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...

The energy world is always on the lookout for new ways to store and deliver electricity. Amid these efforts, one idea for a new energy source has gathered interest: converting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/technological-leap-turns-carbon-dioxide-co2-into-methanol-fuel/">methanol into power</a>.



Some think this approach may help balance out renewable sources, as methanol is liquid at everyday temperatures and simpler to handle than certain other fuels. 



Others see it as a detour, wondering why we should bother with a route that still lags behind proven renewables.



The latest <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652624039507?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> investigates these concerns with fresh eyes, and compares several methanol-to-power setups in terms of their efficiency, economic hits, and overall ecological footprints. 



There are some sobering numbers that come to light as a result of the researchers' analyses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methanol-and-energy-efficiency">Methanol and energy efficiency</h2>



The marketplace already demands smart, stable power solutions that do not cost an arm and a leg. 



Renewables, like solar and wind, have dropped in price and offer steady competition. Against that backdrop, methanol conversion systems <a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">struggle</a> to stack up.



Recent power-to-methanol <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382292385_Comparative_evaluation_of_the_power-to-methanol_process_configurations_and_assessment_of_process_flexibility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> also notes that current production techniques are not cheap.



One <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212982024000933" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> that modeled a power-to-methanol approach using proton-conducting high temperature electrolyzers found that the final methanol price would soar more than four times above standard market levels.



Although new methods and better scaling might improve the math down the line, today’s numbers are not warm and fuzzy.



Some argue that cost hurdles could ease if methanol prices tumble. Models suggest that cutting methanol’s cost by a decent chunk could align the price of electricity from these routes more closely with other, established renewable options. But that is a big ask.



The complexity of producing renewable methanol and the capital needed for advanced equipment do not vanish overnight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-new-directions-and-routes">Exploring new directions and routes</h2>



Techno-economic assessments do not come down to just one scenario. Other research groups have tried weaving in carbon capture, shifting their focus to integrated units that pull <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-moisture-swing-carbon-capture-tech-sucks-co2-straight-from-the-air/">CO2 straight</a> in and turn it into methanol or alternative fuels.



One <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212982024002142" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">team</a> compared methanol production to synthetic natural gas (SNG), noting that while you can trim net emissions, the gains still hinge on careful heat integration and smart process design. 



Even in these advanced setups, the bottom line favors large-scale adoption only if significant tweaks slash production costs and tighten the supply chain.



Another angle involves making methanol from renewable hydrogen and captured CO2. This trick sounds promising because it ties in nicely with the green energy initiative. 



<a href="https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/ee/c8ee01157e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> show that feeding in cleaner hydrogen from sources like high-temperature electrolyzers might help.



Some tests feature proton-conducting membranes to boost efficiency and produce dry hydrogen straight from water at about 650 °F (340°C). 



Although this can increase conversion rates and streamline downstream processes, scaling up remains a major sticking point.



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



The climate angle cannot be ignored. Methanol production and use create carbon emissions unless linked to renewable feeds. 



If methanol comes from processes powered by clean electricity and captured CO2, its climate scorecard improves a lot.



In some integrated setups, the net greenhouse gas footprint shrinks, and fossil fuel depletion takes a hit too. Although certain routes <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306261920311211" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">promise</a> decent carbon cuts, achieving real decarbonization calls for cleaner upstream sources.



Without them, it is just shifting numbers around on a spreadsheet and not delivering a real decrease in emissions.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-market-realities-of-methanol-energy">Market realities of methanol energy</h2>



Markets evolve based on policies, subsidies, consumer choices, and unpredictable events. Methanol-to-power might find its footing in unique situations. 



Some users might want a flexible liquid that can power smaller installations, mobile units, or serve as backup energy.



Others might see value in integrating methanol production with local industries to tap into shared infrastructure. But broad, everyday use at competitive prices remains out of reach right now.



The <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652624039507" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> concluded that although existing methanol-to-power pathways are currently not cost-competitive, their potential can be greatly enhanced through targeted cost reductions, advances in technology, and the incorporation of renewable methanol production.



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



As the world chases solutions to meet emissions targets and stabilize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/">energy supplies</a>, many ideas pop up, and methanol-to-power is one of them. But interest alone does not guarantee success.



This recent work, along with parallel studies, sends a strong message: methanol may hold potential in some corners, but plenty of stumbling blocks remain.



Until engineers and entrepreneurs can tame the costs, improve efficiencies, and secure cleaner inputs, methanol’s energy promise may remain an ambitious vision rather than a real game-changer.



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Is methanol the next green power player in the hunt for clean energy?

The energy world is always on the lookout for new...

A recent study from Colorado State University (CSU) provides compelling evidence that climate change can influence the frequency of earthquakes. The research adds to a growing body of work suggesting that shifts in climate can directly impact the seismic cycle.



The study focused on the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado, where an active fault runs along the western edge of the range. Researchers discovered that during the last ice age, the weight of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-half-of-the-worlds-glaciers-could-disappear-by-2100/">glaciers</a> suppressed fault activity.&nbsp;



However, as the ice melted, the fault experienced increased slip, indicating that earthquake activity along such faults could rise in response to glacial retreat.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> is happening at a rate that is orders of magnitude faster than we see in the geologic record,” said first author Cece Hurtado, who conducted the study as part of her master’s thesis at <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a>.&nbsp;



“We see this in the rapid mountain glacial retreats in Alaska, the Himalayas and the Alps. In many of these regions, there are also active tectonics, and this work demonstrates that as climate change alters ice and water loads, tectonically active areas might see more frequent fault movements and earthquakes due to rapidly changing stress conditions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-climate-and-earthquake-activity">Linking climate and earthquake activity</h2>



While it’s well established that tectonic changes influence climate - for example, through mountain uplift altering atmospheric circulation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> - research linking climate shifts to tectonic activity is still rare.&nbsp;



The CSU study is among the few that show how climate change can directly impact seismic processes.



“We’ve been able to model these processes for a while, but it’s hard to find examples in nature,” said Sean Gallen, an associate professor of geosciences at CSU and the senior author of the study. “This is compelling evidence. It suggests that the atmosphere and the solid Earth have tight connections that we can measure in the field.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-the-sangre-de-cristo-fault">A closer look at the Sangre de Cristo fault</h2>



The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, once blanketed by glaciers during the last ice age, provided an ideal setting for studying the relationship between glacial retreat and fault activity.&nbsp;



Using remote sensing and field data, researchers reconstructed the extent of ancient glaciers and calculated the weight these ice masses exerted on the fault. They then measured how much the fault had displaced over time.



The analysis revealed that fault slip rates have been five times faster since the glaciers melted compared to the period when the region was glaciated. This acceleration suggests that as the glaciers melted, the fault experienced a “rebound,” catching up to the background tectonic rate of movement.



“It’s basically like a small lever that’s tweaking the rate at which the fault moves, but that long-term rate is set by the background rate of the tectonic processes,” Gallen explained.



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



The findings have significant implications for understanding what drives earthquake activity and for assessing seismic risks in areas experiencing rapid glacial retreat or significant water loss.



“This work implies that the repeat time isn’t necessarily going to be periodic,” Gallen said. “You can have periods of time where you have a bunch of earthquakes in quick succession and a lot of time where you don’t have any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthquakes-have-long-lasting-impacts-on-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthquakes</a>.”



