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 Winter Solstice, often referred to as “the shortest day of the year,” is an astronomical event that marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.



In this region of the world, the solstice also marks the turning point when days gradually grow longer.



While the solstice represents the start of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-winters-are-getting-colder-while-world-is-getting-warmer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winter</a>, the coldest temperatures often occur weeks later due to the “seasonal lag,” as the Earth continues losing heat.



Beyond its scientific significance, the winter solstice has profound cultural, spiritual, and historical importance across the globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-winter-solstice">What is the Winter Solstice?</h2>



The Winter Solstice occurs when one of Earth’s poles is tilted farthest away from the Sun, resulting in the least amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-we-actually-benefit-from-daylight-saving-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daylight</a>.



This happens because Earth's axis is tilted at approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun.&nbsp;



“Earth’s axis may be imagined as an imaginary pole going right through the center of our planet from ‘top’ to ‘bottom.’ Earth spins around this pole, making one complete turn each day. That is why we have day and night,” explained <a href="https://blogs.nasa.gov/Watch_the_Skies/tag/solstice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice typically occurs between December 20 and 23, with December 21 being the most common date.



On this day, the Sun appears to travel its shortest path across the sky. For those at the Arctic Circle, the Sun may not rise at all, creating 24 hours of darkness. 



Conversely, the Antarctic Circle experiences 24 hours of daylight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winter-solstice-and-daylight-savings-time-dst">Winter solstice and Daylight Savings Time (DST)</h2>



With all of the talk recently about permanently ending <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-we-actually-benefit-from-daylight-saving-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daylight Saving Time (DST)</a>, let's spend a minute discussing how DST can change how we experience the Winter Solstice.



When clocks shift back in the fall to end DST, our mornings get darker earlier because sunrise happens before we wake up. So, on those early winter mornings, it might feel like it’s still night when you roll out of bed. 



On the flip side, the evenings stay a bit lighter longer, giving us a little extra daylight after work or school. This shift can make the dark mornings a bit tougher, especially when the sun barely peeks over the horizon.



However, the impact of DST during the winter solstice also means that our evenings aren’t as dark as they would be if we stayed on standard time year-round. 



This extra evening light can be a nice boost, making it easier to enjoy outdoor activities or simply have more daylight while winding down your day. 



Overall, DST alters the natural daylight patterns around the winter solstice, changing how we perceive and use the limited daylight we get during those chilly winter months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-of-the-winter-solstice">Cultural significance of the Winter Solstice </h2>



The Winter Solstice has been celebrated across cultures for thousands of years. Early humans observed the solstice as a critical marker of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peoples-moral-values-literally-change-with-the-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seasonal change</a>, signifying the gradual return of longer daylight hours and the promise of spring.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stonehenge">Stonehenge</h3>



This ancient monument in England aligns with the solstices, suggesting its builders may have used it as a calendar to track astronomical events.



Constructed in several phases between roughly 3000 BCE and 2000 BCE, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stonehenges-famous-altar-stone-has-surprising-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stonehenge</a> remains a mystery regarding its exact purpose. It may have served as a burial ground or a ceremonial site.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yule-in-norse-tradition">Yule in Norse tradition</h3>



The Norse people celebrated Yule, lighting fires to symbolize the Sun's rebirth and feasting to mark the turning of the season.



Yule coincided with the darkest days of the year. The festival celebrated the return of the Sun and the lengthening of days, symbolizing hope and renewal.



Yule was dedicated to the gods, particularly Odin, who was associated with wisdom, magic, and the Wild Hunt - a ghostly procession believed to occur during this time. Offerings, feasts, and sacrifices were made to gain their favor.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saturnalia-in-ancient-rome-nbsp">Saturnalia in ancient Rome&nbsp;</h3>



Saturnalia was one of the most popular festivals in ancient Rome, held in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture, wealth, and time.&nbsp;



Celebrated annually in mid-December, the festival originally lasted for a single day (December 17) but eventually expanded to a week. 



The celebration involved feasting, gift-giving, and a temporary social reversal where traditional roles were upended.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dongzhi-in-east-asia-nbsp">Dongzhi in East Asia&nbsp;</h3>



Dongzhi (冬至), meaning "Winter Solstice" in Chinese, is an important festival in East Asia.&nbsp;



Rooted in the philosophy of Yin and Yang, Dongzhi symbolizes the balance and transformation of natural energies as the days begin to lengthen, bringing more light and warmth.



Modern celebrations like Christmas and Hanukkah incorporate elements of these ancient traditions, emphasizing light and hope during the darkest days of the year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-universal-reminder">A universal reminder</h2>



The Winter Solstice is more than just an astronomical event; it serves as a reminder of nature’s rhythms and humanity’s enduring connection to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anthropic-principle-we-live-in-a-universe-fine-tuned-to-support-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>. It symbolizes resilience, as the darkest day paves the way for the return of light.&nbsp;



Across millennia, it has inspired wonder, reflection, and celebration - a testament to the timeless bond between Earth, its inhabitants, and the heavens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-spiritual-turning-point">A spiritual turning point</h2>



The solstice encourages people to look inward, reflect on the past year, and set intentions for the year ahead, aligning with the natural pause of winter.



This occasion represents the balance and cycles of life, urging us to embrace both light and shadow in our personal journeys.



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Winter Solstice: The shortest day of the year has arrived

The Winter Solstice, often referred to as “the shortest day...

In the depths of planet Earth, a hidden microbial world thrives under extreme conditions that are beyond the reach of our regular perception.



This extraordinary and invisible ecosystem harbors an abundance of life forms that flourish in environments such as gold mines, aquifers, and deep boreholes in the seafloor.



But how do these below-the-surface microbiomes compare to the vibrant ecosystems bathed in Earth's sunlight?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-the-microbial-deep-dwellers">Discovering the microbial deep dwellers</h2>



Researchers have now investigated this question in a first-of-its-kind comprehensive endeavor undertaken at the <a href="https://www.mbl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Biological Laboratory</a> (MBL).



What they found was incredibly rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-soil-planet-warming-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial diversity</a> in certain subsurface habitats, which extended up to 491 meters (1,610 feet) below the seafloor and 4,375 meters (14,300 feet) below ground level in terrestrial habitats.



This unprecedented revelation hints at vast, unexplored, subsurface sources of diversity, and presents possible opportunities for finding new compounds and medicines.



The study holds potential for identifying how cells adapt to extremely energy-scarce environments. The findings may also be useful in the search for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/expanding-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extraterrestrial life</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-diversity-below-the-surface">Microbial diversity below the surface</h2>



The study's lead scientist, MBL associate scientist Emil Ruff, addressed some of the common assumptions about life below the Earth's surface.



“It’s commonly assumed that the deeper you go below the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-of-how-diamonds-reach-the-earths-surface-finally-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s surface</a>, the less energy is available, and the lower is the number of cells that can survive,” noted Ruff. 



“Whereas the more energy present, the more diversity can be generated and maintained - as in tropical forests or coral reefs, where there’s lots of sun and warmth."



However, the study’s findings tell a different story. In some subsurface habitats, microbial diversity can easily match or surpass the diversity on the surface.



This was found to be especially true for marine environments and for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-microbes-discovered-in-2-billion-year-old-rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> in the Archaea domain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tale-of-two-realms">A tale of two realms</h2>



The study, which took almost a decade to complete, was also one of the first to compare marine and terrestrial environments in terms of microbial diversity and community composition.



While the experts found that the marine and terrestrial microbiomes differed greatly in composition, their level of diversity was similar. This finding gives rise to a fundamental ecological principle.



