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...

Volcanic eruptions have profoundly impacted human societies throughout history, causing cold weather, reduced sunlight, and crop failures. In 43 BC, for instance, a volcanic eruption in Alaska ejected vast amounts of sulfur into the stratosphere, leading to poor harvests, famine, and disease around the Mediterranean.&nbsp;



While written records from ancient Greece and Rome document these events, no such records exist from the Neolithic period. 



However, climate scientists and archaeologists have uncovered evidence of a similar catastrophic volcanic eruption around 2,900 BC, shedding light on its devastating effects on Neolithic communities in Northern Europe.



This discovery, made by researchers from the <a href="https://nbi.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Niels Bohr Institute</a> at the University of Copenhagen, has led archaeologists to reevaluate findings from the Neolithic Vasagård site on Bornholm, Denmark.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-next-big-volcano-eruption-will-cause-global-chaos-climate-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruption</a> and its aftermath appear to have influenced the ritual practices of these early agricultural societies, particularly their reverence for the sun.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harsh-climate-conditions-after-massive-eruption-nbsp">Harsh climate conditions after massive eruption&nbsp;</h2>



By analyzing ice cores from Greenland, researchers detected significant sulfur deposits indicative of a massive volcanic eruption around 2,900 BC. This event caused reduced solar radiation and a subsequent drop in temperatures across Europe and the United States, leading to prolonged cooling.&nbsp;



Evidence from dendrochronological studies of fossilized wood reveals signs of frost during the spring and summer months before and after the eruption, emphasizing its harsh climatic consequences.



Such conditions would have been devastating for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-neolithic-mountain-settlers-used-complex-farming-methods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neolithic communities</a> that depended on agriculture. With shorter growing seasons and failed harvests, the people of Northern Europe likely faced widespread food shortages and societal strain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sun-stones-of-vasagard">Sun stones of Vasagård</h2>



The volcanic eruption and its climatic impact have recontextualized archaeological findings from Vasagård on Bornholm, a site known for its unique “sun stones.”&nbsp;



These engraved flat shale pieces, featuring sun motifs and patterns, are believed to have symbolized fertility and been used in rituals to ensure agricultural success.



Archaeologist Rune Iversen of the University of Copenhagen, who has participated in excavations at Vasagård, explained the significance of these artifacts.



“One type of find that is completely unique to Bornholm is the so-called sun stones, which are flat shale pieces with engraved patterns and sun motifs. They symbolized fertility and were probably sacrificed to ensure sun and growth.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sun-stones-in-sacrificial-ditches">Sun stones in sacrificial ditches </h2>



Large quantities of sun stones were discovered in sacrificial ditches alongside animal bones, broken clay vessels, and flint objects, suggesting they were part of elaborate rituals.&nbsp;



These sacrifices likely aimed to appease forces believed to control the sun, especially during a time of diminished sunlight caused by the volcanic eruption.



“It is reasonable to believe that the Neolithic people on Bornholm wanted to protect themselves from further deterioration of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-climate-shift-sheds-light-on-future-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> by sacrificing sun stones - or perhaps they wanted to show their gratitude that the sun had returned again,” Iversen added.



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



The Neolithic period around 2,900 BC was marked not only by climate-related challenges but also by other crises. DNA analysis of human remains from this time reveals widespread and deadly outbreaks of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-farming-population-decimated-by-plague-dna-skull/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plague</a>.&nbsp;



These dual pressures - climate instability and disease - likely contributed to major cultural changes in Northern Europe.



For instance, the once-dominant Funnel Beaker Culture, known for its distinct ceramics and passage graves, began to fade. At Vasagård, the rituals involving sun stones gave way to new practices, including the construction of extensive palisades and circular cult houses.



“At the causewayed enclosure we have excavated on Bornholm, we can also see that, after the sacrifice of the sun stones, the residents changed the structure of the site so that instead of sacrificial ditches, it was provided with extensive rows of palisades and circular cult houses,” Iversen said.&nbsp;



“We do not know why, but it is reasonable to believe that the dramatic climatic changes they had been exposed to would have played a role in some way.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sun-worship-across-eras">Sun worship across eras</h2>



The sun stones from Vasagård provide an early example of a sun cult in Northern Europe, predating similar practices seen in the Nordic Bronze Age, such as the Sun Chariot, and even echoing henge structures like Stonehenge in England.



“The sun stones are completely unique, also in a European context,” noted Lasse Vilien Sørensen, a senior researcher at the <a href="https://en.natmus.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Museum of Denmark</a> and co-author of the study.&nbsp;



“The closest we get to a similar sun-cult in the Neolithic is some passage graves in southern Scandinavia or henge structures like Stonehenge in England, which some researchers associate with the sun. With the sun stones, there is in my mind no doubt.”



The discovery underscores how early agricultural societies revered the sun as a vital force, closely tied to survival and fertility. This reverence persisted even into later periods, such as the volcanic disaster of 536 AD, when Scandinavian societies deposited large gold hoards as sacrifices during another significant climate crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-into-neolithic-life">A window into Neolithic life</h2>



The evidence of volcanic activity from ice cores, coupled with the archaeological findings at Vasagård, provides a vivid picture of how Neolithic communities responded to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-disasters-like-tsunamis-cause-lasting-health-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental disasters</a>.&nbsp;



The sacrifices of sun stones and subsequent cultural shifts demonstrate both the adaptability and the ritual practices of these early societies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-the-sun-stones">Legacy of the sun stones</h2>



Four of the sun stones from Vasagård will be displayed at the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen, offering a glimpse into the lives of Neolithic communities and their response to one of history’s earliest documented climate disasters.



These artifacts, tied to the earliest known sun-cults in Scandinavia, illuminate how deeply ancient societies were connected to their environment and how they sought to influence or understand natural forces during times of crisis.&nbsp;



The Vasagård sun stones serve as a testament to humanity’s enduring relationship with the sun - a source of life and a beacon of survival in the face of nature’s extremes.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2024.217" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antiquity</a>.



Image Credit: National Museum of Denmark



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Sun stones and sacrifice: How ancient farmers faced climate chaos

Volcanic eruptions have profoundly impacted human societies throughout history, causing...

New research indicates that federal reservoirs across the United States have the potential to significantly contribute to the country’s solar energy demands.&nbsp;



Experts from the <a href="https://www.nrel.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Renewable Energy Laboratory</a> (NREL) have conducted an in-depth evaluation of how much energy floating solar panels could generate when installed on these reservoirs, presenting a promising frontier for renewable energy development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-energy-potential">Surprising energy potential</h2>



The study, led by geospatial scientists Evan Rosenlieb and Marie Rivers along with legal and regulatory analyst Aaron Levine, is the first to quantify precisely how much energy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floating-solar-panels-could-power-entire-countries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">could be harvested </a>by deploying floating photovoltaic (PV) systems on federally owned or regulated reservoirs. 



The findings reveal a surprisingly large technical potential: reservoirs could host enough floating solar panels to produce up to 1,476 terawatt hours of electricity annually. To put this into perspective, that amount of energy is enough to power approximately 100 million homes each year.



“That’s a technical potential,” noted Rosenlieb. “We know we’re not going to be able to develop all of this. But even if you could develop 10% of what we identified, that would go a long way.”



This “technical potential” refers to the maximum energy output achievable if reservoirs were fully covered with floating solar arrays.



While it is acknowledged that full-scale development across all reservoirs is unlikely due to practical and environmental constraints, even a 10% development scenario would mark a significant leap forward in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tapping-into-the-natural-power-of-plants-for-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a> capacity.&nbsp;



The study serves as a foundational resource by providing reservoir-specific details accessible through the AquaPV website, where developers can examine data relevant to individual sites and make informed decisions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-of-floating-solar-power">Advantages of floating solar power</h2>



Floating solar arrays, or floating PV systems, offer several distinct advantages over land-based solar installations.&nbsp;



Firstly, they generate electricity without using valuable land resources, a crucial benefit in regions where land is scarce or expensive. By situating solar panels on water surfaces, developers can avoid conflicts over land use and preserve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-invasion-how-microplastics-are-disrupting-land-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrestrial ecosystems</a>.



