Polar ice is rapidly vanishing in both Antarctica and the South Pole, and the world keeps circling back to the same question: Can we use technology to stop it? 



A new review takes a hard look at five of the boldest proposals for slowing polar melt - and comes back with a clear answer: not yet, and maybe not ever.



The stakes are rising fast. In 2025, Arctic sea ice hit its lowest winter maximum on record, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (<a href="https://nsidc.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSIDC</a>). 



That trend highlights why people keep dreaming up big fixes - and why scientists are now asking tough questions about whether those fixes could actually work.



Led by Professor Martin Siegert of the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/">University of Exeter</a>, the team evaluated the five ideas against six yardsticks: effectiveness, feasibility, scale and timing, environmental risk, cost, and governance. 



Their conclusion is sobering - especially for the Arctic and Antarctic, where even small missteps can cascade into major problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-ideas-bigger-costs">Big ideas, bigger costs</h2>



The five ideas are simple to list and hard to pull off. They include <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/">stratospheric aerosol</a> injection, which means spraying reflective particles high in the atmosphere, and seabed curtains to block warm currents from ice shelves.



Other ideas are sea ice management by boosting albedo with beads or by thickening ice, basal water removal under glaciers, and ocean iron fertilization (OIF) to stimulate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-at-risk-global-warming-threatens-the-oceans-lifeline/">plankton</a> that carry carbon to the depth.



Cost alone should make readers pause. This analysis estimates that an 80-kilometer (about 50-mile) sea curtain would cost roughly 80 billion dollars over ten years. That figure comes before ongoing maintenance and unforeseen impacts are counted.



"Mid-century is approaching, but our time, money, and expertise is split between evidence-backed net zero efforts and speculative geoengineering projects," said Professor Siegert.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aerosols-can-t-save-the-polar-ice">Aerosols can’t save the polar ice</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosol-formation-earths-lower-atmosphere-soas/">Stratospheric aerosol</a> injection sounds straightforward: add particles like sulfur dioxide high in the stratosphere to reflect sunlight.



Over the poles it runs into physics, since winter darkness removes sunlight for months and cold-season circulation flushes aerosols out faster.



Even when the sun is up, snow and ice already reflect a lot of light, which weakens the effect. 



The review also flags known risks, including ozone loss, shifts in rainfall, and the chance of rapid warming if injections stop after years of masking greenhouse heating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thicker-ice-plan-falls-short">Thicker ice plan falls short</h2>



One attention-grabbing idea is to scatter tiny hollow glass microspheres over first-year <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abrupt-collapse-of-arctic-sea-ice-may-come-with-little-warning/">sea ice</a> to reflect more light. 



A 2022 paper calculated that roughly 360 megatons of beads per year would be needed and found the beads can darken some surfaces enough to accelerate ice loss.



Support for that approach also sagged outside the lab. A 2025 announcement from the Arctic Ice Project said the nonprofit was winding down after ecotoxicology tests raised potential food web risks.



What about thickening sea ice by pumping seawater onto the surface so it freezes? 



The review points out a practical wall here too, since it would mean deploying and maintaining huge numbers of devices across drifting, breaking ice in brutal conditions for years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-pumping-hits-hard-wall">Glacier pumping hits hard wall</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glaciers-from-the-rockies-to-the-alps-are-melting-much-faster-than-expected/">Speeding glaciers</a> depend partly on water at the base that reduces friction. Drilling through miles of moving ice and pumping out subglacial water across wide areas are a massive challenge.



Keeping the holes from freezing shut demands power, logistics, and precision that exceed current polar field capacity.



Fertilizing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-storage-mystery-emerges-in-the-southern-ocean/">Southern Ocean</a> with iron to grow more plankton has been tested many times. A policy brief notes that only one ship experiment - the <a href="https://epic.awi.de/id/eprint/15162/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Iron Fertilization Experiment</a> - saw strong carbon export to more than 9,800 feet, where storage could last centuries. 



It also found that nitrous oxide produced during remineralization can offset 5 to more than 40 percent of any carbon gains.



Even if results looked better, governance would still be a hurdle. The London Convention’s 2013 amendment restricts large-scale ocean fertilization to legitimate research, not carbon markets. 



The review adds that the <a href="https://www.ats.aq/index_e.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic Treaty System</a> would require strict environmental review for most polar interventions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harsh-realities-of-polar-ice-testing">Harsh realities of polar ice testing</h2>



Polar work windows are short, travel distances are long, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-near-the-north-pole-signals-major-climate-shifts/">storms</a> and sea ice can cancel whole seasons. 



That is before counting iceberg hazards, darkness, and the difficulty of powering heavy equipment cleanly without leaving black carbon on the snow.



Scale also defeats many of these ideas. The ocean and ice do not respect neat borders, so diverting warm water from one polar ice shelf can steer it toward another. 



Slowing one fast-flowing glacier can also redirect stress or subglacial water and speed up a neighbor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cutting-co2-still-works-best">Cutting CO2 still works best</h2>



The most reliable lever we have is still cutting carbon dioxide quickly. 



The review emphasizes that temperatures tend to stabilize within about two decades after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-technology-is-urgently-needed-to-save-the-climate/">net-zero CO2</a>, which slows the drivers of polar ice loss and gives ecosystems and communities a fighting chance.



Protecting polar biodiversity and local livelihoods also means expanding and enforcing strong protected areas. 



It also requires improving monitoring and supporting Indigenous knowledge and leadership in the Arctic. These steps reduce harm now without adding new risks to already stressed systems.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/science/articles/10.3389/fsci.2025.1527393/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Polar ice is melting fast, and there is no current technology that can stop it

Polar ice is rapidly vanishing in both Antarctica and the South Pole, and the world keeps circling back to the same question: Can we use technology to stop it? A new review takes a hard look at five of the boldest proposals for slowing polar melt - and comes back with a clear answer: not yet, and maybe not ever. The stakes are rising fast. In 2025, Arctic sea ice hit its lowest winter maximum on record, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC)....

The cells in our bodies function like bustling cities. They run on an iron-powered system that uses hydrogen peroxide, not merely as a cleaning agent, but as a conduit for crucial signals that involve carbon dioxide (CO2) and help protect the DNA.



It's an efficient system under normal circumstances, but becomes a cause for concern when cells experience stress, such as during inflammation or a sudden surge in energy usage.



Under such strain, oxidative stress can inflict damage to cells at the genetic level.



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



There is a chemical reaction within our cells that goes by the name of the Fenton reaction. In this reaction, iron and hydrogen peroxide mix, producing destructive hydroxyl radicals that indiscriminately attack DNA and RNA. 



However, these cells manage to turn what seems to be an adversary -- CO2 -- into an ally. 



Carbon dioxide, infamous for its impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global climate</a>, provides our DNA and cells with bicarbonate, which helps maintain pH balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bicarbonate-s-overlooked-function">Bicarbonate's overlooked function</h2>



According to a study conducted by a team of chemists from the University of Utah, bicarbonate's function extends beyond being a simple pH buffer.



The research showed that bicarbonate can alter the Fenton reaction in our cells, thereby reducing the formation of chaotic hydroxyl radicals. Instead, the reaction produces carbonate radicals which pose a lesser threat to DNA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxidative-stress-and-diseases">Oxidative stress and diseases</h2>



<a href="https://www.chem.utah.edu/directory/burrows/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cynthia Burrows</a>, a distinguished professor of chemistry, and senior author of the study, talked about the implications of this discovery, particularly in understanding diseases where oxidative stress plays a substantial role.



“So many diseases, so many conditions have oxidative stress as a component of disease. That would include many cancers, effectively all age-related diseases, a lot of neurological diseases,” said Burrows. 