“There’s a very clear divide between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diverse-life-forms-from-800-million-years-ago-redefine-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life forms</a> in the marine and in the terrestrial realms, not just in the surface, but also in the subsurface. The selective pressures are very different on land and in the sea, and they select for different organisms that have a hard time living in both realms," explained Ruff.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-in-low-energy-environments">Microbes in low-energy environments</h2>



The existence of a vast reservoir of microbes kilometers deep - both under our feet and beneath the seafloor - was first broadly recognized by scientists in the mid-1990s.



Now, scientists estimate that between 50 and 80 percent of Earth’s microbial cells live in the subsurface sediments, where energy availability is significantly lower than on the sunlit surface.



The study suggests that potentially half of Earth's microbial diversity can be found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activities-great-harm-earth-subsurface-deep-interior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">subsurface zones</a>.



In addition, the findings point towards a fascinating phenomenon: in these low-energy environments, life appears to be slowed down to an absolute minimum. Some subsurface cells are estimated to divide only once every 1,000 years. 



These microbes live on completely different timescales and could provide intriguing insights about aging.



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



If planets like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-water-found-on-mars-would-cover-the-planet-over-one-mile-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars had liquid water</a> at some point in their history, the rocky ecosystems below their surface could resemble those currently on Earth.



“The energy would be very low; the organisms’ generation times would be very long. Understanding deep life on Earth could be a model for discovering if there was life on Mars, and if it has survived,” said Ruff.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbiomes-of-diverse-locations-on-earth">Microbiomes of diverse locations on Earth</h2>



Past studies of microbial life on Earth’s surface and subsurface aren't scarce, but synthesizing the data was challenging due to inconsistencies in methodology across different research groups.



However, in 2016, a breakthrough method allowed for a consistent dataset to compare more than 1,000 samples from 50 marine and terrestrial ecosystems.



Samples from around the world were sent to MBL, where scientists used identical routines to sequence and analyze the microbial DNA present. 



This consistent methodology allowed for the first direct comparison of microbiomes from vast and diverse locations.



Ultimately, the research serves as a foundation for exposing the rich tapestry of life forms that inhabit the invisible worlds below the Earth’s crust.



As we continue to explore these subsurface habitats, we stand to learn much about the adaptability and resilience of life in its myriad forms.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq0645" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Half of Earth's microbial life may be hiding beneath the surface

In the depths of planet Earth, a hidden microbial world...

Despite their reputation as buzzing nuisances, flies serve a critical role as some of the Earth's most prolific pollinators. A new study led by Penn State scientists suggests that flies are increasingly at risk due to rising global temperatures.



An international team of researchers examined the heat tolerance of various bee and fly species in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.&nbsp;



The results indicate that flies are more vulnerable to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-climate-change-is-buzzing-off-bumblebee-senses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming climates</a> than bees, since bees can handle significantly higher temperatures and occupy a broader range of habitats.



“Bees and flies are essential for pollinating plants, both in the wild and in agriculture,” said Margarita López-Uribe, an expert in pollinator health at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> and lead author on the study. “However, these vital insects are declining due to habitat loss, pesticides, disease and the growing threat of climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flies-are-underappreciated-yet-vital-pollinators">Flies are underappreciated yet vital pollinators</h2>



Flies, second only to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-do-not-learn-to-be-cooperative-it-is-in-their-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> in terms of the volume of crops and habitats they pollinate, play a crucial role in sustaining wild ecosystems.&nbsp;



By facilitating the reproduction of numerous plant species, flies help maintain biodiversity and provide resources for countless other organisms. They also increasingly contribute to agriculture - for example, flies serve as the primary pollinators of cocoa trees, the source of chocolate.



A 2020 analysis of global crops found that the 105 most widely planted crops benefiting from pollinators represent more than $800 billion in gross economic value. Among these pollinators, flies, specifically hoverflies and blowflies, consistently ranked just behind bees.



“It's time we gave flies some more recognition of their role as pollinators,” López-Uribe said. “Flies have a significant role, but they don't get as much attention - and they are vulnerable in all the same ways that bees are.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flies-bees-and-climate-change">Flies, bees, and climate change </h2>



Because insects cannot easily control their body temperatures, rising global temperatures present a serious challenge. 



To assess how different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> might cope, the research team measured the “critical thermal maximum” (CTMax) - the highest temperature at which insects can still move - of both bees and flies.



They found that bees can tolerate substantially warmer conditions than flies. On average, bees had a CTMax 2.3 degrees Celsius higher than that of flies.&nbsp;



Additionally, bees foraging in cooler morning hours proved more heat-tolerant than those active in warmer afternoons.&nbsp;



Geographic factors also mattered - pollinators living at high-elevation tropical sites showed lower CTMax values than their counterparts in subtropical areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-collection-across-the-americas">Data collection across the Americas</h2>



The study’s data collection occurred during COVID-19 lockdowns, so international students from Penn State and other universities conducted research in their home countries.&nbsp;



Instead of traveling, students worked with equipment sent to them, gathering measurements in their own kitchens and backyards.



“We sent out all of the equipment to do the study to students throughout the U.S. and South America,” López-Uribe said. “These students were collecting the data in their houses, using their kitchens to understand the thermal ecology these insects could withstand.”



“We effectively were able to provide an international research experience without being able to travel internationally.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flies-battling-climate-change">Flies battling climate change </h2>



The findings suggest that insects from cooler, high-altitude environments, such as Cajicá in Colombia, are particularly susceptible to even slight temperature increases.&nbsp;



Since flies are often the primary pollinators in alpine and subarctic regions, their reduced ability to withstand warming could jeopardize entire ecosystems.



“In alpine and subarctic environments, flies are the primary pollinator,” López-Uribe said. “This study shows us that we have entire regions that could lose their primary pollinator as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-climate-change-is-buzzing-off-bumblebee-senses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> warms, which could be catastrophic for those ecosystems.”



As climate change continues to reshape global temperatures, understanding the vulnerabilities of flies - as well as bees - will be key in guiding conservation efforts.&nbsp;



Without recognizing and protecting the essential pollination services flies provide, communities may face declining biodiversity, reduced crop yields, and unstable ecological networks in the years to come.



The study is published in the <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.17161/jom.vi122.22505" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Melittology</a>.



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Flies are more vulnerable to climate change than bees

Despite their reputation as buzzing nuisances, flies serve a critical...

When marathon runners train, their minds typically focus on mileage, nutrition, and gear. Yet recent research from the Brown University School of Public Health suggests that runners may also need to think about the air they breathe on race day.&nbsp;



According to a new study published in <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-024-02160-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sports Medicine</a>, higher levels of fine particulate matter in the air are linked to slower average marathon finish times.



“Runners at that level are thinking about their gear, their nutrition, their training, the course, even the weather,” said study author Elvira Fleury, who conducted the research while enrolled as a graduate student at <a href="https://www.brown.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brown University</a> and is now a doctoral student at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>. 



“Our results show that those interested in optimizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-fatigue-impairs-athletic-performance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">athletic performance</a> should consider the effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-air-pollution-forms-may-help-us-prevent-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a>, as well.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-scale-analysis-across-major-marathons">Large-scale analysis across major marathons</h2>



The study drew on finish times from 1,506,137 male and 1,058,674 female participants who ran in nine major marathons throughout the United States - including Boston, Houston, and Los Angeles - between 2003 and 2019.&nbsp;



By combining publicly available race data with a sophisticated statistical model developed by Allan Just, an associate professor of epidemiology and environment and society at Brown, the researchers could determine the amount of fine particulate matter at various points along each course.