Additionally, the panels provide environmental benefits beyond electricity generation. When floating on reservoirs, the solar arrays shade the water, reducing evaporation rates - a critical factor in water conservation.&nbsp;



This effect can be particularly beneficial in arid regions or during drought conditions, where every drop of water saved is valuable. The cooling effect of the panels can also improve the efficiency of the PV cells, potentially increasing electricity production.



Despite these advantages, large-scale floating solar projects remain rare in the United States. “But we haven’t seen any large-scale installations, like at a large reservoir,” Levine said. “In the United States, we don't have a single project over 10 megawatts.”



The absence of large projects underscores the nascent stage of this technology in the country, highlighting both the opportunity for growth and the challenges that must be overcome to scale up installations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-suitable-reservoirs">Identifying suitable reservoirs</h2>



A key contribution of this research is not just the estimation of energy potential but also the detailed analysis of which reservoirs are most suitable for floating solar installations.&nbsp;



Prior studies often speculated on potential energy gains without considering specific site conditions. Levine and Rosenlieb's work breaks new ground by examining a variety of factors that affect the feasibility of floating solar projects.



Factors such as water depth, temperature, and shoreline slope are critical because they influence the installation and maintenance of floating solar systems.&nbsp;



Shipping traffic is another consideration; frequent boat movement can create waves that may damage mooring lines and destabilize the floating infrastructure. Some reservoirs may experience issues with extreme cold or unsuitable bottom conditions that make it difficult to anchor the panels.



However, many hydropower reservoirs could serve as ideal sites for floating solar due to their controlled water levels and existing infrastructure. Hybrid energy systems combining solar and hydropower can offer enhanced reliability and resilience.&nbsp;



For instance, during periods of drought when hydropower output falls, floating solar panels can provide an alternative energy source.&nbsp;



For instance, if a drought depletes a hydropower facility’s reservoir, solar panels would be capable of&nbsp; generating energy while the facility pauses to allow the water to replenish.



This integrated approach not only maximizes energy generation but also optimizes the use of existing resources, making the overall energy system more robust against disruptions.



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



Floating solar projects must also contend with environmental and regulatory considerations. While the study primarily quantifies energy potential, the team recognizes that human activities and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> interactions could influence project viability at specific locations.&nbsp;



For example, protecting fish habitats and preserving recreational uses of reservoirs are important factors in planning.



The researchers plan to address these considerations in future work, which will involve assessing environmental impacts, regulatory requirements, and community responses.&nbsp;



Factors such as proximity to transmission lines, cost of development, and regulatory hurdles will be examined to provide a clearer roadmap for potential projects.



The researchers emphasized that this study offers significantly more precise data on the potential of floating solar power in the United States.&nbsp;



This improved accuracy can aid developers in planning projects on U.S. reservoirs more effectively and enable researchers to better evaluate how these technologies align with the nation’s overarching energy objectives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward-further-research-and-development">The path forward: Further research and development</h2>



The study marks a significant step forward, but it also opens up many avenues for further research. Future investigations by the team will delve into more detailed site-specific analyses, including:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Evaluating proximity to grid infrastructure and electricity demand centers.</li>



<li>Determining development costs and economic feasibility at specific reservoirs.</li>



<li>Assessing environmental impacts and identifying sites to avoid to protect local ecosystems.</li>



<li>Understanding regulatory challenges at both state and federal levels.</li>
</ul>



Additionally, the researchers are interested in expanding their analysis beyond large reservoirs. They plan to assess smaller reservoirs, estuaries, and even offshore ocean sites to identify additional opportunities for floating solar installations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-renewable-energy-revolution">A renewable energy revolution?</h2>



As floating solar technology continues to mature, its potential to transform the energy landscape becomes increasingly clear.&nbsp;



By leveraging federal reservoirs for large-scale energy production, the United States could make significant strides toward its renewable energy goals.&nbsp;



Floating solar panels not only provide sustainable electricity but also contribute to water conservation and efficient land use.&nbsp;



With continued research, development, and investment, floating solar could emerge as a cornerstone of America’s renewable energy future, powering millions of homes and supporting a cleaner, more resilient grid.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2024.113177" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar Energy</a>.



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Floating solar panels could power every home in the U.S.

New research indicates that federal reservoirs across the United States...

Corn,Cobs,In,Corn,Farming,Fields,During,The,Harvest,Season

Wild plants may hold the key to building resilient crops for a world that is increasingly impacted by climate change. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, the search for hardy, adaptable crop varieties has become more urgent than ever. 



While our ancestors transformed many wild species into staple crops, could they have overlooked others with untapped potential? 



Scientists at the University of Southampton believe that certain wild or underutilized plants might be vital in future to designing crops that will withstand the challenges of a warming world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rich-heritage-of-cultivation">A rich heritage of cultivation</h2>



The journey of cultivation is an ancient one. Nearly 12,000 years ago, our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-hunter-gatherer-ancestors-did-much-more-gathering-than-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunter-gatherer</a> ancestors became cultivators who selectively grew seeds from their best plants.



Over time, this led to hardier, more productive crops. Yet, not all wild species were deemed suitable for cultivation - some were left behind. 



Can these forsaken wild species offer us any insights today?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digging-into-the-potential-of-wild-plants">Digging into the potential of wild plants</h2>



In their recently published study in Trends in Ecology and Evolution, the Southampton team, including scientists from Oxford and Sheffield, and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, propose that certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/billions-of-people-depend-on-wild-plant-and-animal-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild species</a> possess traits that make them prime candidates for cultivation.



They’ve drawn on a wealth of past research to probe why certain wild species were preferred over others and how cultivated plants differ genetically from their wild antecedents.



“Tens of thousands of plant species are edible, yet just a few hundred have been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/domesticating-plants-permanently-alters-their-microbiome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domesticated</a> and a mere 15 species provide 90 percent of our calories,” stated Professor Mark Chapman of the University of Southampton, making a sobering point. 



“Hundreds of wild plants were collected during the Neolithic period by humans, but were later abandoned as food sources. We have explored which genetic or physical traits facilitated or constrained the domestication of wild species,” he added.



This glaring disparity begs the question - why so few?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traits-of-the-chosen-wild-plants">Traits of the chosen wild plants</h2>



The team identified three key factors that influence a plant's suitability for cultivation. 



First is plasticity - the ability of plants to adapt quickly to their environment and develop traits favored by humans, thus making them more practical for cultivation.



Second is genetic make-up, where simplicity plays a crucial role; traits governed by fewer genes are easier to modify. Thus simpler genetic programming makes it easier to change a plant's morphology to meet human needs.



Lastly, mutation rate is significant; plants that mutate more rapidly can evolve faster, potentially producing larger seeds or more palatable fruits over shorter timeframes.



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



Understanding what led to the dominance of certain plant species in agriculture could be crucial in identifying new potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-predict-the-chaotic-response-of-crops-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops for a changing climate</a>. 



“When plants were first domesticated thousands of year ago, humans only knew the climate and weather conditions they would face at that present time," explained Professor Chapman.



"Now, using sophisticated climate modelling, we can predict how our world will warm and how our weather will change in the decades to come. This gives us the opportunity to think about the ways in which our crops will need to be resistant in the future."



The team’s research emphasizes that plants overlooked or underutilized in the past may hold valuable traits that offer new opportunities to develop crops better suited to future environmental challenges.



By applying selective breeding and precision breeding tactics, these underdogs might just become the crops for a warming world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-the-potential-of-forgotten-crops">Unlocking the potential of forgotten crops</h2>



While the history of modern agriculture has been dominated by a very small pool of crops, many wild plants and their biodiversity have yet to be explored.



Many of these plants have extraordinary characteristics, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/old-growth-trees-more-tolerant-to-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> resistance, pest tolerance, and the ability to grow in poor soils, all of which make them attractive candidates for a future of climate-resilient agriculture.



According to the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> team, advanced technologies such as genomics and precision breeding can unlock these traits.