“We’re trying to understand cells’ fundamental chemistry under oxidative stress. We have learned something about the protective effect of CO₂ that I think is really profound.”



Burrows' team included research associate professor, Aaron Fleming, and doctoral candidate, Justin Dingman, both of whom are members of the Burrows Laboratory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-impact-of-co-2-on-dna">Real impact of CO2 on DNA</h2>



Through their study, the researchers discerned the significant role of bicarbonate in our cells when they are confronted with oxidative stress.



Without bicarbonate, or CO2 being present during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-secret-code-called-spatial-grammar-may-rewrite-genetics-textbooks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> oxidation reactions, the free radical species generated - the hydroxyl radical - is extremely reactive and severely damages DNA.



However, the presence of bicarbonate from dissolved CO2 changes the reaction, resulting in a less damaging radical that targets only guanine, a constituent of our genetic code.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bicarbonate-the-new-game-changer">Bicarbonate, the new game-changer</h2>



The discovery by Burrows and her team suggests that cells are far more intelligent than previously believed.



This could reshape our understanding of oxidative stress and its link to diseases, such as cancer, and aging.



More importantly, their findings suggest that many scientists studying cell damage might have been conducting lab experiments in ways that don't reflect real conditions, which could cast doubt on their findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-question-of-proper-lab-conditions">Question of proper lab conditions</h2>



Scientists grow cells in a tissue culture in an incubator set to body temperature, where carbon dioxide levels are raised to 5%. 



This environment replicates the cells' natural habitat as they metabolize nutrients. However, this environment changes when researchers begin their experiments outside the incubator.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-co-2-beyond-dna">Importance of CO2 beyond DNA</h2>



According to Burrows, bicarbonate must be included in experiments to ensure reliable results. 



“Most people leave out bicarbonate/CO₂ when studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-and-imprint-new-era-dna-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> oxidation because it is difficult to deal with the constant outgassing of CO₂,” Burrows explained.



“These studies suggest that to get an accurate picture of DNA damage that occurs from normal cellular processes like metabolism, researchers need to be careful to mimic the proper conditions of the cell and add bicarbonate, i.e., baking powder!”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-positive-outcomes">Potential positive outcomes</h2>



Burrows conjectures that her study could have unexpected benefits that may someday advance research in other areas. 



Her lab is currently seeking new funding from NASA to study the effect of CO2 on people confined to enclosed spaces, such as those inside space capsules and submarines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co-2-s-protective-properties-on-dna">CO2's protective properties on DNA</h2>



Research into the protective effect of CO2 could be vital for astronauts working in enclosed environments where elevated CO2 levels are commonplace.



A slightly higher concentration of CO2 might offer a protective shield against radiation, which generates hydroxyl radicals. Such findings could drastically change the way we look at carbon dioxide and its role within our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-molecular-orientation-new-discovery-deepens-the-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cells</a>.



Ultimately, this study sheds light on how cells smartly defend DNA and maintain balance. The discovery of bicarbonate's role in this process is bound to stir the realms of scientific research, shattering misconceptions and reshaping future studies.



The research was funded by the NIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences.



The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.26.609766v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BioRxiv</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----



<pre class="wp-block-code"><code> </code></pre>

CO2 is actually good for our DNA, even though it's wreaking havoc on Earth's climate

The cells in our bodies function like bustling cities. They...

If you're a crayfish, location can make all the difference. In North America, these small crustaceans are facing tough times due to habitat destruction, damming, and pollution, leading many species to require urgent help.&nbsp;



Conversely, some of these same species, when introduced to Europe, have found the environment so favorable that they've become invasive, outcompeting local crayfish and spreading diseases that push native species toward extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searchable-atlas-the-world-of-crayfish">Searchable atlas: The World of Crayfish </h2>



Previously, researchers and conservation planners had to sift through multiple data sources to determine where specific crayfish species had been documented.&nbsp;



Now, a new mapping project led by the <a href="https://www.uvt.ro/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West University of Timișoara, Romania</a> (WUT) and the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a> has compiled information on 427 crayfish taxa and over 100,000 observation records into the first searchable global atlas, named the World of Crayfish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-importance-of-crayfish">Ecological importance of crayfish</h2>



“One of the most basic pieces of information to know about a species is where it lives: its distribution and its range size. But we just don’t have that information for a lot of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bright-coloration-in-crayfish-does-not-serve-an-evolutionary-purpose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crayfish</a> species,” said Bloomer.&nbsp;



“About a third of crayfish are thought to be threatened or endangered, but for another 20-ish percent, we don't have the data available to even assess what their conservation status should be.”



Bloomer acknowledges that most people outside her field may not notice or appreciate crayfish, but she emphasizes their importance. 



Crayfish are considered “keystone species” in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-quarter-of-freshwater-fish-species-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater ecosystems</a>, playing significant roles as food sources for other animals and as ecosystem engineers. They create burrows that provide habitats for many species in semi-terrestrial environments. Unfortunately, their impact as invaders is equally significant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-unified-action">Urgent need for unified action</h2>



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-threat-of-invasive-species-requires-immediate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Invasive species</a> are one of the gravest challenges to biodiversity in Europe, with profound ecological, economic, and societal consequences," said atlas co-creator Mihaela Ion, researcher at the <a href="https://www.ibiol.ro/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Biology Bucharest, Romanian Academy</a>.



"They disrupt ecosystems, outcompete native species, and impose significant costs on sectors like agriculture and fisheries. In some cases, they even threaten public health. A unified, science-driven approach is essential to mitigate their impact.”



These ecological changes occur locally but require global collaboration for effective conservation and invasion mitigation. That's why Ion, Bloomer, and their collaborators believe the new global crayfish atlas will make a significant difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-the-crayfish-atlas">Building the crayfish atlas</h2>



“We're looking at climate change, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a>, and international spread of invasive species and disease,” Bloomer said. “These global issues require global collaborations to move forward and make an impact.”



“The World of Crayfish™ (WoC) platform is designed to become a transformative tool in biodiversity research and management,” added Lucian Pârvulescu, a professor at WUT and project coordinator for the atlas.&nbsp;



“It serves as a foundation for integrating expert-validated datasets and applying advanced analysis techniques to address pressing ecological challenges like invasive species management." 



'WoC exemplifies the future of biodiversity data infrastructure - accessible, integrative, and purpose-driven. By focusing on freshwater ecosystems, particularly crayfish species, it addresses an urgent need for tools that do more than collect data - they provide solutions.”



Creating the atlas involved extracting GPS coordinates from every modern crayfish occurrence record in scientific literature, as well as museum and agency collections. 



Several thousand records were sourced from the <a href="https://crustacean.inhs.illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crustacean Collection of the Illinois Natural History Survey</a>, part of the Prairie Research Institute at Illinois. Atlas co-creator and emeritus curator Christopher Taylor has collected and curated the collection for nearly 30 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-conservation-efforts">Empowering conservation efforts</h2>



The more than 100,000 data points can be visualized on a world map scalable to 20-kilometer hexagons, including an address lookup tool. 



Bloomer notes that this spatial scale is meaningful for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> planning but masks the exact locations where sensitive or imperiled species were found. 



Researchers and resource managers can register for an account on the website to access more detailed location data. Future updates to the atlas aim to enhance its capabilities.



“Through collaboration with international experts and leveraging scientific advancements, WoC aims to combine ecological data with geospatial and predictive tools. These tools will support tailored analyses, such as mapping invasive species dynamics, evaluating habitat suitability, and predicting population trends,” Pârvulescu said. 



“The platform’s strength lies in its ability to merge diverse data streams into a cohesive system that generates actionable insights.”