“This really sophisticated spatial-temporal model of particulate matter allowed us to plot pollution at every mile of every course,” Fleury said. “Without a model like this, it wouldn't have been possible to look at so many different marathons in different states across different years.”



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



Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, consists of airborne particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter and originates from sources like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intense-forest-fires-leave-scorched-earth-heating-the-planet-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest fires</a>, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities.&nbsp;



Analyzing the data, the researchers found that every 1 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 was associated with slower finish times: on average, 32 seconds slower among men and 25 seconds slower among women. The effect was particularly evident among faster-than-median runners, suggesting that even elite athletes might be affected.



Although these time differences may seem small, Fleury pointed out that they matter greatly in elite competitions, where the margin between victory and defeat or achieving a personal record can be just a few seconds.



“Think of all the effort, time and money that a professional runner like Eliud Kipchoge put into trying to break the world record and run a marathon in less than two hours,” Fleury said. “Every second matters.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marathon-runners-exposed-to-air-pollution">Marathon runners exposed to air pollution </h2>



While previous research has linked air pollution to health issues like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a>, lung disease, and even mortality, this study examined its impact on the athletic performances of fit, well-trained individuals.&nbsp;



The researchers suggested that exposure to air pollution could lead to increased blood pressure, constricted blood vessels, reduced lung function, respiratory discomfort, or short-term cognitive difficulties - factors that together might slow a runner’s pace.



“People who can complete a marathon are generally quite healthy, and we can assume they have honed their cardiorespiratory fitness,” said study author Joseph Braun, a professor of epidemiology at Brown’s School of Public Health.&nbsp;



“This study revealed a negative impact from air pollution, even at levels below current health-based standards, on these very healthy people. This means that air pollution can be a health risk not just for those who are elderly or susceptible - it can negatively affect even the most healthy and well-trained among us.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-b-roader-implications-of-the-research">Broader implications of the research </h2>



The results serve as a reminder that if air pollution can hamper marathon runners - often among the healthiest individuals - then the general population may also face health risks from polluted air.&nbsp;



The researchers concluded that efforts to lower pollution through regulation of power generation, industry, and transportation not only protect public health but may also help athletes perform at their peak.



For runners striving to set new personal records, paying attention to air quality forecasts could be one more step toward success.&nbsp;



For policymakers and environmental advocates, these findings underscore the importance of continuing efforts to reduce air pollution, ensuring a healthier environment for everyone - from elite athletes to casual joggers and beyond.



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Air pollution negatively affects marathon performance

When marathon runners train, their minds typically focus on mileage,...

Murder,Hornet,Vespa,Mandarinia,Giant,Wasp,Known,As,Killer,Bee

The giant hornet, once feared for threatening insects, agriculture, and human comfort, has been eradicated from its foothold in the United States.



Officials in Washington State have announced that the invasive species, long feared to be on a path to permanent establishment, is no longer lurking in the region where it first appeared. This development, five years in the making, has calmed local growers and everyday folks who once wondered whether the hornet’s presence would spread beyond that northwest corner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-narrow-escape-from-the-giant-hornet">A narrow escape from the giant hornet</h2>



The campaign against the giant hornet began when stunned beekeepers discovered eerily decapitated honeybees. Aggressive trapping and tracking techniques soon followed. Specialists from state agencies donned thick suits and carefully approached <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oriental-hornets-have-the-highest-alcohol-tolerance-of-any-animal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hornet</a> nests, using delicate methods to remove them. It took years for the last hornet to turn up empty-handed. This outcome did not come easily. The <a href="https://agr.wa.gov/departments/insects-pests-and-weeds/insects/hornets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State Department of Agriculture</a> and the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, represented by pest program manager Sven Spichiger and associate deputy administrator <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/aphis-plant-protection-quarantine-selects-new-leader-its-emergency" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicole Russo</a>, stand as key figures in this success story.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-the-front-lines">From the front lines</h2>



The individuals who led the fight against this insect had been worried about the possibility of a permanent invader.&nbsp;



“As an entomologist, I’ve been doing this for over 25 years now, and it is a rare day when the humans actually get to win one against the insects,” said <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sven-Erik-Spichiger" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sven Spichiger</a> at the end of the months-long 2023 tracking season. The dramatic effort to find and eradicate the nests pushed everyone involved to remain vigilant, setting traps, training local port inspectors and working tirelessly to address every reported sighting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nationwide-view">Nationwide view</h2>



The project required help from many. 



Observant residents phoned tip lines. Field teams outfitted giant hornets with tiny trackers. Nests discovered near the Canadian border were carefully sealed off. 



With continued support, officials now say the species is no longer present in that part of Washington. Despite this, many agencies remain on their toes. The United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, called the successful effort a <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/aphis-action-victory-over-worlds-largest-hornet-species" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“landmark achievement”</a> to celebrate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lingering-questions-about-the-giant-hornet">Lingering questions about the giant hornet</h2>



Experts have not identified the precise route by which the giant hornet originally arrived. Some suggest it might have hidden inside a shipping container. Without clear proof, there is no guarantee a fresh introduction will never happen again. Potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-hornets-so-successful-as-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future detections</a> will likely trigger a swift response. New sightings remain possible, and teams intend to keep watch. Officials in Washington say that any further activity will face the same intense scrutiny as before. Past lessons will guide all future efforts, so no one wants to take chances.



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



Outside the United States, fears linked to hornets have rattled others. 



In parts of Europe, alarm spread after a related species, the southern giant hornet, surfaced in northern Spain, prompting researchers to warn that more outbreaks could follow if left unchecked. The wide distribution of similar insects shows that this is not a contained issue. Scientists point to climate conditions, global shipping patterns, and changing ecosystems as reasons why these insects appear in unlikely places.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-a-name">More than a name</h2>



The hornet once caused a buzz in the media under various nicknames. Many remember it being called the “Asian giant hornet” and “murder <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hornets-are-the-most-important-pollinators-for-some-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hornet</a>,” but specialists have moved toward a name they find more accurate. 



As per the <a href="https://www.entsoc.org/publications/common-names/better-common-names-project" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Entomological Society of America</a>, calling it the “northern giant hornet” better suits its native range while also reducing problematic associations. That shift may help everyone talk about the insect without tying it to any single region or prompting unnecessary assumptions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-really-mattered">What really mattered</h2>



The giant hornet’s potential to damage honeybee colonies and other beneficial insects raised alarms among ecologists, beekeepers and farmers. A single hornet nest, if left alone, can cause serious losses in crucial pollinator populations. Many experts knew that if the species spread, it would be no small matter. <a href="https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-Bionomic-Sketch-of-the-Giant-Hornet%2C-Vespa-a-Pest-Matsuura-Sakagami/67e9b6a08e424b124bae2965e0d292e55d93ad43" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> on the behavior of the northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) suggest that these hornets can quickly invade hives, and their stings pack a painful punch for humans and other animals as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-learned-from-the-giant-hornets">Lessons learned from the giant hornets</h2>



One positive takeaway from this situation is that clear communication and community involvement can pay off. Early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-invasion-yellow-legged-hornet-spotted-in-the-u-s-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">detection</a> and rapid response efforts worked. The strong network of officials, scientists and residents raised the alarm, tracked every possible hornet and prevented it from spreading to other areas. Officials have also given training and supplies to various inspectors at key points of entry. The entire scenario, though tense, underlined how people can come together to stop a serious threat before it turns into an ongoing crisis.



Further details on the eradication of the northern giant hornet are available <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/aphis-action-victory-over-worlds-largest-hornet-species">here</a>. 



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Victory: Invasive 'murder hornets' have been completely eradicated from the US

The giant hornet, once feared for threatening insects, agriculture, and...

