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...

Dementia is a growing health risk, affecting millions of people and their families. As life expectancy increases, so does the number of dementia cases, making prevention more important than ever.



While genetics and lifestyle choices play a role, researchers are now looking beyond personal factors. The environment we live in can either increase the risk of dementia or help protect brain health.



A recent study from the University of Georgia <a href="https://publichealth.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Public Health</a> sheds light on the impact of surroundings on dementia risk. 



The research team, led by Professor Suhang Song, set out to investigate how the environment affects <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/risk-of-dementia-is-much-higher-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain health</a>. The results show that avoiding pollution and spending more time in green spaces may lower the risk of dementia.



“These numbers show that living in a dementia-friendly environment is important to delay or prevent cognitive decline and the onset of dementia,” said Professor Song.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-environment-affects-dementia-risk">How environment affects dementia risk</h2>



The researchers studied 54 reports on how the environment affects brain health. They closely analyzed 21 of them to measure the impact more accurately.



They found that air pollution and traffic noise increase dementia risk, while green spaces and walkability help prevent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-activity-may-delay-the-onset-of-dementia-by-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive decline</a>. 



By focusing on objectively measured environmental factors rather than self-reported data, the study provides stronger evidence than previous research.



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



Living near major roads increases dementia risk by about 10%. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PMx) raises risk by 9%, and nitrous oxide (NOx) exposure adds another 10%. Noise pollution has also been linked to a 9% increase in risk.



Long-term exposure to traffic pollution is particularly harmful. Tiny air pollution particles called PM2.5 are linked to memory loss and slower thinking. However, the impact is not the same everywhere. In some places, studies found no strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preventing-dementia-scientists-say-three-factors-matter-most/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">link</a>.



One possible reason is that people in those areas change their behavior - like staying indoors when pollution levels are high - so they are exposed to less pollution, which may reduce its harmful effects on the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protective-role-of-green-spaces">Protective role of green spaces</h2>



Access to parks, forests, and water bodies lowers dementia risk by about 6%. These environments promote physical activity, reduce stress, and improve air quality. 



Walkable neighborhoods with easy access to food stores, community centers, and healthcare also support cognitive health.



“Based on these findings, we can suggest that people visit parks or forests more often and also live further from the major roads,” said Professor Song. “Also, living in a community where there is more walkability, or being close to local amenities like bookstores, health care centers and more is helpful.”



Cities designed with cognitive health in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stop-googling-start-napping-to-reduce-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mind</a> should prioritize pedestrian-friendly streets, connected pathways, and accessible public spaces. 



Encouraging mixed-use developments, where homes, shops, and essential services are within walking distance, can help create healthier environments for aging populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-urban-planning">Rethinking urban planning</h2>



This study emphasizes the need for urban designs that reduce pollution and increase green space. Cities should prioritize public parks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and better air quality to lower dementia risk.



“The biggest advantage of this paper is to quantify the association between certain factors and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-sizes-are-growing-possibly-lowering-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive health</a>. This analysis can provide evidence for data-driven urban planning and support decision makers," said Professor Song.



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



One of the strengths of this study was its focus on objective data. Many past studies relied on subjective reports, which can introduce bias. This research used measurable environmental factors, making the conclusions more reliable.



Future studies should continue using objective methods to investigate the link between surroundings and dementia risk. Understanding the long-term effects of urban design, pollution exposure, and community layouts can help shape policies that improve cognitive health outcomes.



Professor Song hopes this study encourages more research on how the environment affects brain health. Using data-driven solutions, experts can help build communities that reduce dementia risk and support well-being.



A better understanding of these factors could lead to smarter urban planning and healthier living spaces for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568163724004483?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ageing Research Reviews</a>.



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Living near major roads increases dementia risk

Dementia is a growing health risk, affecting millions of people...

Tropical rainforests help the planet breathe. They store carbon, control temperatures, and shelter wildlife. These tropical forests have survived climate changes for millions of years, but now they face an unprecedented challenge.



Climate change is reshaping ecosystems at an unprecedented pace. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events are placing immense stress on forests across the Americas. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-forests-in-a-shifting-climate">Tropical forests in a shifting climate </h2>



A new study reveals that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-lived-in-rainforests-80000-years-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> are not adapting quickly enough to keep up with environmental changes. This slow response raises concerns about their long-term survival and the cascading effects their decline could have on the global climate system.



Dr. Jesús Aguirre-Gutiérrez from the University of Oxford’s <a href="https://www.eci.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Change Institute</a> led the research with over 100 scientists and local collaborators. 



The team analyzed data from 415 permanent forest plots, covering regions from Mexico to southern Brazil. 



By studying the characteristics of more than 250,000 trees, they examined how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-rainforest-may-be-much-more-stable-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">different species</a> are responding to shifting temperatures and rainfall patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-are-adapting-too-slowly">Trees are adapting too slowly</h2>



The experts found that while climate change alters temperature and rainfall, tree communities are not keeping up with the pace.



This slow response threatens the balance of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-thirds-of-temperate-rainforests-could-be-lost-this-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>. Some species thrive, while others struggle. Traits like wood density, leaf thickness, and drought resistance play a crucial role in determining which trees survive.



“Tropical forests are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, yet their ability to adapt to climate change is limited. Understanding which traits help trees survive can guide conservation efforts and policy decisions,“ said Dr. Aguirre-Gutiérrez.



“Given the changes in climate we have observed over the last 40 to 50 years, you might think there have also been lots of changes in the tree communities in tropical rainforests. But some of these changes are too small and too slow to actually adapt to the observed changes in climate."



By looking at individual trees from different communities, the team found that some have suffered due to climate shifts, while others have thrived, noted Dr. Aguirre-Gutiérrez.



"We can study the characteristics, also known as ‘tree traits,’ of those that have survived, as well as new individuals joining the communities and those that have died, to understand what makes them react differently to a changing climate.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risky-future-for-rainforests">Risky future for rainforests</h2>



Mountainous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-is-approaching-widespread-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> appear to adapt faster than lowland forests. This difference likely results from the greater climate variability at higher altitudes. 



Meanwhile, younger trees exhibit noticeable shifts in traits, yet overall forest composition remains largely unchanged.



By 2100, the region’s temperatures could rise by up to 4°C, with rainfall decreasing by as much as 20%. These changes may push tropical forests further out of balance, making them more vulnerable to extreme climate events. Without intervention, the risk of ecosystem collapse increases.



“If we know what species of trees are doing better or worse, and what set of traits they have, then we know what they can withstand. It will help inform what conservation actions should be encouraged and where funding should be allocated,” said Dr. Aguirre-Gutiérrez.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-collection-of-field-data">Extensive collection of field data</h2>



Professor José Javier Corral Rivas from the Juarez University of the State of Durango (<a href="https://www.ujed.mx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UJED</a>) highlighted the significance of long-term field studies. 