By mapping the genomes of the wild relatives along with other, lesser-known crops, scientists can find genes responsible for desirable characteristics and incorporate them into new crop varieties.



This approach not only expands our agricultural repertoire but also provides insurance against the vulnerabilities of monoculture farming in an unpredictable climate.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S016953472400315X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Domesticating wild plants may result in more resilient crops

Wild plants may hold the key to building resilient crops...

The quest to reduce our carbon footprint has driven significant efforts toward developing a system to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, at their source.



Carbon emissions from power plants, industrial refineries, cement factories, and other industries have been the primary target. 



These efforts, while impactful, often fall short of addressing the vast amounts of carbon dioxide already present in the atmosphere. 



However, imagine if there was a way to scrub these harmful gases directly from our atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-system-to-capture-carbon-dioxide">System to capture carbon dioxide</h2>



A team of dedicated researchers at the <a href="https://www.uc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cincinnati</a> has been pursuing this seemingly elusive goal. Their mission? To master the art of extracting carbon dioxide straight from the atmosphere.



According to team leader Professor Joo-Youp Lee, accomplishing this would be akin to "trying to remove a handful of red ping-pong balls from a football stadium full of white ones."



The analogy emphasizes the task's complexity, as the concentration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-weaker-ocean-will-release-more-carbon-into-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide in the atmosphere</a> is remarkably low.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-breakthrough-in-carbon-capture">A breakthrough in carbon capture</h2>



Despite the challenges, Professor Lee and his students have made significant progress. They have designed an efficient system for capturing carbon dioxide from the air at approximately 420 parts per million.



The beauty of this process, which is called "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-control-u-s-will-invest-1-2b-in-direct-air-capture-initiatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">direct air capture</a>," is that it can be implemented virtually anywhere.



Power plants and transportation account for about 53% of all carbon dioxide emissions. The remaining emissions are produced by commercial and residential buildings, industry, agriculture, and other human activities.



“Although industrial decarbonization efforts are underway, it’s really hard to implement carbon capture in the remaining sectors,” said Professor Lee.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-system-works">How the system works</h2>



The system uses electricity to separate carbon dioxide. However, it leans towards the use of hot water instead of electricity or steam, making it more energy-efficient than other carbon-capture systems.



To achieve this, the team established a benchtop model. Ambient air is pumped through a canister, which is filled with a honeycomb-like block wrapped with carbon fiber.



This block, designed and fabricated in Lee's lab, contains individual cells coated with a specially designed adsorbent material that captures carbon dioxide. 



When the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide levels</a> begin to rise at the block's outlet, the team knows it is time to heat the structure, freeing the trapped carbon dioxide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scaling-up-the-process">Scaling up the process </h2>



The Cincinnati team has successfully repeated this process more than 2,000 times without any decline in efficiency or degradation of the materials.



Professor Lee is optimistic that the process can be extended to 10,000 cycles, which would make the system more economically viable.



The ultimate test came when the team scaled up the project. Inside of a climate-controlled chamber, they built a person-sized canister, which also draws outside air but can manage temperature, humidity, and wind speed variances.



With an expanded system, Professor Lee and his team have their sights set on an industrial-size prototype.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-climate-change">Addressing climate change </h2>



Soumitra Payra, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cincinnati, looks forward to a future where this technology will be scrubbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere on a large scale.



“I think it’s a great project. We’re doing some real applications that can help the environment,” said Payra.



Professor Lee noted that these systems could be instrumental in addressing climate change - as the demand for electricity is expected to surge in the years ahead.



“Big tech companies like Google, Microsoft and Amazon are supporting this type of research. They will need a lot of energy to run their data centers,” he said. 



“In the carbon tax credit market, the more electricity you use, the more carbon dioxide you emit. So they’re buying carbon tax credits, which support the development of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-meet-climate-targets-with-carbon-capture-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon-capture technologies</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-progress-in-carbon-capture-technology">Progress in carbon capture technology</h2>



Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the research has made significant strides in advancing carbon capture technology development.



The team's innovative system holds the potential to transform the way we combat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/addressing-climate-change-could-help-reduce-poverty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, offering a scalable and energy-efficient solution to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide.



Professor Lee is hoping the DOE will continue to support his plans to develop an industrial-size prototype.



“Our technology has proven to reduce the heat required for the desorption by 50%. That’s a really big improvement,” said Lee. “By using half of the energy, we can separate out carbon dioxide more efficiently. And we can make the cycle longer and longer.”



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New system captures carbon dioxide directly from air

The quest to reduce our carbon footprint has driven significant...

A cutting-edge satellite no larger than a five-liter water bottle, HYPSO-2, is moving around Earth at an astonishing speed of 7.5 kilometers per second.&nbsp;



This innovative satellite, equipped with two advanced cameras, is providing researchers with unparalleled data on ocean phenomena, particularly algae blooms. These blooms can wreak havoc on aquatic ecosystems, poison drinking water, and cause mass fish deaths.



“The new satellite means about a 10-fold increase in the capacity to monitor water quality, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-caused-toxic-algae-blooms-since-the-bronze-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae blooms</a>, and other important ocean phenomena,” said Bjørn Egil Asbjørnslett, professor and director of <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian University of Science and Technology</a> (NTNU)’s Ocean and Coast strategic research area.&nbsp;



Additionally, the satellite reduces the need for emissions-heavy research vessels, offering a more sustainable approach to marine monitoring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-imaging-in-a-small-satellite">Advanced imaging in a small satellite</h2>



One of HYPSO-2’s cameras is hyperspectral, capable of detecting 120 shades of visible light - far beyond the red, green, and blue seen by human eyes or standard cameras. This technology enables the satellite to capture detailed images spanning up to 25,000 square kilometers of Earth’s surface in a single shot.



Geir Johnsen, professor at NTNU’s Department of Biology, highlighted the practical advantages of this amazing feature.



“The fact that we can now determine exactly where they can make observations is completely new, and worth their weight in gold,” said Johnsen.&nbsp;



“Since the satellites can pass over the same fjord up to three times in the same day, we can plan our surveys much more thoroughly. If we are in the Arctic, for example, we have information about whether there is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-sea-ice-what-record-lows-tell-us-about-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> in the fjord or not.”



Johnsen has also been involved in NTNU AMOS’s observation pyramid, an initiative integrating data from satellites, drones, and unmanned vessels to provide a comprehensive environmental overview.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-satellites-monitoring-ocean-conditions">Small satellites monitoring ocean conditions</h2>



HYPSO-2 delivers sharper images than its predecessor, HYPSO-1, launched in January 2022. Together, the two satellites allow researchers to gather up to 10 times more data than before.&nbsp;



“Better quality of the images also means that we can discover several new things of interest, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-at-risk-global-warming-threatens-the-oceans-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plankton</a> algae, organic material, and turbid water from river runoff,” Johnsen explained.



These satellites have been instrumental in monitoring sea ice conditions, providing critical insights for planning Arctic operations, including determining suitable vehicles and vessels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-launch-and-seamless-operation">Successful launch and seamless operation</h2>



On August 16, 2024, HYPSO-2 was launched into space alongside over 100 other small satellites aboard Elon Musk’s Falcon 9 rocket. Researchers at NTNU were thrilled when they established contact with the satellite less than half an hour after deployment.&nbsp;



“We got a great hyperspectral image already in the test. And the quality of the images continues to be great,” said operations manager and PhD student Simen Berg.



Currently orbiting Earth at an altitude of approximately 580 kilometers, HYPSO-2 passes over the North Pole 14 times a day, transmitting high-quality data to NTNU’s ground crew. The team monitors its telemetry regularly, ensuring the satellite's health and performance remain optimal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-instruments-of-hypso-3">Advanced instruments of HYPSO-3</h2>



Following the success of HYPSO-1 and HYPSO-2, NTNU researchers are already working on HYPSO-3, which will feature advanced instruments, a more powerful computer, and additional cameras.&nbsp;



HYPSO-3 is expected to provide even more detailed observations, focusing on lakes, rivers, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-impacts-on-waterways-contribute-to-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waterways</a>. A prototype for its instruments could be ready by spring 2025, though its launch timeline depends on funding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-for-norway-s-space-industry">New era for Norway’s space industry</h2>



Norway has ambitious plans for small satellite technology, and NTNU is playing a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s position in the burgeoning space industry.&nbsp;



According to satellite expert Roger Birkeland, Norwegian companies have traditionally served as subcontractors for large international projects, but there is a growing trend toward independent initiatives.&nbsp;



“We at NTNU are trying to figure out how we fit in with these players,” he said. “The most obvious thing is that our students can go into jobs in this industry. But we are also trying to find out how we can collaborate more with the industry on research that drives technology forward.”