Adelie,Penguins,On,Ice,Floe,Balleny,Islands,Antarctica

It is well known that Arctic ice captures most headlines when it comes to climate change, but the icy waters around Antarctica are also showing troubling shifts. 



In 2023, Antarctic sea ice hit record lows, a development that left researchers scratching their heads as they observed a surprising surge in ocean changes beneath the now more exposed Southern Ocean surface. This year-over-year shift is no small blip, and it appears that 2024 will surge past the record lows of 2023, continuing this disturbing trend. It represents a dramatic event that scientists have long feared might happen but hoped to avoid. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-winter-without-cover">A new winter without cover</h2>



As the protective ice blanket thinned, the ocean underneath became more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vulnerable</a>. 



Without a solid covering, heat from the water escaped in far greater amounts than seen before. The result was a measurable spike in warmth shifting into the air above the waves. At the same time, storm activity began ramping up, turning the region into a hotbed of atmospheric commotion. 



According to recent <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08368-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a>, the low ice levels in 2023 allowed for unprecedented ocean heat loss and triggered more frequent storms. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-antarctic-sea-ice">Changing Antarctic sea ice</h2>



This study was conducted by Professor <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=b-RiXNQAAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Josey</a>, an expert on ocean-atmosphere interaction at the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (<a href="https://noc.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOC</a>).&nbsp;



The work paints an unsettling picture of a Southern Ocean entering a new era, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-patterns-point-to-rapid-melting-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a> once considered extreme are becoming common. 



Researchers say these harsh conditions could repeat in coming years if <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/152547/antarctic-sea-ice-at-near-historic-lows" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> fails to recover.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-antarctic-sea-ice-conditions">Science behind the Antarctic sea ice conditions</h2>



Shifts in Antarctic <a href="https://nsidc.org/sea-ice-today" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> do not only matter for penguins and seals. The Southern Ocean is a key player in our climate system. It stores carbon, moves heat around the planet, and supports large-scale ocean currents. As ice declines, the ocean’s personality changes. According to the research team’s findings, years with low ice cover will likely feature more intense winter weather and unusual ocean properties. According to the findings, years with minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-are-intense-heat-waves-affecting-life-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> are likely to experience heightened storm activity and significant transformations in ocean characteristics. Simon Josey explained that this trend highlights the ongoing impact of Antarctic sea ice loss which could cascade into long-term disruptions in global climate systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-what-we-thought-we-knew">Rethinking what we thought we knew</h2>



The new results mark a dramatic departure from previous assumptions about the stability and resilience of Antarctica’s icy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-peace-is-at-risk-as-nations-race-for-its-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>. 



Before 2023, <a href="https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/clim/35/14/JCLI-D-21-0918.1.xml">scientists</a> did not anticipate such a sharp decline in sea ice and the related jump in ocean heat release. “I didn’t expect to see a real-world ice decline as large as that observed in 2023 with such strong consequences for the ocean heat loss,” said <a href="https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/clim/35/14/JCLI-D-21-0918.1.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Holly Ayres</a>, formerly at the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a> and now at NOC.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-heavier-ocean-in-ice-free-zones">A heavier ocean in ice-free zones</h2>



One of the most striking changes involves the <a href="https://floats.pmel.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/gcj_4j.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">density of surface waters</a>. When the ocean loses heat, the top layer becomes denser. With more ice-free regions, the water is sinking more readily into the depths. “The massive increase in ocean heat loss to the atmosphere is increasing the density of water at the sea surface to values not previously seen,” said Professor Josey.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/declining-Antarctic-sea-ice_Schematic-representation_credit-NOC_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/declining-Antarctic-sea-ice_Schematic-representation_credit-NOC_1s.webp" alt="Declining Antarctic Sea-ice from the NOC Near Present Day NEMO ocean model simulation (credit Dr Adam Blaker). Colors show the difference of June to July 2023 from June to July 1991-2020, blue shows less ice around much of Antarctica." class="wp-image-1954264"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Declining Antarctic Sea-ice from the NOC Near Present Day NEMO ocean model simulation (credit Dr Adam Blaker). Colors show the difference of June to July 2023 from June to July 1991-2020, blue shows less ice around much of Antarctica.</figcaption></figure>



These shifts in density can influence the formation of heavier water masses that can travel far into the ocean’s interior, affecting how heat and nutrients flow across the globe. Over time, the unusual movement of these waters could even alter patterns of <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2024GL111229" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic bottom water</a>, which helps shape global ocean circulation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracks-in-the-global-weather-puzzle">Cracks in the global weather puzzle</h2>



Far-reaching <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-will-the-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a> may emerge. Scientists have long known that the Southern Ocean plays an outsize role in managing Earth’s heat and carbon storage. Now, with the ice slipping away, and more energy escaping into the air, there is a chance that <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1602.01393?utm_">distant regions</a> could feel the pinch in the form of altered weather patterns. The team at NOC has indicated that it’s too early to confirm whether 2023 and its record-breaking sea-ice decline marked the onset of a fundamental shift in the amount of Antarctic sea ice. The puzzle includes potential changes in how warm waters move beneath the surface, which could set the stage for shifting conditions that ripple far beyond Antarctica but only time will tell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-new-antarctic-sea-ice-simulations">Need for new Antarctic sea ice simulations</h2>



Scientists stress that these findings are not just about one odd year. 



They argue that understanding what is happening now can help us predict what might come next. Improved climate models are needed to understand why this happened and what might follow.



“We need to use our ocean and climate simulations to understand how the major increase in heat loss and increased surface water density in regions of declining Antarctic sea ice impacts the wider ocean circulation,” said Professor Josey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gazing-ahead-with-cautious-eyes">Gazing ahead with cautious eyes</h2>



No one wants to see a permanent slide toward less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-is-greening-at-an-unprecedented-rate/">ice</a> and more climate chaos. However, if low sea ice cover conditions repeat in future winters, these extraordinary shifts could become the new normal.



What matters now is how researchers worldwide pull together their data, simulations, and knowledge to figure out what this all means for the planet.&nbsp;



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Rapid Antarctic sea ice loss is causing severe storms around the world

It is well known that Arctic ice captures most headlines...

The Greenland Ice Sheet, part of which is shown in this image of Jakobshavn Glacier, is now melting at an incredibly rapid pace, pushing sea levels upward while upsetting global weather patterns. 



Precise measurements of the ice sheet’s changing shape and volume matter greatly at this point in Earth's history because accurate data helps scientists understand what's coming next.



Until recently, getting this information was tricky. 



Now, two advanced missions, ESA’s CryoSat and NASA’s ICESat-2, have joined forces to offer data that reaches far beyond old limits. 



Their combined measurements deliver a more complete view that was not possible before.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-greenland-ice-melt">Measuring Greenland ice melt</h2>



As of today, scientists have recorded the first measurements of the Greenland Ice Sheet’s shape changes using both <a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/CryoSat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CryoSat</a> and <a href="https://icesat-2.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICESat-2</a> satellites.



This work is led by researchers from the UK Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling (<a href="https://cpom.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CPOM</a>). Lead author and CPOM researcher Nitin Ravinder has confirmed that these missions are able to capture changes in ice elevation with impressive accuracy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technologies-from-different-skies">Technologies from different skies</h2>



To measure the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/speed-of-greenland-ice-melt-confirmed-to-be-rapidly-increasing-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rapid loss</a> of the ice all across Greenland, one of the mission satellites relies on radar, and the other uses a laser. 



Radar can measure through clouds but needs careful adjustments because it can pass into the ice surface before bouncing back.



Laser measurements track the actual surface but cannot see through clouds. 