“It is thanks to the extensive collection of field data over the past decades, largely supported by Latin American institutions and international collaborations, that we are able to make discoveries like this one, particularly in highly biodiverse regions such as the tropical forests of the Americas.”



Professor Oliver Phillips from the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a> emphasized the importance of human effort in this research. 



“What is remarkable is that we discovered this not with satellites or artificial intelligence, but by the efforts of botanists, foresters and hundreds of other skilled partners,” noted Professor Phillips. "These undervalued colleagues provide a great service to the world.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-response-of-tropical-forests">Climate response of tropical forests </h2>



The researchers found that functional traits among trees are shifting but at a pace far too slow to match climate change. Deciduous species are becoming more common in some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainforest-emissions-shape-the-climate-and-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a>, and leaf thickness is decreasing.



However, the rate of change is only a fraction of what is needed for trees to maintain equilibrium with the changing environment.



Lowland forests, which are experiencing higher temperature increases and greater drought stress, are showing stronger changes than montane forests. While some species are adapting, others are dying at increasing rates. 



The experts found that tree recruitment, where young trees replace older ones, is the most responsive to climate shifts. However, these recruits still track climate change at only about 22% of the expected rate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-rainforests-for-future-generations">Protecting rainforests for future generations</h2>



“Measuring forests carefully tree-by-tree, species-by-species and year-after-year, teaches us about the health of trees and the risks they face,“ noted Professor Beatriz Marimon from the <a href="https://unemat.br" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">State University of Mato Grosso</a>, Brazil.



“In some of our Amazon plots the forest is facing a deadly combination of fire, heat and drought. Understanding which tree species can survive these threats is critical to creating a liveable future for all of us.”



This study highlights the urgent need for research and conservation efforts to help tropical forests withstand climate challenges. Without immediate action, these ecosystems may struggle to survive the coming decades.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/epdf/10.1126/science.adl5414" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Tropical forests are struggling to keep pace with climate change

Tropical rainforests help the planet breathe. They store carbon, control...

The Arctic is changing fast. Ancient ice is melting, glaciers are shrinking, and seasons are shifting. Below the surface, vast kelp forests sway along rocky coasts, hidden from sight.



These marine giants are more than plants. They are the architects of entire ecosystems, offering shelter, food, and stability to countless <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-help-kelp-forests-recover-but-theres-more-to-the-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine species</a>. But as the Arctic transforms, so its kelp forests change too.



A recent study shows that melting glaciers and permafrost are changing kelp ecosystems by increasing freshwater run-off. The research was conducted by scientists from EU projects FACE-IT, ECOTIP, and SEA-Quester.



What the experts found is both startling and deeply revealing: shifts in water chemistry, microbial communities in flux, and an unexpected entanglement with heavy metals.



The story of Arctic kelp is not just an ecological tale - it is an economic and social one, reaching far beyond the cold northern seas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-warming-arctic-a-changing-coastline">A warming Arctic, a changing coastline</h2>



The Arctic is heating up - faster than anywhere else on the planet. This isn’t a slow, creeping shift; it’s a rapid and relentless <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-kelp-forests-existed-32-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transformation</a>.



With glaciers melting and permafrost thawing, vast amounts of freshwater are flooding into coastal seas. It’s a deluge that doesn’t just mix and disappear. The chemistry of the water shifts, salinity drops and light struggles to penetrate as suspended sediments cloud the once-clear depths.



For kelp, these changes aren’t trivial. They depend on stable conditions that include sunlight, salt, and predictable nutrient flows.



But with sediments thickening the water, photosynthesis becomes a challenge. Light barely reaches their fronds, stalling their growth. And the run-off doesn’t just bring fresh water; it carries something far more sinister - metals, both essential and toxic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-metals-in-the-water">Heavy metals in the water</h2>



What happens when <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/kelp-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kelp</a> absorbs the very waters that nourish them? The answer lies in their elemental makeup. 



The research team studied kelps from various locations - some in areas with heavy runoff and others in clearer waters. Their findings were striking. Kelps from high-run-off areas contained significantly elevated levels of metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury.



Mercury in these kelps was 72% higher than in cleaner areas. That’s a serious warning. Kelp supports Arctic marine life, but when it absorbs metals, the pollution spreads through the ecosystem.



Small marine creatures graze on kelp, larger predators consume them, and over time, toxic elements creep their way up the food chain. Eventually, they land on the plates of Arctic communities that rely on seafood. 



What begins in a hidden kelp forest could have consequences that reach dinner tables far from the icy shores.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-world-living-on-kelp">Microbial world living on kelp</h2>



A blade of kelp is covered in bacteria, fungi, and other life forms. These microbes play many important roles. They shape kelp health, aid in nutrient cycling, and offer a first line of defense against pathogens. But just like the kelp itself, they are sensitive to change.



The researchers found that run-off is rewriting the microbial landscape. The balance of bacteria living on kelp is shifting, and with it, the very functions that keep these marine plants thriving.



Some microbes that help break down organic matter are disappearing, while metal-tolerant ones are growing. This shift could disrupt kelp, the animals that rely on it, and the entire marine ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-of-arctic-kelp-cultivation">Potential of Arctic kelp cultivation</h2>



But there’s another side to this story. While heavy metal accumulation spells trouble for marine life, it also points to an unexpected opportunity. Kelp is a natural sponge, pulling metals from the water with remarkable efficiency. Could this ability be harnessed?



Scientists are looking into something called phytomining - using plants and algae to pull valuable metals from the environment. Arctic waters hold rare earth metals, crucial for tech like wind turbines. Could kelp be the answer? Maybe.



If managed correctly, kelp cultivation could offer a sustainable way to harvest these elements, reducing reliance on traditional mining, which scars landscapes and pollutes ecosystems.



At the same time, kelp could serve as a living sensor, a way to track pollution levels in Arctic waters. By monitoring changes in its elemental composition, researchers might be able to map contamination hotspots and predict where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental threats</a> are most severe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-arctic-kelp">The future of Arctic kelp</h2>



The future of Arctic kelp remains uncertain. With the Arctic warming, run-off levels will only increase. 



The delicate balance that has sustained these underwater forests for millennia is shifting in ways scientists are only beginning to grasp.



Will kelp adapt, or will these forests shrink, taking with them the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-protected-california-kelp-forests-for-a-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> they support?



One thing is clear: kelp is at a crossroads. It is both a victim and a potential solution - threatened by climate change yet offering a key to understanding and mitigating its impacts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-82287-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Arctic kelp is absorbing toxic metals from melting glaciers

The Arctic is changing fast. Ancient ice is melting, glaciers...

Meandering,Bends,Of,The,Lower,Padma,River.,The,Lower,Portion

Rivers, lava, and ice carve through landscapes in twisting, meandering channels. At first glance, their bends appear similar. 