The study’s results may help refine models used to reconstruct prehistoric seismic records and estimate the recurrence intervals of active faults. By factoring in hydrologic processes, such as glacial retreat, over geologic time, seismologists can improve hazard assessments for tectonically active regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-retreat-and-earthquake-activity">Glacial retreat and earthquake activity </h2>



The research was grounded in a public database of high-resolution elevation data, which served as the foundation for understanding the fault’s displacement.&nbsp;



Hurtado and Gallen also conducted field surveys using high-precision GPS instruments to supplement the elevation data and measure fault displacement. The timing of fault movement was determined based on the age of sediment deposits near the fault.



The researchers noted that the Sangre de Cristo Mountains offered a unique opportunity to study the interplay between glacial retreat and tectonics. The range is part of the Rio Grande rift, which has a known background slip rate, providing a baseline for comparison.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-climate-and-tectonic-systems">Earth’s climate and tectonic systems</h2>



As glaciers continue to retreat rapidly in regions such as Alaska, the Himalayas, and the Alps, the CSU team’s findings serve as a preview of how other glacier-adjacent faults might respond to a warming climate.&nbsp;



The study highlights the interconnectedness of the Earth’s climate and tectonic systems, highlighting the potential for climate-driven changes to increase seismic activity in tectonically active areas.



By shedding light on this relationship, the researchers hope to deepen understanding of seismic hazards and encourage further study of how climate change shapes the Earth’s dynamic systems. “This is a crucial step in understanding how climate and tectonics interact,” Hurtado concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1130/G52661.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>.



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Earthquake activity will increase due to glacial retreat

A recent study from Colorado State University (CSU) provides compelling...

Tiny plastic fragments have turned up inside human beings, and it has rattled more than a few nerves. Nobody expects to find plastic in their blood or buried in important tissues, but recent <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165993624005971?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> has done exactly that.



These miniscule particles, often smaller than a grain of sand, have appeared in places once thought safe from contamination.



This poses some uncomfortable questions about the implications for long-term health and whether anyone has been paying attention to this hidden hazard that has been present in the environment for decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-infiltration-of-plastic-into-human-tissues">The infiltration of plastic into human tissues</h2>



Scientists have identified <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022001258" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">micro- and nanoplastics</a> (MNPs) in human lungs, gut, reproductive organs, and skin, where they can stick around for far longer than most people would imagine.



Their presence has now been detected in blood, too, making it clear that these tiny, synthetic particles move through our bodies in surprising ways. They do not simply pass through and exit without causing harm, as was once thought. 



Instead, they take up residence. They linger, and they may be associated with some serious health issues.



This <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165993624005971?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a>, led by <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=bVDTB_gAAAAJ&amp;hl=zh-CN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Yating Luo</a> at the School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, and a team of specialists, has revealed an unsettling new source of environmental exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-links-to-diseases">Potential links to diseases</h2>



Other researchers have begun piecing together how MNPs might be <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165993624003182" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">involved in a range of health problems</a>.



Studies have linked them to heart and blood vessel conditions, like atherosclerosis and thrombosis, as well as to intestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease.



Some work even connects them to changes in reproductive systems and the risk of conditions like cervical cancer. Nobody wants to consider <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-carry-toxic-chemicals-that-are-easily-absorbed-by-skin/">plastic dust</a> as a potential player in such serious illnesses, but the evidence is mounting.



Dr. Luo, lead author of the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165993624005971?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>, which was published in Environment International, highlighted that the research strongly indicates MNPs are more than environmental contaminants - they are entering human tissues and may pose significant health risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-these-particles-break-through-barriers">How these particles break through barriers</h2>



Laboratory tests have <a href="https://particleandfibretoxicology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12989-020-00358-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shown</a> that these particles can cross protective hurdles, including the body’s natural filters. For example, the blood-brain barrier has long been thought of as a sturdy shield, but these tiny plastic pieces may pass through it.



This could set the stage for neurological issues. Researchers suspect that if these minute fragments of plastic move along the gut-brain axis, they may influence how nerve cells work. Early evidence suggests they might play a role in some degenerative conditions that affect the brain.



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



Plastic pollution is not something that stays outside in the ocean or piled up at landfills. Studies show that even remote corners of the planet have tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/surging-plastic-levels-found-in-the-north-pacific-garbage-patch/">plastic fragments</a> floating in the air. People breathe them in, ingest them through food and water, and may even absorb them through the skin.



<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28812686/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Tamara Galloway</a>, a leading expert on microplastics from the University of Exeter, emphasized that this study further supports the increasing evidence of microplastics being widespread in human tissues.



It is not just a problem for one region or for certain groups. It is a global phenomenon that affects everyone, everywhere. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-people-should-pay-attention">Why people should pay attention</h2>



Plastics have found their way into everyday life in a multitude of forms - containers, packaging, clothing, personal care products. As these items break down, tiny plastic fibers and fragments spread through land, water, and air. They turn up in fish and shellfish, which then end up <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b01517" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on dinner plates</a>.



Waste management <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34492918/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">practices</a> in some places, such as open burning, add more plastic particles to the environment and harm people who live nearby.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-plastic-use-and-environmental-regulations">Rethinking plastic use and environmental regulations</h2>



There is growing pressure on governments to enforce stricter rules around plastic manufacturing, recycling, and disposal. A shift to responsible materials and less reliance on single-use plastics could help slow the spread of these particles in future.



Public health agencies may need to update guidelines to consider tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/">plastic fragments as contaminants</a>. If MNPs are linked to certain diseases, official policies may need to reflect that. Health professionals might soon discuss plastic exposure as they do other known factors like poor air quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-comes-next-in-the-search-for-answers">What comes next in the search for answers</h2>



Scientists need to measure the full extent of the problem. More long-term <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34492918/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> could show exactly how much plastic accumulates in human tissues and pinpoint how these particles alter cells and organs at a microscopic level.



Researchers are developing new technology to track these fragments and understand how they behave inside the body. Improved tools might help uncover the chemical reactions triggered by plastic fragments. With that information, they could figure out why certain tissues are more at risk than others.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-ways-to-reduce-the-danger">Finding ways to reduce the danger</h2>



None of this is a reason to give up the fight against plastic pollution. People can reduce their own exposure by avoiding products that shed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-able-to-travel-thousands-of-miles-because-of-their-shape/">plastic fibers</a>, pushing for cleaner water sources, and supporting brands that move away from plastic use.



Communities that suffer from poor waste management can advocate for better facilities, cleaner streets, and safer disposal methods.



Officials can encourage companies to design products with health and the environment in mind. Better filters and barriers could help keep these particles out of water supplies and the foods people rely on every day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-reason-to-stay-informed">A reason to stay informed</h2>



Nobody likes to think about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-migrate-from-the-gut-to-other-organs/">foreign particles</a> building up in their body. For many, this may spark frustration or fear. The good news is that awareness can help drive action. If people know that these small bits of plastic may affect their health, they might push for meaningful changes.



More funding, better research, and stricter oversight may keep these hidden threats in check. As scientists learn more, the public can stay informed and join conversations that shape future policies.



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Tiny plastic bits are now found hiding deep inside the human body

Tiny plastic fragments have turned up inside human beings, and...