These tools stand at opposite ends, yet when put together, they form a better pair than either could alone. 



In fact, a new study published in Geophysical Research Letters notes that CryoSat and ICESat-2 measurements of Greenland Ice Sheet elevation change agree within 3% of what is actually happening.



This stronger confidence means if one mission fails, the other can still <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-loss-tracked-by-new-gps-system-on-a-daily-basis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">keep track of ice changes</a>.



“We are very excited to have discovered that CryoSat and ICESat-2 are in such close agreement. Their complementary nature provides a strong motivation to combine the data sets to produce improved estimates of ice sheet volume and mass changes," says lead author and CPOM researcher Nitin Ravinder.



"As ice sheet mass loss is a key contributor to global sea level rise, this is incredibly useful for the scientific community and policymakers.”



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="23p8n2tdza-4146590-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland-ice-and-natural-beauty">Greenland, ice, and natural beauty</h2>



Greenland, the world’s largest island, sits between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. It is mostly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-discovery-transforms-sea-level-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">covered with thick ice</a>, and its glaciers run from the heart of the island to its shores. 



There are small towns along the coastal edges where people make a life that ties closely to the environment. 



Long winters and brief summers shape a culture centered on fishing, hunting, and a respect for nature’s power. 



The capital, Nuuk, brings together old traditions and new ways of living in a place where weather is a big player in daily life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-ice-and-everyday-lives">Melting ice and everyday lives</h2>



A warming climate makes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-glacial-outburst-observed-in-greenland-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland’s glaciers break apart</a> and slip into the ocean. As they melt, sea levels climb, and coastal cities thousands of miles away face the threat of water creeping up their streets. 



Wildlife in Greenland itself struggles when the ice they depend on thins. Polar bears, seals, and walruses have fewer safe spots to rest and hunt. 



For local people, the loss of stable ice can disrupt fishing and hunting practices. Shifts in ocean currents triggered by fresh meltwater also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-transformation-ice-melt-plant-growth-vegetation-cascading-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">change weather patterns</a>, and that can spell trouble for everyone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-numbers-behind-greenland-ice-melt">Real numbers behind Greenland ice melt</h2>



Between 2010 and 2023, Greenland’s ice sheet thinned by an average of four feet In the ice sheet’s ablation zone, where summer melting outpaces winter snowfall, the average thinning reached 20 feet. 



The worst thinning was at Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as Jakobshavn Isbræ, with a peak thinning of 220 feet. At Zachariae Isstrøm in the northeast, peak thinning hit about 250 feet. 



Altogether, the ice sheet shrank by 7,700 cubit feet over a 13-year stretch. It lost more than 1300 cubic feet in 2012 and 2019, matching extreme conditions. 



According to the study, these changes affect not only local environments but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-rivers-are-shifting-with-global-climate-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global weather patterns</a>.



“CryoSat has provided an invaluable platform for understanding our planet’s ice coverage over the past 14 years, but by aligning our data with ICESat-2, we’ve opened new avenues for precision and insight," says Tommaso Parrinello, CryoSat Mission Manager at <a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. 



"This collaboration represents an exciting step forward, not just in terms of technology but in how we can better serve scientists and policymakers who rely on our data to understand and mitigate climate impacts.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aligning-with-sister-missions">Aligning with sister missions</h2>



<a href="https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/missions/cryosat/cryo2ice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cryo2ice campaign</a> that began in 2020 let scientists put CryoSat and ICESat-2 measurements side by side. 



By adjusting CryoSat’s orbit, ESA allowed the two satellites to gather radar and laser data over the same areas, almost at the same time. 



This set the stage for measuring snow depth from space with a level of accuracy that simply did not exist before.



“It is great to see that the data from ‘sister missions’ are providing a consistent picture of the changes going on in Greenland,” says Thorsten Markus, project scientist for the ICESat-2 mission at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“Understanding the similarities and differences between radar and lidar ice sheet height measurements allow us to fully exploit the complementary nature of those satellite missions." 



Studies like this are critical to put a comprehensive time series of the ICESat, CryoSat-2, ICESat-2, and, in the future, CRISTAL missions together.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland-ice-and-earth-s-future">Greenland ice and Earth's future</h2>



The accurate data now available will help in decisions that governments must make soon. Timely, reliable information on ice thickness shifts can guide planning for coastal infrastructure. 



It matters to millions of people who live near shores in every corner of the planet, and for those who rely on stable weather patterns to grow food and make a living.



ESA’s CryoSat and NASA’s ICESat-2 work as a team to keep an eye on the ice. Together, they paint a detailed picture of changes in Greenland. 



That picture gives experts and leaders better tools for understanding the future and figuring out how to adapt.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL110822" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



Video Credit: ESA/Planetary Visions



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Greenland ice sheet seen melting in real-time from Earth orbit

The Greenland Ice Sheet, part of which is shown in...

In the quiet stillness of the ocean, when the sun dips below the horizon, marine creatures on coral reefs experience a significant shift.



As daytime creatures retreat into the safety of corals, nocturnal predators begin their evening hunt.



This fascinating cycle is as routine as the setting sun – until the intrusion of artificial light disrupts the natural order.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-study-on-coral-reef-nightlife">A study on coral reef nightlife</h2>



A recent press release revealed the details of an insightful study on the effects of light pollution on coral reef communities.



The research is recognized as the first, large-scale experiment addressing the influence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-pollution-disrupts-entire-ecological-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a> on coral reef nightlife. 



The study was conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, the Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l’Environnement (CRIOBE) in French Polynesia, and Chile's Pontificia Universidad Católica.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artificial-light-a-silent-intruder">Artificial light: A silent intruder</h2>



"When the sun sets, coral reefs undergo a dramatic transformation," noted Dr. Emma Weschke, the study's lead author from the University of Bristol’s School of Biological Sciences.



The vibrant fish that command our attention during the day retreat to rest among the corals, and elusive nocturnal species emerge from caves and crevices in pursuit of prey.



"The night usually brings a veil of darkness that allows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-ocean-dna-study-uncovers-mysteries-of-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a> to hide from nocturnal predators. But artificial light generated by human activities exposes coral reef inhabitants to unexpected danger," explained Professor Andy Radford, the study's senior author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-night-vision-experiment">The night vision experiment</h2>



The team utilized specially designed underwater infrared cameras to observe a coral reef at night.



These cameras allowed the researchers to film the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystem</a> without altering fish behavior since fish cannot see in the infrared spectrum.



What they discovered was quite alarming. Compared to control sites that lacked artificial light, a larger number of different fish species were present on artificially illuminated reefs at night.



Further investigation revealed these species to be predatory fish feeding on zooplankton, small fish, and invertebrates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangers-of-light-pollution">Dangers of light pollution</h2>



Dr. Weschke explained that many species detected on artificially lit reefs were not nocturnal. Instead, these fish are usually active during the day.



"Finding that light pollution can cause fish to stay awake later than usual is concerning because sleep - like for us - is likely essential for regenerating energy and maintaining fitness," said Dr. Weschke.



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-clownfish-are-struggling-to-survive-under-artificial-lights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artificial light</a> makes it much easier for predators to locate and capture prey, reducing their foraging effort. Which is why we think that greater numbers are being attracted to artificially illuminated coral reefs at night," noted Professor Radford.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-the-impacts-of-artificial-light">Reducing the impacts of artificial light</h2>



However, the situation isn’t completely bleak. The researchers observed changes in the reef's nightlife after an average of 25 consecutive nights of being exposed to artificial light.



Brief periods of exposure didn't cause noticeable changes in fish communities. This suggests that implementing low-cost solutions rapidly could have a positive impact.