Through the HYPSO series of satellites, NTNU is not only contributing to vital environmental research but also fostering innovation and collaboration that may shape the future of the global space industry.



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Small satellites are monitoring ocean conditions from space

A cutting-edge satellite no larger than a five-liter water bottle,...

Massive slabs of ancient Antarctic ice have drawn the world’s attention once again. An international team has retrieved a 9,186-foot (2,800 meter) ice core from a remote part of the icy continent, and its layers may shed light on a dramatic chapter in Earth’s climate history.



The core stretches almost the length of 25 soccer fields laid end to end, or reaches a height equivalent to six and a half Empire State Buildings, including its antenna.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-core-reveals-climate-history">Ice core reveals climate history</h2>



Scientists say the newly collected core reached down to the bedrock beneath the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-ice-in-antarctica-could-wake-sleeping-volcanoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic Ice</a> Sheet and it extends back 1.2 million years in time.



The <a href="https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU24/EGU24-8041.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> took place in a challenging region called <a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024EGUGA..26.8041W/abstract">Little Dome C</a>, which is situated 21 miles (34 kilometers) from the <a href="https://institut-polaire.fr/en/antarctica/concordia-station/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Italian-French Concordia</a> research station. 



Temperatures there often remain below minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and gusty winds make work conditions tough.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-time-machine">A time machine</h2>



Shortly after the drilling was complete, team members called the sample a “time machine.” 



The description reflects the fact that each segment of ice captures evidence of our planet’s temperature, atmospheric composition, and greenhouse gas levels at the time the ice was formed.&nbsp;



The efforts are part of the <a href="https://www.beyondepica.eu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beyond EPICA project</a> that is coordinated by <a href="https://www.unive.it/data/people/5590288" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Carlo Barbante</a> of Italy’s <a href="https://www.unive.it/pag/13526" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ca’ Foscari University of Venice</a> and the <a href="https://deims.org/organisations/1d2d7397-2f42-47af-8489-31c3098a9570" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Polar Sciences of the National Research Council of Italy</a>.&nbsp;



Professor Barbante explained that tiny bubbles of air trapped in the ice preserve past levels of gases like carbon dioxide and methane.



These <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/20859" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clues</a> allow experts to investigate how volcanic activity, Earth’s orbital cycles, and solar fluctuations affected global temperatures over millennia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-the-ice-matter">Why does the ice matter?</h2>



Researchers have been searching for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-melting-ice-shelves-threaten-global-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a> that predates a puzzling event known as the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277379106002332" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mid-Pleistocene Transition</a>. 



Before about 1 million years ago, our world’s ice ages lasted around 41,000 years each. Then they shifted to a 100,000-year rhythm for reasons that remain uncertain.



This change could have had a profound influence on early human populations. Studying ancient air trapped in these deep layers of ice cores might show how and why the glacial cycles altered so dramatically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-near-miss-for-humanity">A near-miss for humanity?</h2>



Some researchers suspect the planet’s harsh climate swings nearly caused the extinction of our own ancestors around this time. 



According to a recent study in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abq7487" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>, the global breeding population of humans may have plummeted to about 1,280 individuals between 930,000 and 813,000 years ago.



Although opinions vary on how close our lineage came to disappearing, this finding highlights the possible severity of those changing conditions. 



If the newly recovered ice records support the same timeframe, the data could help clarify whether environmental shifts had an outsized impact on survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-the-oldest-ice-cores">Preserving the oldest ice cores</h2>



The bottommost 688 feet (210 meters) of this core appear to hold exceptionally old and possibly deformed ice. The drilling team is eager to examine these compressed bands and understand how they refroze.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/rmu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Robert Mulvaney</a>, a glaciologist with the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>, noted that intense heat from Earth’s mantle can melt the lowest layers if they are too thick.&nbsp;



“This can happen when the heat escaping from the Earth’s mantle is trapped by a thick insulating blanket of ice,” said Mulvaney. Scientists hope that studying these lower sections will reveal whether ice older than 1.2 million years might still exist in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-even-earlier-timelines">Potential for even earlier timelines</h2>



Experts want to see if the ice can confirm whether sections from the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/quaternary-period.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pre-Quaternary Period</a> (2.58 million years ago or more) are hidden below. Findings from these layers might point to moments when Antarctica was ice-free.&nbsp;



Clues in the lowest strata might also test long-standing hypotheses about when major ice sheets first expanded across the continent. The search for deep records is ongoing, with team members expecting more sophisticated drilling technologies and surveys in the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worth-of-ice-cores">Worth of ice cores</h2>



Ice cores have <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027737910900208X">proven</a> their worth for decades. 



They contain annual layers of snowfall, compressed into translucent columns of time. By analyzing each band’s trapped gases and microscopic particles, scientists reconstruct long-term trends in temperature, precipitation, and greenhouse gas activity.&nbsp;



“Antarctic ice cores are like Rosetta Stones. They are unique in that they speak the language of temperature as well as the language of (carbon dioxide) levels,” said <a href="https://college.unc.edu/person/james-w-c-white/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jim White</a>, Craver Family Dean at the <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> at Chapel Hill. 



Experts believe these markers will improve climate prediction models by revealing the timing of ancient changes.



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



The ice core sections will soon be transported to Europe in special containers. Once there, teams will carry out extensive analysis of dust particles, greenhouse gases, and trapped chemical compounds.&nbsp;



The multi-year journey of scientific discovery may provide deeper insights into how Earth balances complex forces such as solar radiation, volcanic eruptions, and shifting atmospheric currents.&nbsp;



“We have to find other <a href="https://cp.copernicus.org/articles/9/1715/2013/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">places</a> in Antarctica where we can retrieve continuous climate record(s) similar to the one we are studying,” said Barbante. 



Professor Barbante sees future work expanding into other remote areas where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-will-the-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient ice</a> could hide. The recent update is published in the <a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024EGUGA..26.8041W/abstract">Astrophysics Data System</a>.



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Ice core 2-miles-deep may expose the threat that almost wiped out our ancestors

Massive slabs of ancient Antarctic ice have drawn the world’s...

Beneath the sands of beaches exists a concealed world brimming with life. Researchers at Stanford University have recently analyzed how microbial communities within coastal groundwater react to the intrusion of seawater. 



Published in the journal <a href="https://enviromicro-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1462-2920.70009" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Microbiology</a>, the study highlights the remarkable diversity of these vital ecosystems and explores their potential responses to the challenges posed by rising sea levels.



These findings highlight the essential role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> thriving in coastal groundwater just beneath sandy beaches.&nbsp;



Although largely unnoticed, these microorganisms help regulate the flow of nutrients and chemicals between land and sea, contributing significantly to the maintenance of clean coastal waters.&nbsp;



As sea levels rise, a deeper understanding of how these ecosystems function will be crucial for their protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vital-role-of-microbial-communities">Vital role of microbial communities</h2>



“Beaches can act as a filter between land and sea, processing groundwater and associated chemicals before they reach the ocean,” said study co-first author Jessica Bullington, a Ph.D. student in Earth system science at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>.



“Understanding how these ecosystems function is key to safeguarding their services in the face of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a>.”