Humanity faces an urgent need for change to prevent biodiversity loss and the continued destruction of our planet. The UN biodiversity expert panel's latest "transformative change" report highlights the dire need for radical societal shifts.



Released Wednesday by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the report calls for immediate action to address overconsumption, wealth concentration, and humanity's growing disconnection from nature.



"It is not just governments. It is not just business. It is not just civil society. It is all of us. We all need to work together," said Arun Agrawal, one of the report’s lead authors.



While transformative action may seem challenging, the report emphasizes that it is achievable. Here’s a closer look at three inspiring examples of successful transformations from around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reviving-marine-ecosystems-os-minarzos-model">Reviving marine ecosystems: "Os Minarzos" model</h2>



In 2002, Spain suffered a severe ecological disaster when the Prestige oil tanker broke apart, spilling massive amounts of oil into the Atlantic Ocean. 



This environmental catastrophe devastated Galicia's coastline, causing significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-light-sustains-biodiversity-over-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> loss and severely affecting marine life and the livelihoods of local fishing communities.



In response, the communities in Galicia decided to adopt a new approach to marine reserve management, called the "Os Minarzos" model.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-of-the-model">Advantages of the model</h2>



This innovative strategy brought together fishers, scientists, and local authorities to collaboratively restore and protect the marine ecosystem. 



The model emphasized sustainable fishing practices, scientific guidance, and community involvement - promoting cooperation among all stakeholders.



Although the transition faced challenges, including initial disagreements and tensions, the initiative became a long-term success. 



Over time, the "Os Minarzos" model led to healthier marine ecosystems, improved fishing practices, and increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>. Local fishers also experienced higher incomes, while trust and cooperation within the community strengthened significantly.



The model’s impact extended far beyond Galicia. It inspired international guidelines for sustainable marine management and influenced networks of over 20 million fishers across Europe and the Americas. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-to-prevent-biodiversity-loss">Technology to prevent biodiversity loss</h2>



In China, the Ant Forest mobile application has become a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-biodiversity-is-not-a-luxury-it-is-attainable-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">powerful tool</a> for promoting eco-friendly habits and environmental restoration. 



Launched in 2016, this innovative app encourages users to adopt sustainable behaviors, such as walking or cycling instead of driving, and cutting down on plastic and paper usage. 



For every eco-friendly action, users earn "green energy points" in the app, which accumulate to grow a virtual tree. Each virtual tree is then matched with the planting of a real tree.



The initiative has made a significant impact. Since its inception, Ant Forest has planted an astounding 548 million trees across 13 provinces in China. This reforestation effort not only helps combat climate change but also addresses environmental degradation in vulnerable areas.



Beyond its environmental benefits, the project has also provided economic opportunities. It has created jobs in eco-agriculture and ecotourism, particularly in rural regions struggling with environmental challenges. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-led-conservation">Community-led conservation</h2>



The <a href="https://www.nashulai.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nashulai Maasai Conservancy</a> in Kenya is a pioneering example of how traditional knowledge and community engagement can drive effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a>. 



This initiative blends the wisdom of indigenous practices with modern approaches to tackle multiple challenges, including species protection, income generation, and climate change mitigation.



The conservancy adopts a holistic strategy by establishing community-managed protected areas. These areas not only safeguard wildlife and combat biodiversity loss but also involve local communities in activities like river cleaning and tree planting. 



Such efforts improve environmental health while addressing the needs of the people living in the region.



This collaborative approach has transformed Nashulai into a thriving habitat where both humans and wildlife coexist harmoniously. By empowering local communities and integrating ecological restoration with socio-economic benefits, Nashulai exemplifies how conservation can work in harmony with human development.



"Over a very short period of time, biodiversity reappeared," said Karen O’Brien, another lead author of the report. "The power of community, again and again in our examples, is important."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-biodiversity-loss">Addressing biodiversity loss</h2>



The <a href="https://www.un.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN</a> report highlights the interconnectedness of ecological, social, and economic challenges - offering a blueprint for action.



Addressing biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse requires collective effort. "It is all of us. We all need to work together," said Agrawal.



These stories from Galicia, China, and Kenya show that transformation is not only possible but can yield tangible benefits. 



Whether through community-driven conservation, innovative technology, or collaborative governance, humanity has the tools to make a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-tracking-is-crucial-for-preserving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">difference</a>. The question is whether or not we will rise to the challenge.



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UN report calls for global change to stop biodiversity loss

Humanity faces an urgent need for change to prevent biodiversity...

Ever thought that saving trees was as simple as stopping deforestation? Think again. A new study from Ecuador's Amazon reveals a more complicated story, where the survival of trees depends on a delicate dance between plants and animals - and this dance is falling apart.



Research from the Universidad de las Américas (UDLA) in Ecuador, led by Dr. Juan Ernesto Guevara-Andino and Dr. María-José Endara, has revealed some startling numbers.



About 14% of tree species in the Ecuadorian Amazon are critically endangered, while almost half (47%) could go extinct if things don't change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-with-smaller-fruits">Trees with smaller fruits</h2>



Size matters in the Amazon, but not in the way you'd expect. Trees with smaller fruits are having an especially tough time. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-one-third-of-the-worlds-trees-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> rely on specific animals to spread their seeds, and those animals are becoming harder to find.



It's like a restaurant losing its delivery drivers - the food's ready to go, but there's no way to get it where it needs to be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-amazonian-trees">Threats to Amazonian trees</h2>



While most of us think of logging when we hear about threats to the Amazon, the reality is far more complex.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-living-organism-consists-of-47000-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trees</a> don't live in isolation - they are part of a community that includes insects, birds, and mammals. Each species plays its role, whether it's pollinating flowers or spreading seeds.



"Thus, our results highlight the importance of incorporating meaningful ecological traits in extinction risk estimates, such as those related to reproduction and life history strategies," explained Dr. Endara.



Her words point to a crucial fact: we can't save trees without understanding their relationships with other species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protected-areas-not-as-safe-as-we-thought">Protected areas: Not as safe as we thought</h2>



One may think trees in protected areas would be safe. However, the study found otherwise. Even in Yasuní National Park, Ecuador's crown jewel of conservation, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resilient-trees-can-help-safeguard-cities-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees are in trouble</a>.



"For example, we found that some endemic tree species populations are experiencing high levels of threat by deforestation inside the Yasuní National Park, the biggest and most iconic protected area in the Ecuadorian Amazon," noted Dr. Guevara-Andino.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approach-to-protecting-amazon-trees">New approach to protecting Amazon trees</h2>



The old way of protecting trees mainly focused on stopping deforestation. But this study shows we need to think bigger. 



We need to protect not just the trees, but the entire system that they are part of - including the animals that help them reproduce and spread.



This means conservation plans need to consider things like which animals disperse each tree's seeds, how different species depend on each other, and what happens when one species disappears from the system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-ecuador">Looking beyond Ecuador</h2>



What's happening in Ecuador isn't just Ecuador's problem. The <a href="https://www.udla.cl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UDLA</a> study gives us clues about what might be happening in other rainforests around the world. 



When we lose one species, it affects many others - like pulling one thread and watching a whole sweater unravel.



The good news is that understanding these connections gives us new ways to help. By protecting both trees and the animals they depend on, we have a better chance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">keeping these forests alive</a> for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-the-amazon-s-trees">Saving the Amazon's trees</h2>



The numbers from this study - 14% critically endangered tree species and and 47% threatened - should wake us up.



