have filled in crucial blanks, and uncovered details about East Antarctica, the South Pole, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the shifting coastlines of West <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-has-a-bizarre-dark-red-waterfall-nicknamed-the-blood-falls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>.



The towering Transantarctic Mountains, once only partially mapped, now appear in sharper detail than ever. 



Thanks to high-precision satellite measurements, deep valleys and rugged peaks that were once obscured by ice are finally visible.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/antarctica_under-the-ice_tallest-mountains_credit-Scientific-Data_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/antarctica_under-the-ice_tallest-mountains_credit-Scientific-Data_1s2.webp" alt="Bedmap3 reveals new insights into the topography of Antarctica. Credit: Scientific Data (2025)" class="wp-image-1962798"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bedmap3 reveals new insights into the topography of Antarctica. Credit: Scientific Data (2025)</figcaption></figure>



The height and shape of the ice sheet have been redefined, while the floating ice shelves extending into the ocean have been measured with greater accuracy.



Even more critical is the mapping of grounding lines - the invisible boundaries where Antarctica’s ice leaves solid ground and begins to float. 



These lines dictate how the ice interacts with ocean currents and may hold the key to understanding Antarctica’s future, as warm waters seep inwards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-antarctica-s-ice-and-its-impact">Measuring Antarctica’s ice and its impact</h2>



Scientists use a combination of radar, seismic reflection, and gravity measurements to survey the landscape beneath Antarctica’s ice. 



By subtracting this rock bed topography from the height of the ice, researchers can calculate several striking statistics about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-ice-in-antarctica-could-wake-sleeping-volcanoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frozen continent</a>.



Antarctica’s total ice volume is now estimated at 27.17 million cubic kilometers (6.52 million cubic miles). The ice sheet covers an area of 13.63 million square kilometers (5.26 million square miles), with an average thickness of 1,948 meters (6,391 feet). 



If floating ice shelves are excluded, the average ice thickness increases to 2,148 meters (7,047 feet). These figures highlight the sheer scale of Antarctica’s ice and its potential impact on global sea levels.



If all of Antarctica’s ice were to melt, it could raise global sea levels by approximately 58 meters. 



While such an event would take thousands of years, scientists are particularly concerned about how much ice could melt in the coming centuries due to rising temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-is-teetering-on-the-edge">Antarctica is teetering on the edge</h2>



The Bedmap3 project has revealed a more fragile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-will-antarctica-contribute-to-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic</a> Ice Sheet than previously thought.



"In general, it's become clear the Antarctic Ice Sheet is thicker than we originally realized and has a larger volume of ice that is grounded on a rock bed sitting below sea level," noted Peter Fretwell, a mapping specialist and co-author at BAS.



"This puts the ice at greater risk of melting due to the incursion of warm ocean water that's occurring at the fringes of the continent. What Bedmap3 is showing us is that we have got a slightly more vulnerable Antarctica than we previously thought."



The discovery that more ice is grounded below sea level is particularly alarming. Ice sitting on land above sea level is relatively stable, but ice resting on a submerged bed is more prone to melting as warm ocean water moves underneath. 



This means that changes at the edges of the continent could trigger further ice loss deeper inland.



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



With Bedmap3 providing an unprecedented level of detail, scientists now have a critical tool for studying the future of Antarctica’s ice. 



The map will allow researchers to refine climate models, predict potential sea-level rise, and monitor the impact of warming ocean waters.



As new technology improves and more data becomes available, future versions of Bedmap may further refine our understanding of Antarctica’s hidden landscape. 



For now, Bedmap3 stands as a significant achievement in Antarctic research, offering a clearer picture of a world that has remained hidden beneath ice for millions of years.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-025-04672-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Data</a>.



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What lies beneath 16,000 feet of Antarctic ice? A world never before seen by humans

Antarctica has always been a place of mystery, with its...

Most people around the world are breathing air that doesn't meet basic health standards. This situation stems from various factors, including industrial emissions, power generation, and traffic-related pollutants. <a href="https://sunwayuniversity.edu.my/research/planetaryhealth/meet-team" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fatimah Ahamad</a>, chief scientist and air pollution expert at Malaysia-based Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, has described serious health risks linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-weakens-brain-function-and-focus-in-daily-tasks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor air conditions</a>.



One <a href="https://www.iqair.com/us/world-air-quality-report?srsltid=AfmBOooSoChiuev00y-EtkypXSduKant1aU7EdTAvXV_iuQRQDSKiPVu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> from a Switzerland-based monitoring network shows that only 17% of cities meet guidelines on safe levels of air pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-regions-struggle-with-air-pollution">Some regions struggle with air pollution</h2>



Many areas, particularly in developing regions, lack widespread monitoring stations. Some parts of Africa have only one station per 3.7 million residents, which leads to a huge gaps in data.



Experts say actual pollution in such places could be even higher than current measurements show. Additional monitors are being installed, but some regions continue to face problems associated with limited resources and expertise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-causes-millions-of-deaths">Air pollution causes millions of deaths</h2>



The <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> warns that close to 7 million people die each year from exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-alters-the-atmosphere-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unhealthy air</a>. 