Microbial communities in these underground settings are responsible for breaking down excess nutrients - such as nitrogen from natural plant decay or from agricultural and wastewater sources - that would otherwise flow unfiltered into the ocean.&nbsp;



By decomposing these materials, the beach microbes effectively clean the water and play a pivotal part in balancing coastal water chemistry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-community-composition-and-resilience">Microbial community composition and resilience</h2>



Researchers conducted their investigation at Stinson Beach, a site north of San Francisco. The beach exemplifies a “high-energy” environment, where the surf is vigorous, yet few detailed scientific examinations of its microbiome exist.&nbsp;



Over two weeks, the team collected around-the-clock samples during both wet and dry seasons to capture varying tidal stages. By analyzing the microbial DNA with high-resolution gene sequencing, they obtained unparalleled insights into microbial community composition and resilience.



The results showed that microbial populations were generally stable amid changing tidal conditions and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracking-seasonal-temperature-changes-over-11000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seasonal fluctuations</a>. However, an event known as wave overtopping - when ocean water surged onto the beach’s aquifer - significantly altered the microbial makeup.&nbsp;



These overtopping incidents, expected to become more common with rising seas, can disrupt microbial filtering processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beach-microbes-in-complex-communities">Beach microbes in complex communities </h2>



“These microbes live in complex communities, many with specialized roles that include processing nutrients and even producing or consuming greenhouse gases,” said co-senior author Christopher Francis, a professor of Earth system science at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.&nbsp;



“The microbial community’s resilience under typical conditions is encouraging, but disturbances like wave overtopping highlight their vulnerability to climate change,” added co-first author Katie Langenfeld, who is now a postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a>.



By identifying the ways in which these microbes respond to sudden inflows of seawater, the research underscores how delicate the system can be.&nbsp;



Frequent disturbances make it more difficult for microbial communities to carry out tasks like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excess-nutrients-are-creating-ocean-dead-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient</a> processing, potentially leading to cascading effects in nearby ocean waters.



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



Stinson Beach and similar coastal areas face a future shaped by rising seas. As water levels increase, beach sands are likely to shift, altering groundwater flow and threatening to undermine the natural services that subterranean microbial communities provide. This research, therefore, offers a timely contribution to debates on coastal resilience.



Study co-senior author Alexandria Boehm is a professor of environmental studies in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and the Stanford School of Engineering.



“We rely on these microbial communities for essential biogeochemical cycling at the land-sea interface,” said Professor Boehm. "If their capacity diminishes due to climate impacts, we could see cascading effects on coastal water quality and marine life.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-framework-for-future-studies">A framework for future studies</h2>



With these findings, scientists now have a more comprehensive foundation for understanding how beach <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-has-a-vital-role-in-ecosystem-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a> ecosystems function and cope with environmental changes.&nbsp;



The findings at Stinson Beach can help guide coastal policymakers who must balance the needs of development, conservation, and climate adaptation. 



By recognizing the importance of microbes as natural water purifiers, strategies can be put in place to preserve or restore beach habitats in ways that bolster microbial stability.



The ongoing research at Stanford - led by Bullington and her collaborators - adds to the growing body of work on coastal health. These communities beneath the sand remain largely out of sight, yet their ecological significance is increasingly clear.&nbsp;



As sea levels rise and human impacts intensify, the tiny inhabitants of beach groundwater may become crucial allies in preserving the balance and cleanliness of coastal zones worldwide.



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Hidden beach microbes help protect coastal waters

Beneath the sands of beaches exists a concealed world brimming...

Life on the Great Barrier Reef is experiencing significant shifts caused by climate change and various human-generated factors, according to a recent study.&nbsp;



Researchers warn that reef fish, which are crucial to marine ecosystems through their roles in food provision, seaweed control, and sand production, are undergoing notable changes. 



These developments could have broad consequences for both people and coral reef habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformations-in-fish-communities">Transformations in fish communities</h2>



The research was led by an international team of marine scientists from the UK and Australia, led by <a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancaster University</a> and working with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).



The team found that the diversity and makeup of fish communities across the Great Barrier Reef (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-barrier-reef-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GBR</a>) have changed dramatically since the 1990s. The findings indicate that the pace of change has accelerated in recent years, raising questions about evolving geographic patterns of biodiversity.



The researchers examined three decades of data from 1995 to 2022, spanning an extensive stretch of more than 1,200 kilometers between 14°S and 24°S on the GBR. 



Historically, one of the best-documented global biodiversity patterns is the "latitudinal diversity gradient," where species richness increases closer to the Equator. This pattern, previously thought to be stable over long timescales, now appears to be shifting as multiple pressures intensify.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressures-on-the-reef">Pressures on the reef</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-coral-bleaching-event-prompts-emergency-un-session/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coral bleaching</a> events, occurring six times between 1998 and 2022 - and again in 2024, after the study concluded - are among the most severe disturbances affecting the GBR.&nbsp;



Other stressors, such as cyclones, water pollution, and outbreaks of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crown-of-thorns-starfish-thrive-in-degraded-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crown-of-thorns starfish</a>, have also altered the reef by reducing coral abundance, changing coral assemblages, and ultimately affecting fish diversity.



In the northernmost GBR, closer to the equator, certain groups of fish (including omnivores, plankton feeders, and herbivores) have decreased. In contrast, these groups have increased in the southern sectors, raising important questions about what these trends mean for ecosystem functioning.&nbsp;



The researchers noted that fish species richness in the southern reef has fluctuated dramatically - shifting between high diversity and very low diversity over different periods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-changes-in-reef-fish-diversity">Long-term changes in reef fish diversity</h2>



The study also highlights how fish communities themselves are undergoing continuous turnover, with some species replacing others more frequently as disturbances become more common. 



This ongoing turnover shows no sign of stabilizing, indicating that fish diversity patterns in the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem could continue to transform.



Javier González-Barrios is the study's lead author and a PhD researcher at Lancaster University. He noted that the findings show how long-term and persistent changes are occurring in the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef, with increasing disturbance from factors such as climate change. 



“We reveal that the fish communities that make their home on the Great Barrier Reef have changed substantially from the beginning of monitoring in the 1990s, both in the number of species and their composition, and continue to change as pressures on the reef system increase,” said González-Barrios.



“We have seen changes in the number and composition of fish species throughout the reef system as well as species turnover - when one species replaces another - are accelerating in recent years, without any sign of stabilization.”



“These changes provide valuable insights into classic geographic patterns, such as the latitudinal diversity gradient, and open questions as to whether these patterns are decoupling from their original underlying drivers.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-composition-and-reef-fish-diversity">Coral composition and reef fish diversity </h2>



A key insight from the research is that shifts in the types of coral species on a reef are more influential in driving fish diversity than the overall percentage of hard coral cover.&nbsp;



While reefs can recover coral cover after disturbances, the specific mix of coral species can change drastically - and that variation in coral composition can alter the three-dimensional structures that fish rely on for shelter and food.



“The Great Barrier Reef has undergone major fluctuations, with hard coral cover on many reefs declining and then recovering in response to large disturbances,” said Mike Emslie, a scientist at AIMS.&nbsp;



“However, just looking at coral cover can mask the underlying changes in the composition of coral species. Corals build the three-dimensional habitat structure that supports other organisms such as fish, and the diversity of corals present can greatly influence the extent of that 3-D structure." 



"The recovery of some corals might not provide the same level of habitat complexity resulting in changes to the fish communities that rely on that complexity.”



According to Emslie, the study shows that changes in fish diversity on the Great Barrier Reef were strongly correlated with shifts in coral composition, and to a lesser extent with fluctuations in coral cover - highlighting the vital importance of a diverse coral assemblage for reef fish communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-for-coral-reef-ecosystems">Future implications for coral reef ecosystems</h2>



The study highlights the importance of reef fish in maintaining essential ecosystem processes. These fish not only keep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoration-of-underwater-seaweed-forests-offers-hope-for-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seaweed</a> in check, preventing it from overtaking seabeds, but also generate sand for beaches - assets integral to tourism and local livelihoods. 



Understanding how and why fish communities are changing is critical for predicting the future benefits that reefs can provide to people.