Ultimately, the team hopes the atlas will empower researchers, policymakers, and agencies to develop conservation assessments and policies to protect these important animals with precision and urgency. Bloomer also hopes the atlas will inspire public interest in crayfish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raising-awareness-and-appreciation-for-crayfish">Raising awareness and appreciation for crayfish</h2>



“The unfortunate reality in conservation biology is that a lot of the species that get attention and funding are charismatic megafauna that people see on TV or in zoos," said Bloomer.



"This website gives the public better access to information on what lives near them, and could get them more interested in their local landscape. Hopefully, they’ll see that crayfish are just as cool as lions and rhinos."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18229" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PeerJ</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Global crayfish atlas offers new tools for conservation 

If you're a crayfish, location can make all the difference....

In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, the scientific community tirelessly works on innovative solutions to confront the plastic crisis. Now, an exciting development paves the way towards a different form of ocean-friendly plastic that promotes environmental sustainability.



The team behind this novel innovation comes from the prestigious RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, led by Takuzo Aida.



The study, published in the journal Science, presents a new plastic variant that is both sturdy and biodegradable with a unique attribute - it disintegrates in seawater. 



This means the plastic will not contribute to the mounting issue of microplastic pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-microplastics-and-nanoplastics">Understanding microplastics and nanoplastics</h2>



Current plastics never fully degrade, they shrink and become even more harmful. Microplastics and nanoplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that have broken down from larger plastic items or are manufactured at small sizes. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-steadily-increasing-in-freshwater-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastics</a> are generally defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanoplastics-can-alter-the-course-of-antibiotics-within-our-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanoplastics</a> are even smaller, typically less than 100 nanometers. 



You can find them in everyday products like cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and synthetic clothing, as well as from the degradation of larger plastic debris in the environment. 



These minuscule plastics are everywhere -- from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-the-tissue-and-skeletons-of-corals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deepest oceans</a> to the highest mountains -- because they’re so small and lightweight that they easily spread through air, water, and soil.



These tiny particles can be ingested by marine life, birds, and even humans, potentially causing physical harm or introducing harmful chemicals into the food chain. 



In ecosystems, they can disrupt habitats and harm organisms that mistake them for food. For humans, there’s ongoing research into the different ways these plastics <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-every-semen-sample-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affect our health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-the-plastic-pitfall">Overcoming the plastic pitfall</h2>



Ironically, it is the durability of plastic that is its most desirable feature but this also causes its most significant environmental issue.



Plastics linger in the environment for centuries, wreaking havoc on ecosystems, particularly in the ocean. Traditional plastics, which are non-biodegradable, gradually fragment and contribute enormously to environmental harm.



The current biodegradable counterparts like polylactic acid (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-plastic-materials-do-not-biodegrade-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLA</a>), while a step forward, remain water insoluble, and fail to degrade in the ocean.



The result is the accumulation of harmful microplastics in our oceans, that threaten <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic life</a> and infiltrate our food chains.



Recognizing these challenges, Aida and his team ventured into the realm of supramolecular plastics. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-may-live-an-immortal-life-thanks-to-new-techniques/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polymers</a>, with structures held together by reversible interactions, provided a new avenue for exploration.



By combining two ionic monomers, the researchers created a new type of plastic that displays both strength and flexibility.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-plastic-material-in-ocean">New plastic material in ocean</h2>



The initial tests used sodium hexametaphosphate, a common food additive, and different guanidinium ion-based monomers. 



Since both monomers can be metabolized by bacteria, the plastic biodegrades once dissolved into its components.



The team found that the key to the stability of these plastics lies in the use of cross-linked salt bridges. The bonds in the plastics are not weak but rather strong and stable.



The critical discovery was creating cross links that are irreversible - unless exposed to electrolytes like those found in seawater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creation-of-new-plastics">Creation of new plastics</h2>



After mixing the two monomers in water, the team noticed two separate liquids. One was thick and viscous, containing the necessary cross-linked salt bridges, while the other was watery with salt ions.



The 'desalting' process became a critical step as, without it, the resulting material was a brittle crystal that was unusable as a plastic.



These plastics exhibit an array of desirable characteristics such as non-toxicity, non-flammability, and the capacity to reshape at temperatures above 120°C, similar to other thermoplastics.



Different types of guanidinium sulfates yielded plastics of varying hardnesses and tensile strengths, comparable or even superior to conventional plastics. 



The versatility of the plastic suggests that it can be customized according to necessity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-ocean-friendly-plastics">Future of ocean-friendly plastics</h2>



The researchers also tested the new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/upcycling-plastic-waste-into-valuable-products/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic's recyclability</a> and biodegradability. Astonishingly, they were able to recover 91% hexametaphosphate and 82% guanidinium after dissolving the plastic in salt water.



Soil tests revealed complete degradation of the new plastic over ten days, even proving beneficial by supplying the soil with phosphorous and nitrogen, akin to a fertilizer effect.



“With this new material, we have created a new family of plastics that are strong, stable, recyclable, can serve multiple functions and, importantly, do not generate microplastics,” said Aida.



This powerful innovation exemplifies the possibilities of combining science, ingenuity, and a commitment to sustainability. With these ocean-friendly plastics, we are one step closer to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-the-lab-to-the-real-world">From the lab to the real world</h2>



While this breakthrough from <a href="https://www.riken.jp/en/research/labs/cems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science</a> is exciting, moving it from the lab to real-world use is no small task.



Scaling up production will require fine-tuning the manufacturing process to ensure it's both cost-effective and practical for widespread adoption. 



One critical hurdle is how to optimize the desalting step, which plays a vital role in creating the plastic’s unique properties, without driving up production costs. This innovation is a small but significant step toward tackling the massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastic-pollution-has-become-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic problem</a>.



It offers a glimpse of what’s possible when cutting-edge science and environmental responsibility come together. 



While challenges remain, this new plastic material could pave the way for a cleaner, healthier world of oceans.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

New type of plastic is recyclable and fully dissolves in ocean water

In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, the scientific...

Welcome to a world where climate change adaptation isn't just about doomsday scenarios and mitigations. 



Rather, it's a world where we utilize our creativity, envision future possibilities, and work towards desirable and resilient outcomes. 



This concept has been echoed by ten pioneering scientists in an article published in one of the prestigious Nature Partner Journals.



"We scientists should not merely outline doomsday scenarios, but create a vision for people to believe in and work towards," said Professor Chris Zevenbergen from <a href="https://www.tudelft.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delft University of Technology</a>, one of the study's lead authors.



This radical shift of focus is a potential game-changer, particularly for the vulnerable urban river deltas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-climate-challenges-into-opportunities">Turning climate challenges into opportunities</h2>



Urban river deltas - regions of immense social and economic significance - are at the mercy of the escalating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-crisis-global-supply-chains-face-25-trillion-in-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate crisis</a>. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and soil subsidence pose constant threats.



While affluent regions like the Netherlands grapple with escalating costs and complexity to overhaul existing systems, deltas in low- and middle-income countries also wrestle with rapid urbanization and scarce resources.



Traditional mitigation models seem inadequate to furnish these deltas for an uncertain future. 



The solution, as Zevenbergen suggests, lies in evolving more flexible approaches and using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-technology-can-visually-depict-what-we-are-imagining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imagination</a> and "design-based research."



"Ask the wider society: what do we want our country to look like in 100 years? What do we really care about? And then visualize possible futures," suggests Zevenberger.



This stimulates civic engagement and makes climate adaptation both tangible and motivating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-netherlands-as-a-role-model">The Netherlands as a role model</h2>



What if we could draw lessons from successful models? 



The Netherlands, as the authors noted, could serve as an exemplary model for deltas worldwide.