"Reducing the impacts of artificial light could help build resilience on valuable coral reefs," noted study co-author Professor Steve Simpson.



"Unlike greenhouse gases and plastics, artificial light is a pollutant that doesn’t leave a residue when switched off. Limiting artificial light in both its intensity and duration, prioritizing it for essential needs and reducing aesthetic use, will help re-establish naturally dark nights that marine ecosystems evolved with."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-coral-reefs-in-a-brightening-world">Preserving coral reefs in a brightening world</h2>



Coral reefs, often referred to as the "rainforests of the sea," are among the most diverse and vital ecosystems on the planet. 



They support nearly 25% of all marine species, provide coastal protection, and serve as critical sources of food and income for millions of people globally. 



However, the increasing intrusion of artificial light adds another stressor to already vulnerable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-food-webs-threatened-by-the-loss-of-picky-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reef systems</a>, which are struggling against threats such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution. 



Mitigating light pollution is one of the easiest ways to support coral reef health. By prioritizing low-impact lighting technologies and implementing targeted lighting practices near reef habitats, significant strides can be made in preserving these ecosystems.



Reinstating natural light-dark cycles by limiting artificial light exposure provides reefs a better chance to recover and thrive. 



As urban expansion and tourism increase near coastal regions, innovative solutions to minimize light pollution are becoming essential to ensure the survival of these ecological treasures.



The full study was published in the journal Global Change Biology.



Image Credit: Emma Weschke



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Light pollution is transforming nightlife on coral reefs

In the quiet stillness of the ocean, when the sun...

Cow,At,A,Meadow,In,Austria

We've all heard it before -- to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb fossil fuel dependency, we should consider reducing the energy and resources we use to make meat and animal products.



The entire lifecycle of raising animals for beef production -- from planting and harvesting feed crops to transportation, processing, and refrigeration -- consumes a very substantial amount of energy, mostly coming from fossil fuels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-a-baby-calf-to-one-single-hamburger">From a baby calf to one single hamburger</h2>



Raising a cow from calf to hamburger really puts a strain on our planet's resources. For starters, producing a single quarter-pound hamburger can use up to 1,600 gallons of water. 



This water goes into growing the feed the cow eats, irrigating crops, and managing waste. Plus, producing beef from animals is very energy-intensive, requiring around 2 to 3 kilowatt-hours of energy for each burger -- and that energy comes from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cop28-agreement-marks-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-fossil-fuels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a>.



On top of that, each cow needs about 4.5 acres of land for grazing and feed production -- that's 4.5 acres for every cow in the world that is being raised to ultimately become hamburger. That's an incredible amount of land, to say the least.



Next, beef farming is a major source of greenhouse gases, releasing roughly 44 to 55 pounds of CO₂ equivalent per hamburger. Think about how many hamburgers are eaten around the world every day, and you'll start to get the idea.



But the impact doesn't stop there. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cattle-farming-expansion-could-expose-more-than-a-billion-cows-to-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cattle farming</a> often leads to deforestation and habitat loss, especially in sensitive areas like the Amazon rainforest, which harms biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems while adding to carbon emissions. 



Cows are also not very efficient at turning feed into meat, needing about 15 pounds of feed to produce just 5 pounds of beef. To make beef production more sustainable, we can adopt several strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raising-animals-takes-lots-of-energy">Raising animals takes lots of energy</h2>



A new study recently attempted to put a quantifiable number on this entire process, proving that it's not just about reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-greenhouse-emissions-rebounded-in-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse emissions</a>.



Scientists from Norway, Austria, and Switzerland, based at the <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian University of Science and Technology</a>'s (NTNU) Industrial Ecology Programme, have put a microscope to the energy requirements of our global food system. 



The study reveals that our consumption of animal products has a more significant impact than we might have imagined.



Crunching the numbers from 2015-2019, they found that a whopping 60% of the energy footprint of agriculture worldwide is attributed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-products-linked-to-double-the-emissions-of-plant-based-foods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal-based products</a>.



"That energy is predominately from fossil fuels," said Edgar Hertwich, a professor at NTNU’s Industrial Ecology Programme and the senior author of the paper.



As we have seen, societies are increasingly looking at electricity as a cleaner energy option. However, this does not readily apply to agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eating-animals-an-energy-hungry-industry">Eating animals: An energy hungry industry</h2>



One of the key challenges highlighted in the study is the inefficiency of animal husbandry. 



In simple terms, we grow food to feed animals, and then we consume the animals -- but the energy return on this "investment" is disappointingly low.



The research found that whilst livestock accounted for the majority of agriculture's energy footprint during the study period, it only provided a minor 18% of the calories consumed worldwide.



Led by Kajwan Rasul, the team sought to calculate the energy return on the energy investment, essentially benchmarking the efficiency of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-meat-and-dairy-alternatives-will-dramatically-transform-the-global-food-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food system</a>.



It's a simple equation. If the figure is less than 1, it signifies that it takes more energy to produce the food than we get back from consuming it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-out-the-energy-footprint">Mapping out the energy footprint</h2>



To conduct this study, Rasul employed two models, EXIOBASE and FABIO, that respectively allowed him to estimate energy use across various sectors and track the production, trade, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-food-consumption-doubled-in-the-last-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consumption of food</a>. 



Integrating these two models using innovative methodologies enabled the team to examine the energy footprint of our food system on a much deeper level than previously possible.



Their study covered ten food categories, broken down from 123 different commodities, across a global spread of 20 regions. 



They also investigated the food system's energy footprint over two, five-year phases, namely 1995-1999 and 2015-2019, which enabled them to identify trends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bright-side-positive-trends-over-time">The bright side: Positive trends over time</h2>



There is some good news to share. 



Rasul and the team of scientists found a noticeable improvement in the energy efficiency of global food systems over the two decades.



The energy return on energy investment shifted from 0.68 in 1995 to 0.91 in 2019. Yet, this still meant that, in 2019, it cost 10% more energy to produce every calorie provided to society than was returned in consumption.



Regions with less industrialized food systems, like parts of Africa and Asia, consistently had energy returns on investments higher than one. 



This is encouraging as these regions are home to 68% of the world's population.



Rasul noticed that this trend was also reflected in four of the world's five high-income regions. However, he expressed caution over whether this trend was genuinely due to efficiency improvements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-security-and-the-fossil-fuel-energy-equation">Food security and the fossil fuel energy equation</h2>



The findings of this study raise broader implications beyond greenhouse gas emissions.



If energy for food production was boundless and environmentally neutral, we wouldn't need to worry about inefficiencies in agriculture. But that's not our reality.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seed-systems-will-play-a-key-role-in-future-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food security</a> is a significant concern. If our agriculture continues to depend heavily on fossil fuels, we may face a significant crisis. 



This isn't just a theoretical proposition: historical incidents, like the 1970s energy crisis or the more recent ripple effects from conflicts, highlight the potential risk.



As the authors of the study succinctly put it, agricultural systems heavily reliant on fossil fuels "turn the question of food security into a question of energy security." 



It's time for us all to take note and reconsider what's on our dinner plate.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/3/12/pgae524/7919164" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>.



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The amount of energy it takes to make one hamburger is hard to believe

We've all heard it before -- to reduce greenhouse gas...

In an increasingly industrialized world, the effects of air pollution on our health are undeniable. 



However, while many studies have focused on death rates, less attention has been paid to hospital admissions - especially those related to mental health. Scottish researchers are trying to change that.



Based at a renowned university in Scotland, the scientists have examined the effect of long-term air pollution exposure on mental, behavioral, and physical health.