Nick Graham, a professor of marine ecology at Lancaster University, noted that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reef-fish-populations-are-boosted-by-ocean-connectivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef fish</a> are important to a range of ecosystem processes, such as controlling seaweed so it doesn’t overgrow and take over areas of the seabed, to producing the sand we sunbathe on in tropical locations.&nbsp;



“Reef fish are also important to fisheries and are a vital source of food for millions of people,” said Professor Graham. “With disturbances becoming more frequent and severe, the patterns in fish diversity and abundance we have come to expect are changing, and this will alter the benefits the fish provide for the ecosystem and for people.”



“It’s important that we improve our understanding of how patterns of biodiversity are changing on coral reefs, and the ecological and social implications of this change.”&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55128-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Fish diversity has changed dramatically on the Great Barrier Reef

Life on the Great Barrier Reef is experiencing significant shifts...

In our efforts to sustain the planet, one vital aspect that we have often failed to consider is the role of tree crops. 



Did you know that tree crops cover an astounding 183 million hectares worldwide? Yet, they remain largely overlooked in agricultural policies. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-potential-of-tree-crops">The potential of tree crops </h2>



Whether it's apples, cherries, olives, nuts, coffee, or cacao, tree crops offer much more than just a tasty snack or your morning caffeine boost.



A recently published study has highlighted their immense potential not only by feeding us globally but by safeguarding biodiversity, tackling climate change, and improving millions of lives worldwide. 



The international team of authors shared their findings in a Perspectives article published in the journal Nature Sustainability.



"In this Perspective, we highlight the potential of properly managed and incentivized perennial woody crops to support holistic sustainable development and urge scientists and policymakers to develop an effective agenda to better harness their benefits," wrote the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlooked-role-of-tree-crops">Overlooked role of tree crops</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-salt-lake-agriculture-is-draining-a-natural-wonder/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Agricultural</a> policies have traditionally focused on annual crops like wheat, rice, and sunflowers. These crops have a much shorter life cycle, typically completing germination to harvest in a year. 



While promoting sustainable practices for these crops is essential, their ecological benefits are limited. Their simpler vegetation and short harvest cycles don't offer the same long-term ecological benefits.



Tree crops, in contrast, are far more complex. They consist of multiple layers of vegetation, such as herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees, creating stable ecosystems that support biodiversity when managed sustainably. 



"We’re missing an opportunity to leverage tree crops to address some of the biggest environmental and social challenges of our time," said Dr. Carlos Martínez-Núñez, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.ebd.csic.es/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Doñana Biological Station</a>.



These systems not only provide habitats for various species but also contribute significantly to environmental protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-beyond-food-production">Benefits beyond food production</h2>



Tree crops offer a range of environmental benefits. Their permanent root systems help prevent soil erosion and improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-soil-day-2024-protecting-our-planets-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil fertility</a>. The extensive leaf litter from these crops enriches the soil, making it more productive over time. 



Additionally, tree crops act as natural carbon sinks, sequestering greenhouse gases and aiding in climate change mitigation.



These crops also enhance habitat connectivity, allowing fragmented ecosystems to thrive and providing a buffer against the impacts of intensive agriculture. By improving ecosystem services and offering stable, year-round habitats, tree crops play an essential role in global biodiversity conservation.



Moreover, tree crops are less mechanized and demand more manual labor than other forms of agriculture. This makes them vital sources of employment in low- and middle-income countries, where they are widespread. 



"When managed properly, these agricultural systems can be a powerful tool for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and rural poverty alleviation," noted Dr. Martínez-Núñez.



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



The study highlights the need for tailored policies and research to ensure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-are-in-a-race-against-time-to-save-our-food-supply-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable management</a> of tree crops.



Dr. Elena Velado-Alonso, co-author of the study and researcher at Göttingen University’s <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/596513.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Functional Agrobiodiversity and Agroecology Group</a>, emphasized the importance of context-specific measures.



"Tree cropping areas overlap with most of the world’s biodiversity-rich areas, making them key to conservation," said Dr. Velado-Alonso. "However, local practices and landscape-scale measures adapted to different contexts are needed."



To maximize the contribution of tree crops to global sustainability, the research team calls for implementing regulations, financial incentives, and policies that support improved agricultural practices. 



These steps could harness tree crops' full potential in addressing key environmental and social challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-agriculture-with-tree-crops">Rethinking agriculture with tree crops</h2>



This call to action marks a crucial step in rethinking agriculture's role in creating a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable and equitable world</a>. 



By embracing the benefits of tree crops and promoting sustainable practices, we can take significant strides toward achieving the United Nations' <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sustainable Development Goals</a>. These crops are not just a source of food and income - they are a powerful tool for environmental protection and social progress.



With more attention, research, and support, tree crops could become the cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, helping to address the climate crisis, conserve biodiversity, and uplift communities worldwide.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-024-01483-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Sustainability</a>.



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Tree crops: A path to feeding the world and saving the planet

In our efforts to sustain the planet, one vital aspect...

From coastlines to capital cities, healthcare workers are warning about the immediate need for a treaty to end plastic pollution.



The danger of a global health disaster is at its highest level as United Nations-led negotiations to form a plastic treaty continue to remain dead-locked due to ongoing disputes.



Plastic pollution not only endangers human health, but threatens to harm our planet itself. Without decisive action, the consequences could be irreversible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-treaty-negotiations">Plastic treaty negotiations</h2>



At the forefront of this urgent plea for action are researchers from the Revolution Plastics Institute at the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a>.



The experts recently spotlighted the matter in an article published by the British Medical Journal, following their participation in the plastic treaty negotiations in Busan last December.



The negotiations concluded without any agreement being reached, and this pushed further discussions into 2025.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skyrocketing-plastic-production">Skyrocketing plastic production</h2>



With global annual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic production</a> currently at an alarming 400 million tonnes and expected to double by 2040, the scientists see health care professionals playing an increasingly crucial role.



The need of the hour, they say, is for more robust scientific evidence showing the impact of plastic pollution on human health. 



Such data will fortify the treaty process and guide the creation of targeted policies to reduce human exposure to plastic pollution.



"The treaty to end plastic pollution represents a historic opportunity to protect human health. If the treaty is to meet this challenge, its text must include specific measures to mitigate the health effects of plastic pollution, human health targets and metrics to measure progress towards improved health outcomes," noted Professor Steve Fletcher, the director of the Revolution Plastics Institute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-health-versus-plastic-pollution">Human health versus plastic pollution</h2>



The article focuses on two critical health concerns linked to plastic pollution. 



First, there are the omnipresent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-infiltrating-the-human-body-even-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> - tiny particles found in the air we breathe, waterways, polar ice, soil, and in our food.



Humans are constantly ingesting, inhaling, and absorbing these particles. They have been detected in numerous organs and tissues, from the brain and blood to the placenta and liver. Microplastics have even been found in breast milk and semen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-open-burning-of-plastic-waste">Open burning of plastic waste</h2>



The other critical issue is the harmful health effects of inhaled <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-can-make-other-pollutants-more-toxic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxic pollutants</a> that are released from the open burning of plastic waste. This danger is particularly acute in areas with deficient waste management systems.



The emissions from such open burns, which are loaded with toxic chemicals, particulate matter, and microplastics, are associated with serious health conditions. These include respiratory infections, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steep-rise-in-cardiovascular-disease-expected-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular diseases</a>, and chronic conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).



Dr. Cressida Bowyer, the Deputy Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute, has extensively studied the perils of open burning of plastic waste. 



"With 16% of global municipal waste burned openly, rising to 40–65% in low-and middle-income countries, vulnerable populations bear the brunt of this crisis. The toxic fumes from burning plastic are a silent but deadly contributor to global health burdens. Urgent action is needed to eliminate this dangerous practice and protect public health," she warned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerable-populations-are-affected-the-most">Vulnerable populations are affected the most</h2>



The longer the world waits to finalize a binding plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-countries-with-nothing-to-lose-delayed-progress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treaty</a>, the more devastating the health impacts of plastic pollution will become.



Studies show that vulnerable populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are disproportionately exposed to the harmful effects of plastics. 



This disparity is most apparent in regions with inadequate waste management systems, where open burning of plastic waste is rampant and environmental contamination intensifies daily.