The country's "Delta Works," a visionary program designed by Johan van Veen, stands as an example of future-facing vision and deep understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-production-affects-earths-natural-processes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural processes</a>.



"Johan van Veen did not think in years, but in generations; he had deep knowledge of natural processes; and he had an appealing vision for the future," explained Zevenbergen.



This understanding of the dynamic natural processes, coupled with long-term thinking, can be a compelling force for positive change.



The authors, however, caution that these efforts should be seen as a step in the process, and not a permanent solution.



They urge us to adapt, envision, and innovate continually, using the power of design and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-climate-adaptation-lacks-coordination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imagination</a> to shape our coasts and our future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-integration-of-imagination-in-climate-adaptation">Integration of imagination in climate adaptation </h2>



The capacity to imagine and create should become integral to delta management. 



Scientists must interweave imagination and interdisciplinary approaches with climate adaptation research.



Policymakers are encouraged to invest in vision and creative research, as these aspirational plans could translate into a significant economic impact when put into practice.



The role of education is equally crucial. Universities should cultivate creativity and nurture "design thinking" among students, empowering them to conceive and realize visionary solutions for the future.



"We want students with the ability to create and the motivation to realise visions of the future: who seek large-scale and unique solutions," said Zevenbergen.



This thought-provoking article by the ten scientists working at Delft University of Technology challenges us to reimagine our approach towards climate change adaptation. 



The power to reshape the future, it appears, lies just as much in our minds and our creative capacities as it does in the physical measures we take.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-communities-to-shape-climate-resilience">Empowering communities to shape climate resilience</h2>



While scientists, policymakers, and educators play critical roles in climate adaptation, active participation by local communities cannot be overlooked.



Engaging the people most affected by climate change is essential for creating effective and inclusive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-based-climate-solutions-are-now-more-critical-than-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solutions</a>. 



Communities living in urban river deltas often possess deep, lived knowledge of their environments, which can guide more culturally relevant and practical designs.



Participatory workshops, citizen science initiatives, and co-design projects are powerful tools for bridging the gap between experts and the public. 



These approaches build trust and empower residents to take ownership of climate adaptation strategies.



For instance, in regions like Bangladesh's Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, local input has been instrumental in developing adaptive strategies that integrate traditional knowledge with modern innovation.



By embedding community-driven processes into delta management, societies can craft solutions that are both visionary and grounded in reality, ensuring that resilience is not just a scientific ambition but a shared societal goal.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44183-024-00094-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Ocean Sustainability.</a>



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

The power of imagination in climate change adaptation

Welcome to a world where climate change adaptation isn't just...

Human-caused climate change has intensified the strength of Atlantic hurricanes by about 18 miles per hour (29 kilometers per hour) over the past six years, according to a recent study.



For most of the 40 storms analyzed, the extra energy from warmer oceans caused them to escalate by an entire hurricane category, as reported in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/2752-5295/ad8d02" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research: Climate</a>. 



According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>), a Category 5 storm causes more than 400 times the damage of a minimal Category 1 hurricane, over 140 times the damage of a minimal Category 3 hurricane, and more than five times the damage of a minimal Category 4 storm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-increases-in-wind-speed">Significant increases in wind speed</h2>



For three storms, including this month's Hurricane Rafael, climate change boosted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-method-developed-to-measure-the-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wind</a> speeds so much that they increased by two storm categories. According to the study authors, this is not about more storms but increasing power from the worst storms.



“We know that the intensity of these storms is causing a lot more catastrophic damage in general,” said lead author Daniel Gilford, a climate scientist at <a href="https://www.climatecentral.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Central</a>, which conducts research on global warming. “Damages do scale (up) with the intensity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricane-strength-in-a-warmer-climate">Hurricane strength in a warmer climate </h2>



The effect was especially noticeable in more powerful storms, including those that reached the top of the Saffir-Simpson scale of storm intensity: Category Five, according to the study's authors.&nbsp;



While the study focused on storms from 2019 to 2023, the researchers included recent named storms from this year, all of which experienced an increase due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-hurricanes-are-intensifying-faster-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.



“We had two Category Five storms here in 2024,” Gilford said. “Our analysis shows that we would have had zero Category Five storms without human-caused climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-notable-hurricanes-that-gained-strength">Notable hurricanes that gained strength </h2>



This year's three most devastating storms - Beryl, Helene, and Milton - increased by 18 mph (29 kph), 16 mph (26 kph), and 24 mph (39 kph) respectively because of climate change, the authors stated.&nbsp;



A separate study by <a href="https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Weather Attribution</a> (WWA) found that deadly Helene's wind speed increased by about 13 mph, which is close, noted <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a> climate scientist Friederike Otto, who coordinates the WWA team and praised the Climate Central work.



“It absolutely makes sense from a fundamental standpoint that what's going on is we've added more energy to the system,” NOAA chief Rick Spinrad said at United Nations climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan. 



“The change is going to manifest in terms of what we're already seeing. You look at Hurricane Helene which was massive, 500 miles across. We're going to see changes in terms of the velocity of these storms. We're going to see changes in terms of Hurricane Milton spawning so many tornadoes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consistent-patterns-over-recent-years">Consistent patterns over recent years</h2>



Since 2019, eight storms - 2019's Humberto, 2020's Zeta, 2021's Sam and Larry, 2022's Earl, 2023's Franklin, and 2024's Isaac and Rafael - have increased by at least 25 mph (40 kph) in wind speed. Humberto and Zeta saw the most significant gains, each increasing by 31 miles per hour (50 kph).



In 85% of the storms studied over the last six years, the authors observed a clear fingerprint of climate change in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-causes-the-rapid-intensification-of-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storm strength</a>, Gilford said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warmer-oceans-and-hurricane-strength">Warmer oceans and hurricane strength</h2>



Warm water is the main fuel for hurricanes. The warmer the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico become, the more potential energy is available for storms. Other factors - such as high-level crosswinds and dry air - can weaken hurricanes.



The waters in hurricane-prone areas have increased by 2 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 to 1.6 degrees Celsius) on average, and by as much as 4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 degrees Celsius) due to climate change, Gilford explained.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-warmer-water-to-stronger-storms">Linking warmer water to stronger storms</h2>



This information comes from Climate Central's use of scientifically accepted techniques to regularly track how much warmer oceans are due to the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas.



The experts use computer simulations to create a fictional world without human-caused warming and then compare it to current reality, attributing the differences to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a>. 



They also account for other factors, such as the reduction of sulfate pollution from marine shipping, which had been slightly counteracting the warming before skies became clearer.



To understand how warmer waters lead to stronger storms, the authors examined a parameter called potential intensity, which is essentially the speed limit for any given storm based on the environmental conditions around it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expert-insights-and-future-implications">Expert insights and future implications</h2>



<a href="https://www.mit.edu/">MIT</a> hurricane expert and meteorology professor Kerry Emanuel, who pioneered potential intensity measurements, wasn't part of the study but said the findings are logical. It demonstrates the increase in storm strength that he predicted would occur 37 years ago, he noted.



Previous studies have shown that climate change has caused hurricanes to intensify more quickly and move more slowly, leading to increased rainfall.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Climate change has amplified hurricane strength

Human-caused climate change has intensified the strength of Atlantic hurricanes...

The Arctic plays an increasingly important role in global discussions about rising sea levels and the threats they pose to coastal areas around the world.



With this in mind, it is necessary to explore the intricate process of calving - where ice breaks away from a glacier's edge.



This phenomenon significantly contributes to sea-level rise, which makes it imperative that we understand the process and can use it to predict future changes in our world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-exploration-with-sentinel-1">Arctic exploration with Sentinel-1</h2>



A recent stride forward in this quest for understanding has been made by a remarkable collaboration between I-SEA (based in France) and <a href="https://www.norceresearch.no/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NORCE</a> (from Norway). 