But they also point the way forward. We can't just focus on stopping chainsaws. We need to protect the whole forest community - from the smallest pollinator to the largest seed-dispersing animal.



The path ahead isn't simple, but it's clear. To save the Amazon's trees, we need to think about forests differently. They're not just collections of trees - they're complex communities where every species plays a vital role. And just like any community, they are stronger when all of their members are healthy and present.



The research does more than just raise alarms. It shows us that saving trees means saving relationships - between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-have-an-amazing-ability-to-adapt-to-new-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> and animals, between species and their environment, and ultimately, between humans and nature. The question now is whether we'll act on this knowledge in time to make a difference.



The trees of Ecuador's Amazon face many threats, but perhaps the biggest one is our own limited understanding of how forests really work. This study helps fix that problem. Now it's up to us to use this knowledge to protect not just the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-greening-predicting-the-cooling-effects-of-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a>, but the entire web of life they're part of.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ppp3.10606" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants People Planet</a>.



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Amazon trees are critically endangered, even in protected areas

Ever thought that saving trees was as simple as stopping...

For many decades, scientists have documented how burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases that trap heat near Earth’s surface, driving a gradual - but consistent - warming trend.&nbsp;



Recently, however, the world has experienced an extraordinary surge in temperatures, catapulting the climate system into uncharted territory and confounding some of the best climate models available.&nbsp;



This abrupt, persistent streak of unprecedented warmth over the past two years has shattered temperature records, raising urgent questions: Why is it so much hotter than expected right now, and does it signal a more profound transformation underway?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-remarkable-and-persistent-heat-surge">A remarkable and persistent heat surge</h2>



After decades of steadily rising temperatures, 2023 saw a dramatic jump in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mapping-2024s-record-heat-unveiling-earths-climate-danger-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global heat</a> - enough for it to become the hottest year in recorded history. But the extraordinary nature of this uptick did not stop there.&nbsp;



By 2024, average sea-surface and air temperatures had shot up again, setting new records that far exceeded previous benchmarks.&nbsp;



According to the <a href="https://wmo.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Meteorological Organization</a>, the temperature anomalies between June 2023 and September 2024 were so far beyond typical year-to-year variability that experts called it an “unprecedented streak,” with 2024 now on track to be the warmest year ever documented.



“Warming in 2023 was head-and-shoulders above any other year, and 2024 will be as well,” said Gavin Schmidt, director of the <a href="https://www.giss.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies</a>. "I wish I knew why, but I don’t. We’re still in the process of assessing what happened and if we are seeing a shift in how the climate system operates.”



While all scientists agree that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> from fossil fuel use remain the primary driver of Earth’s overall warming trend, they are still debating how to explain this short-term explosion in global temperatures.&nbsp;



Changes in cloud patterns, air pollution, and the planet’s capacity to store carbon are among the suspected contributors, but experts believe it may take at least another year or two to fully untangle the puzzle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncharted-territory-in-climate-records">“Uncharted territory” in climate records</h2>



Climate specialists characterize the past two years as pushing the planet “well into uncharted territory,” a phrase used by Richard Allan, a climate scientist from the University of Reading in the UK.&nbsp;



The magnitude of recent warming has tested established climate models, placing it, according to climatologist Sonia Seneviratne at ETH Zurich, “at the limit of what we would expect based on existing climate models.”&nbsp;



At the same time, Seneviratne emphasized that rising fossil fuel emissions make long-term warming trends wholly unsurprising.



So how is it that temperatures became so anomalous? Early theories focus on how natural climate variability has intersected with human-driven warming.&nbsp;



One factor is the unusually strong shift from a rare, three-year La Niña - which generally cools the planet by sending additional heat into the deep oceans - to a warming El Niño event that started in mid-2023, releasing stored energy back into the atmosphere.&nbsp;



While this helps explain some portion of the spike, temperatures remained persistently high even after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> peaked in January.



“It is difficult to explain this at the moment,” said Robert Vautard, a member of the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a> (IPCC). “We lack a bit of perspective. If temperatures do not drop more sharply in 2025, we will really have to ask ourselves questions about the cause.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-contributing-to-the-heat-surge">Factors contributing to the heat surge</h2>



Amid these extraordinary conditions, scientists have zeroed in on multiple theories that go beyond El Niño.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifts-in-airborne-pollution">Shifts in airborne pollution</h3>



A global shift to cleaner shipping fuels around 2020 might have slashed emissions of sulfur compounds that ordinarily create reflective, mirror-like clouds in shipping lanes.&nbsp;



With fewer sulfur aerosols, more sunlight could be reaching the Earth’s surface, potentially accelerating warming.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduction-in-low-lying-clouds-nbsp">Reduction in low-lying clouds&nbsp;</h3>



A peer-reviewed study proposed that a global decline in low-lying clouds might have allowed extra solar radiation to heat the surface, but establishing consistent data across the planet remains challenging.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weakening-of-carbon-sinks-nbsp">Weakening of carbon sinks&nbsp;</h3>



Forests and oceans, traditionally known to absorb much of humanity’s carbon emissions, showed signs of stress in 2023. Scientists described this as an “unprecedented weakening” of Earth’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-both-carbon-sinks-and-carbon-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sinks</a>, suggesting the planet’s ability to store CO₂ might be faltering.&nbsp;



If sinks become less effective at capturing carbon, warming could speed up beyond current estimates.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-tundra-emissions-nbsp">Arctic tundra emissions&nbsp;</h3>



In December, the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> reported that Arctic tundra, which has locked away carbon dioxide for millennia, has begun releasing more CO₂ than it captures.&nbsp;



Such a shift, scientists warn, might tip the balance of the global carbon cycle, further feeding into accelerated warming.



None of these hypotheses alone fully accounts for the heat surge, prompting climate experts to suspect the convergence of multiple factors.&nbsp;



“We cannot exclude that some other factors also further amplified the temperatures... the verdict is still out,” said Seneviratne.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-at-odds-with-climate-models">At odds with climate models</h2>



Climate models, which have reliably simulated broad, decades-long warming trends, appear to have underestimated just how extreme and enduring this recent heat streak would be.&nbsp;



“What occurred was at the limit of what we would expect based on existing climate models,” Seneviratne said. Some experts worry that if any key feedbacks or phenomena were missing from these models, the planet could be approaching a threshold of more profound, potentially less reversible changes.



Johan Rockström, director of the <a href="https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research</a>, voiced concerns about rapidly warming oceans, which have long served as massive heat and carbon sinks.&nbsp;



“Oceans are warming at a rate scientists cannot fully explain,” he said last month. “Could this be a first sign of a planet starting to show a loss of resilience? We cannot exclude it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-warning-for-what-may-lie-ahead">A warning for what may lie ahead</h2>



Record-high temperatures in 2023 and 2024 offer a stark reminder of the fragility of Earth’s climate system.&nbsp;



Although some interplay of El Niño, cloud cover, and carbon sink changes may explain part of the observed heat, the fundamental driver remains human emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels.&nbsp;



Even if the dramatic peak fades in coming months, the possibility persists that Earth’s temperature baseline has permanently ratcheted up, edging us closer to thresholds that portend more dangerous extremes.