However, a recent study from researchers at <a href="https://www.utexas.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas</a> at Austin reveals that rivers form curves differently than lava or ice channels.



The exact forces shaping these channels remain unclear. However, past research suggests that the interaction between the fluid and the surrounding terrain plays a crucial role. 



This study builds on those ideas by analyzing thousands of bends formed by different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shanay-timpishka-river-amazon-rainforest-is-so-hot-that-it-literally-boils-destroying-nearby-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural processes</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-river-bends">Science behind the river bends</h2>



In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-amount-of-water-do-earths-rivers-hold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a>, centrifugal force plays a major role. Water moves faster along the outer edges of a curve and slows down along the inner edges. 



This causes erosion on the outer banks while depositing sediment on the inner banks, which gradually intensifies the bends.



Volcanic and ice channels, however, behave differently. These channels erode through melting rather than by carrying and depositing sediments. 



Because of this, erosion occurs mainly on the outer edge of a bend, resulting in smaller curves when compared to rivers.



“This distinction sets up a great natural experiment for us to see if the shape, or size, of bends in rivers is distinct from those in volcanic or ice channels,” said Tim Goudge, a co-author on the study and an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.jsg.utexas.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jackson School of Geosciences</a>, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-beyond-earth">Implications beyond Earth</h2>



This research could help scientists analyze sinuous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-rivers-are-shifting-with-global-climate-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">channels</a> on other planets and moons, where the origin of fluids remains uncertain. Without direct access to these channels, their shapes may provide clues about their formation.



The study, published in Geology, was led by Juan Vazquez, who completed his undergraduate degree at the Jackson School in 2024. 



He worked alongside Goudge to analyze thousands of bends in rivers on Earth, volcanic channels on the Moon, and ice channels on glaciers.



Vazquez initially believed he had made an error when analyzing the data. However, he soon realized that river bends were significantly more extreme than those of lava and ice.



“It wasn’t until the parameters for the code we had set for the volcanic channels on the Moon kept failing for the rivers on Earth that we realized, ‘Oh, that’s not a fault of the code. It’s an intrinsically different amplitude,’” Vazquez related.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-channel-origins">Identifying channel origins</h2>



The study also found that volcanic and ice channels tend to have a higher proportion of downstream-accentuated bends compared to rivers. 



This pattern could help distinguish different types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planning-for-an-uncertain-future-in-the-colorado-river-basin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">channels</a> on planetary bodies like Titan, Saturn’s largest moon.



On Earth, scientists can observe the fluids or study geological evidence to determine a channel’s origin. 



However, on Titan, liquid ethane and methane carve through ice, making it difficult to determine whether channels form like rivers or through melting and dissolution.



Mars presents a similar challenge. Several billion years ago, the planet had flowing rivers and active volcanoes. 



Today, sinuous channels appear on the sides of Martian volcanoes. Some scientists believe these formed from lava, while others argue that melting snow created them.



“There are these sinuous channels on the sides of Martian volcanos. Some people have interpreted them as volcanic channels, and some people have interpreted them as rivers that formed when maybe snowpack on the top of the volcano melted,” said Goudge. 



“We’re saying that because volcanic channel bends are so distinct, you can measure those channels to find out.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-river-bend-patterns">Future research on river bend patterns</h2>



Goudge cautions that this research should not be seen as a strict rule for identifying the origin of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-action-for-rivers-lifelines-of-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">channels</a>. 



Natural channels, whether formed by rivers, lava, or ice, can vary widely due to different environmental conditions. Because of this variability, the method may not always provide clear answers.



Before scientists can confidently use these findings to determine whether a channel was created by water, lava, or ice, more data needs to be collected. 



Further studies and analysis of additional channels are necessary to confirm the reliability of this approach.



By refining this research, scientists may unlock a new way to study planetary surfaces, helping them to decode the histories of distant worlds.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology/article-abstract/doi/10.1130/G52706.1/652506/Upstream-bend-skewing-in-alluvial-meandering?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>.



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Discovery about Earth's rivers could help us find water on other planets

Rivers, lava, and ice carve through landscapes in twisting, meandering...

Earthquakes can cause widespread loss of life and property, so reliable forecasts remain a global priority. Heat-related factors might influence seismic activity, making accurate predictions crucial for timely evacuations. Yet, many aspects of earthquake behavior remain puzzling.



Shifts in <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/plate-tectonics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tectonic plates</a> and the buildup of strain energy typically drive these events. However, some researchers believe solar heat might also play a part in the bigger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthquakes-linked-to-nearby-oil-extraction-fracking-sites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic picture</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-solar-heat-influence-earthquakes">Can solar heat influence earthquakes?</h2>



These ideas have gained attention thanks to new work by Matheus Henrique Junqueira Saldanha from the <a href="https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tsukuba</a> and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.aist.go.jp/index_en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIST</a>) in Japan.



In a recent project, Saldanha and collaborators looked at how fluctuations in <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/world-of-change/Solar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar activity</a> could alter Earth’s surface temperature in ways that influence crustal conditions.



Temperature swings are thought to affect the brittleness of rocks, especially in upper layers. Changes in brittleness may not singlehandedly trigger large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthquake-activity-will-increase-due-to-glacial-retreat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthquakes</a>, but heat fluctuations could add subtle strain in locations that are already under stress.



Scientists suspect that water infiltration can shift local pressures as well. Rainfall, snowmelt, and other seasonal factors might raise or lower tension around fault lines, contributing to how cracks form or expand near the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-changes-may-trigger-earthquakes">Heat changes may trigger earthquakes</h2>



Atmospheric temperature can modify underground water circulation. This movement can add or reduce stress on faults, which could be important when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-detect-major-earthquakes-months-in-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quakes</a> are near the upper crust.



Certain <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1103961" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> have explored connections between the sun, moon, and Earth’s internal processes. Tidal forces and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674862X20300203" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electromagnetic fluctuations</a> often steal the spotlight, yet solar heating is a different angle that brings seasonal and regional temperature changes into the conversation.



Experts note that any effect of temperature might be minor compared to major tectonic shifts. Even so, small contributions can accumulate over <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/geologic-time" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geologic timescales</a>. Many quakes happen without a single “smoking gun,” so every factor is worth examining.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-subtle-signals">A closer look at subtle signals</h2>



Hidden correlations between heat and can be difficult to detect. Small quakes often go unnoticed, but they offer useful data about how the Earth’s crust responds to environmental changes.



A magnitude 9.0 event, like the 2011 <a href="https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/official20110311054624120_30" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tōhoku earthquake</a>, caused catastrophic impacts and showed the limits of current forecasting methods. Even if solar heating only provides a slight improvement in forecast models, that could make a difference for vulnerable areas.