As part of the Space for Shore project, the scientists have made extensive use of over a thousand images from the Sentinel-1 mission.



Their purpose? To meticulously monitor the evolution of Svalbard's coastal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-glaciers-contain-less-ice-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a>.



The Sentinel-1 mission, a key element of the European Union’s Copernicus Program, employed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology to capture high-resolution data in the challenging Arctic conditions.



Thanks to this technology, there is now consistent, year-round monitoring of these critical glaciers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-calving-activity">Measuring calving activity</h2>



Using Sentinel-1 data between 2015 and 2023, the researchers were able to map glacier front lines and measure calving activity during <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/svalbard-melts-into-the-arctic-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Svalbard</a>’s summer months, the period when calving intensities peak.



One significant breakthrough was the ability to define the summer glacier fronts. 



The researchers examined images taken between July and September and were able to identify summer glacier fronts as areas where glacier extent is maintained 95% of the time during these months.



What's more, the team found a way to understand summer calving intensity by observing floating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iceberg-that-weighs-more-than-the-eiffel-tower-is-floating-freely/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">icebergs</a> and growlers. 



Interestingly, summers with a higher occurrence of these ice masses indicate more active calving and accelerated glacier retreat. These are crucial signs of a glacier’s health and stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-changes-in-arctic-glaciers">Observing changes in Arctic glaciers</h2>



In Kongsfjorden, one of the primary study areas, glaciers like Kronebreen and Kongsvegen showed significant changes.



Daily Sentinel-1 observations were used to classify the region into areas of glacier, iceberg, and growler occurrence.



 The Sentinel-1 method "provides a statistically defined composite of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summer glacier</a> front positions and calving intensities, revealing the dynamic interactions between ice and ocean over time," explained Jörg Haarpaintner, a team member from NORCE.



Manon Tranchand, the project's lead researcher, noted that this analysis paints a clear picture of current changes in Arctic glaciers.



"They're crucial for predicting the future impacts of climate change on these sensitive regions," said Tranchand. 



"Without the consistent, high-resolution data from Sentinel-1, monitoring these dynamic ice-ocean interactions wouldn't be possible. Ongoing warming is likely to accelerate ice loss, and our data show how that could contribute to global sea-level rise. Sentinel-1’s capabilities allow us to capture these shifts with unprecedented accuracy."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-launch-of-sentinel-1c">The launch of Sentinel-1C</h2>



Scheduled for launch next month, Sentinel-1C represents a significant leap forward in the monitoring of Arctic glaciers and global climate impacts.



The soon-to-be addition to the Sentinel-1 mission will offer enhanced radar imaging capabilities and improved continuity for crucial climate research.



With its advanced capabilities, Sentinel-1C will amplify our ability to capture detailed, year-round data on glacier front lines, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birth-of-an-iceberg-a-83-breaks-free-from-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calving</a> rates, and ice-ocean interactions, even amidst the challenging conditions of the Arctic. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-implications-of-arctic-ice-loss">Global implications of Arctic ice loss</h2>



The insights gained from monitoring Arctic glacier calving extend far beyond the region itself. 



As glaciers retreat and calving intensifies, the influx of freshwater into the oceans disrupts natural currents, including the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a critical component of Earth's climate system. 



This disruption could lead to significant shifts in weather patterns, such as harsher winters in Europe and intensified monsoons in South Asia.



Moreover, Arctic ice loss exacerbates the global feedback loop of climate change. As ice melts, it exposes darker ocean water, which absorbs more sunlight, accelerating warming - a phenomenon known as the albedo effect.



These changes not only impact the Arctic's fragile ecosystems but also have cascading effects on biodiversity, fisheries, and human livelihoods worldwide.



By understanding the intricacies of glacier calving through missions like Sentinel-1, researchers are equipping policymakers with the tools to anticipate and mitigate these far-reaching impacts. 



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Satellite images reveal hidden retreat of Arctic glaciers

The Arctic plays an increasingly important role in global discussions...

Our food choices hold immense power. Not just over our personal health, but also for the Earth itself. Shifting towards sustainable diets can significantly combat climate change and food scarcity. 



But, implementing such changes on a global scale requires delicacy due to the interconnectedness of our global food network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-food-chain">Global food chain</h2>



The world's food system is a complex, interconnected web. A shift in food demand in one corner of the globe can have far-reaching effects on people in other parts of the world, often in ways we might not initially anticipate. 



“Changes in food demand in one part of the world can have cascading environmental and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human welfare</a> implications for people around the world),” said Joe DeCesaro, data analyst at UC Santa Barbara’s&nbsp;National Center for Ecological Analysis &amp; Synthesis (<a href="https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCEAS</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-global-diet-shifts">Decoding the global diet shifts</h2>



To navigate the complexity of the global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food system</a> and ensure a healthy population and planet, a comprehensive shift in our global diet is needed. 



DeCesaro, along with a team of international researchers, embarked on the ambitious mission to understand where and how environmental pressures might occur within global dietary shifts.



The experts analyzed four types of diets - Indian, Mediterranean, EAT-Lancet (primarily plant-based), and food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tale-of-four-diets">Tale of four diets</h2>



The team's findings, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, show that the Indian diet emerging as the most beneficial of the four, estimated to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-children-healthy-diets-can-be-very-challenging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> production-based global environmental pressure by a remarkable 20.9 percent.



On the other hand, the food-based dietary guidelines were projected to potentially increase environmental pressure by a staggering 35.2 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-food-system-and-sustainable-diets">Global food system and sustainable diets</h2>



Our global food system is a major player in environmental change. It is linked to about a third of global greenhouse gas emissions and over 70% of freshwater resources.



Shifting towards a more sustainable diet - leaning away from resource-intensive foods like red meat - can decrease the environmental pressure, bring health benefits, and increase the intake of nutrient-dense foods like vegetables and legumes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-bears-the-environmental-burden">Who bears the environmental burden?</h2>



The research team's curiosity didn't end at understanding the impact of dietary changes. They sought to find out who would bear the environmental burden brought on by these diet shifts. 



“The research was motivated originally by the question: Who’s consumption is generating the pressures of food production that are being felt by people and places around the world?” DeCesaro noted.



“Are poorer countries paying the environmental price of producing higher pressure foods that are being eaten by richer countries or vice versa? Our methods allow us to track changes in the environmental pressures from the producer to the consumer, and vice versa, in a standardized format across four pressures. Our work is quite novel in this space.”



"The Indian and FBDGs being directly from government recommendations, the Mediterranean being widely discussed for its health benefits, and the EAT-Lancet diet being developed by subject matter experts,” DeCesaro said. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-sustainable-diets">Power of sustainable diets</h2>



Their findings revealed that except for the FBDGs, shifts to all other diets resulted in reductions in global cumulative pressure. 



The Indian diet performed best due to its recommendation of zero red meat consumption, while food-based dietary guidelines typically suggest more red meat than countries currently consume.



However, these global pressure reductions would primarily rely on dietary shifts in higher-income countries. 



“Higher-income countries’ average current diets have higher consumption quantities of most food categories than the recommended quantities in our diet scenarios,” noted DeCesaro.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-diets-and-lower-income-countries">Sustainable diets and lower-income countries</h2>



A shift towards more sustainable, plant-forward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-less-could-extend-your-lifespan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a> would increase environmental pressures related to food production in lower-income countries. But, DeCesaro explained that this is mainly due to the diet scenarios meeting more of their daily needs.



The researchers advocate for support from wealthier countries via access to imports of efficiently produced foods, economic development, and sharing knowledge of efficient and environmentally friendly food production practices.