The findings, published in the journal BMJ Open, reveal a glaring correlation - prolonged exposure to ambient air pollution increases the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-hospital-visits-among-autistic-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hospital admission</a> for a plethora of illnesses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-scottish-longitudinal-study">The Scottish longitudinal study</h2>



The research was based on the Scottish Longitudinal Study, an extensive dataset representing 5% of the Scottish population. The researchers traced the health and hospital admission records of 202,237 individuals aged 17 and above.



The team cross-referenced this data with levels of four key pollutants - nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breast-cancer-incidence-linked-to-high-particulate-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particulate matter</a> with diameter of at least 10 μm (PM10), and small particulate matter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) - between 2002 and 2017.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-the-invisible-culprit">Air pollution: The invisible culprit?</h2>



The trend emerged clearly: higher cumulative exposure to NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 was proportionally related to increases in hospital admissions for a variety of diseases.



Specifically, each 1 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and NO2 pollutants propelled the incidence rate for respiratory disease hospital admissions by just over 4% and 1%, respectively.



Moreover, NO2 was particularly associated with a greater number of hospital admissions for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-exposure-linked-to-mental-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental illness</a> and behavioral disorders.



The researchers controlled for demographics such as age, gender, ethnicity, and education level. However, other potentially influential factors - like lifestyle, weight (BMI), noise pollution or lack of green spaces - weren't taken into account. 



Despite the inherent limitations, the findings resonate with previously published research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevention-is-better-than-cure">Prevention is better than cure</h2>



The researchers caution that the study is observational and thus causal relationships cannot be definitively identified. They also emphasized the need for robust measures and monitoring.



“Policies and interventions on air pollution through stricter environmental regulations, long term planning, and the shifting towards renewable energy could eventually help ease the hospital care burden in Scotland, in the long term," noted the study authors. 



They propose an increased number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/residual-emissions-must-be-addressed-to-reach-net-zero/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zero-emission</a> zones, particularly in pollution-heavy cities, to improve air quality and reduce hospital admissions.



The research urges us to rethink our environmental policies, and reinforces the adage, "prevention is better than cure."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-residential-exposure-and-health-outcomes">Residential exposure and health outcomes</h2>



A significant feature of the study was its focus on residential exposure to air pollution. 



By linking yearly air pollution data to individuals’ residential postcodes, the researchers could examine the long-term impact of localized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-air-pollution-levels-have-dropped-but-not-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution levels</a> on health outcomes. 



The findings revealed that individuals living in urban areas, particularly in cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh, faced higher concentrations of pollutants due to increased traffic and industrial activity.



This urban-rural divide highlights the critical need for localized strategies to mitigate the health effects of air pollution.



Interestingly, the cumulative impact of exposure across the study period had a stronger association with mental and behavioral health admissions than the yearly fluctuations.



This suggests that the prolonged effects of pollution may exacerbate conditions that develop over time, such as anxiety and depression, adding another layer of urgency to address air quality issues in densely populated areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-air-pollution-impacts-health">How air pollution impacts health</h2>



The researchers also explored the potential biological mechanisms by which air pollution affects health.



Gaseous pollutants, like NO₂ and SO₂, irritate the respiratory system, leading to inflammation and a cascade of effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems.



Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), due to its microscopic size, penetrates deep into the lungs and bloodstream, triggering oxidative stress and exacerbating chronic diseases.



Notably, the research highlighted that mental and behavioral disorders might be influenced by pollution through neurological pathways. 



Prolonged exposure to pollutants could increase the production of free radicals, which may impair brain health and heighten the risk of mental illnesses. 



These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of air pollution's impact, extending beyond physical ailments to mental health.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/12/e084032" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ Open</a>.



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Air pollution linked to rising hospital admissions

In an increasingly industrialized world, the effects of air pollution...

The deepest parts of Earth's oceans have mostly remained a mystery, mainly because current technology on sea vessels cannot easily map every trough and chasm scattered around the planet.



Traditional methods tend to rely on slow and expensive ship-based surveys and, even after decades of effort, vast expanses of the ocean floor remain unknown. These blind spots have limited our understanding of underwater landscapes, the growth of tectonic structures, and the habitat ranges of strange marine creatures that lurk far below.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-satellites-to-map-the-ocean-floor">Using satellites to map the ocean floor</h2>



<a href="https://www.nist.gov/how-do-you-measure-it/our-world/how-do-you-measure-depth-ocean" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shipborne sonar</a>, while effective, is far too time-consuming when considering the scale of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/north-atlantic-ocean-has-a-memory-that-lasts-up-to-20-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s oceans</a>. Over a century would pass before the entire seabed could be charted this way. Sensors placed on satellites represent a much faster approach, relying on tiny variations in sea surface height to infer submarine features. 



For the past several decades, this <a href="https://topex.ucsd.edu/marine_grav/explore_grav.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radar-altimeter</a>-based approach has allowed scientists to produce seafloor maps at moderate resolution. A collaboration between <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and <a href="https://swot.cnes.fr/en/SWOT/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNES</a> launched the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (<a href="https://swot.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWOT</a>) mission, a new satellite tool capable of measuring ocean surface heights in unprecedented detail. One year later, the first robust results began to roll in, and were <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39666787/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyzed</a> by <a href="https://yaoyu9404.github.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yao Yu</a> at the <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a>, University of California, San Diego (UCSD).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-previously-hidden-details">Previously hidden details</h2>



Improved data uncovered thousands of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-are-rapidly-changing-colors-matching-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">undersea</a> peaks that were previously unrecorded. Some are only a few miles across, but these features influence currents, nutrient flow, and the movements of certain aquatic populations. “So, one year of SWOT data beat the past 30 years of traditional radar-altimeter [data] in constructing marine gravity,” said Yao Yu, a Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow at <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSD</a>. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SWOT-satellite_seafloor_mapping_major-advance_credit-EOS_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SWOT-satellite_seafloor_mapping_major-advance_credit-EOS_1s.webp" alt="Using satellite altimetry data from SWOT, scientists have created a global map of marine gravity, uncovering thousands of new seamounts. (Eötvös is a unit that measures the ocean’s vertical gravity gradient.) Credit: Yao Yu, Yu et al., 2024" class="wp-image-1954024"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Using satellite altimetry data from SWOT, scientists have created a global map of marine gravity, uncovering thousands of new seamounts. (Eötvös is a unit that measures the ocean’s vertical gravity gradient.) Credit: Yao Yu, Yu et al., 2024</figcaption></figure>



The more finely tuned view reveals intricate ridges and valleys that traditional methods missed. These fresh insights help scientists understand how underwater landforms might affect tsunami speed and direction, and whether they attract clusters of unique organisms preferring specific conditions found around submerged peaks.



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



Each submarine hill, canyon, or volcanic mount has its own story. Researchers can piece together histories of plate movements and infer where tectonic changes might happen next. This sharper perspective matters for navigators who need safe passages, and marine planners who keep an eye on resource extraction. 



Detailed underwater maps allow for better simulation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collapse-of-main-atlantic-ocean-circulaton-current-amoc-is-already-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> circulation models, ensuring that climate forecasts gain subtle accuracy. “I am mostly impressed with the ability to [map] abyssal hills and seamounts so much [more clearly] than ever before,” said <a href="https://orbit.dtu.dk/en/persons/ole-baltazar-andersen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ole Baltazar Andersen</a>, senior research scientist at the Technical University of Denmark.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-leap-for-ocean-maps">Giant leap for ocean maps</h2>



Before satellites and sonar, sailors dropped <a href="https://seahistory.org/sea-history-for-kids/leadline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weighted lines</a> overboard and counted fathoms as the rope slipped through their hands. Today, radar and altimetry techniques provide scientists with more versatile options. Specialized altimeters aboard satellites, like SWOT, measure the time taken for radio pulses to bounce back from the surface.