Detecting these small influences involves gathering data from different regions and comparing it with solar records. Scientists look for consistent patterns over time, checking if heat variations and temperature fluctuations align with changes in earthquake frequency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-earthquake-forecasting">Improving earthquake forecasting</h2>



<a href="https://scienceexchange.caltech.edu/topics/earthquakes/earthquakes-probabilities" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forecasting</a> improvements often start with a close look at fault mechanics and strain buildup, as well as historical quake records. Some regions have more detailed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-map-shows-75-percent-of-the-u-s-at-risk-of-damaging-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic histories</a> than others, which helps refine mathematical models.



Adding solar-based temperature inputs could sharpen the accuracy of those models. Subtle spikes in heat might signal shifts in rock stability, especially for shallow earthquakes that depend more on heat-related conditions in the top layers of Earth.



A more precise forecast would not mean pinpointing the exact day of a quake. Instead, it might reduce uncertainty for the next few weeks or months, giving local authorities another tool to weigh when organizing preparedness plans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-heat-and-seismic-activity">Solar heat and seismic activity</h2>



“Solar heat drives atmospheric temperature changes, which in turn can affect things like rock properties and underground water movement,” said Saldanha. Solar heating alone is not a dominant driver of seismic systems, yet it may still tip the balance.&nbsp;



These fluctuations can change how rocks fracture, especially if faults are already close to slipping. Even tiny changes in pressure might determine whether stored energy is released over days or years.



“It’s an exciting direction, and we hope our study sheds some light on the bigger picture of what triggers earthquakes,” said Saldanha. Incorporating solar data could reveal patterns that slip through the cracks in purely plate-based analyses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-wider-view-of-seismic-risk">A wider view of seismic risk</h2>



A multidisciplinary approach to earthquake forecasting considers water, temperature, and stress accumulation. Combining these elements can highlight new signals that standard tectonic models might overlook, potentially linking heat variations to earthquake <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-earthquake-changed-the-course-of-the-ganges-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a>.



Greater collaboration with climatologists and hydrologists could strengthen quake forecasts. Areas prone to shifts in rainfall or snowmelt might see extra stress on faults, which ties into the temperature-driven processes that Saldanha’s team is studying.



Some experts remain cautious, emphasizing that tectonic motion will always be the main culprit behind earthquakes. Yet they also acknowledge that no single factor explains every quake, so exploring the effects of temperature could add clarity.



Communities near active faults may benefit from any step forward in forecast precision. Even a rough timetable for probable activity can inform local decisions on infrastructure and emergency readiness.



Solar signals might give more insight into shallow <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-seismic-zone-or-seismic-hazard-zone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic zones</a>, where changes in rock integrity can speed up or slow down quake cycles. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.aip.org/aip/cha/article-abstract/35/3/033107/3338203/The-role-of-solar-heat-in-earthquake-activity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chaos</a>.



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Solar heat and earthquake activity: Is there a connection?

Earthquakes can cause widespread loss of life and property, so...

It's long been recognized that carbon dioxide concentrations in our atmosphere are continuously on the rise. This increase is a byproduct of human activity and an agent of climate change.



However, a less explored but puzzling trend is the growing gap between the highest and lowest annual carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.



This widening gap between the peaks and troughs of carbon dioxide concentration was previously attributed to rising temperatures and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, a recent study explores another possible factor: agriculture.



The unexpected findings revise our concept of the carbon cycle and hold important implications for future climate change mitigation efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-agriculture-shifts-carbon-dioxide">How agriculture shifts carbon dioxide</h2>



The researchers found that, contrary to previous beliefs, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-produce-their-own-nitrogen-fertilizer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen fertilizer</a> used in agriculture is the chief contributor to the yearly ebb and flow of the carbon cycle. This highlights the impact of our actions and land management decisions on Earth system processes.



Study lead author Danica Lombardozzi is an assistant professor of ecosystem science and sustainability at <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a>.



“These findings are important because we have undervalued the role of agriculture in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-carbon-cycle-trends-of-the-past-50-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon cycle</a> fluxes," said Lombardozzi.



"A lot of people recognize that agriculture can help mitigate climate change, but because it's not represented in most Earth system models, it's not considered in climate change projections the way it should be."



So, how does this all work? As plants sprout in the spring, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to support the new growth. Once crops are harvested and other plants become dormant in the fall, less carbon dioxide is needed by plants and so the level in the atmosphere rises again.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nitrogen-was-plentiful-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nitrogen</a>, a common ingredient in fertilizer, is essential for plant growth and thus contributes to increased carbon absorption from the atmosphere during the growing season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-dioxide-by-the-numbers">Carbon dioxide by the numbers</h2>



The study reveals that agricultural nitrogen contributes 45% to the rise in annual carbon cycle fluctuations.



Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and warmer temperatures also contribute to the difference between high and low carbon dioxide levels within a year, but not to the extent that nitrogen fertilizers do. 



Interestingly, this carbon cycle fluctuation caused by crop growth doesn't directly affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-practices-boost-soil-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a>. This is because crops are harvested annually and the absorbed carbon returns to the atmosphere. 



However, the study adds an exciting dimension: modifying agricultural practices can enhance long-term carbon storage in the soil, which is a potential weapon against climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agricultural-practices-and-carbon-fluxes">Agricultural practices and carbon fluxes</h2>



Gretchen Keppel-Aleks, a co-author of the study from the University of Michigan, emphasized the implications of these findings.



“Agricultural management practices are very important to shaping the world we live in," she said Keppel-Aleks.



"At a time when many people feel like climate change has had profound and negative impacts on their lives through wildfire, flooding or droughts, we can use the fact that this study shows that agricultural management has a profound impact on carbon fluxes to think about how we can use agricultural management to our advantage.”



In line with this, many farmers are turning to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-adopt-regenerative-agriculture-better-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regenerative agriculture</a> - agricultural practices designed to improve soil health and crop yield while combating climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-updating-earth-system-models">Updating Earth system models</h2>



Despite evidence showing the crucial role of agriculture in carbon cycle fluctuations, it has been largely overlooked in the past because traditional Earth system models did not include agricultural processes. 



The researchers used the Community Earth System Model, a tool developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research and other institutions, to pinpoint the causes of fluctuation increase. Unsurprisingly, agricultural nitrogen emerged as the key player.



Accounting for agriculture, specifically agricultural nitrogen, in Earth system models is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the carbon cycle. Yet, the majority of the models do not take it into account.



“It is really hard to represent human decisions in an Earth system model, but we need to tackle it,” Lombardozzi said.



The research paints an empowering picture of agriculture's role in climate change, along with its potential for significant impact on mitigation strategies.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56730-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Agriculture plays a surprising role in carbon dioxide fluctuations

It's long been recognized that carbon dioxide concentrations in our...