At the end of the day, our decisions about what we eat are vital for reducing our environmental footprint. Nevertheless, others might pay the price for those decisions, concluded Halpern.



As global citizens, we thus share the responsibility of making informed food choices that nourish both ourselves and the world we live in.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad8509" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Sustainable diets can reduce environmental pressure

Our food choices hold immense power. Not just over our...

In a world awash with news about climate change and its devastating impacts, hundreds of scientists in Australia have rallied to form their own "emergency summit." The main agenda? The precarious future of Antarctica's ice, arguably our planet's last untouched wilderness.



The experts' conclusion, published as a press statement, is a somber one: if we don't act, and quickly, the melting of Antarctica ice could cause catastrophic sea levels rise around the globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-s-ice-and-rising-sea-levels">Antarctica's ice and rising sea levels</h2>



"Nowhere on Earth is there a greater cause of uncertainty in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-level rise projections</a> than from East Antarctica, in Australia’s backyard," the experts wrote in their the <a href="https://aappartnership.org.au/next-generation-of-antarctic-scientists-call-for-collaborative-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>.



"The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-are-intense-heat-waves-affecting-life-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Antarctic</a> Ice Sheet alone holds enough water to raise global sea levels by approximately 50 meters (164 feet) if completely melted."



"Implications for our coastal cities and infrastructure are immense."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-and-unprecedented-transformations">Rapid and unprecedented transformations </h2>



The report authors noted that the services of the Southern Ocean and Antarctica -- as an oceanic carbon sink and planetary air-conditioner -- have been taken for granted.



"Global warming-induced shifts observed in the region are immense. Recent research has shown record-low sea ice, extreme heatwaves exceeding 40°C (72°F) above average temperatures, and increased instability around key ice shelves," wrote the experts. 



They added that shifting ecosystems on land and at sea underscore the rapid and unprecedented transformations of this sensitive region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-straddling-the-edge-of-catastrophe">Straddling the edge of catastrophe</h2>



"Runaway ice loss causing rapid and catastrophic sea-level rise is possible within our lifetimes," the team warned in their statement.



The chilling thought that such irreversible tipping points could have already passed without our noticing is a terrifying prospect. 



This is why the scientists are sounding the alarm bell, urging us to sit up and take notice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-sea-level-rise">Understanding sea-level rise</h2>



Melting polar ice caps and glaciers, exacerbated by global warming, drive rising sea levels. Warming seawater expands and adds to this rise.



Scientists have observed accelerating sea level rise in recent years and expect this trend to continue as global temperatures climb.



A recent study projects that rising sea levels will cost world economies over $1 trillion by the century's end as they damage coastal cities.



Cities along the North American coasts, including Miami, New York City, and Vancouver, face increasing flooding and coastal erosion. More frequent and severe floods endanger lives and inflict significant economic damage.



Rising waters threaten critical infrastructure, including transportation systems, power plants, and water treatment facilities, and could disrupt the daily lives of millions.



Climate change drives this destructive phenomenon, threatening urban areas where millions of people live and work.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-the-ice-in-antarctica">Saving the ice in Antarctica</h2>



The 2024 Australian Antarctic Research Conference took place at the <a href="https://www.utas.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tasmania</a> in Hobart. 



The summit gathered nearly 500 experts from all over the country in the first national meeting of the polar research community in many years.



The scientists' passion, knowledge, and dedication are proof that we can still turn things around if we set our minds to it.



The Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (<a href="https://aappartnership.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AAPP</a>), the organization orchestrating the summit, added worrisome data to the mix. 



In the past 30 years alone, the global sea level has risen by up to 10.5 centimeters (over 4 inches).



The culprit? As we might have guessed, it's melting ice from Antarctica, mainly due to climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-ice-cube-of-antarctica">Giant ice cube of Antarctica</h2>



As of now, Antarctica loses an astounding 17 million tonnes of ice every hour. This is equivalent to a giant ice cube measuring 260 meters (853 feet) on each side.



It's not just the scale of this loss that's alarming but also the pace at which it's happening: it's speeding up. 



Satellite imagery confirms this, showing that Antarctica is losing ice more than six times faster than it was three decades ago.



Even East Antarctica, hailed as a stable corner of our world, is showing signs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-will-the-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive disturbance</a>, including heatwaves and significant melting events.



AAPP warns that if we continue to increase our greenhouse gas emissions, Australian coastal cities could face a devastating 80 centimeters (31 inches) of sea level rise by 2100. 



Adapting to these circumstances could be a temporary solution, but for a long-term solution, we need to enact "deep, rapid, and sustained" reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This is the only real way to avert the disaster in progress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-burden-on-future-generations">Burden on future generations </h2>



The scientists urge us to "bend the carbon curve" as soon as we can. Every passing year and every ton of carbon emitted without being reduced increases the burden on our future generations. It's a matter of global justice, and it's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-peace-is-at-risk-as-nations-race-for-its-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urgent</a>.



"Every fraction of a degree matters," the scientists caution. And with this, their statement ends, but the fight is far from over. 



As we make sense of this information, it's clear that there is a lot of work to be done to prevent the potentially devastating consequences of losing Antarctica's ice.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Emergency meeting reveals the alarming extent of Antarctica's ice loss

In a world awash with news about climate change and...

Warming is rewriting the story of our world, and every region has its unique chapter in this global narrative.



Recent research reveals that in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which is already infamous for its scorching deserts and extreme summer temperatures, the pace of warming is accelerating faster than previously expected. This paints a stark picture for the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fast-forward-button-on-warming">The fast-forward button on warming</h2>



According to a recent study, the MENA region is being fast-tracked into a future of accelerated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ignoring-climate-change-will-lead-to-ultra-extreme-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. 



The region's warming thresholds could be crossed two to three decades earlier than in other parts of the world.



By the time we welcome the 22nd century, parts of the Arabian Peninsula could be grappling with a whopping 9 degrees Celsius (16.2 degrees Fahrenheit) increase in temperature.



The MENA region, already notorious for its record-breaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-summer-of-2023-was-the-hottest-in-2000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summer temperatures</a>, is teetering on the verge of exceeding 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming on average. 



This figure is compared to pre-industrial temperatures. Without necessary adaption measures, this additional warmth could render some areas uninhabitable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-across-the-world">Warming across the world</h2>



Abdul Malik is a climate scientist at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the study's lead author.



"When we talk about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/paris-agreement-which-countries-are-honoring-their-pledges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>, we say that we should try to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, and that we should not exceed two degrees Celsius," warned Malik. 



"But in parts of the Middle East and North Africa, warming has already surpassed 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius."



Taking into account the need for more precise data, the climate researchers at <a href="https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King Abdullah University of Science and Technology</a> conducted analysis using highly-sophisticated models.



The CMIP5 and CMIP6 were utilized to analyse the region's warming details meticulously.



"Although previous studies have shown that the region is warming much faster than other areas, we have shown that the warming rate is not consistent across the region," Malik added. "And this warming rate could vary between 1.5 and 3.5 times faster than the global average."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desert-dilemma-the-heat-gets-turned-up">Desert dilemma: The heat gets turned up</h2>



The MENA region's dry, arid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floods-are-becoming-more-deadly-in-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deserts</a> have a unique challenge. Unlike their humid counterparts nearer the equator, these deserts can't easily cool down by soil moisture evaporation.



This factor accelerates the warming, making it nearly as fast as the polar regions.



By the turn of this century, the Arabian Peninsula could experience a heat increase ranging from 2.6 degrees Celsius (4.7 degrees Fahrenheit) under low emission scenarios to 7.6 degrees Celsius (13.7 degrees Fahrenheit) under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high emission</a> scenarios.