For many climate experts, these heat surges serve as yet another clarion call to reduce emissions swiftly, to develop robust adaptation strategies, and to keep monitoring the climate system’s every nuance. 



If the current anomalies hint at hidden processes at work - like a weakening Arctic tundra sink or oceanic shifts - policy decisions made now to cut emissions and preserve resilience could become all the more consequential.



Vautard emphasized that if the climate doesn’t cool off more sharply in 2025, it would prompt scientists to reevaluate their assumptions about the interplay of natural and human-driven factors - perhaps indicating a more profound shift in how our climate operates.&nbsp;



In this uncertain scenario, building deeper scientific understanding becomes ever more urgent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-resilience-against-future-heat-surges">Building resilience against future heat surges</h2>



Although the short-term temperature surge has challenged existing forecasts, the broader climate consensus remains intact: Earth is warming at an alarming rate, primarily due to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.&nbsp;



This abrupt heat wave may be a harbinger of future extremes, or possibly just a short-lived but jarring deviation from expected patterns.&nbsp;



Determining which is the case will likely require another year or two of data, plus renewed efforts to bolster climate observation networks, refine models, and capture nuanced processes in the oceans, atmosphere, and polar regions.



No matter the final explanation, the world’s experience over the last two years underscores the climate’s capacity to surprise - sometimes by margins that drastically shift our sense of what is “normal.”&nbsp;



For policymakers, this event highlights both the urgency of emission cuts and the importance of resilience-building measures against more frequent or severe heat surges.&nbsp;



For scientists, the anomaly reveals how much is still left to learn about the planet’s complex interplay of feedbacks and stresses.



“We’re still in the process of assessing what happened and if we are seeing a shift in how the climate system operates,” Schmidt said.&nbsp;



Whether this remarkable episode proves to be a short detour or a glimpse of a new reality, it adds fresh impetus to the effort to better predict, manage, and mitigate the precarious path Earth is on.



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Puzzling heat surge pushes Earth’s climate to new extremes

For many decades, scientists have documented how burning fossil fuels...

Plastic waste continues to stress communities worldwide. Many people watch the steady build-up of plastic litter and worry about what the future may hold. 



Scientists are now looking at advanced materials that may turn this problems into opportunities.



Recent research, published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, highlights a special catalyst that helps transform plastic into useful products and releases hydrogen as a bonus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-the-catalyst-material">Refining the catalyst material</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastic-pollution-has-become-a-global-crisis/">Plastic pollution</a> is a stubborn challenge that refuses to go away. Transforming waste plastic into hydrogen and other useful things may seem out of reach, but a group of researchers has now shown that it does not have to be this way.



They have worked on a cadmium sulfide (CdS) photocatalyst that, through a careful process, can break down plastic and also boost hydrogen production. These findings come from research led by <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=R_L1j9MAAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Kaveh Edalati</a> at <a href="https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyushu University</a> in Japan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-cadmium-sulfide-for-bigger-results">Shaping cadmium sulfide for bigger results</h2>



The CdS photocatalyst in this study is an important new invention. The team introduced sulfur vacancies, small gaps that serve as active sites, and guided the CdS structure into a stable hexagonal phase. This led to a strong increase in hydrogen output.



According to the authors, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-hydrogen-energy-production-just-got-a-lot-easier/">hydrogen production</a> increased 23 fold when compared with what is seen using standard CdS. 



By managing these sulfur vacancies, the catalyst gains more places where reactions can occur. This makes it work harder and produce more hydrogen without the need for other chemical helpers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-trash-to-treasure">From trash to treasure</h2>



The idea of turning plastic bottles or other everyday plastic items into a source of hydrogen might seem odd, but these researchers have now shown that it can be done. 



This new CdS catalyst not only encourages hydrogen production, it can also break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common plastic, into something more valuable.



PET is found in countless bottles and containers, and getting rid of it responsibly has proved difficult. Now, there is a sense that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/">unwanted plastic</a> can become a resource instead of ending up in landfills or oceans.



By building on this understanding, researchers hint at the power of materials science to affect broader environmental issues. 



They show that small changes in a catalyst’s design can mean big changes in its performance. This might inspire other ideas, including materials that make recycling more productive and less complicated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facing-global-plastic-pollution-head-on">Facing global plastic pollution head-on</h2>



Plastic production has increased at a staggering rate over the past several decades. 



<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.1700782" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> show that more than 8 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since large-scale manufacturing took off in the mid-20th century, and most of it still lingers in our environment.



Vast amounts of waste float in the oceans, wash up on shorelines, and break down into microplastics that can enter food chains. 



This accumulation threatens wildlife, contaminates ecosystems, and undermines the health of communities worldwide.



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



People sometimes think that plastic pollution is just about large pieces of litter. Yet microplastics, tiny fragments that form when plastic breaks down, have been found nearly everywhere.



Researchers have identified them in Arctic ice, in remote mountain ranges, and even <a href="https://www.aamc.org/news/microplastics-are-inside-us-all-what-does-mean-our-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in the human body</a>. 



Their presence stirs unease because their effects on human health remain unclear, and no one wants to find out the hard way. The sheer scale of plastic contamination makes this a truly global concern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-is-cleaning-up-the-mess">Who is cleaning up the mess?</h2>



Many organizations have stepped in to address plastic pollution. One well-known example is <a href="https://theoceancleanup.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ocean Cleanup</a>, which aims to rid the oceans of floating plastic using large-scale cleaning systems.



Others, like the <a href="https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plastic Pollution Coalition</a>, bring together nonprofits, businesses, and individuals to push for systemic change. 



Local groups organize beach cleanups and recycling drives, raising awareness and inspiring positive action. These efforts underscore that people are not powerless, even though the problem is vast.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policy-and-responsibility-on-a-global-scale">Policy and responsibility on a global scale</h2>



Not all countries respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-plants-endangered-by-plastic-pollution-and-flooding/">plastic pollution</a> in the same way. Some lead the charge by banning single-use plastics, encouraging circular economies, or imposing hefty fees for plastic bags.



Nations like Kenya enforce strict bans on the use of plastic bags, significantly reducing pollution on their streets and in their fields.



Meanwhile, some other regions lag behind, with weak regulations or poor waste management systems that allow plastic trash to accumulate. Different approaches highlight that change is possible, but not everyone pulls their weight.



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



The European Union has introduced policies to cut plastic waste by banning certain single-use plastics and setting ambitious recycling targets.



In Southeast Asia, countries like Vietnam and Thailand are exploring new laws to cut back on the use of plastic bags and containers. 



Such steps reflect a growing acknowledgment that the world needs to move away from the throwaway culture and toward more sustainable, long-term solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-missed-opportunities">Challenges and missed opportunities</h2>



In some places, lack of enforcement, corruption, or limited infrastructure frustrates progress. Even where good laws exist, poor implementation can leave them toothless.



A few global economic powers continue to export their plastic waste to developing countries that are ill-equipped to handle it, thereby shifting the burden rather than dealing with the problem. 



This approach can worsen pollution in vulnerable areas and breed resentment among communities struggling to protect their environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-toward-a-cleaner-future">Looking toward a cleaner future</h2>



Solving plastic pollution will likely require a combination of smarter product design, better <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tidal-wave-of-trash-waste-leakage-is-an-environmental-disaster/">waste management</a>, and more responsible consumer behavior. 