Beyond its environmental toll, plastic pollution worsens global health inequalities. Microplastics and toxic chemicals from mismanaged plastic waste seep into the food chain, water sources, and also into the air.



Toxic emissions, especially in urban areas, have been linked to respiratory diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treaty-needed-to-end-plastic-pollution">Treaty needed to end plastic pollution</h2>



Health experts warn that without the necessary steps of action, these health crises will intensify and spread aggressively, straining health systems and threatening the health of future generations.



But dealing with plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue; it is an important step to ensuring the global public's health.



The message is clear. As responsible stewards of the planet and protectors of human health, it's time for all health professionals to take a determined stand against the harms of plastic pollution.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/388/bmj.q2890" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Medical Journal</a>.



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Plastic treaty is a 'historic opportunity' to stop a human health crisis

From coastlines to capital cities, healthcare workers are warning about...

Glaciers, often associated with the vast sheets of melting ice in Antarctica and Greenland, are far more widespread and diverse than commonly understood. With over 200,000 glaciers outside the polar regions, these icy giants are key players in shaping Earth's terrain and regulating ecosystems. 



However, the rapid pace of melting glaciers, accelerated by human-induced climate change, is causing profound environmental and geopolitical changes. 



Researchers Elzė Buslavičiūtė and Dr. Laurynas Jukna from Vilnius University’s <a href="https://www.chgf.vu.lt/en/about/structure/institute-of-geosciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Geosciences</a> have investigated these transformations, and shown how satellite observations are revealing the scale of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-half-of-the-worlds-glaciers-could-disappear-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> loss and its far-reaching implications.



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



In addition to shaping global landscapes and borders, glaciers act as the planet's natural air conditioners, playing a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate. 



These massive ice formations store about 75% of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world’s fresh water</a> and act as giant reservoirs that release water slowly into rivers and lakes, ensuring a steady supply even during dry seasons. 



Additionally, they reflect sunlight back into space, which helps keep our planet cool. Without glaciers, many ecosystems would struggle to survive, and countless communities that rely on <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/retreating-glaciers-and-expanding-meltwater-lakes-in-alaska/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacial meltwater</a> for drinking, agriculture, and hydropower would face serious water shortages.



As glaciers shrink, sea levels rise, which can lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal flooding</a>, erosion, and the displacement of millions of people living in low-lying areas.



Moreover, melting glaciers contribute to the warming of oceans, which can harm marine life and disrupt global weather patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-glaciers-of-modern-europe">Melting glaciers of modern Europe</h2>



During the last Ice Age, roughly 20,000-22,000 years ago, glaciers from Scandinavia sculpted much of Europe’s landscape, leaving behind features that define the continent’s geography today. 



These glaciers, though diminished, continue to play a vital role by storing freshwater, sustaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-disrupting-the-seasonal-flow-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> and lakes, and regulating water flow and temperatures.



Modern Europe’s glaciers are predominantly concentrated in regions such as the Alps, Svalbard, Iceland, and the Pyrenees.&nbsp;



Unlike their colossal polar counterparts, these smaller glaciers - classified as valley glaciers, ice caps, and hanging glaciers - are nestled in mountainous terrains. They form when snow accumulation surpasses ablation, eventually compacting into dense glacier ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-glacier-melt-with-space-technology">Tracking glacier melt with space technology</h2>



While the Alps’ glaciers have been retreating since the Ice Age, their melting has significantly accelerated in recent decades. 



The <a href="https://www.glamos.ch/en/#/E23-16" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glacier Monitoring in Switzerland</a> (GLAMOS) program reveals a stark decline in glacial area within the Swiss Alps, where ice cover has shrunk from 1,311 km² (500 mi2) in 1973 to 961 km² (371 mi2) by 2016 - a loss of nearly 350 km² (130 mi2) in under 50 years.



This data is primarily derived from archival aerial and satellite imagery, such as NASA’s Landsat mission, which has been operational since 1972.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/melting-glaciers_rhone-glacier_timelapse_Landsat_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/melting-glaciers_rhone-glacier_timelapse_Landsat_NASA_1s.webp" alt="The Rhône Glacier in Switzerland in August 2001 and August 2024, based on false-color imagery from the Landsat 7 and 8 satellites. Credit: Vilnius University" class="wp-image-1956575"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Rhône Glacier in Switzerland in August 2001 and August 2024, based on false-color imagery from the Landsat 7 and 8 satellites. Credit: Vilnius University</figcaption></figure>



By analyzing false-color satellite images, scientists can monitor glacial retreat, changes in glacier height, and volume shifts. 



For instance, Landsat imagery of the Rhône Glacier in Switzerland shows dramatic reductions in ice cover between August 2001 and August 2024.



Moreover, advanced sensors like IceSAT-2/GLAS and radars aboard Sentinel-1 satellites are employed to detect glacier movement and mass changes. 



These tools allow researchers to quantify the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-fear-climate-change-will-end-the-world-during-their-lifetime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> on glaciers with unprecedented accuracy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-glaciers-shift-national-borders">Melting glaciers shift national borders</h2>



The ecological impacts of glacier melt are well-documented, but its geopolitical ramifications are equally significant. In Europe, where many national borders align with watershed lines along high mountain ridges, shifting glaciers are redrawing maps.



One notable example involves the borders between Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. As glaciers recede or peaks collapse, these natural boundaries shift. 



In 2006, Italy and Austria preemptively signed an agreement to accommodate potential border changes. Similarly, the Matterhorn Glacier’s retreat in 2024 slightly expanded Switzerland’s territory by shifting the mountain’s highest point closer to Italy.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/melting-glaciers_switzerland_time-lapse_Landsat_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/melting-glaciers_switzerland_time-lapse_Landsat_NASA_1s.webp" alt="Glacier melting from 1850 to 2016 in southwestern Switzerland based on GLAMOS aerial and satellite observations. On the right is a false-color Landsat 8 satellite image from 2 October 2016, with lines indicating the distribution of glaciers during different periods. Credit: Vilnius University" class="wp-image-1956577"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Glacier melting from 1850 to 2016 in southwestern Switzerland based on GLAMOS aerial and satellite observations. On the right is a false-color Landsat 8 satellite image from 2 October 2016, with lines indicating the distribution of glaciers during different periods. Credit: Vilnius University</figcaption></figure>



These shifting boundaries are more than technicalities. They affect economic and cultural ties, as well as tourism and resource management. 



The Alps, for instance, sustain major rivers like the Rhône and the Rhine, which are critical for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-supply-from-icy-mountains-will-become-less-reliable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water supply</a> and agriculture across multiple nations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tourism-and-local-adaptations-in-the-alps">Tourism and local adaptations in the Alps</h2>



In Switzerland, villages near glaciers depend heavily on tourism, which is closely tied to these natural wonders. 



Visitors flock to witness these majestic ice formations, thus fueling local economies. However, as glaciers shrink, these communities face economic uncertainty.



Some regions have resorted to innovative measures to slow glacial melting, such as covering glaciers with reflective geotextiles to reduce heat absorption. 



While effective in the short term, such localized efforts are insufficient to counter the broader trends of global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-retreat-of-europe-s-glaciers">The retreat of Europe's glaciers </h2>



The rapid melting of glaciers highlights the urgency of coordinated global efforts to combat climate change. The retreat of Europe’s glaciers affects everything from freshwater resources to national borders and economic stability. 



As Buslavičiūtė and Jukna from <a href="https://www.vu.lt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vilnius University</a> emphasize, addressing these challenges requires long-term, global strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change’s impact on vulnerable regions like the Alps.



In the face of these monumental changes, space-based technology offers hope by providing accurate data to inform policies and strategies. 



However, without immediate and sustained international action, the landscapes and borders shaped by glaciers over millennia may become unrecognizable within our lifetime.



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Melting glaciers are reshaping landscapes and national borders around the world

Glaciers, often associated with the vast sheets of melting ice...