"But you can develop artificial environments in regions with high populations," said Georgiy Stenchikov, a retired climate scientist and one of the study’s coauthors, highlighting the importance of adaptation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-world-adapting-to-a-warming-climate">A world adapting to a warming climate</h2>



If the world meets low-emissions targets, the rate of warming in the Middle East and North Africa could be curtailed by up to 38%. 



Cities across the region can also explore urban greening and architecture-based solutions to cope with the extreme heat.



"Global warming is a global problem, so you cannot prevent it in just one place. Adaptation will be necessary, and these adaptation measures could be tested and developed in the Middle East and North Africa," said Stenchikov.



The scorching temperatures in the MENA region are a stark reminder that climate change is a reality we must confront now, not later. 



Taking measures to adapt and slow down this process could ensure a viable future for the region and ultimately, our world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-toll-of-extreme-heat">The human toll of extreme heat</h2>



Rising temperatures in the MENA region bring more than environmental challenges; they pose severe threats to public health and socioeconomic stability.



The long heatwaves can compound water shortages, leading to a heightened risk of heat-related illness, and can result in productivity losses in outdoor, labor-intensive industries like agriculture and construction, among others.



Vulnerable populations, including the the elderly, children, and low-income communities, are at the highest risk.



These conditions could also unleash a wave of climate migration, as some areas would become too hot for human habitation.



According to the researchers, addressing these impacts not only requires global reductions in emissions but also localized solutions like developing cooling infrastructure and heat-resilient building designs, as well as advancing public campaigns regarding heat safety.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024JD041625" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Some of the hottest places in the world are warming the fastest

Warming is rewriting the story of our world, and every...

Many of the world's glaciers formed during the last glacial maximum. These glaciers, remnants of the Ice Age, have persisted for thousands of years in high-altitude or polar regions.



However, there are big changes ahead. A recent study reveals that over half of the world's glaciers could disappear by the end of this century.



The research, conducted by scientists at <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a> in Switzerland and <a href="https://www.vub.be/nl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vrije Universiteit Brussel</a> in Belgium, suggests a chilling forecast for our planet's glaciers.



The scientists estimated potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glacier-melt-in-alaska-is-accelerating-at-an-alarming-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier loss</a> under various carbon emissions scenarios. They took into account all of our planet's glaciers - a whopping 200,000 in total.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glaciers-under-severe-threat">Glaciers under severe threat</h2>



The numbers from the study are daunting. Under a high emissions scenario, up to 54 percent of all glaciers could vanish. In the Alps, this number reaches an alarming 75 percent.



"Glaciers are crucial in many parts of the world, and as such, glacier changes directly impact our society and the natural environment," said study lead author and glaciologist Professor Harry Zekollari.



"Locally, glaciers can lead to natural hazards, they have an important touristic value, and they determine local water supply."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-melting-glaciers-to-rising-sea-levels">From melting glaciers to rising sea levels</h2>



The melting of glaciers does not stop at the loss of an icy spectacle; the repercussions are far-reaching. One of the biggest concerns is the contribution of melting glaciers to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-sea-levels-threaten-groundwater-global-cities-underground-infrastructure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising sea levels</a>, which heighten the risk of floods in coastal towns and cities.



Moreover, glacier loss diminishes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a> resources that millions of people depend on for drinking water.



"Water supply from glaciers (and how this supply changes) will impact biodiversity and water availability for industry, agriculture, and households," said Professor Zekollari.



The greenhouse effect only serves to worsen the crisis. As the Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-tree-planting-warm-earth-science-behind-albedo-effect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">albedo</a> - the ability to reflect sunlight - decreases, more energy from the sun is absorbed rather than reflected. This raises the risk of global warming, further aggravating climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-glacier-mass-loss">Predicting glacier mass loss</h2>



To estimate future glacier loss, the research team studied historical glacier masses, carbon emissions, and temperature data. 



Armed with this information and the aid of computer modeling, the experts were able to make predictions about future glacier mass loss.



"By modeling glacier evolution throughout the 21st century under various climate scenarios, we found stark differences in outcomes depending on future emission levels," noted Professor Zekollari.



Under low carbon emissions, glaciers could lose 25 to 29 percent of their mass by 2100. Under a high-emissions scenario, that figure could rise to between 46 and 54 percent.



The European Alps' glaciers are among the most vulnerable. These glaciers are predicted to lose more than 75 percent of their volume under high-emission scenarios.



However, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar regions</a> like Arctic Canada, Iceland, and Svalbard might retain a larger part of their glacier mass by century-end, albeit still facing significant loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertainties-in-glacier-evolution">Uncertainties in glacier evolution</h2>



Despite these painful revelations, the team acknowledges uncertainties in the projected glacier evolution, while stressing that the research specifically examined glaciers, not ice sheets.



Ice sheets, the gargantuan masses of glacial ice found on Greenland and Antarctica, carry about 99 percent of Earth's freshwater.



While these ice sheets hold greater mass and react on longer timescales, their contribution to sea-level rise is about the same (or even slightly less) than from the 200,000 glaciers under study.



"For us it is indeed the crucial that all numbers by us and other researchers are combined to get the full sea-level rise picture," concluded Professor Zekollari.



The fragility of our world's glaciers highlights the pressing need for proactive climate action. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-glaciers-a-collective-responsibility">Preserving glaciers: A collective responsibility</h2>



The fate of the world's glaciers is not set in stone. By reducing carbon emissions and implementing sustainable environmental policies, it is possible to slow their decline. 



Efforts like transitioning to renewable energy, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and raising global awareness about the importance of glaciers can help mitigate their loss. 



Every action we take today helps protect glaciers for future generations, ensuring the preservation of freshwater resources, biodiversity, and the delicate balance of our climate.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Over half of the world’s glaciers are on pace to disappear by 2100

Many of the world's glaciers formed during the last glacial...

Phosphorus, a crucial nutrient for soil fertility and life sustainability, is increasingly vanishing from U.S. farmland, washing into rivers and streams at alarming rates.&nbsp;



A new study led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> reveals that despite efforts to curb phosphorus loss, agricultural runoff has continued to rise over the past four decades, posing significant threats to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccinating-plants-could-boost-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food security</a> and water quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-nutrient-and-phosphorus-loss">Soil nutrient and phosphorus loss</h2>



Phosphorus is indispensable for life, playing a key role in DNA formation and cellular energy transfer.&nbsp;



However, unlike nitrogen, it is a non-renewable resource with limited geological reserves. Once it is lost from soil and enters <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-impacts-on-waterways-contribute-to-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waterways</a>, it cannot naturally replenish in agricultural lands.



“This is a problem for many reasons,” said Li Li, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Penn State and corresponding author of the study.&nbsp;



“When it’s lost from farmland, it can reduce crop yields, potentially leading to higher food prices. Then, when phosphorus enters our waterways, it can cause harmful algal blooms that can make water unsafe for swimming and fishing - and can even reduce oxygen levels in water and kill fish and other aquatic life.”



Li also highlighted the economic impact of phosphorus depletion: “It makes it more expensive to treat drinking water, which means higher water bills for all of us.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-phosphorus-levels-in-rivers">Rising phosphorus levels in rivers</h2>



Analyzing data from 430 U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-disrupting-the-seasonal-flow-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> spanning 1980 to 2019, the research team used a deep learning model to uncover troubling trends. 



While phosphorus levels have declined in 60% of the studied rivers, overall phosphorus flowing into waterways has increased.



“Agricultural areas are the biggest contributors to the problem, with phosphorus levels increasing in most rivers near agricultural areas, even as they decline in rivers near urban areas,” Li explained.&nbsp;



“This suggests that efforts to control phosphorus pollution from sources like agricultural runoff are not as effective as we thought.”