"Breathing in polluted air over a long period of time can cause respiratory illness, <a href="https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/air-pollution-linked-dementia-cases">Alzheimer's disease</a> and cancer," said Ahamad.



She believes urgent steps are needed to combat this threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-quality-and-everyday-life">Air quality and everyday life</h2>



"If you have bad water, no water, you can tell people to wait for half an hour a day, the water will come. But if you have bad air, you cannot tell people to pause breathing," said Ahamad, stressing the importance of immediate action.&nbsp;



Polluted urban centers such as Byrnihat in northeastern India show how harmful industrial emissions can be. Other places, including parts of Congo and Pakistan, continue to struggle with visible smog and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-deaths-in-india-linked-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health concerns</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examples-of-progress">Examples of progress</h2>



Some large cities have started introducing tighter regulations on vehicle emissions. Others have upgraded public transportation and embraced cleaner forms of energy.



Beijing, Seoul, and Rybnik in Poland have seen improvements from implementing policies that limit particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide emissions. They have also invested in infrastructure that favors pedestrians and reduces congestion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southeast-asia-unites-to-fight-air-pollution">Southeast Asia unites to fight air pollution</h2>



Ten Southeast Asian nations have joined forces in an <a href="https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-asean" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Association of Southeast Asian Nations pact</a> that is aimed at preventing transboundary haze. This haze often comes from big forest fires that rage during dry seasons.



Though results have been mixed, these collaborative steps offer some hope. Many observers say more robust coordination is still needed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollution-and-climate-change">Pollution and climate change</h2>



"Air pollution and climate crisis are two sides of the same coin," said <a href="https://climateandhealthalliance.org/who-we-are/our-team/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shweta Narayan</a>, a campaign lead at the Global Climate and Health Alliance who believes air pollution links closely to global warming.&nbsp;



High emissions often come from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. Cutting those emissions can not only reduce global temperatures but also help people breathe more easily.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-2025-database-update">WHO 2025 database update</h2>



An updated resource known as the <a href="https://www.who.int/tools/air-quality-standards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025 Air Quality Standards database</a> is now available to the public. It collects information on policies for major pollutants, such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, from about 140 countries.



"The updated WHO Air Quality Standards database is a crucial tool highlighting global progress in setting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> regulations to protect public health. It provides essential data for evidence-based policymaking, and helps to reduce air pollution impacts on communities worldwide," said <a href="https://unfccc.int/climate-action/momentum-for-change/advisory-panel-members/maria-neira">Dr. Maria Neira</a>, Director, Environment, Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-increases-risk-of-major-diseases">Air pollution increases risk of major diseases</h2>



Air pollution is a known contributor to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27448464/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noncommunicable diseases</a> such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. The harm goes beyond the lungs and circulatory system, and affects multiple bodily functions.



It can also burden healthcare systems and create long-term expenses for families. Younger populations are at particular risk of developing health issues that can last well into adulthood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-health-sectors">Role of health sectors</h2>



Several health agencies now call for more involvement from doctors, nurses, and public health workers. They say these voices can influence policymakers to keep stricter limits on harmful pollutants.



Regulations anchored in national law often succeed more than voluntary steps. Stakeholders hope that local communities will speak up and demand better air for everyone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaner-strategies-ahead">Cleaner strategies ahead</h2>



Experts note that stronger standards can shift industries toward less harmful operations. Stricter laws also act as a deterrent against companies that pollute without consequences.



New technology is another piece of the puzzle. Alternative energy projects and improved waste management may cut back on soot and chemical discharge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-summit-focuses-on-air-pollution-solutions">WHO summit focuses on air pollution solutions</h2>



Leaders from multiple fields will meet at the 2nd <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2025/03/25/default-calendar/second-global-conference-on-air-pollution-and-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health</a>, to be held in Cartagena, Colombia, in the last week of March. They plan to share updates on cutting-edge research and policy breakthroughs.



Some hope this event will spark commitments from governments to toughen air quality targets. Others believe it could encourage deeper collaboration between nations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stepping-toward-a-healthier-future">Stepping toward a healthier future</h2>



Environmental hazards, including dirty air, fuel a quarter of the <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)32399-6/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global disease burden</a>. Many of these threats are preventable if cities and countries enforce new rules on industry and transportation.



Promoting better standards can save lives, reduce health care costs, and protect children for decades. Experts hope this momentum becomes a top priority at national and international forums.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-forward-with-data">Moving forward with data</h2>



Access to reliable statistics is vital for guiding bold initiatives. Up-to-date measurements help show where pollution is highest and how policy changes bring results.



People working in research, public health, and local activism can all benefit from these insights. The development of stronger networks between scientists and lawmakers may keep the conversation going long after the conference ends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holding-polluters-accountable">Holding polluters accountable</h2>



Many grassroots movements demand that governments be firm with factories and other large polluters. Community-led activism can spark local monitoring projects and ensure that official data matches on-the-ground observations.



Addressing dirty air is a commitment to life itself. Widespread awareness and political will can make the difference.



The report was published by the <a href="https://www.who.int/tools/air-quality-standards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute</a>.



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Air pollution kills 7 million people annually

Most people around the world are breathing air that doesn't...

<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"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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