Innovations like the CdS catalyst can help nudge societies in a productive direction, turning plastic into something more useful.



People can support organizations working on the ground, encourage their leaders to adopt stricter policies, and pressure companies to use greener materials.



“We’re basically living in a plastic world,” said <a href="https://engineering.uga.edu/jenna-jambeck-named-2024-sec-professor-of-the-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Jenna Jambeck</a>, an environmental engineer at the University of Georgia and co-author of a widely-cited study on plastic waste. If that world is going to clean itself up, everyone has to play a part.



The full study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1385894724102215" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chemical Engineering Journal</a>.



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Could this breakthrough finally solve the plastic crisis?

Plastic waste continues to stress communities worldwide. Many people watch...

Extreme rainfall events, defined as the heaviest 5% of rain occurrences in a specific area, are increasing globally. 



As air temperatures rise, scientists expect such events to intensify because warmer air holds more moisture. Recent years have provided alarming examples, with more extreme rainfall fueling widespread flooding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-extreme-rainfall">What is extreme rainfall?</h2>



Extreme rainfall refers to precipitation events significantly heavier than average for a specific region or period. These events, often defined as the heaviest 5% or 10% of recorded rainfall, vary by location and are influenced by unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-gets-an-unpredictable-boost-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic conditions</a>.



Several meteorological factors drive extreme rainfall. Atmospheric rivers, narrow bands of concentrated moisture, often cause intense downpours. 



Tropical cyclones and convective storms - driven by rising warm, moist air - also contribute to heavy rainfall over localized or widespread areas.



Global warming intensifies these events, as the atmosphere can hold approximately 7% more moisture for every 1°C (1.8°F) rise in temperature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-extreme-rainfall">Impact of extreme rainfall</h2>



The frequency and severity of extreme rainfall have increased in recent decades, with significant impacts on ecosystems and communities. 



Beyond flooding, these events cause soil erosion, reduce agricultural productivity, contaminate water supplies through runoff, and increase the risk of landslides in vulnerable regions. 



Notable instances include Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which brought record rainfall to Texas, and the 2018 Kerala floods in India.



Predicting and mitigating the effects of extreme rainfall require advanced climate models, early warning systems, and sustainable infrastructure. 



Measures such as improved urban drainage systems and adaptive urban planning can help reduce damage and protect communities from the growing risks of extreme rainfall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-pattern-in-extreme-rainfall">Unexpected pattern in extreme rainfall</h2>



When scientists studied the relationship between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heavy rainfall</a> and local temperatures in different regions, they discovered an unexpected trend. 



In tropical and mid-latitude areas, they observed that extreme rainfall events became less intense when the mean daily temperature exceeded 23°C–25°C (73.4°F–77°F).



This finding was surprising because the prevailing theory suggests that global warming should lead to more intense rainfall events due to increased evaporation and atmospheric moisture. 



Instead of aligning with this theory, the data showed a decline in rainfall intensity at higher temperatures, raising questions about the factors influencing these regional patterns. This result highlights the complex and region-specific nature of climate dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-effect-of-clouds">Cooling effect of clouds</h2>



Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry identified clouds as the key reason behind this puzzling discrepancy.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-will-wreak-havoc-on-mountain-ranges-as-warming-climate-turns-snow-to-rain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rain</a> forms from clouds, which not only produce precipitation but also block sunlight, cooling the ground beneath them. 



This cooling effect alters the recorded air temperature, creating a bias in the observed link between rainfall intensity and temperature. 



The phenomenon is especially noticeable in tropical regions, where clouds reflect large amounts of sunlight back into space. This reflection amplifies the cooling effect, further complicating the interpretation of temperature and rainfall data in these areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-behind-extreme-rainfall">Factors behind extreme rainfall </h2>



In a study published in&nbsp;Nature Communications, the researchers devised a method to remove the cooling effect of clouds from mean air temperature data. 



The experts utilized satellite-derived radiation datasets to refine their analysis. Once they corrected for the cloud-induced bias, the relationship between extreme rainfall rates and rising temperatures aligned closely with theoretical predictions and climate model projections.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
"This confirms what is widely expected: Extreme rainfall intensifies in a globally warmer climate," noted Dr. Sarosh Alam Ghausi, lead author and PostDoc at the <a href="https://www.mpg.de/institutes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute</a>. 



"While heavy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/september-2024-was-the-second-hottest-month-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> increases mostly everywhere, we found the largest increases in high temperature-driven heavy rainfall events in tropical humid areas such as in India, Northern Australia, and the Amazon."
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-threat-of-flooding">Growing threat of flooding</h2>



As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, extreme rainfall events are likely to become even more intense. 



Without proactive measures, the risk of devastating floods increases significantly. The findings highlight the need for adaptive strategies to address these heightened risks.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
"These results support the physical expectations that the whole hydrological cycle becomes more intense and extreme with warmer temperatures," noted Dr. Axel Kleidon, senior author and group leader at the Max Planck Institute.



"We will not only see more extreme rainfall rates, but also more intense and longer dry spells in the future."
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-warming-on-extreme-rainfall">Impact of warming on extreme rainfall </h2>



This study resolves a key uncertainty in understanding how extreme rainfall responds to warming temperatures. 



By accounting for and removing the biases caused by cloud-induced cooling, the researchers confirmed that extreme rainfall patterns align with established <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate predictions</a>. 



The results highlight a crucial reality: as global warming intensifies, the hydrological cycle becomes more extreme. This means heavier rainfall events in some regions, alongside longer and more severe droughts in others. 



With climate change progressing rapidly, these findings emphasize the urgent need for societies to adapt and prepare for increasingly volatile and extreme weather conditions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-55143-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Extreme rainfall increases as a direct result of global warming

Extreme rainfall events, defined as the heaviest 5% of rain...

Have you ever noticed how plants wilt visibly during a dry spell? Now, imagine that happening on a much larger scale, affecting entire ecosystems. It's easy to overlook how deeply wildlife depends on rainfall - until a severe drought strikes, leaving a lasting and significant impact.



A recent study reveals that wildlife in the continental United States will face a staggering increase in year-long and multi-year droughts in the coming decades. 



Specifically, year-long droughts are expected to become nearly five times more common from 2050 to 2080 compared to historical levels (1950–2005). Even more dramatically, the frequency of three-year droughts could increase nearly sevenfold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drought-frequency-and-greenhouse-gases">Drought frequency and greenhouse gases</h2>



“The degree of increased drought exposure for each species in our analysis strongly depends on future greenhouse gas concentrations,” explained Dr. Merijn van den Bosch, the lead author of the study.



The research highlights a grim reality: even with lower greenhouse gas emissions, virtually all vertebrate species will face increased exposure to prolonged droughts. This spells trouble for species already struggling to adapt to occasional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought conditions</a>.



“For example, the endangered giant kangaroo rat, which is native to dry habitats in California, has adapted to occasional short droughts,” noted Dr. van den Bosch.



“However, populations can plummet after multi-year droughts, compounding existing threats, including a loss of nearly all their historic habitat.”



This study predicts that much of the remaining habitat for the giant kangaroo rat will soon experience more frequent and longer droughts. “That does not bode well for this already-endangered species,” said van den Bosch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drought-in-wildlife-management">Drought in wildlife management </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drought conditions</a> are not just a concern for endangered species. The ranges of many game animals - such as ducks, other waterfowl, and ungulates like elk - are also projected to face a significant increase in year-long and three-year droughts.