A recent study offers a clearer picture of which amphibians and habitats face the greatest threat from rising temperatures.&nbsp;



Amphibians are notably fragile in a warming world due to their dependence on external sources to regulate body heat, with more than 40% of species already classified as endangered. As entire populations vanish, the ripple effects throughout ecosystems could be devastating.



“We wanted to better understand the risk climate change poses to amphibians, and so put together the most comprehensive compilation of heat tolerance limits to date,” said lead author Patrice Pottier, a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNSW</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-tolerance-limits-of-amphibians-nbsp">Heat tolerance limits of amphibians&nbsp;</h2>



Amphibians, being ectotherms, cannot generate enough internal heat on their own and therefore depend on the environment to maintain suitable body temperatures.&nbsp;



Given how little data existed on their ability to endure higher heat levels, the UNSW team aggregated thousands of measurements, representing hundreds of species.



“Heat tolerance limits are the maximum temperature amphibians can tolerate before their physiological systems fail,” Pottier said.



The experts applied a statistical method called data imputation to estimate values for species that have not been directly studied.



“In this case, it predicts heat tolerance limits for species we do not have data for by looking at how heat tolerance is linked to factors like habitat type, environmental temperature, and evolutionary history,” Pottier explained.



By doing so, the scientists developed a comprehensive catalog of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-temperature-threshold-can-the-human-body-handle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat thresholds</a> covering about 60% of all known amphibian species. This overview highlights where warming poses the greatest risk and which animals might be most vulnerable to local extinctions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amphibians-are-already-under-strain">Amphibians are already under strain</h2>



The research team examined the environmental conditions amphibians encounter in different microhabitats - on land, in trees, or in water - and then compared these conditions to each species’ calculated heat tolerance limits.&nbsp;



“We found that 104 out of 5,203 species - 2% - are already exposed to overheating in shaded terrestrial conditions. And a 4°C global temperature increase could push 7.5% of species beyond their physiological limits,” Pottier said.



The experts also discovered that the areas most at risk do not necessarily line up with latitude alone, a finding that revises earlier assumptions.



“It has previously been often assumed that species closer to the equator are at greater risk from overheating due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-draining-nutrients-from-the-oceans-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> than those in temperate regions. However, our study found that tropical species in the Southern Hemisphere are the most impacted by overheating events, while non-tropical species are more impacted in the Northern Hemisphere,” Pottier explained.



As a result, relying on a one-size-fits-all pattern like latitude to assess threats may overlook specific places and species already pushing against their tolerable heat boundaries.



“Assuming that all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-half-of-the-worlds-vertebrates-reside-in-the-tropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical species</a> are more vulnerable than temperate species can be misleading. What matters is assessing if the area is going to experience extreme heat events relative to the species' heat tolerance. This requires stepping away from general trends, and identifying specific areas and species at risk,” Pottier added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escalating-impacts-with-greater-warming-nbsp">Escalating impacts with greater warming&nbsp;</h2>



The scientists modeled how conditions might worsen under different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-40-of-amphibians-face-extinction-due-to-escalating-climate-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> scenarios. Even at 2°C above pre-industrial levels, more amphibians are likely to face critical heat exposure. But surpassing that threshold would be especially dangerous.



“Impacts escalate under different climate warming scenarios. There is an increase in impact between the current climate and +2C of warming; but impacts increase disproportionally under +4C of warming. This step-change impact severity shows that going above +2C of global warming can be a tipping point where we may see a lot of local extinctions,” Pottier noted.



Local disappearances carry additional risks: losing these frogs, salamanders, and toads can disrupt food webs, hamper insect control, and reduce overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflys-rapid-expansion-led-to-lower-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic diversity</a> in local ecosystems.



“Some amphibian populations may undergo range shifts to more hospitable habitats, but opportunities for this are likely limited due to low dispersal rates and reliance on water bodies,” Pottier added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-and-cultural-significance">Ecological and cultural significance </h2>



Amphibians are not just vital for pest management and as a food source for predators; they are also intertwined with human cultures around the globe.



Pottier pointed out that amphibians are an important part of the ecosystem. For example, the loss of an amphibian population would likely lead to an increase in insect population with carry-over effects on plants and animals, he noted.



“They are prey for many animals and their loss would have knock-on effects on many other species. Besides ecosystem impacts, amphibians are deeply rooted in human cultures and it would be a shame to lose such beautiful and emblematic species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-heat-impacts-on-amphibians-nbsp">Mitigating heat impacts on amphibians&nbsp;</h2>



The findings emphasize the importance of microhabitats that moderate temperature extremes. Places with plenty of foliage and accessible water sources can help amphibians survive short-term heat spikes by letting them cool off and keep their skin moist.



“Our analyses made it clear that vegetation and water bodies are critical in buffering amphibians during heat waves. We found that if you provide amphibians with enough water and enough shade, a lot of them can survive extreme heat events. We must protect and restore the environments that allow them to regulate their body temperature,” Pottier stressed.



Because the study assumed best-case scenarios for shade and moisture, actual threats could exceed even these concerning estimates.



“We used very conservative estimates in this study assuming access to cool shaded environments. Therefore, the impacts of global warming will likely exceed our projections. So all efforts to limit global warming are needed to protect the world’s amphibians,” he concluded.



Overall, this large-scale analysis highlights both the fragility of amphibian populations under climate stress and the steps that can help them cope - namely, curbing global temperatures and safeguarding vital habitats with adequate cover and water.



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Amphibians are being pushed beyond their heat limits

A recent study offers a clearer picture of which amphibians...

The timing of biological events in nature is crucial for survival. Flowers bloom in spring, cicadas mate in summer, and caterpillars hatch to feed on their host plants. 



However, extreme weather can disrupt this natural schedule - known as phenology - upsetting the delicate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-must-reconnect-with-nature-now-to-save-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">balance</a> of ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-nature-s-timing">Climate change and nature's timing</h2>



Phenology is closely tied to seasonal patterns, but climate change is interfering with nature's timing and causing shifts in how organisms interact.



A study led by <a href="https://www.arizona.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> ecologist Daijiang Li has explored how extreme weather affects phenology. The team focused on butterflies, moths, and flowering plants across the United States.



Extreme weather events, such as heat waves, cold snaps, heavy rainfall, and droughts, impact ecosystems but are often overlooked. Most research examines gradual climate shifts rather than immediate weather extremes. 



This oversight creates a knowledge gap in understanding how sudden changes affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> and their interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immediate-impact-of-extreme-weather">Immediate impact of extreme weather</h2>



"Most studies have focused on climatic variables or seasonalities, such as annual temperatures or precipitation averages," said Li. 



"But as individuals, we respond to and make our decisions in response to immediate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-must-live-in-harmony-with-nature-to-create-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental stress</a>, rather than a 10-year trend, right?"