This gives a rough sketch of the seafloor’s gravitational pull, revealing dips and bumps that mirror what lies beneath. In combination with ship-based measurements, <a href="https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/socd/lsa/AltBathy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellite altimetry</a> grants a global perspective. It is not as direct as a ship’s sonar, but it covers enormous swaths of ocean in a fraction of the time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-benefits-of-ocean-mapping">Real world benefits of ocean mapping</h2>



Fresh ocean floor maps do not only quench our scientific curiosity. Improved <a href="https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/socd/lsa/AltBathy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bathymetry</a> can aid climate research. 



Ocean circulation involves currents moving cold, deep water upward, influencing carbon storage and heat distribution. If certain underwater hills guide these flows, slight improvements in understanding those features can refine models that predict future climate trends. 



More precise knowledge of the seabed’s shape might also help researchers anticipate where essential fisheries could flourish or fail.



“Improved seafloor mapping at such level of details opens new frontiers,” said <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/people/nadya-vinogradova-shiffer-physical-oceanography-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer</a>, Ocean Physics Program Director at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC.



At a time when climate adaptation plans often depend on robust environmental data, these clearer images contribute to more informed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/surprise-study-some-scientists-call-for-halting-ocean-plastic-cleanup-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decision-making</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-push-to-chart-everything">Global push to chart everything</h2>



A range of groups and organizations worldwide have pursued projects like <a href="https://seabed2030.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seabed 2030</a>, aiming to map Earth’s entire underwater landscape by the end of the decade. 



Crowdsourced data, philanthropic funding, and cutting-edge technology promise richer, more accessible marine charts. Some researchers rely on <a href="https://www.saildrone.com/news/seabed-2030-partnership-to-map-the-ocean" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small autonomous vessels</a>, armed with multibeam sonar, to scan sections of the ocean that remain unexplored. Others use advanced machine learning tools to process existing data and enhance resolution. This collective pursuit is essential for narrowing knowledge gaps that still puzzle those trying to map the shifting ocean conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolving-strategies-new-capabilities">Evolving strategies, new capabilities</h2>



Modern technology continues to advance. Older satellites captured <a href="https://eos.org/articles/new-seafloor-map-only-25-done-with-6-years-to-go" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">less detail</a>, but updated radar altimeters are more sensitive. 



The slight gravitational field changes caused by undersea mountains produce minuscule tilts in the ocean’s surface, and newer instruments register those subtle differences. These improved measurements help scientists see features that previously blended into the noise of raw data. 



More precise measurements transform the way experts look at ocean floor contours, enabling them to find patterns connected to everything from energy resources to hidden ecological hotspots.



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



Better ocean maps redefine what scientists consider ordinary. Areas once thought to be empty seascapes are now known to hold small peaks and ridges that matter to ocean life. With sharper detail, previously unknown zones might turn out to be critical habitats or hold clues to past geological events that affected climate and biodiversity. 



Each newly revealed feature expands what is known about oceanic processes.



The aim is not just to tally ridges or canyons. Clearer images allow more thorough interpretations that factor into navigation, resource management, environmental protection, and scientific exploration.



The next few years will likely bring even more refined altimetry missions, advanced sonar methods, and creative approaches that combine all types of datasets. 



Over time, these efforts will build towards an era when the planet’s underwater domain is no longer as cryptic.



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NASA maps Earth's ocean floors from space in stunning detail

The deepest parts of Earth's oceans have mostly remained a...

A recent study highlights a critical challenge for coral reproduction in the face of climate change. Led by Professor Peter Mumby from The University of Queensland, the research found that corals must be within a few meters of each other to reproduce successfully.



This surprising discovery has significant implications for coral survival, as warming oceans and other climate impacts continue to decimate reefs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-in-coral-reproduction">Factors in coral reproduction</h2>



The research team measured the success of a natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-illuminates-fish-interactions-in-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral spawning</a> event in March this year. 



“In what came as a surprise, we saw that corals needed to be within 10 metres (32.8 feet) of one another, and preferably closer than that for fertilization to take place,” explained Professor Mumby.



The team’s findings revealed a stark reality. Fertilization rates averaged 30% when corals were very close to each other. However, this figure dropped to less than 10% at a separation of 10 meters (32.8 feet) and was virtually zero at distances beyond 20 meters (65.6 feet).



“We knew corals couldn’t be too far apart, but we found they need to be closer than we’d expected,” noted Professor Mumby.



“Climate change impacts like bleaching are killing and reducing the density of corals, so we’re concerned that individuals may end up too far apart to reproduce successfully.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-proximity-in-coral-reproduction">Importance of proximity in coral reproduction</h2>



The research team set up their experiment on a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-seeding-increases-resistance-to-extreme-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef</a> in Palau, Micronesia. They placed containers above 26 coral colonies during a spawning event, capturing eggs and allowing sperm from nearby corals to enter the containers.



“The containers captured some of each corals’ eggs and drifted to the surface where they followed the tide,” said Professor Mumby.



“Although the eggs could not escape, sperm could enter the container and fertilize the eggs. After an hour of drifting, the proportion of fertilized eggs was noted for each type of coral, along with the distance to similar established corals.”



The results demonstrated the importance of proximity among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-in-some-parts-of-the-world-actually-benefit-from-warming-el-nino-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a> for successful reproduction.



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



The findings from <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Queensland</a> highlight how climate change exacerbates challenges for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/multivitamins-could-save-coral-reefs-from-climate-destruction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral populations</a>. Bleaching events and other stressors not only kill corals but also reduce their density, making reproduction increasingly difficult.



Dr. Christopher Doropoulos from <a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSIRO</a>, a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of coral reproduction for population resilience and evolution.



“In the future, we may need to help corals continue this key part of their lives,” said Dr. Doropoulos. “Understanding the importance of local neighbourhoods provides tangible targets for interventions like coral restoration.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoration-efforts-and-future-directions">Restoration efforts and future directions</h2>



Coral restoration emerges as a vital strategy to combat this reproductive challenge. 



“Ideally, the density of corals would be monitored at important locations and restoration carried out to return the density back to the levels required for successful reproduction,” Dr. Doropoulos added.



Professor Mumby highlighted the significance of ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-could-vanish-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoration</a> efforts. 



“Our work over the past 5 years on the Great Barrier Reef through the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program is also helping to define these critical thresholds to help restoration practitioners set targets for density to help maintain coral populations,” said Professor Mumby.



The study, funded by the McCusker Foundation and the Australian Government’s Reef Restoration &amp; Adaptation Program, provides actionable insights for coral conservation. 



By identifying critical density thresholds, researchers hope to guide interventions that can enhance coral reproduction and resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-amidst-challenges">Hope amidst challenges</h2>



This research highlights how vulnerable coral populations are, and emphasizes the critical need for focused <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/60-percent-global-coral-reefs-face-bleaching-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> efforts.



Climate change, through factors like ocean warming and bleaching, is making coral survival increasingly difficult. However, studies like this provide essential insights for scientists and conservationists to better protect coral reefs. 



The key finding - that corals need to be close to each other for reproduction - can guide efforts to ensure they remain healthy and viable. If corals are not able to reproduce due to greater distances between them, it could lead to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decline of these vital ecosystems</a>.



Ensuring corals are sufficiently close for successful reproduction is therefore crucial in maintaining and preserving coral reefs for the future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2418314121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Corals count on nearby neighbors for successful reproduction

A recent study highlights a critical challenge for coral reproduction...

<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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</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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.

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



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.

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



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.

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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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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