By contrast, targeted efforts to reduce phosphorus pollution from urban wastewater treatment plants appear to be succeeding.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-nutrient-loss-is-beyond-local-control">Soil nutrient loss is beyond local control </h2>



However, the researchers warn that the broader problem is worsening due to factors beyond local control, particularly the increased frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change.



“This means that even though we’re doing a better job at limiting phosphorus pollution from urban areas, the problem is getting worse overall, due to factors largely beyond the control of just one region,” Li said.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extreme weather events</a>, such as heavier rainfall and flooding, have amplified phosphorus runoff into waterways. As storms grow wetter and more frequent due to climate change, the volume of water flowing through rivers increases, pulling more phosphorus from the soil.



“We’ve seen from recent weather events that water quantity, the amount of water that storms and waterways carry, can lead to dangerous flooding and mudslides,” Li said.&nbsp;



“What we wanted to understand is what happens to the land when these storms pull the subsurface of the soil into rivers and streams. What we found is an alarming loss of this finite element that lets soil sustain life.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-solutions-are-needed">Innovative solutions are needed</h2>



To combat this escalating issue, the researchers emphasize the need for innovation and changes in agricultural practices. One promising development is a technology invented at Penn State by alumnus Hunter Swisher.



Swisher, founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.phospholutions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phospholutions</a>, has developed a fertilizer designed to improve phosphorus efficiency in soil. “We are advocating for more innovation, more creativity and more urgency,” Li said.



The company’s product has shown remarkable results, reducing phosphorus runoff potential by 78% compared to conventional fertilizers.&nbsp;



Phospholutions is now expanding its technology across the Americas, Europe, and India, aiming to address phosphorus pollution on a global scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-ddressing-soil-nutrient-loss">Addressing soil nutrient loss</h2>



The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address phosphorus loss.&nbsp;



With climate change exacerbating the problem, researchers call for a combination of advanced technologies and sustainable farming practices to mitigate the impacts on both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a> and aquatic ecosystems.



“The connection between water and land is essential, and that balance is growing increasingly fragile,” Li concluded.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Soil nutrient loss due to heavy rainfall threatens agriculture 

Phosphorus, a crucial nutrient for soil fertility and life sustainability,...

In&nbsp;the&nbsp;modern&nbsp;world of&nbsp;convenience, plastic is&nbsp;ubiquitous.&nbsp;The evidence of our careless disposal of plastic goods, once we no longer need them, is also ever-present. Plastic waste is everywhere, even in our precious oceans. The North Pacific Garbage Patch (NPGP) is&nbsp;witnessing&nbsp;a&nbsp;meteoric&nbsp;rise in the&nbsp;levels&nbsp;of plastic fragments, with&nbsp;centimeter-sized particles showing&nbsp;a particularly alarming spike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-insight-into-the-research-process">An insight into the research process</h2>



The study, published in Environmental Research Letters,&nbsp;relies&nbsp;heavily on data gathered by The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to removing plastic from aquatic ecosystems.



Their systematic surveys&nbsp;between 2015 and 2022&nbsp;provided invaluable insights into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastic-pollution-has-become-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a> crisis in the North Pacific Garbage Patch. The Ocean Cleanup collected data from 917 manta trawl samples, 162 mega trawl samples, 74 aerial surveys, and 40 clean-up system extractions&nbsp;during a total of 50 expeditions, making this study one of the most comprehensive assessments of oceanic plastic pollution to date.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-the-plastic-problem">Unearthing the plastic problem</h2>



The key findings of the study highlight a series of concerning trends. The most striking of these is the rapid increase of plastic fragments in the NPGP - rising from 2.9kg per km² to 14.2kg per km² within just seven years.



Shockingly, between 74 and 96% of this surge is suspected to originate from the arrival of new plastic fragments, rather than from the gradual break-down of larger plastics that were already present. And it is likely that these new arrivals come from all over the world. 



Furthermore, the concentration of small debris hotspots in the region magnified tenfold, from 1 million per km² in 2015 to over 10 million per km² in 2022.



Essentially, every size class of floating plastics has seen a significant uptick, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hotspots-of-microplastic-pollution-found-in-the-north-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>, mesoplastics, and macroplastics all demonstrating concerning increases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-severe-threats-to-the-local-ecosystem">Severe threats to the local ecosystem </h2>



This plastic overload doesn't only represent an environmental eyesore; it poses severe threats to the local ecosystem, as well as to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-plankton-play-a-big-role-in-the-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global carbon cycle</a>.



The area's endemic marine animals may ingest or become entangled in plastic waste, and some also face direct competition from invasive species that have colonized the plastic debris and drifted into the region.



Furthermore, grazing by zooplankton - a crucial component of the carbon cycle - is being disrupted by the presence of floating plastics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-global-action-on-plastic-pollution">Call for global action on plastic pollution</h2>



“The exponential rise in plastic fragments observed in our field studies is a direct consequence of decades of inadequate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coca-cola-pepsi-among-top-contributors-to-plastic-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic waste</a> management, leading to the relentless accumulation of plastics in the marine environment," said Laurent Lebreton, lead author of the study.



"This pollution is inflicting harm on marine life, with impacts we are only now beginning to fully grasp. Our findings should serve as an urgent call to action for lawmakers engaged in negotiating a global treaty to end plastic pollution. Now, more than ever, decisive and unified global intervention is essential."



While researchers emphasize the need for upstream solutions to prevent plastic waste in the first place, organizations like The Ocean Cleanup are tackling the issue directly.



By deploying innovative systems to remove plastic from oceans and rivers, The Ocean Cleanup exemplifies how technological advancements can complement policy measures. 



Since its inception, the organization has removed over 16 million kilograms of trash from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-travel-far-and-wide-endangering-aquatic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic ecosystems</a> worldwide, proving the feasibility and necessity of large-scale cleanup efforts.



The findings highlight not only the sheer scale of the problem but also the urgency with which it needs to be addressed. As the evidence mounts, it becomes increasingly clear - the time to act is now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-crisis-in-the-garbage-patch">Plastic crisis in the Garbage Patch </h2>



The plastics crisis in the North Pacific Garbage Patch requires not just awareness but innovative solutions and coordinated global action. The study emphasizes the potential of partnerships in scientific research, technology, and policy-making. Programs such as The Ocean Cleanup show that targeted efforts can make a difference. 



Their two-tier approach - preventing more plastic waste from entering the rivers and then removing that which is already accumulating in oceans stands out for combining both technological innovation and actionable clean-up strategies. Researchers also point to the integrative approach of prevention and removal efforts. Governments and industries should consider adopting sustainable waste management systems and invest in minimizing the leakage of plastics into marine ecosystems. Global policies, for instance, could leverage a treaty to act as a check on plastic pollution across international boundaries.



The fact that all of these tools and knowledge already exist to deal with the crisis speaks well for the solutions that people are already talking about.



Efficient&nbsp;usage&nbsp;of&nbsp;such&nbsp;resources,&nbsp;therefore,&nbsp;willdetermine&nbsp;if&nbsp;the plastic tide&nbsp;will&nbsp;ever&nbsp;be reversed&nbsp;and the&nbsp;oceans protected in the future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad78ed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Surging plastic levels found in the North Pacific Garbage Patch

In&nbsp;the&nbsp;modern&nbsp;world of&nbsp;convenience, plastic is&nbsp;ubiquitous.&nbsp;The evidence of our careless disposal of...

<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.



—–



Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.



—–

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.



—–



Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.



—–

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.



—–



Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.



—–

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>.



—–



Like what you saw and read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.



—–

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>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----



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>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

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>



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

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.

<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://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</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>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

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.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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://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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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.

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

News coming your way