Li and his team found that extreme weather events play a significant role in phenology, comparable to average temperature changes. The research showed that these events interact with climatic variables, influencing plants and insects in complex ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compounding-effects-of-weather-extremes">Compounding effects of weather extremes</h2>



"For example, extremely hot and extremely dry periods can have a compounding effect on the phenology," Li said.



"These variables don't occur in isolation. Rather, they interact with each other and interact with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-the-dual-crises-of-climate-and-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic variables</a> in driving the phenology of plants and insects as a whole."



The researchers analyzed data collected by citizen scientists through iNaturalist. This app allows users to document species by taking photos and uploading them to a database. Li’s team combined iNaturalist records with daily weather data from 1980 to 2022.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-specific-responses">Species-specific responses</h2>



"We looked at about 581 species of angiosperms (flowering plants) and the flying adults of 172 Lepidoptera species (butterflies and moths) from 2016 to 2022," Li said. 



"We also looked at the spatial distribution patterns, how extreme weather events affect the phenology of those plants and insects, and also whether the plants and insects have similar or different responses to extreme weather events."



One concern is how extreme weather disrupts relationships between species. Some species depend on precise timing for survival. The yucca plant and yucca moth, for example, rely on each other. 



The moth pollinates the yucca flowers, while the plant provides food for its larvae. If this timing is disrupted, both species suffer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-of-phenological-mismatches">Risk of phenological mismatches</h2>



"If larval stages of insects are too responsive to early spring heat waves, they may be more susceptible to mortality when temperatures return to normal or during cold snaps," Li said. 



"Similarly, if spring is warmer than usual, plants are going to flower earlier, making them more vulnerable to late frost during growing season."



If pollinators like butterflies or moths emerge before or after plants flower, both struggle. Pollinators cannot find food, and flowers go unpollinated. These mismatches threaten entire ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-reactions-to-cold-spells">Unexpected reactions to cold spells</h2>



The study also revealed that plants and insects react differently to extreme weather. While extreme cold in spring caused butterflies and moths to emerge early, plant flowering times remained largely unchanged.



"Those kinds of phenological mismatches are going to have consequences for both the plants as well as for the insects, causing both populations to suffer," Li said.



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



Li and his co-authors, Michael Belitz, Lindsay Campbell, and Robert Guralnick from the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a>, believe incorporating extreme weather into climate models will improve predictions. This could help mitigate negative effects on ecosystems.



"This work has the potential to be relevant across multiple sectors, from conservation to food security," said Campbell, an assistant professor at the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory.



"We are still just beginning to more fully understand how extreme weather impacts insects and plants, which ultimately impacts us and our food security," said Guralnick. "This work is a step towards that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">goal</a>."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-025-02248-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Nature’s timing is drastically changing due to extreme weather

The timing of biological events in nature is crucial for...

Bamboo-based kitchenware is popping up in supermarkets and online shops worldwide. People praise these products for their seemingly eco-friendly image and pleasing designs.



Yet, researchers are examining whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-chemicals-linked-to-neurological-disorders/">certain chemicals</a> migrate from these items into food, particularly in the presence of high temperatures or acidic substances. 



Shoppers want to trust their cups, plates, and bowls, and that trust hinges on transparent science.



“In this study, we collected 33 bamboo and other bio-based dishes from the British, Chinese and Czech markets,” stated <a href="https://sciprofiles.com/profile/1834707" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Kamila Bechynska</a>, a lead researcher from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague.



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



Bamboo is one of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-pandas-taste-for-bamboo-is-literally-written-in-their-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fastest-growing plants</a> on Earth, and it’s as strong as it is versatile. Technically a type of grass, bamboo can grow over three feet in a single day, making it an incredible renewable resource. 



People use it for everything - from building houses and making furniture to crafting eco-friendly clothing and utensils. 



It’s also a powerhouse for the environment, absorbing tons of carbon dioxide while pumping out fresh oxygen.



Some species of bamboo even thrive in poor soil, helping prevent erosion and restore damaged land.



Beyond its practical uses, bamboo is a lifeline for wildlife. Pandas, lemurs, and even some elephants rely on it for food. 



In many cultures, bamboo also has deep symbolic meaning, representing strength, flexibility, and resilience. 



Plus, it's becoming a go-to material for <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/top-5-uses-for-bamboo-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable living</a> - bamboo toothbrushes, straws, fabrics, and of course, kitchen utensils are replacing plastic alternatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bamboo-and-melamine-concerns">Bamboo and melamine concerns</h2>



Bamboo composites often rely on melamine and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-cleaning-products-may-be-as-harmful-as-traditional-ones/">formaldehyde</a> resins to maintain shape. Some experts point to potential health implications if these substances leach into food.



In a 2020 <a href="https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5902">publication</a> by the European Food Safety Authority's Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aid, the authors concluded that "Fillable articles made from melamine formaldehyde resin, such as coffee-to-go cups sold as bamboo-ware, may leak harmful substances into hot foods.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulatory-twists">Regulatory twists</h2>



Furthermore, in 2019, the <a href="https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5902" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Food Safety Authority</a> clarified that bamboo should not be lumped in with wood, highlighting the need for separate scrutiny of these plant-based materials.&nbsp;



Several European agencies expressed similar concerns. They urged tight controls on bamboo and plastic blends that are used to produce tableware that enters the market.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-industry-and-consumer-responses">Industry and consumer responses</h2>



Industry groups have supplied limited data on compliance testing for these products. They often point to successful results for formaldehyde migration and heavy metals detection, though the sample sizes can be rather small.



Some companies tout <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-pandas-taste-for-bamboo-is-literally-written-in-their-genes/">bamboo-based</a> cups and lunchboxes as safe for dishwasher use, but evidence on long-term durability remains patchy. 



Others highlight meeting official migration standards without offering full transparency on their manufacturing processes.



Consumers need to be aware that tableware marketed as "bio-based" is not necessarily as "green" and sustainable as portrayed. 



Although the natural materials used may be safe, but these are often compounded with synthetic substances, such as melamine-formaldehyde resin, which may carry risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-knowledge-gaps">Ongoing knowledge gaps</h2>



Regulators still see gaps in how these products perform over time and with repeated use. Hot liquids and acidic foods could accelerate the release of chemicals.



Laboratories in multiple countries continue to evaluate unknown substances that might linger in the resin. Without more data, the real extent of exposure to toxic additives is uncertain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-advice">Practical advice</h2>



Shoppers who prefer bamboo ware should be aware that repeated heating can increase wear and tear. Official guidance encourages discarding damaged items to reduce the possibility of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-rely-on-quantum-mechanics-to-transfer-energy-from-sunlight/">chemical transfer</a>.



Choosing cups and plates that list detailed composition and adhere to recognized testing procedures can cut down on potential risks. Inspecting labels and product certifications may offer extra peace of mind.