This trend poses challenges for wildlife management and conservation efforts, potentially disrupting ecosystems and hunting industries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-hotspots-under-threat">Biodiversity hotspots under threat</h2>



To help mitigate the impact of these changes, the researchers focused on areas with high biodiversity and significant projected increases in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distress-signals-earths-water-cycle-is-becoming-more-erratic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought frequency</a>.



By identifying these regions, they aim to guide adaptive water management and habitat restoration efforts to protect wildlife more effectively.



The scientists used advanced modeling to predict temperature and moisture scenarios based on six different climate projections. They compared these projections with the geographic ranges of 349 bird, 339 mammal, 280 amphibian, and 253 reptile species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-most-drought-threatened-region">The most drought-threatened region</h2>



The study revealed that the southwestern United States stands out as the most drought-threatened region.



After adjusting for land area, the Southwest had the highest biodiversity, the most drought-threatened species, and the greatest predicted increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-sensors-can-detect-dehydration-before-it-destroys-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought exposure</a>.



“Some of the areas expected to see the greatest increase in drought, such as the southwestern U.S., are already quite dry,” said Dr. Zack Steel, senior author of the study. 



“Many species living in these regions are adapted to periodic droughts, but the concern is that if they are already near the limit of what they can tolerate, the large increase in drought we’re expecting can have grave consequences for these ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-wildlife-in-drought-prone-regions">Protecting wildlife in drought-prone regions</h2>



This research highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to address the escalating challenges posed by drought. Adaptive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/40-percent-of-earths-land-has-became-permanently-drier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water management</a>, habitat restoration, and conservation strategies tailored to drought-prone regions could help mitigate the impact on wildlife.



The study was conducted by Dr. Merijn van den Bosch, a post-doctoral scientist at <a href="https://www.colostate.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a> and the Rocky Mountain Research Station, and senior author Dr. Zack Steel, a research ecologist with the <a href="https://research.fs.usda.gov/rmrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocky Mountain Research Station</a>. 



Their work highlights the pressing need for innovative approaches to safeguard wildlife in an era of increasing environmental stress.



The message is clear: addressing the root causes of climate change while implementing conservation strategies is essential to protecting vulnerable species. 



As droughts become a more frequent feature of life in the United States, their effects on ecosystems and wildlife cannot be ignored.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01880-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.&nbsp;



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Wildlife will struggle to adapt to increasing droughts in the U.S.

Have you ever noticed how plants wilt visibly during a...

A new dawn in environmental protection is emerging - one where artificial intelligence (AI) plays an integral role in understanding and mitigating the effects of chemicals on aquatic life.



It's a fascinating blend of cutting-edge technology and environmental science that could revolutionize our approach to safeguarding water health.



The breakthrough comes from an unexpected source - tiny water fleas known as Daphnia. Researchers have found that these minute crustaceans, which are highly sensitive to changes in water quality, can serve as excellent markers of potential environmental hazards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-chemical-mixtures-and-aquatic-life">Unknown chemical mixtures and aquatic life </h2>



This innovative study was a collaborative effort involving scientists from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>, the Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES) in China, and the Hemholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Germany.



The team analyzed water samples from the Chaobai River system near Beijing, a body of water that is exposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-the-effects-of-pollutants-on-river-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a> from several sources, including agriculture, domestic waste, and industry.



Study senior author Professor John Colbourne, director of the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Environmental Research and Justice, elaborated on the research.



“There is a vast array of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-tap-and-bottled-water-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> in the environment. Water safety cannot be assessed one substance at a time," said Professor Colbourne.



"Now we have the means to monitor the totality of chemicals in sampled water from the environment to uncover what unknown substances act together to produce toxicity to animals, including humans.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potentially-harmful-chemical-mixtures">Potentially harmful chemical mixtures</h2>



Published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, the study reveals that these tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-fleas-may-be-the-solution-to-our-global-water-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water fleas</a> can indicate the presence (and potential harm) of various mixtures of chemicals in the aquatic environment.



Some chemicals, especially in combination, may affect significant biological processes in aquatic organisms. 



What's particularly concerning is that these chemical combinations can create environmental hazards that are potentially greater than when chemicals are present individually.



"Our innovative approach leverages <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-rules-natural-selection-change-significantly-often-daphnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daphnia</a> as the sentinel species to uncover potential toxic substances in the environment," explained lead author Dr. Xiaojing Li of the University of Birmingham. 



"By using AI methods, we can identify which subsets of chemicals might be particularly harmful to aquatic life, even at low concentrations that wouldn't normally raise concerns." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-ai-for-a-safer-environment">Harnessing AI for a safer environment</h2>



The team's use of advanced artificial intelligence is a game changer. Dr. Jiarui Zhou of the University of Birmingham, who is also co-first author of the paper, led the development of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neuromorphic-computing-where-ai-meets-human-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI algorithms</a>.



“Our approach demonstrates how advanced computational methods can help solve pressing environmental challenges," said Dr. Zhou.



"By analyzing vast amounts of biological and chemical data simultaneously, we can better understand and predict environmental risks."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-discharge-and-environmental-protection">Chemical discharge and environmental protection </h2>



This breakthrough gives us a new tool to identify previously unknown chemical combinations that pose risks to aquatic life, enabling more comprehensive environmental monitoring. 



The research will also support better-informed regulations for chemical discharge into waterways, ultimately leading to improved environmental protection.



Funding was provided by the Royal Society International Collaboration Award, the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, and the Natural Environmental Research Council Innovation People program.



With continued support, AI and the diligent water flea will keep playing their part in protecting our precious water bodies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-mixtures-that-pose-the-greatest-risk">Chemical mixtures that pose the greatest risk</h2>



Artificial intelligence plays a central role in this research. By leveraging advanced computational methods, the research team has significantly advanced environmental science.



AI enables the analysis of vast datasets, including biological responses of Daphnia and chemical profiles of polluted water samples, thus uncovering intricate patterns and interactions that traditional methods often miss.



One of the most notable outcomes is the ability to identify harmful chemical combinations that might be overlooked with conventional testing. 



Machine learning algorithms can predict which mixtures pose the greatest risks to aquatic life, even at concentrations previously considered safe. 



This predictive capability not only improves the efficiency of monitoring but also provides actionable insights for environmental regulators.



Looking ahead, the potential applications of AI extend beyond water fleas and rivers. Similar approaches can be applied to other ecosystems, paving the way for a comprehensive toolkit for environmental monitoring and conservation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.4c11095" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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Chemical mixtures in rivers pose unknown threats to aquatic life

A new dawn in environmental protection is emerging - one...

Desert locusts are notorious for their ability to transform from solitary insects into devastating swarms under specific environmental conditions. 



Triggered by events like intense rainfall, these swarms can devastate crops, pushing food prices higher and leading to starvation and unrest. But now, a new study offers hope for controlling this menace.



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



Locust swarms are one of nature's most destructive phenomena. Under favorable conditions, locusts form <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/locusts-have-brains-built-for-complex-odor-processing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large groups</a>, known as swarms, that can devastate entire regions. 