In the early 200s, the Iberian lynx, small in stature yet brimming with character, was a hair’s breadth from disappearing from the wild.&nbsp;



Conservation groups and government agencies knew the stakes were high, because a world without this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protecting-lynx-habitat-in-a-shifting-landscape/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spotted feline</a> meant losing a living symbol of Mediterranean woodlands. Though it has taken decades of hard work, the Iberian lynx is finally bouncing back.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-race-to-protect-the-iberian-lynx">Race to protect the Iberian lynx</h2>



The Iberian lynx inhabits regions of southwestern Europe. It measures around 39 inches (100 cm) in length and stands about 18 inches (46 cm) at the shoulder.&nbsp;



Back in the early 2000s, fewer than 100 individuals roamed the wild, including only 25 reproductive females. The outlook was bleak until a dedicated breeding program took shape across the Iberian Peninsula.



This rehabilitation <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2012.01871.x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effort</a> is led in part by biologist and program director, <a href="https://apgvn.pt/speakers/en-dr-rodrigo-serra/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rodrigo Serra</a>, at the National Breeding Centre for Iberian Lynxes in Silves.&nbsp;



“The Iberian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canada-lynx-survival-linked-to-life-cycle-of-snowshoe-hares/">lynx</a> was very, very close to extinction,” shared Serra at the end of a long observation shift. He works alongside other scientists who oversee the species’ reproduction in both Spain and Portugal.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-sabre-tooth-to-survival">From sabre-tooth to survival</h2>



There was a time when experts compared this cat’s precarious position to that of the ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mummified-baby-saber-toothed-cat-found-with-fur-and-toes-intact/">sabre-tooth tiger</a>. “The only feline species that was threatened at this level was the sabre tooth tiger, thousands of years ago,” noted Serra at the end of a field visit.



Loss of habitat to agriculture, increased road traffic, and a devastating drop in wild rabbit numbers pushed this lynx to the edge. 



By the mid-2000s, Portugal had no native lynxes left. Meanwhile, captive-breeding efforts in Spain were showing promise, and Portugal soon followed suit with its own national conservation plan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-going-the-extra-mile-in-silves">Going the extra mile in Silves</h2>



Conservation staff at the breeding facility in Silves have a clear, two-part mission: shape these cats into resourceful hunters and get them ready for life outside the center. A lot of attention goes into making sure they never grow too accustomed to humans.&nbsp;



“When we notice a litter is becoming a bit more confident, we go in and chase them and make noise so they are scared again,” said Serra. He then explained that this keeps them cautious around people, hopefully reducing future conflicts and accidents on farms or roads.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iberian-lynx-s-release-strategy">Iberian lynx's release strategy</h2>



Once the animals reach the right age and temperament, they are released into the wild. Their genetic makeup often determines whether they will head to Spain or remain in Portugal, a decision that is aimed at reducing the chances of inbreeding.&nbsp;



Private landowners typically allow these cats to be set free on their properties, and agreements between conservation <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21091768/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">teams</a> and landholders provide a framework that supports both sides. The cats then select their paths.&nbsp;



Although lynxes have occasionally caused rumbles by raiding chicken coops, these incidents remain uncommon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reintroducing-an-endangered-species">Reintroducing an endangered species</h2>



<a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_zjEgOsAAAAJ&amp;hl=pt-PT" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pedro Sarmento</a>, a researcher who has studied the Iberian lynx for three decades with the Portuguese Institute for Conservation of Nature and Forests (<a href="https://iucn.org/our-union/members/iucn-members/instituto-da-conservacao-da-natureza-e-das-florestas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICNF</a>), has seen up close what makes these cats so distinctive.&nbsp;



“It’s an animal with a fairly small head for its body and extraordinarily wide paws,” observed Sarmento after a day’s worth of fieldwork. He found their exceptional leaping ability to be a defining trait. 



Despite the lynx’s recuperating numbers, collisions with vehicles are still a leading cause of death, which reflects the constant balancing act between modern infrastructure and wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iberian-lynx-is-a-cat-with-more-than-9-lives">Iberian lynx is a cat with more than 9 lives</h2>



One of the best-known <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317278807_First_captive-bred_individuals_released_in_the_Iberian_lynx_reintroduction_programme" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cases</a> in Portugal involved a cat named Lítio. Released into a part of southern Portugal, he stayed put for half a year, then wandered back into Spain’s Doñana National Park.&nbsp;



Lítio fell ill at one point and was returned for treatment in the Algarve. Right after getting a clean bill of health, he swam across the Guadiana River to Spain.&nbsp;



In time, he was again transported back, only to settle a short distance from the breeding center, find a mate, and stay put.&nbsp;



“He is the oldest lynx we have here, and he’s fathered plenty of cubs ever since,” said Sarmento.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steady-climb-toward-a-safer-future">Steady climb toward a safer future</h2>



In recent years, the Iberian lynx has moved from Critically Endangered to Endangered on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a> Red List. <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227672841_The_Iberian_lynx_Lynx_Pardinus_Conservation_Breeding_Program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservationists</a> hope that the population can grow to around 5,000 or 6,000 in the wild by 2035, a threshold that would grant them healthier genetic diversity. 



“I saw the species disappearing. It’s surreal that we’re in a place where we can see <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canada-lynxs-historic-range-points-to-a-promising-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lynxes in nature</a> or through camera trapping almost daily,” Sarmento commented, still recalling how grim things looked a few decades ago. 



Roads still claim too many lives, and keeping habitats linked is a continuous hurdle, but the progress so far stands as proof that species on the brink can inch their way back.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-pride-in-an-ongoing-mission">Taking pride in an ongoing mission</h2>



The program teams in Spain and Portugal are not slowing their efforts. They’re fine-tuning captive-breeding routines, improving veterinary procedures, and pushing for more wildlife corridors.&nbsp;



Volunteers and landowners often work side by side, placing warning signs in high-risk areas and stepping up habitat restoration projects. These steps reduce vehicle collisions and lessen friction where farmland meets wilderness.&nbsp;



Although new challenges appear, the Iberian lynx’s rise from a handful of scattered cats to more than 2,000 in the wild shows what patient, practical conservation can accomplish when many people devote years to a single cause.



More information can be found on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/12520/218695618" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red List</a>.



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Saving the Iberian lynx: How humans rescued this rare feline from extinction

In the early 200s, the Iberian lynx, small in stature...

<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=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air">Invisible threat in urban air</h2>



City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge">Disturbing connections emerge</h2>



Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-matters">Timing matters</h2>



The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns">Genetic vulnerability patterns</h2>



Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications">Public health implications</h2>



These findings, published in <a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.



As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

<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=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.



"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.



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



The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.



The research, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.



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Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<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=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-earth-became-a-frozen-wasteland">When Earth became a frozen wasteland</h2>



Imagine Earth as a giant snowball, frozen solid from the North Pole to the equator. This wasn't the plot of a science fiction movie – it was our planet's reality 700 million years ago during an extreme ice age that has puzzled scientists for decades.



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



Australian researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have finally cracked one of geology's greatest mysteries: what caused the Sturtian glaciation and why it persisted for an unprecedented 57 million years. This period occurred long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, when no complex plants or multicellular animals existed.



Dr. Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author, describes a world completely unlike today's climate. "Imagine the Earth almost completely frozen over," she explained. "The planet was blanketed in ice from poles to equator, and temperatures plunged."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-combination-of-climate-factors">The combination of climate factors</h2>



The research team discovered that this massive freeze resulted from a "double whammy" of geological events. First, plate tectonic activity reduced volcanic carbon dioxide emissions to historically low levels. Volcanic activity typically releases CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm.



Simultaneously, weathering of volcanic rocks in what is now Canada actively absorbed atmospheric CO2, further reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. When atmospheric carbon dioxide levels dropped below 200 parts per million – less than half of today's levels – glaciation engulfed the entire planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-implications">Modern climate implications</h2>



Published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>, this research provides crucial insights into Earth's climate system. While geological climate changes occur over millions of years, the study emphasizes that human-induced climate change is happening at a pace ten times faster than previously observed natural changes, highlighting the urgent need to understand our planet's delicate climate balance.



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY 57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists....

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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