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



Food safety bodies are collecting more data to shape updated regulations on the production standards for bamboo-based dishware. 



Additional research could clarify whether these products meet today’s standards under various conditions of use.



Scientists remain interested in pinpointing any harmful chemical releases tied to high temperatures or long storage. Authorities are also exploring whether consistent labeling can guide consumers more effectively.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S095671352500057X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Control</a>.



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Trendy bamboo products may come with a hidden cost

Bamboo-based kitchenware is popping up in supermarkets and online shops...

The frozen landscape of the Canadian Arctic was once home to palm trees - a revelation that defies everything we thought we knew about Earth's climate history.



Today, the Arctic is defined by ice, permafrost, and extreme cold, supporting only the hardiest plants and animals. 



However, evidence suggests that millions of years ago, the region was warm enough to sustain towering palm trees and a thriving ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-look-at-the-arctic-s-past">A new look at the Arctic's past </h2>



Researchers at <a href="https://www.conncoll.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connecticut College</a> are describing fossil discoveries that tell a very different tale of the Arctic's history.



The research sheds light on how the Arctic once existed - with dense forest, warm-water ecosystems, and a climate akin to the today's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-half-of-the-worlds-vertebrates-reside-in-the-tropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropics</a>.



The idea of palms thriving in a region that now endures months of icy darkness and subzero temperatures is astonishing. 



It contradicts our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ecosystems-are-endangered-by-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> environments and compels us to reexamine the dynamic nature of Earth's climate over geologic timescales.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-fossils-from-the-eocene">Plant fossils from the Eocene </h2>



The scientists studied small silica structures known as phytoliths - microscopic plant fragments that are a fossilized record of past <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegetation-impacts-energy-movement-in-the-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a> - embedded in ancient lakebed residues from Canada's Northwest territories.



The mineralized structures, which preserve the unique shape of the plants they originated from, are important evidence of a drastically different Arctic environment.



In particular, the researchers visited the Giraffe Pipe locality, a relatively well-preserved geological location that provides an exceptional snapshot of prehistoric times, suspended in perpetuity.



This out-of-the way place, which was once a productive ecosystem, contains some of the finest-preserved plant fossils from the Eocene epoch. The fossils help scientists recreate ancient climates with extraordinary accuracy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-palm-trees-in-the-arctic">Palm trees in the Arctic</h2>



What the team discovered was nothing less than incredible. The fossil record indicates that about 48 million years ago, this area had warm, stable temperatures throughout the year - even in times of pure winter darkness when the sun never broke the horizon.



Contrary to today's Arctic environment, where ice covers the terrain and subzero temperatures prevail for most of the year, this ancient ecosystem was more like a subtropical haven.



Palm trees did not merely survive here - they thrived, towering above a dense forest of warm-climate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-how-plants-adapt-to-changing-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. Their existence upends long-standing beliefs regarding the boundaries of plant survival and offers a striking image of an Arctic that was once recognizably warm and vibrant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-palm-trees-and-a-lost-arctic-world">Palm trees and a lost Arctic world</h2>



"These findings give us a window into past greenhouse conditions and help refine models predicting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-levels-complicate-predictions-of-future-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future climate change</a>," said Peter Siver, the study's lead researcher.



The discovery included fossilized stegmata - unique linear arrangements of plant structures in palm leaves - which represent the earliest known record of this evolutionary trait.



The researchers also identified traces of warm-adapted aquatic life, further confirming that the Arctic once harbored a stable, temperate ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-climate-assumptions">Challenging climate assumptions</h2>



The study challenges previous assumptions about ice formation in the Northern Hemisphere. By examining these ancient environments, researchers can gain critical insights into how ecosystems adapt to long-term climate shifts.



Warm-adapted aquatic organisms found alongside the palm tree fossils further solidify the narrative of a once-thriving, temperate arctic ecosystem. 



The research offers more than just a fascinating historical account - it provides crucial context for understanding contemporary climate dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-story-of-life-on-earth">The story of life on Earth</h2>



Understanding Earth's climate history isn't just about satisfying scientific curiosity. It helps us comprehend the incredible adaptability of life and the dramatic transformations our planet can undergo.



The Arctic of 48 million years ago serves as a powerful reminder of the planet's complex and ever-changing nature. 



The study demonstrates that even the most extreme environments can shift drastically over time, shaped by the forces of geology and climate.



In the face of today's climate challenges, these prehistoric insights offer a unique perspective on environmental change, resilience, and the extraordinary story of life on Earth.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/aob/advance-article/doi/10.1093/aob/mcaf021/8006661" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annals of Botany</a>.



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Palm tree fossils found in the Arctic rewrite Earth's climate history

The frozen landscape of the Canadian Arctic was once home...

Forests are&nbsp;essential&nbsp;in&nbsp;sequestering carbon, a process that slows the rate of global warming. But when it comes to the ability to store carbon, not all forests are created equal. 



A recent study has revealed that mixed forests with several different species of trees sequester much more carbon than those in which only a single species of tree is present.



The study, led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.uni-freiburg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Freiburg</a>, offers robust evidence that mixed forests are more effective at sequestering carbon, and thus represent a key weapon in the fight against climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-tree-diversity-experiment">Tropical tree diversity experiment </h2>



The research focused on data from the Sardinilla experiment in Panama, which was set up in 2001 and is the world’s longest-running tropical tree diversity experiment in the world. 



Originally, pastureland was replanted with tree species. Today, forest growth can be compared on plots that were planted with one, two, three, or five different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-forests-benefit-from-diverse-native-tree-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">native tree species</a>.



The forests have now become more mature and scientists can examine long-term trends. The researchers considered multiple carbon stocks in the plots, such as carbon within tree biomass, leaf litter, and mineral soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-diversity-boosts-carbon-storage">Tree diversity boosts carbon storage</h2>



The experts found that forests with five tree species had significantly higher carbon stocks above ground than those with only one species.



Mixed forests captured 57% more carbon in tree biomass when compared to monocultures. This confirms that planting different tree species leads to more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-fires-diminish-forests-carbon-storage-ability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a>.



However, belowground carbon stocks and fluxes remained similar, regardless of species diversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-resilient-carbon-sink">A resilient carbon sink </h2>



The benefits of tree diversity did not fade over time. In fact, they became stronger, even as the forests faced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a>. 



The study period included a severe El Niño-driven drought and a hurricane, yet the mixed forests continued to outperform those composed of monocultures.



Study first author Dr. Florian Schnabel is a forest scientist at the University of Freiburg’s Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources.



“This is important, because in the face of climate change, the long-term carbon balance of forests will depend largely on their stability to disturbances. Diverse forests exhibit greater ecological stability and the risk that the stored carbon is released back to the atmosphere is lower than in monocultures,” said Dr. Schnabel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-forests-and-climate-action">Mixed forests and climate action</h2>



The study’s findings suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/success-story-reforestation-has-helped-keep-the-eastern-us-relatively-cool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reforestation</a> projects should prioritize mixed-species forests over monocultures in order to maximize carbon sequestration.