These swarms can grow so massive that they resemble plagues, consuming staggering amounts of crops in their path.



To put this into perspective, a swarm covering just one square kilometer can eat enough food in a single day to feed 35,000 people.



This destruction severely impacts smallholder farmers, who rely on their crops for food and income. Regions like Africa and Asia, where food security is already fragile, are especially vulnerable. The loss of crops not only disrupts local economies but also threatens millions with hunger.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-locust-swarms-are-becoming-more-frequent">Locust swarms are becoming more frequent </h2>



The problem is worsening due to climate change. Increased cyclones and heavy rainfall, driven by <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">global warming</a>, create ideal breeding conditions for locusts. These events bring moisture to arid regions, encouraging vegetation growth that provides food for locusts. 



As a result, locust outbreaks are becoming more frequent and severe, posing an even greater threat to food security in vulnerable regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-locust-swarms-in-advance">Predicting locust swarms in advance</h2>



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> have developed a predictive model to tackle locust swarms.



Using weather forecast data from the UK <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Met Office</a> and computational models of locust behavior, the system predicts where swarms will move in their search for food and breeding sites. The results enable early interventions, such as targeted pesticide applications.



"During a desert locust outbreak, we can now predict where swarms will go several days in advance, so we can control them at particular sites," said Dr. Renata Retkute, the lead researcher from Cambridge’s Department of Plant Sciences. 



"And if they're not controlled at those sites, we can predict where they'll go next so preparations can be made there."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-of-locust-control">New era of locust control</h2>



Until now, locust swarm predictions have been inconsistent. The researchers’ model represents a shift toward more effective responses. 



By integrating real-time data on locust lifecycles, breeding behaviors, and weather patterns, the model offers both short- and long-term predictions.



"The important thing is to respond quickly if there's likely to be a big locust upsurge, before it causes a major crop loss. Huge swarms can lead to really desperate situations where people could starve," said Professor Chris Gilligan, senior author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-past-locust-swarms">Lessons from past locust swarms</h2>



The urgency of this innovation stems from a massive locust upsurge from 2019 to 2021, which stretched from Kenya to India.



This event devastated key crops like wheat, maize, and sugarcane, leaving many communities struggling. The response was hampered by disjointed information, revealing the need for a comprehensive model.



"The response to the last locust upsurge was very ad-hoc, and less efficient than it could have been. We've created a comprehensive model that can be used next time to control this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-dramatically-increases-the-threat-of-desert-locusts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">devastating</a> pest," said Retkute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tested-and-reliable-tool">A tested and reliable tool</h2>



The new model has undergone rigorous testing using surveillance and weather data from the 2019-2021 upsurge. It now stands ready to inform surveillance, early warnings, and management strategies. 



The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (<a href="https://www.fao.org/home/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FAO</a>) and national agencies will use it to improve preparedness and response.



"Countries that haven’t experienced a locust upsurge in many years are often ill-prepared to respond, lacking the necessary surveillance teams, aircraft, and pesticides," noted the researchers. 



Climate change further complicates the picture, altering the movement and spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trillions-of-cicadas-set-to-emerge-in-historic-u-s-invasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swarms</a>, making proactive measures like this model essential.



By combining advanced technology and comprehensive data, the predictive model will help mitigate the devastation caused by desert locust swarms. Using this tool, nations can act quickly and decisively, preventing crop loss and protecting food security for millions of people. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012562" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Computational Biology</a>.



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Locust swarms threaten food security for millions of people

Desert locusts are notorious for their ability to transform from...

Those massive storms that drench the West Coast aren't going to stay the same. Recent research shows that climate change will reshape atmospheric rivers - but not in the way you might expect. 



While these storms will pack more punch everywhere, their evolution will look quite different in Seattle compared to San Diego.



The findings come from a team at the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR), led by scientists Christine Shields and Hui Li. 



Their work reveals how these sky-high rivers of moisture will respond differently to warming, depending on where they make landfall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contrasting-impacts-of-atmospheric-rivers">Contrasting impacts of atmospheric rivers</h2>



The changes split the West Coast into two distinct stories. 



In Southern California, increasing ocean evaporation will drive the transformation of atmospheric rivers. Head north to Seattle and Portland, and it's a different ball game - there, warmer temperatures in both the ocean and air will call the shots.



These differences matter. By 2100, storms hitting the Pacific Northwest could push ocean waters three times higher than today's storms do. Southern California will see higher storm surges too, but not nearly as dramatic as their northern neighbors.



"On the ground, people will see a different response between the Southern California coast and the Pacific Northwest," said Shields. "It's not a one-size-fits-all situation. You have these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-rivers-are-shifting-with-global-climate-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regional responses</a> that can be quite different."



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



The research team relied on advanced computing to understand how climate change will reshape atmospheric rivers. 



Using the powerful Derecho supercomputer at the NSF NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center, they ran detailed climate simulations. 



The simulations captured atmospheric changes every 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consecutive-atmospheric-rivers-cause-far-more-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean changes</a> every 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), offering high-resolution insights into the behavior of these storms.



The results were surprising. In Southern California, the well-known "Pineapple Express" storms, which transport moisture from Hawaii, are expected to intensify due to increased evaporation from the ocean in a warmer climate. This added evaporation provides more fuel for the storms, making them more powerful.



In the Pacific Northwest, however, the dynamics are different. The storms there will strengthen due to a combination of rising air and ocean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-disrupting-the-seasonal-flow-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a>. These warming effects will amplify the storms' intensity and lead to more dramatic impacts, such as higher sea levels and increased flooding. 



This regional variation highlights how atmospheric rivers respond differently to climate change, depending on their location.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-difference-matters">Why the difference matters</h2>



These aren't just academic distinctions. Communities along the entire West Coast need to prepare for stronger storms, but their specific challenges will vary by location. The stakes are high - atmospheric rivers already pack a serious punch.



"Atmospheric rivers are like tropical cyclones in that they pack powerful winds and carry enormous amounts of water that can devastate local infrastructure," noted Shields.



"Communities need to understand how they will change in the future so they can adapt and plan."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-impacts-of-atmospheric-rivers">Additional impacts of atmospheric rivers</h2>



The impacts don't stop when the rain does. These atmospheric rivers leave their mark on the ocean too, stirring up waters and potentially affecting marine ecosystems long after the storms pass.



"The strong winds and precipitation linked to atmospheric rivers can significantly impact the upper ocean, potentially impacting ocean dynamics and ecosystems over larger spatial scales and longer timescales than the present," said Li.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-the-future">Preparing for the future</h2>



This research gives coastal communities crucial information for planning their future. While all regions need to prepare for more intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/projected-atmospheric-rivers-could-drench-east-asia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storms</a>, their specific challenges will depend on location. 



Southern California needs to ready itself for storms supercharged by ocean evaporation, while the Pacific Northwest must prepare for even more dramatic changes driven by warming air and seas.



The study was conducted by researchers from <a href="https://ncar.ucar.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF NCAR</a>, <a href="https://www.tamu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M University</a>, and <a href="https://www.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a>, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and NSF.



For West Coast residents, the message is clear: the atmospheric rivers they know today won't be the same ones their children will face. But now, at least, they have a better idea of what's coming their way.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01774-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Atmospheric rivers will become more intense as temperatures rise

Those massive storms that drench the West Coast aren't going...

<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...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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