However, the researchers caution against overestimating the climate benefits of planting new forests.



Dr. Catherine Potvin from McGill University in Canada was head of the Sardinilla experiment until 2024, and helped to initiate the study.



“The average yearly net CO2&nbsp;uptake of the planted forests was 5.7 tonnes CO2&nbsp;equivalents per ha and year. It would thus need one-year tree growth on 11 ha of this type of forest to compensate for the emissions of a single one-way flight between Frankfurt and Panama City,” noted Dr. Potvin. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-forest-diversity">Embracing forest diversity </h2>



The research contributes to a growing collection of evidence that species diversity is central to climate resilience. Mixed forests not only take up more carbon, but also store it more consistently, even in the case of extreme weather events.



When governments and institutions start investing in climate mitigation strategies by planting trees, species diversity is key to making the effects exponentially more powerful.



By creating diverse forests, we can cultivate landscapes that have greater carbon sequestration potential, withstand environmental stress, and provide long-term returns to ecosystems and future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-benefits-of-diverse-forests">Additional benefits of diverse forests</h2>



In addition to carbon storage, mixed forests offer crucial ecological benefits. They promote biodiversity, provide wildlife with food and shelter, and improve conditions for pollinators, seed dispersal agents, and natural pest suppression. These interactions enhance forest health and resilience.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-with-many-tree-species-are-more-effective-at-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Multispecies forests</a> are also more resistant against disease and pests, as opposed to monocultures where all individuals may succumb to the same pest infestation, leading to heavy financial losses. By reducing this risk, mixed forests maintain long-term stability even under changing conditions.



Furthermore, diverse forests help regulate water, thus maintaining the soil moisture level, preventing soil erosion, and stabilizing environments. Their roots prevent landslides and protect freshwater systems that are vital to communities.



Prioritizing species diversity can lead to more resilient forests that safeguard both the environment and human well-being.



The full results of the study were published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70089">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Nature's climate solutions: Mixed forests store more carbon

Forests are&nbsp;essential&nbsp;in&nbsp;sequestering carbon, a process that slows the rate of...

A new study warns that if global warming surpasses 1.5°C, vast regions could lose critical crop diversity, heightening the risk to worldwide food security.&nbsp;



Researchers predict that about one-third of global food production may be in jeopardy due to higher temperatures, underscoring how climate change is expected to reshape agriculture, especially in vulnerable low-latitude countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loss-of-crop-diversity">Loss of crop diversity </h2>



Scientists at <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a> conducted the research, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43016-025-01135-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Food</a>, by analyzing how changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and overall aridity will influence the growth of 30 key food <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creating-resilient-crops-to-cope-with-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a> around the globe.&nbsp;



The results show that low-latitude areas - including large portions of the tropics - stand to suffer the most. As warming increases, these regions would see far more land becoming unsuitable for agriculture, as well as a sharp drop in the variety of crops that can be grown.



“The loss of diversity means that the range of food crops available for cultivation could decrease significantly in certain areas. That would reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-molecule-could-shape-the-future-of-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food security</a> and make it more difficult to get adequate calories and protein,” said Sara Heikonen, the doctoral researcher who led the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-food-crops">Climate change and food crops</h2>



Up to half of the world’s current food crop production may be impacted by these shifting conditions. Major staples - rice, maize, wheat, potato, and soybean - are likely to face severe reductions in suitable cropland, heightening challenges for societies that depend on them for daily nutrition.&nbsp;



According to Heikonen, many other crops, like “tropical root crops such as yam, which are key to food security in low-income regions, as well as cereals and pulses are particularly vulnerable. 



In sub-Saharan Africa, the region which would be impacted most, almost three quarters of current production is at risk if global warming exceeds 3°C.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-brings-winners-and-losers">Warming brings winners and losers</h2>



The study reveals a stark contrast between low-latitude and mid- to high-latitude regions. While countries nearer the equator face severe crop losses and falling diversity, those in cooler climates could retain their overall production levels. 



Scientists also project that mid- and high-latitude areas may be able to cultivate a broader range of crops in a warming world.



“For example, the cultivation of temperate fruits, such as pears, could become more common in more northerly regions,” Heikonen said.



Yet, the study’s senior author Matti Kummu notes that a favorable shift in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-predict-the-chaotic-response-of-crops-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> does not guarantee greater yields. 



“We showed that there’s climatic potential but, for example, warming might bring new pests and extreme weather events, which our model doesn’t include. So the situation isn’t really that black and white,” Kummu said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-low-latitude-regions">Challenges in low-latitude regions</h2>



Countries already vulnerable to food insecurity, especially in Africa, face mounting difficulties as rising temperatures coincide with other social and economic pressures. Still, Kummu argues there is room for adaptation.



“In many low latitude areas, especially in Africa, the yields are small compared to similar areas elsewhere in the world. They could get higher yields with access to fertilisers and irrigation as well as reducing food losses through the production and storage chain,” he said.&nbsp;



“However, ongoing global warming will add a lot of uncertainty to these estimates and probably even more actions are needed, such as crop selection and novel breeding. But I always say that the modelling and analysis is the easy part – understanding how to make the changes happen is the hardest part.”



Policy-makers in low-latitude countries, the report suggests, must look for ways to close gaps in agricultural infrastructure while simultaneously bracing for more hostile growing conditions.&nbsp;



Without such efforts, local communities already at risk for food shortages may struggle even more in the years ahead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-securing-the-world-s-food-crops">Securing the world's food crops</h2>



For mid- and high-latitude regions, farmers and legislators will have to remain flexible. Even if warming opens the door to new crops, changes in global demand and market forces could further reshape what people choose to cultivate.&nbsp;



Building resilience likely involves experimenting with different crop varieties, adjusting planting seasons, and investing in infrastructure to cope with potential extreme weather and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urgent-need-to-protect-earths-forests-from-non-native-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pests</a>.



“If we want to secure our food system in the future, we need to both mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects,” Heikonen said. “Even if the biggest changes are in equatorial regions, we will all feel the effects through the globalized food system. We need to act together to address these problems.”



This interconnection means that climate-driven crop failures in one part of the world could ripple across supply chains, affecting food prices and availability everywhere.



 The study emphasizes that mitigating climate change is essential, but so too is planning for a hotter and more unpredictable planet.&nbsp;



By adjusting farming practices, investing in research, and coordinating policy efforts, countries can better prepare to feed a growing population in an era of environmental upheaval.



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Critical food crops are threatened by rising temperatures globally

A new study warns that if global warming surpasses 1.5°C,...

<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...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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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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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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.

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



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.

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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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



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.

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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



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

Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

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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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